Business
In 2026, the world mourned the loss of numerous celebrities who left an indelible mark on entertainment, music, and culture. Actors James Van Der Beek, Hayden Panettiere, Robert Duvall, Chuck Norris, and Tim Curry passed away, as did musicians Dolly Parton and Duncan Sheik. Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, activist Gloria Steinem, and media mogul Ted Turner also died this year. Below, we remember these icons in alphabetical order. Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip “Dilbert,” died on January 13 from metastatic prostate cancer. His satirical office humor, inspired by his 1980s telephone company job, appeared in over 2,000 newspapers at its peak. A cartoon series ran from 1999 to 2000. Adams later gained notoriety for his political blog posts and controversial comments that led to “Dilbert” being pulled from newspapers in 2023. Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, died on February 7 from kidney cancer. The band soared to fame with the 2000 hit “Kryptonite,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by successes like “Loser” and “Here Without You.” Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor, died on April 9 from prostate cancer. A Bronx DJ, he signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1981 and released influential tracks like “Planet Rock.” He founded the Universal Zulu Nation to steer youth away from gangs but stepped down in 2016 amid sexual abuse allegations, which he denied.
Rob Bass, known for the 1988 hip-hop anthem “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock, died on May 22 after a cancer battle. The platinum single was named the greatest of all time by Spin magazine in 1989. Actor Nicholas Brendon, best known as Xander Harris on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died in his sleep on March 20 from natural causes. He also appeared in “Criminal Minds” and “Kitchen Confidential.” Brendon had faced health challenges, including a heart attack and cauda equina syndrome. Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson died on June 2. Known for love ballads like “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and Disney duets “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” he left a lasting musical legacy. Eleven-time Emmy winner James Burrows, co-creator of “Cheers,” died on June 19. He directed over 50 pilots and shaped modern comedy with work on “Friends,” “Frasier,” and “Will & Grace.” NASCAR champion Kyle Busch passed away in 2026, though details were not immediately available. His contributions to the sport left a lasting impact.