Actors You Might Not Know Are Dead

The film and television industry frequently mourns the loss of talented individuals who have dedicated their lives to entertaining audiences worldwide. While some passings receive intense media coverage and stay in the public eye for weeks others happen more quietly. Fans may continue to see these performers in reruns or on streaming platforms without realizing they are no longer with us. This list highlights several male actors who have passed away in recent years or whose deaths may have gone unnoticed by the general public. Their work continues to be celebrated and remembered by those who appreciated their unique talents on screen.

James Michael Tyler

James Michael Tyler was best known for his long standing role as Gunther on the hit sitcom ‘Friends’. He appeared in more episodes than any other recurring guest star throughout the ten year run of the series. His character was famously known for managing the Central Perk coffee house and his unrequited love for Rachel Green. He also appeared in shows like ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ and the series ‘Episodes’. He passed away in 2021 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Willie Garson

Willie Garson was a beloved character actor who gained widespread fame for playing Stanford Blatch on ‘Sex and the City’. He brought a sense of warmth and humor to the screen as the best friend of Carrie Bradshaw. Many viewers also recognized him from his prominent role as Mozzie in the television series ‘White Collar’. He worked on over seventy films and hundreds of television episodes during his decades in the industry. He died in 2021 while filming the revival series titled ‘And Just Like That’.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was known for his commanding presence and deep voice in both film and television. He played pivotal roles in major series like ‘The Wire’ and ‘Fringe’ as well as ‘Bosch’. Film fans recognized him as the elegant concierge Charon in the popular ‘John Wick’ franchise. He also provided his voice and likeness to several major video game titles including ‘Destiny’ and ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’. He died unexpectedly in 2023 at the age of sixty.

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane became a household name for a new generation by playing Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. The Scottish actor brought immense heart and kindness to the role of the beloved half giant groundskeeper. Before his time at Hogwarts he was well known for his lead role in the crime drama ‘Cracker’. He also appeared in two James Bond films titled ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’. He passed away in 2022 after dealing with health issues for several years.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan was a comedic actor whose diminutive stature was matched by his giant personality. He won an Emmy Award for his guest role as Beverley Leslie on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. During the global pandemic he became a social media sensation by posting humorous videos for his millions of followers. He also had a recurring presence in several seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He died in 2022 following a car accident in Los Angeles.

Dustin Diamond

Dustin Diamond was immortalized as the quirky Samuel Screech Powers on the teen sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. He played the character for over a decade across various incarnations of the show from junior high to college. After his time on the show he pursued a career in stand up comedy and appeared on several reality television programs. He remained a recognizable figure in pop culture due to the enduring legacy of his childhood role. He passed away in 2021 shortly after being diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Angus Cloud

Angus Cloud was a rising star who gained international recognition for his role as Fezco on the drama ‘Euphoria’. He was discovered on a street in Manhattan and had no formal acting experience before landing the part. His naturalistic performance as a kind hearted drug dealer made him a breakout favorite among viewers. He also appeared in films like ‘North Hollywood’ and ‘The Line’ before his career was cut short. He died in 2023 at the young age of twenty five.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was a powerhouse actor known for his versatility in both heavy drama and deadpan comedy. He first gained fame as Detective Frank Pembleton on the series ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. Later in his career he won over a new audience as the stern but lovable Captain Raymond Holt on ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. He received numerous Emmy nominations and awards throughout his esteemed career in the industry. He passed away in 2023 after a brief illness.

Paul Reubens

Paul Reubens was the creative mind behind the iconic character Pee wee Herman. He starred in the classic film ‘Pee wee’s Big Adventure’ and the imaginative Saturday morning show ‘Pee wee’s Playhouse’. Outside of his most famous role he appeared in projects like ‘Mystery Men’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. He was known for his unique comedic timing and visual style that appealed to both children and adults. He died in 2023 after privately fighting cancer for several years.

Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore was a staple of major Hollywood productions throughout the nineties and early two thousands. He delivered memorable performances in acclaimed films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Heat’ as well as ‘Black Hawk Down’. He often played tough characters and soldiers which showcased his intense acting style. His career spanned decades and included dozens of roles in both film and television. He passed away in 2023 following a brain aneurysm.

William Hurt

William Hurt was a highly respected actor who won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. He was a major star in the eighties with leading roles in ‘Body Heat’ and ‘Broadcast News’. In more recent years he became known to younger fans as General Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His career was marked by his intellectual approach to acting and his presence in prestige dramas. He died in 2022 at the age of seventy two.

Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Gottfried was known for his distinctively loud and raspy voice as well as his daring stand up comedy. He provided the voice for the sarcastic parrot Iago in the Disney animated classic ‘Aladdin’. He was a frequent guest on talk shows and became a staple of celebrity roasts due to his unique delivery. Many fans also remember him as the Aflac duck in television commercials for many years. He passed away in 2022 following a long term heart condition.

