All the Black Celebs We Lost in 2023
Updated 01/3/2024 at 10:02 a.m. ET:
With 2024 finally here, we look back at all of the notable Black people we have lost in the last year. From talented athletes and beloved musicians to impactful politicians and accomplished actors. Here are the Black celebrities we lost in 2023.
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Eddie Bernie Johnson died on Dec. 31 at 88. Her cause of death has not been shared. Johnson was a longtime U.S. Representative in the House of Congress. She was the first Black person from Dallas to serve in Congress.
Maurice Hines
Maurice Hines died on Dec. 29 at the age of 80. He died from natural causes. Hines was a talented and beloved tap dancer who was also the brother of Gregory Hines, an accomplished tap dancer in his own right. The two starred in the 1984 film, “The Cotton Club,” together.
Les McCann
The iconic jazz musician died on Dec. 29 at the age of 88. No cause of death has been shared. Les McCann is an accomplished jazz musician and singer who was known for making the 1967 song, “Compared to What.”
Bobby Rivers
Bobby Rivers died on Dec. 26 at the age of 70 after suffering a series of strokes and fighting lung cancer. Rivers was a beloved TV personality and journalist who hosted shows such as “Watch Bobby Rivers” on VH1 and “Top 5” on the Food Network.
Amp Fiddler
Amp Fiddler died on Dec. 18 at 65 after a long battle with cancer. Fiddler was a beloved Detroit musician who was known for his work as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic. He also worked closely with fellow Detroit music legend, J Dilla.
George McGinnis
NBA Hall of Famer George McGinnis died on Dec. 14 at the age of 73 after suffering a cardiac arrest. McGinnis was a professional basketball player who played in both the NBA and the ABA. He was a three-time all-star in both leagues.
André Braugher
André Braugher died on Dec. 11 at 61 after a brief illness. Braugher was a talented actor who was known for his role as the hilarious Captain Ray Holt on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The two-time Emmy-winning actor was also known for his role in the 1990s show, “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and the Civil War-focused film, “Glory.”
Zahara
Zahara died on Dec. 11 at the age of 36. No cause of death has been shared. She was a well-known South African musician who taught herself how to sing in both English and Xhosa. She released many platinum-selling records, including “Loliwe,” “Country Girl,” and “Mgodi.”
Ellen Holly
Ellen Holly died on Dec. 6 at the age of 92. Holly was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. In 1968, she became the first Black person to land a lead role on a daytime television show (“One Life to Live”). Though she died in her sleep, no cause of death has been shared at press time.
Keisha Whitaker
Keisha Whitaker died on Dec. 7 at the age of 51. Her cause of death has not been shared. Whitaker was a model who was previously married to Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker. They had two daughters together.
Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah died on Dec. 7 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor nearly two months ago. Zephaniah was a beloved poet and actor who was known for his role as Jeremiah Jesus on the popular TV show, “Peaky Blinders.” He was 65 years old.
Jean Knight
Jean Knight died on Nov. 22 of natural causes. She was 80. Knight was a respected jazz and soul singer who broke into the industry with her 1971 hit single, “Mr. Big Stuff.”
Carlton Pearson
Carlton Pearson died on Nov. 19 at the age of 70. He was in hospice care due to his battle with cancer. Pearson was considered one of the most popular pastors in the country at one point, founding Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Okla. in 1981. But in the 21st century, he lost many of his followers after he supported gay rights and rejected the concept of hell. His likeness was portrayed in the 2018 film, “Come Sunday.”
George Brown
Kool and the Gang drummer George Brown died on Nov. 16 at 74. Brown died after a battle with lung cancer since 2021. Also known as “Funky,” Brown was a founding member of the legendary funk band who helped create classics such as “Summer Madness,” “Ladies Night,” and “Jungle Boogie.”
D.J. Hayden
Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden died on Nov. 11 at 33 in a car crash in Houston. He was one of six people who were killed in the accident. During his nine-year NFL career, he played for the Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Washington Commanders.
C-Knight
Rapper C-Knight died on Nov. 7 at 52. He was taken off life support after he was initially taken to the hospital weeks ago due to his struggle with diabetes. Born Arnez Blount, C-Knight was known as a member of the influential G-funk hip-hop group, The Dove Shack.
Walter Davis
Six-time NBA All-Star Walter Davis died on Nov. 2 at 69 of natural causes. He was a star college player at the University of North Carolina before being selected with the 5th overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. He also played for the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trailblazers during his 15-year career.
