We often mourn the deaths of celebrities we love as if they’re our own loved ones. But the collective mourning is always more pronounced when dealing with the death of a larger-than-life figure who earned the mantle of “legend.”
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So it’s in that spirit that we’d like to take a moment to honor some of the legends we lost this year starting with Greg Gumbel. A longtime CBS Sports anchor, Gumbel passed away from cancer on Dec. 27. He was 78. Gumbel was a consistent face on the network and made history back in 2001 when he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship during the Super Bowl XXXV.
Per a joint statement from Gumbel’s family and CBS Sports:
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
Alfa Anderson
Most notably known as the lead vocalist for the popular 1970s disco group Chic, Alfa Anderson died at age 78 on Dec. 17. Her cause of death is still unknown. Making her debut in the industry in 1976, Anderson sang backup for a handful of other notable performers at the time including Nat Adderley and Ray Barretto. She also lent her vocal abilities to the soundtrack of “The Wiz,” produced by Quincy Jones. Her time with Chic came in 1977 when her friend Luther Vandross introduced her to Chic members Nile Rodgers and his writing partner Bernard Edwards. The rest, as they say, was history.
The news of her death was shared by Rodgers in a post to Instagram.
Rickey Henderson
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson died on on Dec. 21 at age 65. Known for his speed and entertaining prowess on the field, Henderson broke barriers and racked up accolades by being the all-time stolen-base record holder which totaled 1,406. He also held the records for the most stolen bases in a single season with 130 back in 1982. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Nikki Giovanni
Regarded as one of the most impactful literary voices in American history, Nikki Giovanni Fisk University alumna spent her life writing and speaking on thought provoking topics all the way from racism and love to space travel and mortality.
Throughout her career, she penned over 25 books and told her story and countless others through poetry and prose. She died on Dec. 9 following a third cancer diagnosis.
Judith Jamison
Judith Jamison, the legendary Philadelphia-born dancer and instruction, served as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1999 to 2011.
She was often attributed as the person behind the theater’s successes in the 21st century and was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999. Jamison died Saturday, Nov. 9 after a brief illness while surrounded by close friends in New York. She was 81.
Dikembe Mutombo
NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died on Monday, September 30, at 58 years after a years-long battle with brain cancer. In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
During his 18-year NBA career, Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia Sixers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets. He was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time NBA All-Star, and is second all-time in career blocks.
Mister Cee
Legendary New York City DJ Mister Cee passed away on Friday, April 10 at the young age of 57. He died from a diabetes-related coronary artery and kidney disease. Born Calvin LeBrun, he served as the DJ for Big Daddy Kane and his production work with the Notorious B.I.G. helped the late rapper find fame. Mister Cee’s “Throwback at Noon” show on Hot97 is still regarded as one of the most important hip-hop programs of all time. Recently, he was on Audacy’s “94.7 The Block.”
Tony Todd
A film, television and broadway presence spanning more than a hundred credits across nearly four decades, Tony Todd’s six-foot-five stature and baritone voice saw him consistently cast in imposing and intimidating roles. But Todd became a horror movie icon by playing the title role in 1992’s “Candyman” and the film’s three sequels. He died in his Los Angeles home on Monday, Nov. 6; a cause of death has still not yet been released, according to Deadline.
Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones, the brilliant music legend whose genius ranged from working with the likes of Count Basie, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and producing Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,’’ died at 91 on Nov. 3.
In a statement, the family wrote “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones went from hanging with gangs on the Southside of Chicago to joining presidents and becoming one of the greatest Hollywood executives of our times.
James Earl Jones
Very few actors have had a career as impactful as James Earl Jones. According to Variety, he passed away on Monday, Sep. 9 at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. at the age of 93. His legendary career included unforgettable roles in “Field of Dreams;” Cry, the Beloved Country;” “Conan the Barbarian;” “Coming to America;” and its recent sequel.
Despite his unmatched on-screen presence, he became more famous for his voiceover work as the “Star Wars’” Universe Darth Vader and “The Lion King’s” Mufasa. For many fans, his voice is a significant part of their childhoods.
He also showcased and celebrated Black culture in a lot of his work, making him an essential presence to the community. We use the word legend too liberally sometimes, but there is simply no other way to describe the life, career and leacy of James Earl Jones.
Tito Jackson
Singer and guitarist Tito Jackson died on Sunday, September 15 of a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, according to Entertainment Tonight. He was 70 years old. Born Toriana Adaryll Jackson, Tito was one of the original members of the Jackson 5 with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. In the early 2000s, he pursued a solo career as a jazz musician.
