2009 IN REVIEW: DEATHS
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 was one of the most devastating years for celebrity deaths. During the summer alone, pop icon Michael Jackson, actress Farrah Fawcett, newsman Walter Cronkite, Senator Ted Kennedy and TV producer Don Hewitt died.Jett Travolta, 16 ,1/2/09
John Travolta's only son passed away at a young age after collapsing at the family's vacation home in the Bahamas.
John Updike, 76, 1/27/09
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author died of cancer.
Paul Harvey, 90, 2/28/09
Legendary radio man who began his long career in 1933.
Natasha Richardson, 45, 3/18/09
The death of this actress shocked the world. She died of a head injury she suffered while skiing.
Bea Arthur, 86, 4/25/09
Beloved actress known for her roles on "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."
Dom DeLuise, 75, 5/5/09
Actor who appeared in many movies including "Blazing Saddles."
David Carradine, 72, 6/4/09
Actor who was found dead in a hotel room in Thailand. It's believe he hanged himself possibly as part of some sort of bizarre sex act.
Ed McMahon, 86, 6/25/09
Johnny Carson's loyal sidekick on "The Tonight Show" for 20 years. He was also well known as the host of the popular talent show, Star Search.
Farrah Fawcett, 62, 6/25/09
Actress best known for her role in Charlie's Angels. She bravely battled cancer in front of the camera.
Michael Jackson, 50, 6/25/09
Hours after Farrah Fawcett passed away, the whole world was shocked to find out that pop legend Michael Jackson had also died. He suffered a cardiac arrest likely due to a combination of medicines he was taking. Jackson was supposed to take part in a comeback tour in 2009, instead a documentary featuring his rehearsals was released. In the days after Jackson's death, fans gathered outside his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and at the Apolllo Theatre in New York. A nationally televised farewall to the singer aired in July. It featured performances from Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, the Jackson brothers and a tearful goodbye from his daughter. His music filled the top spots on iTunes in the weeks after his death. Of course, there was also plenty of controversy. Everyone speculated if his kids were really his kids. Many said he was a drug addict or that he was gay. His amazing career of number one's and record sales stands for itself. There will never be another artist as influential as Michael Jackson.
Billy Mays, 50, 6/28/09
You couldn't turn the TV without seeing pitchman Billy Mays. He was known for his booming voice and black beard. At the time of his death, he was also the star of a reality show, "Pitchmen," that followed him as he pitched household product. Mays' infomercials continued to air in the months following his sudden death.
Steve McNair, 36, 7/4/09
Quarterback for the Titans and the Ravens. Found dead in Nashville from a gunshot wound to the head.
Walter Cronkite, 92, 7/17/09
Legendary news anchor passed away after a long illness. His family was by his side. Cronkite was the face of CBS news from 1962 to 1981. His voice can still be heard introducing Katie Couric every night.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, 8/11/09
Shriver was the sister of John F. Kennedy and the founder of the Special Olympics. Her entire family, including daughter Maria Shriver, flew to Massachusetts for her funeral.
Les Paul, 94, 8/13/09
Les Paul changed the course of music with the electric guitar and his many innovations including multitrack recording.
Robert Novak, 78, 8/18/09
The longtime Chicago Sun-Times columnist died from brain cancer.
Don Hewitt, 86, 8/19/09
The creator of longtime news magazine "60 minutes." Hewitt was also the producer of the first televised presidential debate in 1960.
Ted Kennedy, 8/25/2009
Longtime senior senator from Massachusetts and the brother of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was the fourth longest serving senator in U.S. history who became known as "The Lion of the Senate." He worked all his life to get universal health care for everyone and months after he died, it happened.
Patrick Swayze, 57, 9/14/09
The actor died after a long and public battle with pancreatic cancer. He was known for his work in several movies including, "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing." Before he died, Swayze starred in the A&E series, "The Beast."
Mary Travers, 72, 9/16/09
Part of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. She died after years of battling leukemia.
Soupy Sales, 83, 10/22/09
Comedian, actor and radio host
Brittany Murphy, 32, 12/20/09
The death of this young actress came as a surprise to many. She reporedly died of a heart attack. Murphy was known for her roles in "Girl Interuprted," "8 Mile" and "Clueless." She was also the voice of Luanne on "King of the Hill."
Labels: obits, year in review
posted by jc @ 1:38 PM,
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