Louie Anderson

Louie Anderson was a successful stand up comedian and actor who created the animated series ‘Life with Louie’. He hosted the game show ‘Family Feud’ for several years and remained active in the comedy circuit. Later in his career he earned an Emmy Award for his role as Christine Baskets on the series ‘Baskets’. His performance was praised for its sincerity and humor in a challenging role. He died in 2022 after being treated for non Hodgkin lymphoma.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier was a trailblazing actor who became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He starred in legendary films such as ‘Lilies of the Field’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’. His work helped break down racial barriers in Hollywood during the civil rights movement. He also directed several successful films including ‘Stir Crazy’ and ‘Uptown Saturday Night’. He passed away in 2022 at the age of ninety four leaving behind a massive cultural legacy.

Michael Constantine

Michael Constantine had a long and varied career but he is most remembered for his role in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. He played the Windex obsessed patriarch Gus Portokalos in the original film and its sequels. Earlier in his career he won an Emmy for his work on the television series ‘Room 222’. He was a consistent presence on television for decades appearing in shows like ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘Remington Steele’. He died in 2021 at the age of ninety four.

Ned Beatty

Ned Beatty was a prolific character actor who appeared in over one hundred and sixty films throughout his life. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his brief but powerful role in the film ‘Network’. Many fans remember him as Otis the bumbling henchman in the original ‘Superman’ films starring Christopher Reeve. He also voiced the character Lotso in the animated hit ‘Toy Story 3’. He passed away in 2021 from natural causes at his home in Los Angeles.

Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin was a master of deadpan comedy and appeared in many classic films. He is perhaps best known to families as the father in the ‘Beethoven’ movies about a large St. Bernard dog. He also starred alongside Robert De Niro in the action comedy ‘Midnight Run’. Beyond acting he was a writer and an Emmy winning talk show host during the nineties. He passed away in 2021 after a battle with bone marrow cancer.

Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto was a versatile actor who appeared in some of the most influential films of the seventies and eighties. He played the engineer Parker in the sci fi horror classic ‘Alien’ and the villain Mr. Big in the James Bond film ‘Live and Let Die’. He also had a long running role as Lieutenant Al Giardello on the series ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. His commanding screen presence made him a standout in every project he joined. He died in 2021 at the age of eighty one.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer was a legendary actor whose career spanned seven decades on stage and screen. He is most famous for playing Captain von Trapp in the beloved musical ‘The Sound of Music’. He became the oldest actor to win an Academy Award for his performance in the film ‘Beginners’. Even in his final years he continued to work on major projects like ‘Knives Out’ and ‘All the Money in the World’. He passed away in 2021 at his home in Connecticut.

Hal Holbrook

Hal Holbrook was a distinguished actor known for his long running one man show portraying Mark Twain. He had a significant film career with roles in ‘All the President’s Men’ and ‘The Fog’. At the age of eighty two he became one of the oldest performers to receive an Academy Award nomination for ‘Into the Wild’. He was a frequent guest on television shows ranging from ‘The West Wing’ to ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He died in 2021 at the age of ninety five.

Ian Holm

Ian Holm was an English actor of great range who appeared in many iconic roles. He is widely recognized for playing Bilbo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘The Hobbit’ films. He also played the android Ash in the original ‘Alien’ and received an Oscar nomination for ‘Chariots of Fire’. His work on the London stage was equally celebrated throughout his career. He passed away in 2020 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Jerry Stiller

Jerry Stiller was a comedy legend who found fame twice in his long career. He first became a star as half of the comedy duo Stiller and Meara with his wife Anne Meara. Later he became a pop culture icon for his role as Frank Costanza on the sitcom ‘Seinfeld’. He followed this success with another long running role as Arthur Spooner on ‘The King of Queens’. He was the father of actor Ben Stiller and remained active in the industry until late in life. He died in 2020 at the age of ninety two.

Fred Willard

Fred Willard was a master of improvisational comedy and was frequently cast in mockumentary films. He worked closely with director Christopher Guest on projects like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. He was also a recurring guest on ‘Modern Family’ where he played the father of Phil Dunphy. His ability to deliver hilarious lines with a straight face made him a favorite among fellow comedians. He passed away in 2020 from natural causes.

Brian Dennehy

Brian Dennehy was a formidable character actor known for his physical presence and deep talent. He first rose to fame as the antagonist Sheriff Will Teasle in the film ‘First Blood’ starring Sylvester Stallone. He was a two time Tony Award winner for his work in theater and won a Golden Globe for ‘Death of a Salesman’. His filmography includes roles in ‘Cocoon’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’ as well as the animated film ‘Ratatouille’. He died in 2020 at the age of eighty one.

