Female Celebs You Might Not Know Are Dead

The entertainment world has lost many remarkable women whose passings some fans may have missed or only learned about long after the fact. From actors and musicians to television icons these figures left behind work that still resonates. Below are brief reminders of their lives and the circumstances around their deaths intended to keep their contributions present in memory.

Brittany Murphy

The actor known for roles in ‘Clueless’ and ‘8 Mile’ died in 2009 in Los Angeles. The coroner cited pneumonia with anemia and drug effects as contributing factors. She was 32 and had been working in film and voice acting for animation and video games. Her sudden death prompted renewed attention to health risks posed by untreated respiratory illness.

Natasha Richardson

The stage and screen star died in 2009 after a skiing accident near Montreal. She initially walked away before developing symptoms from an epidural hematoma. Medical teams in Canada and New York attempted to save her but she did not recover. Her death increased awareness of head injury protocols for recreational sports.

Anne Heche

The actor died in 2022 in Los Angeles following injuries from a car crash. She suffered an anoxic brain injury and was removed from life support after organ donation arrangements. Heche had a varied career in film television and theater. Her passing renewed discussions around road safety and emergency response.

Naya Rivera

The ‘Glee’ star died in 2020 after drowning at Lake Piru in California. She had rented a boat with her young son who was found safe onboard. Search teams recovered her body several days later after a large scale effort. Officials emphasized boating safety and the hazards of strong currents.

Caroline Flack

The British television presenter died in 2020 in London. An inquest ruled her death a suicide. Her passing sparked debate about media scrutiny mental health and legal pressures on public figures. Charities and broadcasters expanded support resources for staff and talent.

Dolores O’Riordan

The lead singer of The Cranberries died in 2018 in London. An inquest determined she drowned while intoxicated. O’Riordan had been recording and was planning future projects with the band. Her distinctive voice remains central to hits like ‘Zombie’ and ‘Linger’.

Aaliyah

The singer and actor died in 2001 in a plane crash in the Bahamas. She had been filming a music video earlier that day. Investigators later reported the aircraft was overloaded. Her influence continued in R and B and pop through posthumous releases and tributes.

Sinéad O’Connor

The Irish singer died in 2023 in London. Authorities said there was no foul play and later indicated natural causes. O’Connor was known for a powerful voice and advocacy on social issues. Her catalog includes international hits such as ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’.

Tina Turner

The music legend died in 2023 at her home in Switzerland. She had faced health challenges in her later years including kidney issues. Turner was celebrated for a decades long career that spanned soul rock and pop. Her memoirs and stage productions preserved her life story for new audiences.

Kirstie Alley

The ‘Cheers’ and ‘Look Who’s Talking’ star died in 2022. Her family said she had been treated for cancer that was discovered recently. Alley also worked in reality television and on Broadway. Fans and colleagues highlighted her comedic timing and television legacy.

Lisa Marie Presley

The singer and only child of Elvis Presley died in 2023 in Los Angeles. She experienced a cardiac arrest and the coroner later cited complications from a small bowel obstruction. Presley released albums and oversaw aspects of her father’s estate. Public memorial events were held at Graceland.

Olivia Newton-John

The actor and singer died in 2022 at her ranch in Southern California. She had lived for many years with breast cancer and funded research and wellness programs. Newton John starred in ‘Grease’ and built a successful music career. Her foundation continues work in integrative oncology.

Suzanne Somers

The television star died in 2023 at home in California. Her family said she had been living with breast cancer for many years. Somers was known for ‘Three’s Company’ and later for wellness books and business ventures. She remained active with products and media appearances.

Mary Tyler Moore

The pioneering television actor died in 2017 in Connecticut. Complications from pneumonia were reported. Moore transformed portrayals of working women through ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’. She also supported diabetes research and awareness for decades.

Nichelle Nichols

The ‘Star Trek’ actor died in 2022 in New Mexico. Her family cited heart failure. Nichols broke barriers in television and worked with NASA on public outreach to diversify recruitment. Her role as Uhura inspired generations of scientists and performers.

Erin Moran

The ‘Happy Days’ actor died in 2017 in Indiana. An autopsy found advanced cancer as the cause. Moran had transitioned away from acting later in life. Her passing prompted tributes from costars and fans of classic television.

Dana Plato

The ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ star died in 1999 in Oklahoma. Authorities ruled the death a suicide by drug overdose. Plato had struggled with legal and personal challenges after early fame. Her story is often cited in discussions of child stardom and support systems.

Heather O’Rourke

The child actor from ‘Poltergeist’ died in 1988 in San Diego. Doctors said she experienced septic shock due to an undiagnosed intestinal condition. She had continued acting on television before her sudden illness. Her death led to greater awareness of pediatric gastrointestinal emergencies.

