Celebrities Who Died In 2024

Politician, philanthropist, author, and longest-living US President in history, Jimmy Carter entered hospice in 2023 and passed away on December 29, 2024. The former President of the United States won a Nobel Prize in 2002, negotiated peace talks during the Camp David Accords in 1978, and his Carter Center continues to fight epidemic disease worldwide. Carter remained a loyal Georgia native throughout his life, even maintaining a home there with his wife, Rosalynn, for decades. 

Olivia Hussey, known for her portrayal of Juliet in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, passed away on December 27, at the age of 73. Her family confirmed her death through a statement on social media, revealing that she died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. 

Hussey's breakthrough role came at just 15, when she was cast by director Franco Zeffirelli in the iconic adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, earning her a Golden Globe for Best New Actress. Throughout her career, she also appeared in notable roles, including Mary, mother of Jesus, in the 1977 series Jesus of Nazareth. 

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Greg Gumbel, a legendary sports broadcaster, passed away at 78 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was known for his extensive work with CBS Sports, covering the NFL and March Madness for over 20 years. His passing was confirmed by CBS, alongside heartfelt tributes from his family. Gumbel's legacy is marked by his iconic voice and his more than 50 years in the broadcast industry, earning respect and admiration from colleagues and viewers alike.

Read More: TV Line

Rey Misterio Sr., a legendary figure in Mexican professional wrestling, passed away on December 20.

Celebrated for his contributions to lucha libre, Misterio Sr. earned widespread acclaim, particularly for his influential role as both a wrestler and trainer. His career was marked by standout achievements and iconic appearances in events such as World Championship Wrestling's Starrcade 1990. Beyond his in-ring prowess, Misterio Sr. was instrumental in shaping the futures of many wrestling stars, including training talents like Konnan and his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr. His legacy also extends to the theatre of mask vs. hair matches in Mexico, a testament to his impact on the sport. Inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame, his storied career and mentorship continue to resonate within the world of professional wrestling.

Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in Major League Baseball history, passed away at the age of 65. 

Known for his extraordinary speed, Henderson set the all-time record for stolen bases with 1,406, a feat that remains unrivaled. During his 25-year career, he wowed fans with his dynamic playing style and charisma, earning World Series titles with the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays. His prowess on the field led to a first-ballot induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. 

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Nikki Giovanni, a celebrated poet and influential figure in the Black Arts Movement, passed on December 9, following her battle with cancer. 

Born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni, Jr., in Knoxville, Tennessee, she made significant strides in poetry, beginning with her 1968 collection Black Feeling Black Talk. Giovanni's works masterfully explored themes of love, politics, race, and loneliness, becoming an emblem of cultural and creative introspection. Throughout her career, she contributed not only through her writings but also as a professor at Virginia Tech, where she taught for over three decades. Up until her final days, Giovanni was dedicated to her craft, working on a new poetry book titled THE LAST BOOK, which is set to release posthumously.

Read More: NPR