Bright lights gone too soon: remembering the celebs we lost in 2023

This year, like no other, we had to say our farewells to some iconic voices, as 2023 saw the passing of several legendary figures who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture through their influential work. In memory of the talented actors, musicians, authors, and other renowned personalities who died this year, we pay tribute to icons like Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Raquel Welch, and Lisa Marie Presley. Turner was a cherished Queen of Rock 'n' Roll whose vibrant stage presence and soaring vocals made her one of the top-selling artists of all time. Belafonte helped introduce American audiences to calypso music and became a prominent civil rights activist. Welch was a major sex symbol of the 1960s-70s era thanks to roles in iconic films like Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C. Presley carried on her family's musical legacy and advocated for mental health awareness. Read on to celebrate the lives and legacies of these famous faces who are sadly no longer with us.

Bray Wyatt

The WWE suffered a tragic loss with the passing of Bray Wyatt, also known as Windham Rotunda, at the far too young age of 36 on August 24, 2023. Hailing from a legendary wrestling bloodline that included his father, grandfather, uncles, and brother, Wyatt lived up to his family's storied legacy in the ring. Over his decade-long WWE career, he championed the WWE Championship, WWE Universal Championship, WWE Raw Tag Team Championship, and WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship - a testament to his immense talent and connection with fans. Known for his captivating supernatural character, Wyatt left a mark on sports entertainment with his creative storytelling and captivating promos.

Hersha Parady

Actress Hersha Parady left an indelible mark with her portrayal of schoolteacher Alice Garvey on the beloved series Little House on the Prairie. Parady passed away on August 23rd at age 78. While she appeared in other television shows and films over her career, it was her role as Alice that brought Parady the most fame and affection from audiences. She first joined the Little House cast in its third season in a different part before debuting as the kindhearted Alice in season four. Over more than 30 memorable episodes, Parady imbued Alice with warmth, wisdom, and devotion to her students. Her final appearance featured one of the most heart-wrenching storylines as heroic Alice sacrificed herself trying to save children from a burning schoolhouse. Generations of viewers came to cherish Alice and the lessons she taught them, due in no small part to Parady's excellent acting. She left a lasting impact on the classic series and remains one of its most beloved characters.

Angus Cloud

The entertainment world mourned the tragic loss of actor Angus Cloud, who passed away on July 31st at the young age of 25. Best known for his breakout role as Fezco on HBO's Euphoria, Cloud leaves behind a legacy greater than any single part. His family revealed Cloud had silently struggled with intense mental health challenges following the recent death of his father. Like Fezco, Cloud brought complexity and compassion to his portrayal of a dealer with a heart of gold. Though his character's fate was left uncertain at the end of season 2, Cloud's impact on the show and its fans was concrete. In his too-brief life, Cloud openly shared his own mental health journey in hopes it may help others facing similar struggles. While new Euphoria episodes are still years away, Cloud's advocacy to remove the stigma around asking for help remains an important message.

Sinéad O'Connor

Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor left an indelible mark on music and culture with her bold artistry and activism until her tragic passing on July 26th at age 56. Best known for her worldwide 1990 smash "Nothing Compares 2 U," O'Connor released 10 albums demonstrating her massive talent and raw emotion. However, her impact stretched far beyond any single song. She fearlessly spoke out about abuse, mental health struggles, and systemic failings, long before such topics became mainstream discussions. As a vocal critic of the Catholic Church's child sexual abuse scandals, her controversial 1992 SNL appearance tearing up the Pope's photo took courage. While it caused career backlash, it showed her commitment to giving voice to the voiceless. In memoir and documentary, O'Connor reflected on using her platform to challenge institutional wrongs. Sinead O'Connor left an unmatched feminist legacy that will inspire future generations of artists willing to use their art for meaningful change.