Max von Sydow

Max von Sydow was a Swedish actor who enjoyed an international career that lasted over sixty years. He began his journey in legendary films directed by Ingmar Bergman such as ‘The Seventh Seal’. American audiences know him best as Father Merrin in the horror classic ‘The Exorcist’. In his later years he appeared in ‘Star Wars The Force Awakens’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. He passed away in 2020 leaving behind a massive body of work across multiple languages.

Orson Bean

Orson Bean was a staple of American television for over fifty years as an actor and game show panelist. He had a long running role as Loren Bray on the series ‘Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman’. Film fans may remember him for his roles in ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ and the surreal comedy ‘Being John Malkovich’. He was a frequent guest on ‘The Tonight Show’ and appeared in hundreds of episodes of various programs. He died in 2020 after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Los Angeles.

Robert Conrad

Robert Conrad was an action star best known for his lead role as James T. West in the series ‘The Wild Wild West’. He performed many of his own stunts and was known for his athletic ability on screen. He also starred in the World War II drama ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ as Major Greg Pappy Boyington. Throughout the seventies he was a recognizable figure in television commercials and celebrity sporting events. He passed away in 2020 at the age of eighty four.

Danny Aiello

Danny Aiello was a character actor who brought authenticity to many New York based roles. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Sal the pizzeria owner in ‘Do the Right Thing’. He also appeared in classic films such as ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Moonstruck’. His career included work on Broadway and a stint as a singer with several album releases. He died in 2019 following a sudden illness.

René Auberjonois

René Auberjonois was a prolific actor who found great success on both the stage and the small screen. He is most famous for playing Odo the shape shifter on the series ‘Star Trek Deep Space Nine’. He also had a long running role as Clayton Endicott III on the sitcom ‘Benson’. Film fans recognize him from his role as Father Mulcahy in the original ‘MASH’ movie. He passed away in 2019 after a battle with metastatic lung cancer.

Robert Forster

Robert Forster had a long career that saw a major resurgence when he was cast in ‘Jackie Brown’. Director Quentin Tarantino gave him the role of Max Cherry which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He appeared in over one hundred films including ‘Medium Cool’ and the more recent ‘The Descendants’. He also reprised his role as Ed in the ‘Breaking Bad’ universe for the film ‘El Camino’. He died in 2019 on the same day his final film was released.

Rip Torn

Rip Torn was a highly respected actor known for his volatile and intense performances. He won an Emmy Award for his role as Artie the producer on ‘The Larry Sanders Show’. Many moviegoers recognize him as Chief Agent Z in the ‘Men in Black’ film franchise. His career spanned sixty years and included an Oscar nomination for the film ‘Cross Creek’. He passed away in 2019 at his home in Connecticut.

John Mahoney

John Mahoney was an English born actor who became a staple of American television. He is best known for playing Martin Crane the retired police officer father on the hit sitcom ‘Frasier’. Before his television success he was a celebrated stage actor in Chicago and won a Tony Award. He also appeared in films like ‘Say Anything’ and ‘The American President’. He died in 2018 at the age of seventy seven while in hospice care.

David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers was an actor and conductor who gained fame for his role on ‘MASH’. He played the arrogant but talented Major Charles Emerson Winchester III for several seasons. He was also a prolific voice actor who voiced Cogsworth in the Disney film ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His voice was featured in many other animated projects including ‘Pocahontas’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’. He passed away in 2018 from complications related to bladder cancer.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E. Cathey was a character actor with a distinctively deep and resonant voice. He earned widespread acclaim for his role as Norman Wilson on the series ‘The Wire’. He also won an Emmy Award for his performance as Freddy Hayes on the political drama ‘House of Cards’. His career included roles in films like ‘Seven’ and ‘The Mask’ as well as many theatrical productions. He died in 2018 at the age of fifty nine.

Michael Nyqvist

Michael Nyqvist was a Swedish actor who became internationally famous for the ‘Millennium’ series. He played the lead role of Mikael Blomkvist in the original Swedish film versions of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. He also gained recognition in Hollywood as the villain in the first ‘John Wick’ film and ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’. He was one of the most respected actors in Sweden before his transition to global stardom. He passed away in 2017 after a battle with lung cancer.

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton was a versatile actor who appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters of the eighties and nineties. He holds the rare distinction of being killed by a Predator an Alien and a Terminator on screen. He starred in classic films such as ‘Twister’ and ‘Apollo 13’ and the drama series ‘Big Love’. He also directed several films including the psychological thriller ‘Frailty’. He died unexpectedly in 2017 following complications from heart surgery.

