ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Boundary-breaking actress Cicely Tyson died Thursday at the age of 96, her manager confirmed.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
The Emmy- and Tony-winning, known for playing strong Black protagonists in films such as 1974′s “Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “Sounder,” earned an Academy Award nomination for the latter in 1973, and an honorary 2018 Oscar. She also earned two Emmys for the former, a made-for-TV movie that made her a household name. To date, she has been nominated five times for guest actress in a drama series on the popular “How to Get Away With Murder,” The Associated Press reported.
According to Variety, Tyson refused throughout her career to play roles she considered demeaning to Black women, such as drug addicts, prostitutes or maids.
Her stage career began in the original 1961 Off Broadway production of Jean Genet’s “The Blacks” and culminated decades later with a Tony Award for her starring role in a revival of “The Trip to Bountiful,” the outlet reported.
She was an extraordinary person. And this is an extraordinary loss. She had so much to teach. And I still have so much to learn. I am grateful for every moment. Her power and grace will be with us forever. #cicelytysonhttps://t.co/RNYkGiooPDpic.twitter.com/b4wMKK1FVj
Tyson’s memoir, “Just as I Am,” was published this week and described by The Washington Post as a “400-page chronicle of a history as American as apple pie, as Black as the dead of night, as rich, surely, as Tyson’s favorite meals, oxtails and okra, cooked up by her late ex-husband Miles Davis.”
I’m so sad to hear the news that trailblazing artist and cultural icon Cicely Tyson has passed away today. While she may be gone, her work and life will continue to inspire millions for years to come. God Bless. pic.twitter.com/vfvdmIMQxh
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Alan Lancaster Alan Lancaster, a founding member of the 1960s band Status Quo, died Sept. 26. He was 72. ( C Brandon/Redferns via Getty Images)
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Sarah Dash: One Woman In Concert In this Nov. 17, 2011, file photo singer Sarah Dash performs "Sarah Dash: One Woman" at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. The legendary R&B performer died Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at the age of 76. (Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty Images) (Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty Images)
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Markie Post known for roles on ‘Night Court,’ ‘Scrubs’ dead at 70 FILE PHOTO: Actress Markie Post, known for her roles on television shows “Night Court” and “Scrubs” has died at 70. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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J.R. Richard James Rodney Richard, whose promising major league career was cut short by a stroke in 1980, died Aug. 4. He was 71. (Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Saginaw Grant, noted Native American character actor, dies Saginaw Grant, a prolific Native American character actor and hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, has died. He was 85. Grant's publicist, Lani Carmichael, says Grant died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at a private-care facility in Hollywood, California. (AP Photo/E.J. Flynn File)
Carl Levin Carl Levin, who served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years representing Michigan, died July 29. He was 87. (J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Johnny Ventura Merengue legend Johnny Ventura died July 28 in the Dominican Republic. He was 81. (Gladys Vega/ Getty Images)
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Jackie Mason Comedian Jackie Mason, whose politically incorrect routines were a throwback to the borscht belt style of comedy, died July 24. He was 93. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Rodney Alcala Rodney Alcala, known as the "Dating Game Killer," died July 24 in California. He was 77. (Michael Goulding/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Greg Knapp Longtime NFL assistant Greg Knapp died July 22 from injuries sustained after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle near his California home.. He was 58. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Violinist Robby Steinhardt, original member of band Kansas, dead at 71 Robby Steinhardt of Kansas during a break while filming a music video June 1, 1982, in Los Angeles. According to The Associated Press, Steinhardt died about 6:30 p.m. July 17, 2021, at a Florida hospital, where he was being treated for pancreatitis complications. (Getty Images/Bob Riha Jr.)
Biz Markie 'Just a Friend' rapper dead at 57 Rapper Biz Markie, known for his hit "Just a Friend" died Friday, July 16. He was 57. (CP/Getty Images for Mastercard)
Charlie Robinson dead at 75 Actor Charlie Robinson accepts his award for ‘Lead Actor in a Play’ at the 2006 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards at the Orpheum Theatre on Nov. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. The veteran stage and screen actor, best known for his role as Mac on the sitcom “Night Court,” died Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the age of 75.
(Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images) (Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during ceremonies at Universal Amphitheatre in 2005. Orndorff died Monday, July 12, 2021, at the age of 71, his son confirmed via social media. (Photo by Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images) (Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images)
Suzzanne Douglas Actress Suzzanne Douglas, who appeared in the sitcom “The Parent ’Hood,” died July 6. She was 64. ( Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
Robert Downey, Sr. FILE PHOTO: Filmmaker Robert Downey, Sr poses for photos during 'An Evening With Robert Downey, Sr.' at Film Forum on May 20, 2016 in New York City. The filmmaker, and father to Robert Downey Jr,. has died at the age of 85. (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Rchard Donner In 'The Toy' Director Richard Donner is pictured in this file photo on set of 1982’s “The Toy.” The prolific director-producer died Monday, July 5, 2021, at the age of 91. (Michael Ochs Archives/Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)
Donald Rumsfeld FILE PHOTO: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld attends a wreath laying ceremony with former President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on the grounds of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial at the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, in observance of the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Rumsfeld's family announced Wednesday that the former Secretary of Defense had died at the age of 88. (Patrick Semansky/AP)
Stuart Damon Actor Stuart Damon, a fixture on "General Hospital" from 1977 to 2013, died at 84, the show's executive producer announced June 29. He was 84.. ( American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)
Mike Gravel Mike Gravel, a former U.S. Senator from Alaska who later mounted multiple unsuccessful presidential bids, died Saturday. He was 91. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt, File) (Steffen Schmidt/AP)
Johnny Solinger Rocker Johnny Solinger, best known as the front man for Skid Row for more than 15 years, died June 26. He was 55. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Frank Bonner Frank Bonner, who starred as advertising salesman Herb Tarlek on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ died Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at his home in Laguna Niguel, California, at the age of 79. (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Ned Beatty In this Oct. 17, 2003, file photo, actor Ned Beatty poses at New York's Music Box Theatre where he plays the role of Big Daddy in a new production of Tennessee Williams' ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’ Beatty, the immeasurably talented character actor, died Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the age of 83. (Chris Polk/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
'Gone Girl' actress Lisa Banes dies after hit-and-run in New York City "Gone Girl" actress Lisa Banes has died at age 65, her publicist said June 14, 2021. (Victoria Will/Invision/AP)
Ernie Lively dies FILE PHOTO: Actors Blake Lively and Ernie Lively arrive at the InStyle/Warner Bros. after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Oasis Court at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. Ernie Lively died June 3. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Clarence Williams III dead at 81 Pictured from left to right are Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole of ‘The Mod Squad’ in this 1968 stick photo. Williams, who became a household name playing Lincoln ‘Linc’ Hayes on ABC’s ‘The Mod Squad,’ died Friday, June 4, 2021, of colon cancer at the age of 81. (ABC/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
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B.J. Thomas Grammy Award-winner B.J. Thomas, who sang "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Hooked on a Feeling," died May 29. He was 78. ( Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Gavin MacLeod Gavin MacLeod, who starred on "Love Boat" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died May 29. He was 90. (CBS via Getty Images)
Utah Jazz great Mark Eaton dead at 64 FILE PHOTO: Mark Eaton, a defensive giant for the Utah Jazz, is dead after a bicycle accident Friday night. He was 64. (Mike Powell/Getty Images)
Eric Carle Eric Carle, a children's book author and illustrator who sold more than 170 million books during his career, died May 23. He was 91. ( Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