Valerie Harper

The Emmy winning star of ‘Rhoda’ died in 2019 in California. She had been treated for cancer for several years. Harper advocated for patient education and continued to perform and speak publicly. Her work remains a key part of American television history.

Jean Seberg

The actor and activist died in 1979 in Paris. Authorities concluded the death was a probable suicide and cited barbiturate overdose. Seberg was known for ‘Breathless’ and for civil rights support. Her life and death have been examined in books and documentaries.

Amanda Peterson

The actor known for ‘Cant Buy Me Love’ died in Greeley Colorado. Authorities reported accidental drug toxicity involving prescription medications. She had stepped away from acting and lived a private life in her hometown. Fans have since revisited her film and television work.

Lisa Robin Kelly

The ‘That 70s Show’ actor died at a rehabilitation facility in California. The coroner cited multiple drug intoxication. She had faced legal and health issues in the years before her death. Her television credits included sitcoms and guest roles.

Skye McCole Bartusiak

The child actor from ‘The Patriot’ died in Texas. Officials ruled the death an accidental overdose involving multiple substances. She had continued to act in independent projects and theater. Her family highlighted her interest in directing and producing.

Christina Grimmie

The singer and YouTube performer died after being shot at a meet and greet in Orlando. She had just finished a concert and was signing for fans. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her foundation supports families affected by gun violence.

Peaches Geldof

The television presenter and writer died at her home in Kent England. Authorities determined a heroin overdose as the cause. She had worked in fashion media and documentaries. Her death renewed focus on addiction treatment and family support.

Caroline Aherne

The comedian and writer of ‘The Royle Family’ died in Manchester. She had been living with cancer. Aherne also created and starred in ‘Mrs Merton’. Broadcasting colleagues noted her significant impact on British television writing.

Anne Kirkbride

The ‘Coronation Street’ actor died in Manchester. She had been treated for cancer. Kirkbride portrayed Deirdre for decades and appeared in specials and charity events. Her character’s storylines became landmarks in UK soap history.

Elisabeth Sladen

The beloved ‘Doctor Who’ actor died in England. She had been receiving treatment for cancer. Sladen originated the role of Sarah Jane Smith and later headlined ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’. Her performances helped introduce younger audiences to the franchise.

Yvette Wilson

The ‘Moesha’ and ‘The Parkers’ actor died in California. She had cervical cancer and kidney disease. Wilson also worked as a stand up comic and appeared in music videos and films. Fundraisers had been organized to assist with medical costs.

Raquel Welch

The screen icon died in Los Angeles. Family statements referenced a brief illness and officials listed cardiac arrest. Welch appeared in films television and stage productions and later launched beauty and fitness ventures. Tributes highlighted her long career in popular culture.

Irene Cara

The singer and actor died in Florida. The medical examiner reported cardiovascular disease. She was known for ‘Fame’ and ‘Flashdance What a Feeling’ and worked as a songwriter and producer. Her recordings continue to receive heavy rotation on radio and streaming.

Lynn Shelton

The filmmaker died in Los Angeles after a sudden collapse. Doctors identified a previously undiagnosed blood disorder. She directed independent features and television episodes including acclaimed comedies and dramas. Colleagues honored her mentorship of emerging creators.

Anne Meara

The actor and comedian died in New York City. Family statements cited natural causes. She performed with Jerry Stiller as a duo and built a long career in film and television. Meara also wrote and directed for stage productions.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The socialite and actor died in Los Angeles. Reports listed heart failure after a prolonged period of ill health. She appeared in films television and talk shows and was known for public appearances. Estate matters continued for years after her death.

Doris Roberts

The ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ actor died in Los Angeles. Family and representatives described natural causes. She worked across stage film and television with a career spanning decades. Industry organizations recognized her charitable and union advocacy.

Jessica Walter

The award winning actor died in New York City. She passed away in her sleep according to family announcements. Walter had major roles in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Archer’ and many stage credits. Her body of work includes numerous guest appearances in classic television.

Helen McCrory

The ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Harry Potter’ actor died in London. Her family said she had been battling cancer. McCrory worked extensively in theater and on screen and supported arts education. Memorials celebrated her range and philanthropic efforts.

Diana Rigg

The star of ‘The Avengers’ and later ‘Game of Thrones’ died in London. Her family shared that she had cancer. Rigg also had a distinguished theater career with major classical roles. She left a legacy of award winning performances.

Mary Alice

The actor known for ‘A Different World’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ died in New York City. Authorities cited natural causes. She had a celebrated stage career including a Tony Award. Her film and television work influenced many performers.

Mira Furlan

The ‘Babylon 5’ and ‘Lost’ actor died in Los Angeles. Her family noted complications from West Nile virus. Furlan had a prominent career in Croatian and Yugoslav theater and cinema before moving to the United States. She continued to perform in concerts and cultural events.

Share the names you were most surprised to learn about in the comments and tell us who else should be remembered.