Every Major Sitcom Star Who Died in the 21st Century

Sitcoms have shaped television for decades, and the performers who brought those characters to life left a mark that still lingers in living rooms everywhere. This list looks back at beloved stars who passed away in the 21st century and reminds us where we first met them, which roles defined them, and when they left us.

Matthew Perry

Known worldwide as Chandler Bing on ‘Friends’, he also headlined ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘The Odd Couple’ reboot. He wrote a memoir that detailed his long recovery journey and supported addiction treatment initiatives. He died in 2023 in Los Angeles at age 54.

Betty White

A television pioneer, she starred on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, ‘The Golden Girls’, and later ‘Hot in Cleveland’. Her career spanned over seven decades with multiple Emmy wins and constant guest appearances. She died in 2021 at age 99.

Bob Saget

He played Danny Tanner on ‘Full House’ and returned for ‘Fuller House’, while also hosting ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’. Away from sitcoms he toured as a stand-up and directed films and specials. He died in 2022 at age 65.

John Ritter

He broke out as Jack Tripper on ‘Three’s Company’ and later led ‘8 Simple Rules’. His physical comedy style influenced many performers across network TV. He died in 2003 at age 54.

Kirstie Alley

She joined ‘Cheers’ as Rebecca Howe and won an Emmy and Golden Globe for the role. She later starred in ‘Veronica’s Closet’ and appeared on various reality and competition shows. She died in 2022 at age 71.

Jerry Stiller

He became a late-career favorite as Frank Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’ and Arthur Spooner on ‘The King of Queens’. Earlier he worked for decades with Anne Meara as the duo Stiller and Meara. He died in 2020 at age 92.

Estelle Harris

Viewers knew her as Estelle Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’ and as the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the ‘Toy Story’ films. She also appeared on ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ and guest-starred across network comedies. She died in 2022 at age 93.

Doris Roberts

As Marie Barone on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, she won four Emmys for supporting actress. Her television work stretched back to the 1960s with dozens of guest roles and TV movies. She died in 2016 at age 90.

Peter Boyle

He played Frank Barone on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ after film work in ‘Young Frankenstein’. His sitcom presence anchored nine seasons as the gruff but loving grandfather. He died in 2006 at age 71.

John Mahoney

He portrayed Martin Crane on ‘Frasier’, bringing a grounded counterpoint to the show’s wit. His stage and film work continued alongside voice roles in animation. He died in 2018 at age 77.

James Avery

Millions remember him as Uncle Phil on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. He worked steadily in voice acting and guest roles after the series ended. He died in 2013 at age 68.

Conchata Ferrell

She became a fan favorite as Berta on ‘Two and a Half Men’ and earned multiple Emmy nominations. Her career included ‘L.A. Law’ and character roles in film and TV. She died in 2020 at age 77.

Leslie Jordan

He stole scenes on ‘Will & Grace’ and won an Emmy for guest actor on the series. He also appeared on ‘The Cool Kids’ and built a large social media following during lockdowns. He died in 2022 at age 67.

Fred Willard

A master of deadpan timing, he recurred on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ and ‘Modern Family’. His mockumentary film work paralleled steady sitcom appearances. He died in 2020 at age 86.

Ed Asner

He starred as Lou Grant on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and remained active with guest spots on comedies for decades. Viewers also knew his voice from animation work and specials. He died in 2021 at age 91.

Mary Tyler Moore

She led ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, a landmark sitcom that reshaped how women were portrayed on TV. Her production company helped foster other classic comedies. She died in 2017 at age 80.

Bea Arthur

She headlined ‘Maude’ and later ‘The Golden Girls’, earning Emmys for both series. Her stage and TV work showcased a singular voice and presence. She died in 2009 at age 86.

Rue McClanahan

As Blanche Devereaux on ‘The Golden Girls’, she became a pop culture staple. She continued with stage work and frequent TV appearances after the series. She died in 2010 at age 76.

Estelle Getty

She played Sophia Petrillo on ‘The Golden Girls’ and its spin-offs and won an Emmy for the role. Her portrayal influenced generations of TV matriarchs. She died in 2008 at age 84.

Don Knotts

Best known for Barney Fife on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’, he later joined ‘Three’s Company’ as Mr. Furley. He won five Emmys and worked in film and animation voices. He died in 2006 at age 81.

Andy Griffith

He anchored ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and later returned to television success in drama. His folksy style shaped early network comedy. He died in 2012 at age 86.

Cindy Williams

She was beloved as Shirley Feeney on ‘Laverne & Shirley’, one of the highest-rated sitcoms of its era. She continued with stage tours and TV guest work for years. She died in 2023 at age 75.

