The Stars We Said Goodbye To In 2021

When a famous person passes away, it can sometimes feel as though we’ve lost a member of our own families. After all, we’ve watched these people sing, dance, act, or otherwise perform for a large chunk of our lives. We basically feel as if we know them — and so it’s understandable that we should grieve for them, too. Here, then, are our heartfelt tributes to some of the pop culture greats we lost in 2021.

Larry King

If you were asked to picture a TV interviewer, chances are you’d think of Larry King. The man started out on the airwaves around 63 years ago and put out as many as 50,000 interviews on the radio and on screen. His best moments are too numerous to list here — but, really, who can forget when Marlon Brando booped his nose? King died on January 23, succumbing to sepsis. He was 87 years old.

Christopher Plummer

The Sound of Music lost its captain on February 5, 2021. Christopher Plummer was 91 years old and died at home next to his wife, Elaine Taylor. Famously, Plummer disliked his most iconic film upon its initial release — but he did eventually come around to its charms. He even made friends with co-star Julie Andrews, who described the star as “a consummate actor” and “a cherished friend.”

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson died at the age of 96 on January 28, 2021. She was remembered in obituaries as a highly decorated actor who worked hard to pioneer more substantial roles for people of color. Tyson even rejected working in movies for four years because she didn’t agree with the Blaxploitation movement. So when Tyson did appear on screen, you knew she meant business.

Dustin Diamond

Kids of the ’80s and ’90s will forever remember Dustin Diamond as Screech from Saved by the Bell. The actor played the inimitable character for the original show’s four-year run and returned as him repeatedly throughout the 1990s. Diamond struggled privately after the show’s end, but he was still fondly remembered by his co-stars. He passed away from lung cancer on February 2, aged 44.