Celebrity deaths in 2024, this article is not an easy write, even for NewsZemi, death has that sort of effect on humans. Even if you have never met a person in real life, hearing that they passed away leaves a mark.
Last year, in 2023, we had to say our goodbyes to some of the most remarkable faces in the entertainment industry, Mathew Perry, Andre Braugher, Lisa Marie Persley, Tina Turner, and Suzanne Somers, to name a few. Now as the end of 2024 nears, we are gathered here once again to say our goodbyes and pay respect to the departed souls of entertainers that were very near and dear to us. Celebrity deaths might seem like a passing event for some. However, for fans, it’s anything but that. And we being fans are here to talk about the celebrity deaths of 2024 that shook us.
Top Celebrity Deaths in 2024
Chance Perdomo – Died 30th March 2024
Chance Perdomo was a rising American-British actor known for his roles in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the After movies. Born on 19h October 1996, Perdomo went on to become one of the most prominent faces in the entertainment industry, awe-striking all those who met him with his charismatic disposition. Unfortunately, this young talented soul was taken from us on 30th March 2024 in a motorcycle accident. The actor was only 27 years old when he took his last breath. His publicist confirmed the tragic passing of Chance in a statement that he shared on Sunday, 31st March 2024:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident. Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved. His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life were felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask you to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”
His passing shook fans to the core, as they scrambled to grasp the fact that their favorite actor died such a tragic death, at such a young age, NewsZemi was one of them. That is how unpredictable this world is, one second you see a person thriving and smiling and the next they are gone. Rest in peace Chance Perdomo, your magnetic and charismatic aura will be missed.
Tony Todd – Died 6th November 2024
Tony Todd was known as a horror legend for acting in top-rated thriller/horror movies like The Candyman, The Night of the Living Dead, and Final Destination to name a few. He is also well-regarded for his role in the 1986 American war film, Platoon. On November 6th, 2024, the world woke up to the devastating news that the 69-year-old actor unfortunately lost the battle to his health issues and passed away in his Los Angeles home. His wife Fatima, broke the news of his passing to the press, leaving fans, friends, and colleagues heartbroken.
Todd was not only applauded for his stellar acting but also known for his kindness and generosity. His warm laugh, charming smile, and generous spirit are what captured the hearts of many. On his passing, his manager, Jeffery Goldberg issued a teach-jerking statement:
“I had the privilege to have Tony as my friend and client for over 30 years, and I will miss him every single day. Tony leaves behind an indelible legacy in film, theater, and the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.”
Tony Todd will forever live in our hearts as a charismatic man with a warm smile who went on to star in the most fear-inducing horror films the world has ever seen, delivering a performance that sticks with one. May you rest in peace Tony Todd and may the heavens welcome you with a warm embrace.
Maggie Smith – Died 27th September 2024
This celebrity death truly hit home. Most of us grew up watching Dame Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall on our screens. She was a true legend through and through. Her tremendous acting and magnetic personality captured the hearts of many people. We 90’s kids especially have a special corner in our hearts for our beloved, fiercely intelligent, Professor McGonagall. So, you can imagine the shock many felt when on 27th September 2024, Maggie Smith’s sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin announced that the beloved actress passed on to the next realm.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,”
Her fellow actors from the Harry Potter franchise took to social media to pay their respects to the prolific actress. Paying his respects, Radcliffe said: “She was a fierce intellect, had a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.
“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her and to spend time around her on set.
“The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”
While paying her respects, actress Emma Watson remembered Maggie Smith for being “real, honest, funny and self-honoring”.
“Maggie, there are a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own.”
While Rupert Grint stated that he felt “incredibly lucky to have shared a set with [Dame Maggie] and particularly lucky to have shared a dance”
We cannot begin to comprehend the sadness Smith’s family and colleagues felt when she passed. Dame Maggie Smith will forever live in our hearts, and we will continue to cherish the legacy she left behind. Wands up Potter heads, let us pay our respects to the soul who was a light in our darkest time, Dame Maggie Smith.
Liam Payne – Died 16th October 2024
Another young celebrity death that shook the world to its core. Liam Payne, former 1 Direction band member, passed away at the age of 31 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina. The partial autopsy of his body revealed that the 31-year-old star had multiple substances in his system when he fell to his death, including pink cocaine, a recreational drug containing, MDMA, methamphetamine, and ketamine.
Investigations are ongoing, as most are unable to grapple with how the singer fell to his death, especially when a hotel staff member made a call to emergency services that an intoxicated guest was trashing the entire room. Police have charged a hotel employee and a third person for supplying drugs to the singer that led him to his grave.
When news of Liam’s passing broke, his former band members, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson issued a joint statement:
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. We love you, Liam.”
Shelly Duvall – Died 11th July 2024
The big-eyed star known for her roles in movies like “The Shining” and “3 Women” passed away at the age of 75 due to diabetes complications. Her death was confirmed by her partner, Dan Gilroy:
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley,”
Duvall was a celebrated actress of her time and was applauded for her role in the movie “The Shining” in which she portrayed fear so palpable, that viewers could help but feel horrified. The movie took more than a year to shoot with director Stanley Kubrick pushing Duvall to her limit. Years later Duvall expressed her views on the film shooting:
“After a while, your body rebels. It says: ‘Stop doing this to me. I don’t want to cry every day.’ And sometimes just that thought alone would make me cry. To wake up on a Monday morning, so early, and realize that you had to cry all day because it was scheduled — I would just start crying. I’d be like, ‘Oh no, I can’t, I can’t.’ And yet I did it. I don’t know how I did it. Jack said that to me, too. He said, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’”
Even though Duvall was pushed to the edge, she delivered one hell of a performance on The Shinning and will forever be known as the wide-eyed beauty who acted with a unique spark in her eyes.
