Celebrity Deaths Of 2016: Musicians, Actors And Other Famous Personalities Who Died This Year

Update 1:15 p.m. EST - “Star Wars” icon and actress Carrie Fisher died Tuesday at the age of 60, People Magazine reported.

Fisher died at 8:55 a.m. PST, a handful of days removed from suffering a heart attack while aboard a flight heading to Los Angeles from London on Dec. 23.

A spokesman for Fisher’s family, which also includes mother and renowned actress Debbie Reynolds, Billie Lourd confirmed the death in a statement.

Original Story

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” the statement reads.“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly,” says Lourd. “Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

The world lost many famous figures in 2016, with the year nearing its end with the death of British pop star George Michael. Ranging from comedians and musicians to actors and sportspersons, 2016 was a tragic year, and cancers and heart diseases were responsible for many deaths.

Here is a list of notable celebrity deaths in 2016, in chronological order:

• David Bowie, 69: The legendary singer died Jan. 10 after battling cancer for 18 months.
• Alan Rickman, 69: British actor, famous for his acting career, which included roles in "Die Hard" and as Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" films, died Jan. 14. The veteran stage and film performer died of cancer in London.
• Glenn Frey, 67: One of the founders of the Eagles, a legendary U.S. rock group, Frey died Jan. 18, after suffering from medical complications following his intestinal surgery.
• Harper Lee, 89: “To Kill A Mockingbird” author died in her sleep Feb. 19.
• Umberto Eco, 84: Italian novelist Eco died Feb. 19 of pancreatic cancer.
• George Martin, 90: The record producer for the Beatles died March 8. The cause of death was not announced.
• Prince, 57: Renowned for his award-winning music and performances, Prince was found dead at his home/studio April 21.
• Muhammad Ali, 74: Heavyweight champion died June 3 of septic shock "due to unspecified natural causes."
• John McLaughlin, 89: Conservative commentator and host of a long-running television show died Aug. 16.
• Leonard Cohen, 82: Canadian singer-songwriter died Nov. 7 during his sleep following a fall in the middle of the night.
• Robert Vaughn, 83: Oscar-nominated actor died Nov. 11.
• Florence Henderson, 82: Broadway star who became one of America's most beloved television moms in "The Brady Bunch." Nov. 24.
• John Glenn, 95: The first American astronaut to orbit Earth as well as a former U.S. senator died Dec. 8.
• Alan Thicke, 69: The beloved dad on the sitcom "Growing Pains" died Dec. 13 due to a heart attack.
• Zsa Zsa Gabor, 99: Hungarian actress and socialite died of a heart attack Dec. 18.
• George Michael, 53: Ex-Wham! singer died Dec. 25 of a heart attack.