Paul Mooney dead at 79 Photo of Paul Mooney circa 1970. The comedy legend died Tuesday, May 19, 2021, at the age of 79 following a heart attack at his Oakland, California, home. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Charles Grodin Actor Charles Grodin is pictured during a "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" appearance on March 7, 1994. Grodin died Tuesday, May 18, 2021, of bone marrow cancer at the age of 86 at his Wilton, Connecticut, home. (Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Norman Lloyd Norman Lloyd, who had a long and versatile career as an actor, director and producer, died May 11. He was 106. Lloyd starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "Saboteur" and later played a doctor on "St Elsewhere" during the 1980s. (David Livingston/Getty Images)
Colt Brennan Colt Brennan, who starred at the University of Hawaii as quarterback and finished third in Heisman Trophy balloting in 2007, died May 10. He was 37. ( Alexandra Wyman/WireImage)
Lloyd Price Lloyd Price, a 1950s R&B star whose hits included "Stagger Lee" and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," died May 3. He was 88. (Associated Press, file )
1980s music video glam gal Tawny Kitaen dead at 59 Actress Tawny Kitaen, known for her vivacious roles in 1980s heavy metal music videos and the Tom Hanks comedy "Bachelor Party", has died. She was 59. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Ernest Angley Televangelist Ernest Angley, a charismatic and controversial figure, died at age 99, his ministry announced May 7. (Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Paul Van Doren Paul Van Doren, who co-founded the Vans footwear brand in 1966, died May 6. He was 90. (Vans)
Jonathan Bush FILE PHOTO: Jonathan Bush, the final sibling of former President George H.W. Bush has died at the age of 90. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty)
George Jung FILE PHOTO: George Jung attends his Birthday Celebration And Screening Of "Blow" at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on August 6, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
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Olympia Dukakis Actress Olympia Dukakis, who won an Oscar for her role in "Moonstruck," died May 1 in New York City. She was 89. (Dia Dipasupil/WireImage)
Eli Broad Billionaire Eli Broad, who was instrumental in reshaping the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, died April 30. He was 87. (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
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Geno Hayes dead at 33 Former NFL linebacker and Florida State University standout Geno Hayes died Monday, April 26, 2021, at the age of 33, four days after being placed on hospice care at his parents’ home in Georgia for end-stage liver disease. Hayes is pictured here in an undated photo before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the Chicago Bears at London’s Wembley Stadium. (Andrew Matthews - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)
Michael Collins FILE PHOTO: Astronaut Michael Collins smiles as he practices opening the hatch between the command module and the Apollo Lunar Module, June 28, 1969. NASA announced he died April 28 at the age of 90. (Anonymous/AP)
Les McKeown FILE PHOTO: Singer Les McKeown with Scottish pop group The Bay City Rollers, playing at the Budokan in Tokyo, where young girls fainted with excitement and had to be carried out by policemen and attendants. McKeown died April 19 at the age of 65. (Keystone/Getty Images)
Alma Wahlberg, the matriarch of the Wahlberg family has died Family confirmed the death of Alma Wahlberg on Sunday (April 18) in a series of tributes to her on social media. She was 78. (Robert E. Klein/Getty Images)
Charles Geschke Charles "Chuck" Geschke, who co-founded Adobe Inc. in 1982, died April 16. He was 81. (Richard Drew/Associated Press )
Hester Ford Hester McCardell Ford, the oldest living American, died April 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was 115. (WSOC)
Felix Silla Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on "The Addams Family," died April 16. He was 84. (Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic)
Helen McCrory, known for role in Harry Potter movies, dead at 52 British actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the Harry Potter series of movies and the show Peaky Blinders, has died. She was 52. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Lee Aaker Lee Aaker, a child actor in the 1950s who starred as the orphan Rusty alongside a German shepherd on "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," died April 1. He was 77. (CBS via Getty Images)
Bernie Madoff FILE PHOTO: In this March 10, 2009, file photo, former financier Bernie Madoff exits federal court in Manhattan, in New York. Authorities said he died of natural causes while serving time in federal prison. (David Karp/AP)
Joseph Siravo FILE PHOTO: Actor Joseph Siravo died at the age of 64 from cancer. (Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)
