“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.” -Rumi
2021 was one hell of a year, literally. There were a host of celebrity losses that completely shocked the world.
The legacies they left behind serve as living proof of the magnitude of their impact on society. However, for many, it feels that their time was simply not long enough.
One of the greatest lessons learned in death is to hold reverence for the beauty and fragility of life.
Our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones who are undoubtedly still grieving.
Prince Philip: Britain’s Prince Philip died on April 9 this year, at the age of 99. The husband of Queen Elizabeth II “passed away peacefully” at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace announced at the time.
Eric Jerome Dickey (January 3, 2021)- Author
Marion Ramsey (January 7, 2021)- Actress known for her role as officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy franchise.
Duranice Pace (January 15, 2021)- Gospel Singer
Hank Aaron– (January 22, 2021)- Baseball legend
Larry King (January 23, 2021) – Legendary broadcaster. Iconic broadcaster Larry King died on January 23 at the age of 87. It was reported that King, a multiple cancer survivor, had contracted coronavirus.
Cicely Tyson (January 28, 2021)- Award-winning actress and activist
Dustin Diamond (February 1, 2021)- Actor
Mary Wilson (February 8, 2021)- Original Supremes member
Prince Markie Dee (February 18, 2021)- Member of the pioneering rap group the Fat Boys
Jahmil French (March 1, 2021)- Canadian actor best known for his role on Degrassi
Ernie Lively: Blake Lively’s father Ernie died on June 3 at the age of 74. Ernie — who entered showbiz in the 1970s and played Blake’s father in two Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies —and passed from cardiac complications in June.
Helen McCrory: Helen McCrory, who appeared in the Harry Potter and James Bond film franchises, died in April at the age of 52 after a private battle with cancer.
Bunny Wailer (March 2, 2021)- The last living member of the Bob Marley reggae group The Wailers
DMX (April 9, 2021)- Rapper.
Rapper DMX died on April 9 at the age of 50 after a drug overdose earlier in the month that left him in a “vegetative state.”
Black Rob (April 17, 2021)- Former Bad Boy rapper
Shock G (April 22, 2021)- Member of Digital Underground
Jessica Walter: Emmy-winner Walter died at age 80 on March 24 in her sleep. She was best known for her roles in Arrested Development and Archer.
Christopher Plummer: The Oscar-winning actor passed away on February 5th at the age of 91. The actor was best known for his stellar performances in The Sound of Music, Beginners, All the Money in the World and Knives Out.
Olympia Dukakis (May 1, 2021)- Actress
Paul Mooney (May 19, 2021)- Comedian
Samuel E. Wright (May 25, 2021) – Voice of the crab Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid”
Clarence Williams III (June 4, 2021)- Actor
Gift of Gab (June 18, 2021)- The co-founder of rap duo Blackalicious
Suzzanne Douglas (July 6, 2021) Actress
Matima “Swavy” Miller (July 6, 2021)- TikTok Star
Charlie Robinson (July 11, 2021)- Actor
Biz Markie (July 16, 2021) – Rapper
Gregg Leakes (September 1, 2021) RHOA
Michael K. Williams (September 6, 2021) Actor
Willie Garson (September 21, 2021) – Sex and the City Actor: The beloved Sex and the City alum died at the age of 57 on September 21. Prior to his death, Garson had returned to NYC to reprise his cherished character in the upcoming SATC revival, And Just Like That.
Young Dolph (November 17, 2021) Rapper
Virgil Abloh (November 28, 2021)- Fashion Designer. The fashion designer and founder of Off-White died on November 28 after losing a private two-year battle with cancer. LVMH revealed that the 41-year-old suffered from cardiac angiosarcoma, which he was privately diagnosed with in 2019.
Kangol Kid (December 18, 2021)- Hip-Hop Pioneer of UTFO
Drakeo the Ruler – The 28-year-old, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, had been scheduled to perform at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival on December 19, 2021, where he was stabbed to death.
Desmond Tutu (December 26, 2021)- Anti-Apartheid Leader and Voice of Justice