In an Instagram post, his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ wrote, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
Frankie Beverly
Beloved singer and songwriter Frankie Beverley died on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the age of 77. His cause of death is still unknown. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Beverley founded the 70s funk band Maze. He helped create several beloved songs including, “Before I Let Go,” “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.”
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson died on Wednesday, April 10 after a lengthy cancer battle. The former NFL star infamously went on trial for the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in the 1990s. He was ultimately acquitted in 1995. After retiring from football, Simpson became an announcer, sportscaster, and pop culture mainstay.
John Amos
On Oct. 1, the news was revealed that beloved “Good Times” actor John Amos died of congestive heart failure on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at age 84 in Los Angeles.
Per a statement from his son Kelly Christopher to The Hollywood Reporter:
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos’ work include stints on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the aforementioned “Good Times,” “Roots,” and “The West Wing.” He is survived by his son K.C. and daughter Shannon.
Cissy Houston
Singer Cissy Houston died on Monday, Oct. 7th at 91. The two-time Grammy winner had been under hospice care in Houston for Alzheimer’s disease. The gospel singer was the mother of the late Whitney Houston. However, Cissy also had a successful musical career of her own. She was a member of the Sweet Inspirations, who sang backup for several soul singers including Dionne Warwick, Otis Redding, and Lou Rawls.
In a statement, Pat Houston, her daughter-in-law said, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family. Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Rich Homie Quan
Rapper Rich Homie Quan died on Thursday, Sept. 5 in his Atlanta home. He was 34. The cause of death was later revealed to be an accidental drug overdose. Born Dequantes Lamar, Quan was a well-known Atlanta rapper who had several hits that fans loved, including “Type of Way.”
Fatman Scoop
Hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop died on Friday, Aug. 30 after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut. His official cause of death was listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was 50. Born Isaac Freeman III, Fatman Scoop was known as a radio personality and hype man whose voice was as recognizable as anyone’s in the genre. He was featured on several popular records including Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That,” Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control” and Timbaland’s “Drop.”
Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee died on Friday, July 19 at 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Lee was a veteran Democratic congresswoman from Texas who was not shy about advocating for Black people. Before she served as a representative, Lee was a municipal judge and a city councilwoman in Houston. She passed in Houston surrounded by family.
Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers had such a long and varied career he had fans of all ages, races, and genders. Whether it was Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” Chubbs in “Happy Gilmore” or Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” he was recognized around the world. He passed away in his sleep on Thursday, Feb. 1 at the age of 76. Back in April 2023, he spoke to The Root about joining the “Star Wars” franchise and the fun he was having playing the complicated Greef Karga.
“I’m really appreciative for the opportunity as an actor because it’s so limiting when a character is so one dimensional that there is no growth,” Weathers told The Root. “But here, you have this man who comes from being the king of the bounty hunters guild, to now being a High Magistrate, a benevolent bureaucrat who seems to want to do good for all the citizens of Navarro. I love that kind of stuff. That fullness of character.”
Louis Gossett Jr.
Legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. died on Thursdy, March 28 at 87. Gossett was known for becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1982 film, “An Officer and a Gentleman.” During his career, he also starred in other beloved shows and movies such as, “Roots,” “Watchmen,” and “The Color Purple.” His official cause of death was listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
DJ Clark Kent
Legendary hip-hop producer and sneaker enthusiast DJ Calrk Kent died on Thursday, October 24 after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 57. Born Rodolfo Franklin, DJ Clark Kent produced several hits for some of hip-hop and R&B’s best, including Junior Mafia, Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Rakim, and many more. He was also the cousin of Foxy Brown, he would help break through into the music industry. Kent was also known as one of the biggest sneakerheads in hip-hop, owning some of the rarest and most sought-after shoes throughout his career.
Willie Mays
In sports, especially baseball, there’s always an argument to be had about everything. However, Willie Mays being the greatest ballplayer of all time is the one thing everyone agreed on. After starting his career in the Negro Leagues, he moved on to Major League Baseball and fundamentally changed the game with his energetic style and genuine love of the game. Mays inspired generations of players who are still trying to imitate his signature moves and throws. Simply put, baseball as we know it doesn’t exist without Willie Mays’ influence.
Mays was 93 when he died of heart failure on Tuesday, June 18.
Wally Amos
The founder of Famous Amos cookies, Wally Amos, died on August 13 from complications with dementia. He was 88. Amos also founded the Cookie Kahuna and Aunt Della’s Cookies. The business owner was also a television personality who hosted the adult reading program “Learn To Read.”
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