Ramsey Clark Ramsey Clark, who served as attorney general for President Lyndon B. Johnson during the 1960s, was a champion of civil rights and later an outspoken critic of the U.S. government, died April 9. He was 93. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press, file )
DMX dies FILE- DMX performs during the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta on Oct. 1, 2011. The family of rapper DMX says he has died at age 50 after a career in which he delivered iconic hip-hop songs such as “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem." A statement from the family says the Grammy-nominated rapper died at a hospital in White Plains, New York, "with his family by his side. (David Goldman/AP)
Prince Philip FILE - In this Wednesday July 22, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prince Philip arrives for a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles from himself to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Windsor Castle, England. Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. (Adrian Dennis/AP)
Howard Weitzman Howard Weitzman, a powerful attorney whose client list included Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and O.J. Simpson, died April 4. He was 81. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)
Howard Schnellenberger Howard Schnellenberger led the University of Miami to its first national title during the 1983 season. He died March 27 He was 87. (Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images )
James Hampton FILE PHOTO: Actor James Hampton died April 7 from complications from Parkinson's disease. (Barry Brecheisen/WireImage)
Paul Ritter FILE PHOTO: Paul Ritter attends the "Friday Night Dinner" photocall at Curzon Soho on March 09, 2020 in London, England. The actor died April 5 of a brain tumor. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
G. Gordon Liddy G. Gordon Liddy, best known for his role in the botched break-in at the Watergate complex in 1972, died March 30. He was 90. (Louis MONIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Sarah Obama In this Feb. 6, 2008, file photo, Sarah Obama, step-grandmother of then U.S. President Barack Obama, sits in the backyard of her house in the village of Kogelo, near the shores of Lake Victoria, in Kenya. Sarah Obama, the matriarch of former U.S. President Barack Obama's Kenyan family, has died, relatives and officials confirmed Monday, March 29, 2021, but did not disclose the cause of death. She was at least 99 years old. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
Larry McMurtry Larry McMurtry, who won a Pulitzer Prize for "Lonesome Dove" and co-wrote the screenplay for “Brokeback Mountain to win an Academy Award, died March 25. He was 84. (SGranitz/WireImage)
Beverly Cleary Beverly Cleary, who sold more than 85 million children's books worldwide, died March 25. She was 104. (Vern Fisher/Monterey Herald via AP)
Jessica Walter Jessica Walter attends the ABC Walt Disney Television Upfront on May 14, 2019 in New York City. Her daughter confirmed her death at the age of 80. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
George Segal Actor George Segal, who starred in "The Goldbergs" and was nominated for an Oscar in 1966, died March 23. He was 87. (Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press )
Elgin Baylor dies FILE PHOTO: NBA Hall of Fame and former player, Elgin Baylor speaks at an event before an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The Lakers announced the Hall of Famer died March 22 at the age of 86. (Alex Gallardo/AP)
Actor Yaphet Kotto, James Bond villain and 'Alien' star, dead at 81 Actor Yaphet Kotto, who played Mr. Big in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die," died March 15, 2021, at age 81, multiple news outlets are reporting. (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images)
Marvelous Marvin Hagler Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight boxing champion from 1980 to 1987, died, his wife said March 13. He was 66.. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Roger Mudd Roger Mudd, a longtime political correspondent for CBS News who later moved to NBC, died March 9. He was 93. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Mark Pavelich Mark Pavelich, who set up the winning goal in the U.S. hockey team's "Miracle on Ice" victory against the Soviet Union in 1980. was found dead March 4 at a Minnesota treatment center. He was 63.. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images )
