celebrity deaths
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Atlanta Man Arrested and Charged With Murder in Connection With Fatal Shooting of Thomas Jefferson Byrd
The fatal shooting of beloved actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd shocked fans and peers alike when it was announced earlier this month. The actor, who was mostly known for acting in an array of Spike Lee films, died in Atlanta at the age of 70. Now, it looks like there’s a leading suspect involved in the…
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Armelia McQueen, Known for Roles in Ghost and Broadway's Ain't Misbehavin', Dies at 68
Veteran actress Armelia McQueen has died at the age of 68, Variety reported. Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed. “You are truly an angel now,” McQueen’s friend Dorian Hannaway wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “My dear friend Armelia crossed over yesterday. She leaves us cherishing her memory as she was one of…
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![Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Co-Starring in Several Spike Lee Films, Fatally Shot in Atlanta [Updated]](https://www.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/zqt7owholruj6k1j7cuj-300x169.jpg)
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Co-Starring in Several Spike Lee Films, Fatally Shot in Atlanta [Updated]
We are saddened to report that actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd was shot and killed over the weekend in southwest Atlanta. He was 70 years old. Spike Lee announced the tragic news via his Instagram page on Sunday. “I’m so sad to announce the tragic murder of our beloved brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd last night in…
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Roy C. Hammond, Soul Singer Best Known for Often-Sampled 'Impeach the President', Dead at 81
Roy “Roy C” Hammond, the soul singer best known for writing and producing the Honey Drippers’ song “Impeach the President” has died at the age of 81. The New York Times confirmed Hammond died in his home on Sept. 16 in Allendale, S.C. due to liver cancer. Born Roy Charles Hammond on August 3, 1939,…
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Chadwick Boseman Laid to Rest Near Birthplace in South Carolina
Chadwick Boseman has finally and truly gone home. His body has been laid to rest at the place of his origin. According to Boseman’s death certificate obtained by the Associated Press, the late actor was buried at Welfare Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton, S.C. on Sept. 3. Boseman was born in Anderson, S. C., which…
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Chadwick Boseman's Choice to Keep His Cancer Diagnosis Private Was Inspired by His Mother, Says His Agent
When it was announced that Chadwick Boseman had died after a years-long battle with colon cancer, many fans and peers alike were stunned to learn he’d been suffering from the terminal disease. In a recent cover story for the Hollywood Reporter honoring the late actor, Boseman’s agent Michael Green opened up a bit about just…
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Chadwick Boseman Forever
It seemed like a “normal” Friday night—or as normal as any day could be in 2020—and all of a sudden, the world was met with a crushing blow. A universal, downcast silence seemed to fall as we watched our smartphones in sheer disbelief and the realization crept into our consciousness: Chadwick Boseman was gone. We…
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Quinn Coleman, Capitol Records Executive, DJ and Son of Debra Lee, Dies at 31
Quinn Coleman, the Senior Director of A&R at Capitol Records and son of former BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee, has died at the age of 31, Billboard reports. Coleman’s cause of death hasn’t been confirmed at this time. “Quinn was a loving son, brother, cousin and friend, a passionate DJ and A&R executive with…
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Standout Actor Raymond Allen, of Sanford and Son, Good Times, Dead at 91
Raymond Allen (Sanford and Son, Good Times) died on Monday after a battle with respiratory issues, Variety reports. Allen was 91 years old. According to TMZ, the actor had been living in a long-term health facility in California since 2016. Allen’s daughter Ta Ronce confirmed the news via a Facebook post on Monday. “Just wanted…
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![Naya Rivera's Body Reportedly Found at California Lake [Updated]](https://www.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/r0eli5bmv29aaea131hs-300x168.jpg)
Naya Rivera's Body Reportedly Found at California Lake [Updated]
After an extensive search, we unfortunately have very sad news to report: Naya Rivera’s body has been reportedly found in Lake Piru, California. The beloved Glee actress was 33 years old. TMZ adds more details: Ventura County officials said Monday that a body had been found at the lake, and our law enforcement sources have…