Hey, so 2024 had some pretty wild moments in Hollywood — and sadly, a few big names said their final goodbye. This isn't meant to be a downer, though. Think of it as a tribute to some seriously legendary humans we were lucky to see on screen!
Donald Sutherland — The Ultimate Cool Guy
First up, the icon: Donald Sutherland. This man walked among us on June 20, 2024, at 88 years old.
From playing the sarcastic and morbid Hawkeye in MAS*H to serving President Snow in The Hunger Games — this dude had range. Fun fact: he once blurred out every other actor's lines in uniform on purpose. Sounds like Dad Energy, right?
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Bernard Hill — "Ride Now!"
Bernard Hill, known as King Théoden in Lord of the Rings, left us on May 5, 2024. Who doesn't get chills at "Ride now! Ride for ruin and the world's ending?"
Oh, and he was also the captain of the Titanic. The man sure loved dramatic exits on screen. Fun coincidence, brutal joke timing.
Shannen Doherty — 90210's Rebel
Brenda Walsh. Need I say more? Shannen Doherty passed on July 13, 2024, after a very public and gutsy fight with cancer. She was 53.
100 Actors Who Passed Away in 2024 ! | Part 4 in 2025 | Actors
She brought the drama like nobody's business on 90210 and later hilariously played herself on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Iconic move, honestly.
Shelley Duvall — "I'm Sorry, What?"
The one and only Shelley Duvall left us on July 11, 2024. Most people know her from The Shining, where she screamed so convincingly that people forgot it was acting.
She also blew everyone away in Popeye opposite Robin Williams. The woman could do BOTH screaming horror AND silly musical comedy. That's a power combo.
Celebrity Deaths in 2024: Stars Who Died This Year
Louis Gossett Jr. — Oscar Trailblazer
Here's a big one — Louis Gossett Jr. died on March 29, 2024, at 87. He was the first Black man to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for An Officer and a Gentleman.
He also played Terence Mann in Field of Dreams, one of the most beloved sports movies ever. If you build it, em will come to him in praise.
Cindy Williams — "Shine On, Laverne!"
Cindy Williams, the beloved Laverne, passed on January 25, 2024. For years, she spoon-fed America laughs with that iconic show.
15 Notable Actors Who Died Recently In 2024 Vol. 4 - YouTube
Bonus fact: she captured Officer Krupke's heart in West Side Story earlier in her career. Multitalented, for sure.
One More for Your List
Toss in Michael Culver, the Imperial officer from Star Wars: Empire, and Gary Graham from Star Trek: Enterprise, and you've got a very cinematic 2024 memorial reel.
Sad? A little. But also an excuse to binge all these classics. Who's popping the popcorn tonight?