Reggae legend Bunny Wailer dead at 73 Bunny Wailer, the last standing member of the Bob Marley group, The Wailers, is pictured on stage in Paris the July 20, 2014. The reggae icon died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the age of 73. (Michael Bunel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Vernon Jordan FILE PHOTO: Vernon Jordan, former advisor to President Bill Clinton, introduces Clinton on the second day of the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library April 9, 2014 in Austin, Texas. Jordan died March 1 at the age of 85. (Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Markie Dee Prince Markie Dee, a member of the Fat Boys hip-hop group, died Feb. 18. He was 52. (Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Rush Limbaugh FILE PHOTO: Radio personality Rush Limbaugh reacts after First Lady Melania Trump gives him the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on February 04, 2020 in Washington, DC. He was 70. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Chick Corea Chick Corea, who pioneered jazz fusion as a composer and keyboardist, died Feb. 9. He was 79. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)
Larry Flynt Larry Flynt, the founder and publisher of Hustler magazine who was involved in several First Amendment battles, died Feb. 10. He was 78. (Dave Pickoff/Associated Press )
Marty Schottenheimer FILE - San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer answers a question at a news conference in San Diego, in this Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, file photo. Schottenheimer died Monday night, Feb. 8, 2021, at a hospice in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Denis Poroy/AP)
Supremes co-founder Mary Wilson dead at 76 Singer Mary Wilson, a co-founder of legendary Motown group The Supremes, died Feb. 8, 2021, at age 76, multiple news outlets are reporting. (WIll Jacks/WireImage/Getty Images)
Leon Spinks Leon Spinks, right, who stunned the boxing world when he defeated Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title in February 1978, died Feb. 5. He was 67. (Associated Press )
Jim Weatherly Jim Weatherly, who wrote Gladys Knight & the Pips' biggest hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia," died Feb. 3. He was 77. ( Ava Gandy/WireImage)
Christopher Plummer FILE PHOTO: Christopher Plummer attends the post-screening event for "Knives Out" hosted by Audi Canada, Lionsgate, Mongrel Media and MRC at Patria on September 07, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The actor died at the age of 91. (ANDREW KELLY/Getty Images for Audi Canada)
Dianne Durham Dianne Durham, right, the first Black to win a USA Gymnastics national title, died Feb. 4 in Chicago. She was 52. (Lisa Genesen, Associated Press, file)
Actor Hal Holbrook dead at 95, report says Actor Hal Holbrook died Jan. 23 at age 95, according to The New York Times. (Walt Disney Television/ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images)
Dustin Diamond dies at 44 Actor and stand-up comedian Dustin Diamond, best known for portraying Samuel "Screech" Powers in the "Saved by the Bell" franchise, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. He was 44. (Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images, File)
Hilton Valentine, guitarist for ‘The Animals’ dead at 77 FILE PHOTO: Hilton Valentine guitarist for British rock and roll band, The Animals, has died. He was 77. The photo shows the English rock band when they reformed in 1983 for a world tour. Clockwise from back left, is bassist Chas Chandler, guitarist Hilton Valentine, drummer John Steel, keyboard player Alan Price and singer Eric Burdon. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Keystone/Getty Images)
Sophie Pop artist and producer Sophie, who was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2018, died in Greece on Jan. 30 at the age of 34. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)
John Chaney Hall of Fame college basketball coach John Chaney, who led Temple University's basketball team to 17 NCAA tournament appearances in 24 years, died at the age of 89, the university announced Jan. 29. ( Joseph Labolito/WireImage)
Cloris Leachman Actress Cloris Leachman, whose eight-decade career included an Oscar-winning performance in "The Last Picture Show" and a role as the grim-faced Frau Blücher in “Young Frankenstein,” died Jan. 2. She was 94. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP file)
Jimmie Rodgers Jimmie Rodgers, who scored his biggest hit with "Honeycomb" in 1957, died Jan. 18. He was 87. (Jim McCrary/Redfern)
Legendary talk show host Larry King dead at 87 FILE PHOTO: Legendary talk show host Larry King has died. He was 87. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Gregory Sierra Gregory Sierra, who played Sgt. Miguel “Chano” Amanguale on "Barney Miller," died Jan. 4. Sierra also starred on "Sanford and Son" and appeared in several other television shows. (Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
Bob Avian Tony Award-winning choreographer Bob Avian died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 21. He was 83. (Shiho Fukada/Associated Press, File)