Aaron Spears
Aaron Spears died on Oct. 30 at 47. His cause of death was not revealed. Spears was a talented drummer who worked with some of the biggest pop stars in the world including Usher and Ariana Grande. In 2004, he was nominated for a Grammy for production on Usher’s classic fourth studio album, “Confessions.”
Herbert “Bertie” Bowman
Herbert “Bertie” Bowman died on Oct. 25 at the age of 92 after recent complications with heart surgeries. Bowman was the longest-serving Black congressional staffer in American history, working at the Capitol since he was 13 years old. During his time, he worked as a janitor, cook, shoe-shiner, clerk for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a hearing coordinator, and the chair of the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union.
Richard Roundtree
Legendary actor Richard Roundtree died on Oct. 24 at 81 from pancreatic cancer in his Los Angeles home. Known as the first Black action hero, Roundtree was a prolific actor who appeared in a myriad of movies in his career. But he was most known for his role as John Shaft in the 1970s movie, Shaft.
Tasha Butts
Former WNBA player and women’s college basketball coach Tasha Butts died on October 23 at the age of 41 after a long battle with breast cancer. After starring at the University of Tennessee in the early 2000s, Tasha Butts played in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx. After her short professional career, she started coaching women’s college basketball. In recent years, she has been the head coach at Georgia Tech and Georgetown University.
DJ Mark the 45 King
Born Mark Howard James, DJ Mark the 45 King died on Oct. 19 at the age of 62. Howard was a respected producer who helped create tracks for some of the most iconic hip-hop acts in history including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Eric B. and Rakim, Gang Starr, and Common. Though he worked with many artists, he was most known for producing “Hard Knock Life (The Ghetto Anthem)“ for Jay-Z and “Stan” for Eminem.
Louise Meriwether
Longtime writer and activist Louise Meriwether died on Oct. 10 at the age of 100. Filmmaker Cheryl Hill confirmed that Meriwether’s health had progressively gotten worse since she caught COVID-19 in 2020. Known for her 1970 book, “Daddy Was a Number Runner,” Meriwether was one of the most critical voices during a time when Black female authors such as Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison were becoming more prominent in the literary world.
Gail O’Neil
Gail O’Neil, the beautiful Jamaican-American model, died on Oct. 10 at 60. A native New Yorker, she graced the pages of Vogue, Essence, and Sports Illustrated during her successful career. Her cause of death has not been confirmed.
Rudolph Isley
Rudolph Isley died on Oct. 11 at the age of 84. Known as one of the founding members of The Isley Brothers, along with his siblings Ronald and O’Kelly Jr., Rudolph was central to the band’s success. He helped create many classic songs with the band including, “Between the Sheets,” “For the Love of You, Pts. 1 &2" and “Footsteps In the Dark, Pts. 1 &2.”
Hughes Van Ellis
Hughes Van Ellis died on Oct. 9 at the age of 102. The cause of death was cancer. Also known as “Uncle Redd,” Van Ellis was one of the last known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. He was only a baby when a white mob violently murdered hundreds of Black people in the thriving community.
Zoleka Mandela
The granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Zoleka, died on September 25 at the age of 43. She died after a long battle with cancer. Although she was in remission from breast cancer, she was later diagnosed with liver and lung cancer. Described as a “tireless activist,” Zoleka was open about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child and her addiction to drugs and alcohol. She used her past experiences as a tool to help and inspire others.
Irish Grinstead
R&B singer Irish Grinstead died on September 16 at the age of 43. Known as a member of the popular 90s R&B group 702, Grinstead was a talented singer who helped create four albums from the group from 1996 to 2002. The cause of her death has not been shared.
Mike Williams
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died September 12 at the age of 36. After a construction accident that left him partially paralyzed, Williams was hospitalized in the ICU. Drafter in 2010, he played for the Tampa Buccaneers for four years and the Buffalo Bills for one.
Gus Solomons, Jr.
Accomplished choreographer, dancer, and teacher Gus Solomons Jr. died on Aug. 11 at the age of 84. He died of sudden heart failure. During his long, successful career, Solomons danced and performed with many dance companies. He was most known for becoming the first Black dancer to join the Cunningham company.
