In Memoriam
Redd Foxx — December 9, 1922 – October 11, 1991
Born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Redd Foxx earned the title "King of the Party Records" releasing more than 50 comedy albums through the 1950s and 1960s. His hit TV show Sanford and Son (1972–1977) is where Fred G. Sanford, the junkman with a heart condition made Red a household name and won him a Golden Globe. Film roles in Cotton Comes to Harlem and Harlem Nights showed his acting range beyond the sitcom stage. On October 11, 1991, Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on the set of The Royal Family, where his castmates first mistook the tragedy for one of his famous jokes, but sadly he was gone at 68. Thirty-five years later, his catchphrases and his comedic timing still bring laughs that remain unmatched.
Freddie Jackson — October 2, 1956 – October 5, 2026
The Harlem born crooner got his start singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. This was before joining funk band Mystic Merlin and singing background for Melba Moore. His 1985 debut Rock Me Tonight went platinum on the strength of its title track, which spent six weeks at #1 on the R&B chart. "You Are My Lady” remains a Quiet Storm staple. The album earned him Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Hits like "Have You Ever Loved Somebody," "Jam Tonight," and "Do Me Again" kept him a fixture of urban radio through the 80s and 90s. After revealing a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024, he partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. He passed away on October 5, 2026 just three days after his 69th birthday, his family announced the news on social media. His voice will remain the soundtrack to so many love stories.
Aaliyah — January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001
The Brooklyn born “Princess of R&B” was only 14 when her debut Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number arrived in 1994. With Timbaland and Missy Elliott crafting her futuristic sound, One in a Million (1996) went double platinum. Her self-titled third album debuted at #2 in 2001 on the strength of “Try Again,” “Are You That Somebody?” and “Rock the Boat.” Aaliyah wasn’t just a singer, she was crossing over into film with Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned. On August 25, 2001 an overloaded plane carrying her home from a Bahamas video shoot crashed on takeoff in Marsh Harbour, killing everyone aboard. Aaliyah was only 22. Twenty-five years later, her influence echoes through the R&B music that followed.
Dolly Parton — January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026
The Smoky Mountain songbird from Pittman Center, Tennessee wrote over 3,000 songs, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” She famously penned both songs on the same day. Dolly had 25 #1 country singles, 11 Grammys, and starring roles in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. She became country’s most beloved global ambassador. Her legacy stretched far beyond music when her theme park Dollywood brought jobs to East Tennessee and her Imagination Library has mailed more than 200 million free books to children around the world. She passed on August 25th at 80 years old after a brief battle with cancer. Dolly left behind posthumous recordings, a Broadway musical opening in January 2027, and an ABC tribute special. Very few artists are universally adored, but Dolly was just that great!
Michael Wright — April 30, 1956 – August 19, 2026
The New York City native made his screen debut in The Wanderers in 1979. Michael’s volcanic turn as Eddie King Jr., the gifted and self-destructive lead singer in Robert Townsend’s The Five Heartbeats (1991). This film made him immortal to generations of fans. He brought the same live-wire intensity to The Principal opposite Jim Belushi, Sugar Hill opposite Wesley Snipes, and television roles on V and HBO’s Oz. He passed away on August 19th at 70 due to heart failure from a rare neurological disease. His wife Susan wrote that his work will live forever, but his love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew him best.
Hayden Panettiere — August 21, 1989 – August 16, 2026
The child star turned leading lady broke through as indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet on Heroes. She earned Golden Globe nominations as country star Juliette Barnes on Nashville. Earlier roles in Remember the Titans and Ice Princess made her a familiar face in her generation. After becoming a mom, she spoke openly about postpartum depression and struggles with substance abuse. She released a memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning in May of 2026. On August 16th just five days before her 37th birthday, she was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment. The coroner later ruled her death an accidental overdose. She is survived by her 11 year old daughter Kaya.
Robin Williams — July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014
The Chicago born comic shot from the alien on Mork & Mindy to one of the most beloved film stars of his generation. He earned Oscar nominations for Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and The Fisher King. In 1998, Robin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting. Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Hook, and Aladdin made him a favorite in every household. He died by suicide on August 11, 2014 at 63 years old. An autopsy later revealed he had been living with diffuse Lewy body dementia. In 2026, fans remembered the comedy icon on what would’ve been his 75th birthday. 
Hal Williams — December 14, 1934 – July 15, 2026
The Columbus, Ohio native worked as a postal worker and corrections officer before driving to Hollywood in 1968 to chase his acting dreams. He got his break in 1972 as Officer “Smitty” Smith on Sanford and Son, the friendly neighborhood cop who translated his partner Hoppy’s stiff officialese into plain talk for Fred and Lamont. In the 1980s he became Lester Jenkins on 227, the loving husband to Marla Gibbs and TV father to a young Regina King. He died of natural causes on July 15, 2026 at his Rancho Mirage, California home at the age of 91.