2024 has already proven to be a significant year marked by the loss of remarkable figures from various sectors like arts, politics, and sports. From the captivating performances of theater stars to the impactful rulings of political leaders, the deaths of these icons have left indelible marks on their fields. Below is a look back at some of the notable losses experienced throughout 2024.
Starting off the year, one of the most touching announcements came on January 100 when Glynis Johns, the husky-voiced British actress known for her enchanting role as the suffragette who hires the magical nanny in the 1964 film musical Mary Poppins, passed away at the impressive age of 100. Her legacy remains, celebrated by generations of fans.
January also saw the passing of Mario Zagallo, the legendary Brazilian soccer star who not only graced the field as a player but also achieved glory as a coach. He won four World Cups, wrapping up his storied career at the age of 92. Alongside him, Franz Beckenbauer, the German soccer great, also left this world at 78, remembered fondly for his contributions as both player and manager.
Film buffs mourned the loss of Norman Jewison, the Canadian film director famous for classics like Moonstruck and Fiddler on the Roof, who died at the age of 97. Broadway legend Chita Rivera, who made history with her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, sadly passed away at 91, signaling the end of an era on the stage.
February brought even more news of loss with Carl Weathers, known primarily for his iconic role as Apollo Creed from the Rocky series, passing away at the age of 76. Fans were also shocked by the sudden death of Chile’s former president, Sebastián Piñera, who tragically died at 74 in a helicopter crash, known for overseeing the heroic 2010 rescue of miners trapped underground during the San José mine collapse.
Other notable figures who left us include Seiji Ozawa, esteemed Japanese orchestra maestro who died at 88, and Kelvin Kiptum, the young marathon world record holder who lost his life at just 24 due to a traffic accident. The political arena mourned Alexei Navalny, the outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who died under harsh conditions at the age of 47.
And 2024 continued to take away influential figures as Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada, passed on at 84 after leaving behind significant political footprints, including the free-trade agreement with the U.S. March marked the end for Joe Lieberman, the former senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee, who passed at 82.
April continued this somber progression. Louis Conter, the last survivor from the battleship USS Arizona, famously destroyed during Pearl Harbor, passed away at 102. The scientific community was humbled by the passing of British physicist Peter Higgs, awarded the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work, who died at 94. O.J. Simpson, the former football star and publicly known figure due to his acquittal from the murder of his ex-wife, also passed at 76.
Meanwhile, the world of fashion grieved the loss of Roberto Cavalli, who changed the fashion scene with his signature animal-print designs before his passing at 83. The journalism community mourned Terry Anderson, whose time spent as a captive journalist was both harrowing and compelling; he died at 76.
The season continued with more losses this May, including Roger Corman, revered American filmmaker known for his work with low-budget films, who passed away at 98. The passing of James Simons, the influential mathematician and financier dubbed the “Quant King,” occurred at 86 alongside the beloved Canadian short story writer, Alice Munro, who died as well at 92. The political arena again grieved with the untimely death of Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi at 63, following his tragic helicopter crash.
June was no less sorrowful as Tin Oo, the prominent figure from Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, died at 97. The impactful legacy of William Anders, the astronaut renowned for capturing the iconic 'Earthrise' photo during the Apollo 8 mission, was left at 90, leaving behind memories of his historic space endeavors. Baseball fans were devastated by the news of Willie Mays, the legendary all-around talent, passing away at 93, and Donald Sutherland, beloved Canadian actor known for his vast repertoire of films from MASH to The Hunger Games, also left this world at 88.
July continued the devastation. The political world said goodbye to James Imhofe, the former U.S. senator famous for his strong conservative viewpoints, at 89, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the television sex therapist fondly known as Dr. Ruth, also passed at 96. Heartstrings were tugged at the departure of Shannen Doherty from Beverly Hills, 90210*, who died at 53. Bob Newhart, known for his delightful comedic timing, departed at 94, parting ways with the world of humor.
These losses encapsulate just some of the notable figures who have left as 2024 marches on. The lives of these individuals, undoubtedly, shaped industries, communities, and hearts. It prompts reflection on not just their legacies but also the windows through which they allowed us to experience life, art, and human curiosity.
Let us take time to appreciate their contributions as we mourn their passing, remembering them with fondness and gratitude.