Ron Cephas Jones
Emmy-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones died on August 19 at the age of 66. He died due to a “long-standing pulmonary issue.” Known for his role in This Is Us, Jones appeared in many other notable shows and movies including Mr. Robot, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Half Nelson, Dog Days, and Dolemite Is My Name.
Chico Del Vec
Chico Del Vec, one of the founding members of the rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A., reportedly died on August 14. His cause of death has not been shared. The group was known for working closely with legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., who was also a part of the group. Their 1995 debut album, Conspiracy, produced two successful hits: “Players Anthem” and “Get Money.”
Clarence Avant
Known as the “Black Godfather” of music and entertainment, Clarence Avant, died on August 13 at 92. No cause of death has been shared. Throughout his career as a music executive, helped start the careers of many artists, most notably, Bill Withers.
Magoo
Rapper Magoo died on Aug. 13 at the age of 50. No cause of death has been provided. Magoo was a Virginia MC who was a close collaborator with Timbaland. The Virginia duo worked together on many songs and even released an album together in 1997 titled, Welcome to Our World.
DJ Casper
DJ, songwriter, and hype man DJ Casper died on August 7 at the age of 58 after a seven-year fight with cancer. While he accomplished many great things in his career, he was known for creating the popular song, “Cha Cha Slide,” which has been played at family functions for decades.
Sheila Oliver
New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and trailblazing Black political Sheila Oliver died on August 1 at the age of 71. Her cause of death is still unknown. She accomplished many great things in her career, such as becoming the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the state Assembly. She was also the first Black woman to be elected Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey.
William Dilday Jr
William Dilday Jr. died on July 27 at the age of 85 due to cerebral herniation after a fall he took. He was 85. Dilday was the first Black television station manager in the entire country and one of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists.
YNG Cheese
YNG Cheese was a Philadelphia rapper and the son of well-known podcaster Gillie Da Kid. He was killed in a triple shooting on July 20. He was only 25 years old.
Mutulu Shakur
Tupac’s stepfather and renowned activist Mutulu Shakur died on July 7 at the age of 72. He died of cancer just six months after he was freed from prison.
Clark Haggans
Former NFL linebacker Clark Haggans died on June 19 at 46. His cause of death is still unknown. During his 13-year NFL career, Haggans played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the San Francisco 49ers. He won a Super Bowl in 2005 as a member of the Steelers.
Ray Lewis III
Ray Lewis III, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, died from a dangerous combination of drugs. He was 28. He attempted to follow in his father’s footsteps, by playing football at the University of Miami, but eventually transferred and played for Coastal Carolina and Virginia Union.
John Beasley
John Beasley was a veteran actor who performed in roles for more than 30 years. He died on May 30 at 79. He passed away while undergoing tests on his liver in his hometown of Omaha, Neb. He was known for his roles in Rudy, The General’s Daughter, The Purge: Anarchy, and Sinister 2.
Bill Perkins
Bill Perkins was a New York politician who served on the New York City council for the 9th district, which represented Harlem. He died on May 16 at 74. No cause of death was shared. During his career as a politician, he was known as a leader in Harlem. He was most notably known as an advocate who defended the innocence of the five boys known as the “Central Park 5.”
Larry “Gator” Rivers
Harlem Globetrotters legend Larry “Gator Rivers” died on June 29 at 73 from Cancer. While he was known as a wizard with the ball in his hands, he later became a politician, becoming a county commissioner in Savannah, GA.
Christine King Farris
The last living sibling of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr., Christine King Farris, died on June 29 at 95. She was the oldest child of Martin Luther King, Sr., and her life “overflowed with acts of service, love, and education.” Along with Coretta Scott King, she helped create the King Center and the MLK Memorial Library in June 1968.
Tina Turner
Beloved singer Tina Turner died on May 24 at the age of 83. The “What’s Love Got To Do With It” singer had been fighting illness since 2016 when she was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016. She also had a kidney transplant in 2017. Known as the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” Turner was a star in the industry since the 1960s. Throughout her career, she sold more than 180 million albums and won 12 Grammy awards.
Bill Lee
Bill Lee, an accomplished composer, jazz bassist, and the father of Spike Lee, died on Wednesday at the age of 94. While he recorded countless solo albums, he was known for his work in his son’s early movies, including “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”
Jim Brown
On May 19, the nation mourned the loss of another Black legend; this time it was Jim Brown. The actor and the greatest running back the NFL had ever seen, died at the age of 87. His wife made the sad announcement on Instagram. Read this loving tribute the Root wrote shortly after the announcement.
Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte died at 96 on April 25 of congestive heart failure. Not only was he an accomplished singer, actor, and entertainer, but he was also a fierce civil rights activist. He once said, “I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.”
Otis Redding III
The son of the iconic soul singer, Otis Redding III, died on April 20 at the age of 59 after a long battle with cancer. Like his father, Redding III became an artist and was a longtime member of The Reddings in the 1980s along with his brother, Dexter, and cousin, Mark Lockett.
Ahmad Jamal
Iconic jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal died on April 16 at 92 of prostate cancer. He influenced countless jazz musicians and was a close friend of jazz legend Miles Davis when he was living.
Howell Wayans
Howell Wayans was the patriarch of the Wayans family which included accomplished actors and comedians Keenan Ivory, Damon, Shawn, and Dwayne Wayans. He died at the age of 86 on April 1. Marlon shared the news of his father’s death in an emotional post on Instagram.
Willis Reed
NBA Hall of Famer Willis Reed died at the age of 80 on March 21. No cause of death was given. As a layer, Reed played in the NBA for 11 seasons, all with the New York Knicks. During his career, he was a seven-time NBA all-star, a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and an MVP.
Lance Reddick
Veteran actor Lance Reddick shockingly died on March 17 at the age of 60. The cause of death is unknown. Reddick has appeared in a plethora of TV shows and movies including, Fringe, Oz, Bosch, and Lost. His most celebrated role is as Officer Cedrick Daniels on the greatest TV show ever, The Wire.
Stanley Wilson Jr.
Former NFL Stanley Wilson Jr. died at the age of 40 on Feb. 16. The entirety of his three-year professional career was spent with the Detroit Lions. According to TMZ, Wilson died while being transferred to a mental health hospital, where he collapsed
Trugoy the Dove
Born David Jude Jolicoeur, Trugoy helped form the legendary hip-hop group, De La Soul. He, unfortunately, died on Feb. 12 at the age of 54. He founded the group while in high school in Long Island N.Y. along with fellow group members Posdnuos and Maseo. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
Barrett Strong
Barret Strong was a successful singer and songwriter known for his work with Motown Records. In 1959, he wrote, “Money (That’s What I Want),” and it became the first hit single for the iconic music company. His passing was confirmed on Jan. 29. He was 81.
Brandon Smiley
The son of veteran radio personality Rickey Smiley, Brandon, died on Jan. 29. At the young age of 32. Rickey shared the news of his son’s death on his Instagram.
Jessie Lemonier
Former NFL player Jessie Lemonier died at the age of 25 on Jan. 26. After going undrafted in 2020, he played in the NFL for three years, one of which was on the practice squad. He also played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals.
CJ Harris
Former American Idol contestant CJ Harris suddenly died of a heart attack on Jan. 20 at the age of 31.
Arthur Duncan
Longtime tap dancer Arthur Duncan was known as an “Entertainer’s Entertainer,” and performed on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. Sadly, Duncan died on Jan. 3 at the age of 97 from a stroke and pneumonia.
Charles White
Charles White was a former NFL player during the 1980s and one of the best college running backs in the storied history of the University of Southern California. While in college, he won the 1979 Heisman Trophy. He played in the NFL for nine seasons, five with the Cleveland Browns and four with the Los Angeles Rams. He died of liver cancer on Jan. 11 at the age of 64.
Kevin Lemons
Atlanta-based gospel singer Kevin Lemons died at the age of 44 after dying in his home.
Gordy Harmon
One of the founding members of the beloved R&B group, The Whispers, Gordy Harmon died on Jan. 5 at the age of 79. He died of natural causes. He founded the group in 1964 in Los Angeles along with his twin brothers, Wallace and Walter Scott, Marcus Huston and Nicholas Caldwell.
Uche Nwaneri
Former NFL player Uche Nwaneri died at the tail end of 2022 on Dec. 30 at the age of 38. The cause of death was a heart attack. He played seven years with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Gangsta Boo
Hip-hop pioneer Gangsta Boo died on Jan. 1 in Memphis, Tenn. at the age of 43. She was one of the key members of the southern hip-hop group, Three 6 Mafia.
Fred White
Fred White was one of the early members of Earth, Wind & Fire and was a long-time drummer for the iconic group. He died on Jan. 1 at the age of 67.
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