Miguel Ferrer

Miguel Ferrer was an actor known for playing tough and cynical characters throughout his career. He had a memorable role as the designer of RoboCop in the original 1987 film. He later became well known for playing Albert Rosenfield on ‘Twin Peaks’ and Owen Granger on ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. He was a talented musician and the son of legendary actor José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney. He passed away in 2017 after a battle with throat cancer.

John Hurt

John Hurt was an English actor whose career was defined by his incredible range and unique voice. He delivered haunting performances in ‘The Elephant Man’ and the dystopian film ‘1984’. Many fans remember him for the infamous chestburster scene in the original ‘Alien’ movie. He also played Mr. Ollivander the wand maker in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. He died in 2017 shortly after receiving a knighthood for his services to drama.

Powers Boothe

Powers Boothe was an actor known for his intense portrayals of both heroes and villains. He won an Emmy Award for his role as the cult leader Jim Jones in a television movie. He had memorable turns as Curly Bill Brocius in ‘Tombstone’ and Senator Roark in ‘Sin City’. In his later years he had recurring roles in ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. He passed away in 2017 at the age of sixty eight.

Harry Dean Stanton

Harry Dean Stanton was a legendary character actor with a career that spanned over six decades. He starred in the classic film ‘Paris Texas’ and had memorable roles in ‘Alien’ and ‘Repo Man’. He was a favorite of director David Lynch and appeared in ‘Wild at Heart’ and the revival of ‘Twin Peaks’. His weathered face and understated acting style made him a cult favorite among film fans. He died in 2017 at the age of ninety one.

Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan was a massive man with an equally large talent who broke through in ‘The Green Mile’. His performance as John Coffey earned him an Academy Award nomination and touched the hearts of millions. He went on to star in films like ‘Armageddon’ and ‘The Whole Nine Yards’. He also provided his booming voice to many animated characters and video games. He passed away in 2012 following a major heart attack.

James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini changed the landscape of television with his portrayal of Tony Soprano on ‘The Sopranos’. His work on the series earned him three Emmy Awards and solidified him as one of the greatest actors in television history. Outside of his most famous role he appeared in films like ‘True Romance’ and ‘Get Shorty’. He was respected for his ability to bring vulnerability to physically imposing characters. He died suddenly in 2013 while on vacation in Italy.

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman was a child star who became a household name on the sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. His catchphrase became a staple of pop culture during the late seventies and early eighties. After the show ended he struggled with health issues and finding consistent work in the industry. He remained a recognizable figure through reality television and various public appearances over the years. He passed away in 2010 at the age of forty two.

Corey Haim

Corey Haim was a teen idol during the eighties who starred in several classic films. He is best remembered for his roles in ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Lucas’ as well as ‘License to Drive’. He often worked alongside fellow actor Corey Feldman and the two were collectively known as the Two Coreys. Despite his early success he faced many personal challenges in his later life. He died in 2010 at the age of thirty eight.

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen began his career as a serious dramatic actor before reinventing himself as a comedy legend. He found massive success in the parody film ‘Airplane!’ where his deadpan delivery became his trademark. He later starred as Frank Drebin in the ‘Naked Gun’ series and the ‘Police Squad’ television show. His work defined the spoof genre for several decades and brought laughter to millions. He passed away in 2010 at the age of eighty four.

Peter Falk

Peter Falk was an actor who became synonymous with his role as Lieutenant Columbo. He played the rumpled cigar smoking detective for over thirty years across multiple decades of television. He was also a respected film actor who appeared in ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘Wings of Desire’. He received two Academy Award nominations during his career for his work in drama. He died in 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee was a legendary actor known for playing some of the most famous villains in cinema history. He starred as Dracula in many horror films before joining major franchises later in his life. He played Count Dooku in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels and Saruman in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. His deep voice and imposing height made him a unique presence on screen for over sixty years. He passed away in 2015 at the age of ninety three.

Rutger Hauer

Rutger Hauer was a Dutch actor who made a significant impact on international cinema. He is most famous for his role as the replicant Roy Batty in the sci fi classic ‘Blade Runner’. His iconic speech at the end of that film is considered one of the greatest moments in movie history. He also starred in ‘Ladyhawke’ and ‘The Hitcher’ and appeared in ‘Batman Begins’. He died in 2019 following a short illness at his home in the Netherlands.

Bruno Ganz

Bruno Ganz was a Swiss actor who was considered one of the greatest performers in the German language. He gained international fame for his role as an angel in the film ‘Wings of Desire’. Many modern viewers recognize him from his intense portrayal of Adolf Hitler in the historical drama ‘Downfall’. His performance in that film became a viral sensation through various internet parodies over the years. He passed away in 2019 at the age of seventy seven.

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