Famous Black Celebs Who Died From HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS took the lives of many influential Black artists, athletes, and trailblazers at the height of their talents. Their stories span music, fashion, film, sports, news, and the performing arts, and each loss left a mark on communities that admired their work. Remembering them helps keep their legacies visible while also underscoring the importance of awareness, testing, and access to care.

Alvin Ailey

The visionary choreographer founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and brought Black modern dance to stages around the world. He created landmark works like ‘Revelations’ and championed arts education for young dancers. Ailey died in 1989 from AIDS-related complications, and his company has continued to tour globally in his name.

Arthur Ashe

The tennis champion won three Grand Slam singles titles and became the first Black man to win Wimbledon. He contracted HIV from a blood transfusion and publicly disclosed his diagnosis to advocate for education and research. Ashe died in 1993 from AIDS-related complications and his foundation continues its work in health and youth development.

Eazy-E

The rapper co-founded N.W.A and helped bring West Coast hip hop into the mainstream. He announced his AIDS diagnosis in early 1995 and used the moment to urge fans to get tested. Eazy-E died later that year from AIDS-related complications, prompting wider conversations about HIV in the music community.

Sylvester

The singer behind ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ became a defining voice of disco and a beloved figure in LGBTQ nightlife. He recorded chart hits, toured internationally, and used performances to support community causes. Sylvester died in 1988 from AIDS-related complications and directed that royalties support HIV organizations.

Fela Kuti

The Nigerian bandleader created Afrobeat by blending highlife, jazz, and funk with pointed political lyrics. He recorded dozens of albums and led marathon performances with his band Africa 70 and later Egypt 80. Fela Kuti died in 1997 from AIDS-related complications and remains one of Africa’s most influential musicians.

Kevin Peter Hall

The actor and former college basketball player portrayed the title creature in ‘Predator’ and starred in ‘Harry and the Hendersons’. He contracted HIV after a blood transfusion and continued acting while receiving treatment. Hall died in 1991 from AIDS-related pneumonia, and his film and television roles remain fan favorites.

Jermaine Stewart

The R&B singer known for the hit ‘We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off’ toured widely and released multiple albums. He worked as a dancer and backup vocalist before his solo success and remained active in the studio. Stewart died in 1997 from AIDS-related cancer, and his signature single continues to receive radio play.

David Cole

As half of C+C Music Factory, Cole produced club and pop hits that topped charts around the world. He also worked with stars like Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin and earned industry awards for his production. Cole died in 1995 from AIDS-related complications stemming from spinal meningitis.

Marlon Riggs

Riggs was a documentary filmmaker and educator whose works examined Black identity and gay life in America. Films like ‘Tongues Untied’ and ‘Black Is… Black Ain’t’ became touchstones in classrooms and festivals. He died in 1994 from AIDS-related complications, and his films continue to be studied and screened widely.

Essex Hemphill

The poet and activist published influential collections and appeared in documentaries that explored sexuality, race, and community. His readings and essays were featured in journals and anthologies that reached new audiences. Hemphill died in 1995 from AIDS-related complications and remains a central voice in contemporary Black poetry.

Franklyn Seales

Seales, born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, trained at Juilliard and acted on stage and screen. He was widely recognized for his role on ‘Silver Spoons’ and appeared in films and television throughout the 1980s. Seales died in 1990 from AIDS-related complications, and colleagues praised his classical training and craft.

Michael Peters

The choreographer staged iconic dances for music videos like ‘Thriller’ and ‘Beat It’ and worked on Broadway and film. He won major awards for choreography and helped define the look of the early music-video era. Peters died in 1994 from AIDS-related complications, and his movement vocabulary is still taught to dancers.

Willi Ninja

Known as the Godfather of Voguing, Ninja brought ballroom movement to mainstream audiences and worked as a model and coach. He appeared in ‘Paris Is Burning’ and trained performers for fashion shows and music videos. Ninja died in 2006 from AIDS-related heart failure, and the dance language he refined lives on globally.

Sharon Redd

Redd sang in hit disco and post-disco tracks and toured internationally with a dedicated fan base. She recorded multiple albums and worked as a backing vocalist for major acts before her solo career. Redd died in 1992 from AIDS-related complications, and her club singles continue to be rediscovered by new listeners.

Glenn Burke

Burke played outfield for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics and is widely credited with popularizing the high five. He spoke about his sexuality after his playing career and participated in community sports programs. Burke died in 1995 from AIDS-related complications, and his story has been chronicled in sports histories.

Larry Riley

Riley acted in films like ‘A Soldier’s Story’ and was a series regular on ‘Knots Landing’. He continued to work while managing illness and discussed his craft in interviews and theater programs. Riley died in 1992 from AIDS-related complications, and his stage and screen performances remain part of his legacy.

If we missed someone whose life and work meant a lot to you, share their story in the comments so more readers can remember them too.