Mira Furlan Actress Mira Furlan, who starred in all 111 episodes of "Babylon 5" and also appeared in "Lost." died Jan. 20. She was 65. ( Michael Schwartz/WireImage)
Baseball legend Hank Aaron dead at 86 FILE PHOTO: Legendary baseball slugger Henry “Hank” Aaron has died. He was 86. (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Don Sutton Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton, who won 324 games and pitched for six pennant winners during his 23-year major league baseball career, died Jan. 18. He was 75. ( Andrew Snook/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Harry Brant Harry Brant, the son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and businessman Peter Brant, died Jan. 17 from an accidental overdose. He was 24. ( Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
Phil Spector has died at 81 FILE PHOTO: Music producer Phil Spector, known for his "Wall of Sound" and who was later convicted of murder, has died. He was 81. (Pool/Getty Images)
Sylvain Sylvain Sylvain Sylvain, a guitarist for the New York Dolls, a group that ushered in the punk rock era of the 1970s, died Jan. 13. He was 69. ( Matt Kent/WireImage)
Siegfried Fischbacher FILE PHOTO: Siegfried Fischbacher speaks during the 23rd annual Keep Memory Alive 'Power of Love Gala' benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fischbacher died Jan. 15 at the age of 81. (Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Ali)
Sheldon Adelson FILE - This Feb. 10, 2017 file photo, Chief Executive of Las Vegas Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson shows at a business roundtable with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Adelson, the billionaire mogul and power broker who built a casino empire spanning from Las Vegas to China and became a singular force in domestic and international politics has died after a long illness, his wife said Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) (Andrew Harnik/AP)
Eve Branson FILE PHOTO: Richard Branson (L) and honoree Eve Branson attend the AltaMed Power Up, We Are The Future Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on May 12, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. Richard Branson announced the death of his mother due to COVID-19. (Michael Kovac)
Nancy Bush Ellis FILE PHOTO: This Jan. 7, 1990, file photo shows President George H. W. Bush hiding behind his sister, Nancy Ellis, as he prepares for a jog along the C&O canal in the Georgetown section of Washington. A longtime Democrat who helped her Republican brother and nephew get elected president, died of complications of the coronavirus Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at an assisted living facility in Concord, Massachusetts. She was 94. (Marcy Nighswander/AP)
Actor John Reilly dead at 86 Actor John Reilly is pictured holding his daughter, Caitlyn Reilly, when she was a child. The longtime soap opera actor died in early January 2021 of an undisclosed cause. (Courtesy Caitlyn Reilly)
Tommy Lasorda FILE PHOTO: Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a portrait during spring training photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 20, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers announced Lasorda died at the age of 93. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Neil Sheehan Neil Sheehan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose articles on the Pentagon Papers triggered a court battle, died Jan. 7. He was 84. (Frederic Reglain/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Eric Jerome Dickey Bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey died Jan. 3 in Los Angeles. He was 59. (Joseph Jones via Associated Press )
Tanya Roberts FILE PHOTO: Actress Tanya Roberts arrives at the gala premiere of "Criss Angel Believe" by Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor Resort & Casino October 31, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former Bond girl died Jan. 4 at the age of 65. Her death was confirmed after conflicting reports from her publicist and her companion. (Ethan Miller)
Gerry Marsden FILE PHOTO - In this April 25, 1964 file photo, Gerry Marsden leaps over his band, the Pacemakers. Gerry Marsden, the British singer and lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers, who was instrumental in turning a song from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel” into one of the great anthems in the world of football, has died. He was 78. (AP)
Paul Westphal Hall of Fame basketball coach Paul Westphal died Jan. 2, the Phoenix Suns announced. He was 70. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Floyd Little Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little, who starred at Syracuse University and for the NFL's Denver Broncos, died Jan. 1. He was 78. ( Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