Penny Marshall

She starred as Laverne DeFazio on ‘Laverne & Shirley’ and later became a trailblazing director. Her films and TV credits bridged comedy and box office success. She died in 2018 at age 75.

Robin Williams

He broke out as Mork on ‘Mork & Mindy’ and moved between stand-up, film, and television for decades. He returned to series work late in his career with ‘The Crazy Ones’. He died in 2014 at age 63.

Richard Moll

He played Bull Shannon on ‘Night Court’ and returned for reunions and voice roles across animation. His towering physicality and gentle persona made him a memorable sitcom presence. He died in 2023 at age 80.

Harry Anderson

He starred as Judge Harry Stone on ‘Night Court’ and made frequent magic-themed TV appearances. He also led the sitcom ‘Dave’s World’ in the 1990s. He died in 2018 at age 65.

Martin Mull

A sharp character actor, he appeared on ‘Roseanne’, ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, and ‘Arrested Development’. He also worked as a musician and painter across a long career. He died in 2024 at age 80.

Richard Lewis

Known for playing himself on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, he balanced stand-up with acting for decades. His neurotic comedic style became central to the show’s rhythm. He died in 2024 at age 76.

Suzanne Somers

She became a star on ‘Three’s Company’ as Chrissy Snow and later headlined ‘Step by Step’. Her business ventures and wellness books ran alongside TV work. She died in 2023 at age 76.

Alan Thicke

He led ‘Growing Pains’ as Jason Seaver and wrote TV theme songs that viewers still recognize. He continued with hosting, acting, and reality TV appearances. He died in 2016 at age 69.

Patty Duke

She moved from ‘The Patty Duke Show’ into film and stage while regularly returning to TV. Her advocacy and memoirs brought attention to mental health. She died in 2016 at age 69.

Charlotte Rae

She played Mrs. Garrett on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and ‘The Facts of Life’ and remained active on stage. She also wrote a memoir about her life and career. She died in 2018 at age 92.

Cloris Leachman

She won Emmys for Phyllis on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and led the spin-off ‘Phyllis’. Later generations saw her on ‘Raising Hope’ and many guest roles. She died in 2021 at age 94.

Howard Hesseman

Viewers knew him as Dr. Johnny Fever on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ and as a teacher on ‘Head of the Class’. He continued to appear in films and television through the 2010s. He died in 2022 at age 81.

Bernie Mac

He headlined ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ and won a Peabody for its candid family storytelling. Before that he was a standout in ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ and scene-stealing sitcom guest spots. He died in 2008 and left a legacy that influenced a new wave of single camera comedies.

Florence Henderson

She became a household name as Carol Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch’ and returned for multiple reunion projects. Her television career included hosting and frequent guest appearances across daytime and primetime. She died in 2016 after more than five decades on screen.

Sherman Hemsley

Audiences knew him as George Jefferson on ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ and later on ‘Amen’. His catchphrases and quick timing made him a staple of network comedy schedules worldwide. He died in 2012 and remained a syndicated favorite for years.

Isabel Sanford

She won an Emmy for Louise Jefferson on ‘The Jeffersons’ and appeared as the character in specials and crossovers. Earlier roles on ‘All in the Family’ helped launch the spin off’s success. She died in 2004 and became the first Black woman to win the lead actress Emmy in a comedy.

Don Adams

He starred as Maxwell Smart on ‘Get Smart’ and later returned to the role in television films. He also played the title detective on ‘Inspector Gadget’ as a voice performance that reached new generations. He died in 2005 after a long career in television and animation.

Bob Denver

He was forever linked to Gilligan on ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and revisited the role in reunion movies and specials. Earlier he co starred on ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis’ as Maynard G. Krebs. He died in 2005 and remained a fixture of classic TV blocks.

Dawn Wells

She played Mary Ann on ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and kept a busy schedule of theater tours and TV guest spots. She appeared in reunion projects and wrote about life on the show. She died in 2020 and was celebrated for her warm screen presence.

Russell Johnson

Fans knew him as the Professor on ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and he continued acting in television and film for decades. He embraced fan conventions and spoke often about the show’s enduring popularity. He died in 2014 with credits that stretched back to the 1950s.

Ken Berry

He led ‘F Troop’ and later starred on ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’ and ‘Mama’s Family’. His background in dance and musical comedy shaped his physical performance style on sitcoms. He died in 2018 after a long run across stage and television.

Tim Conway

He broke out on ‘McHale’s Navy’ and became a regular scene stealer on ‘The Carol Burnett Show’. Sitcom audiences later saw him on ‘Yes, Dear’ and guest roles that showed off his improvisational skill. He died in 2019 and was widely honored by comedians and writers.

Dustin Diamond

He played Screech on ‘Saved by the Bell’ and returned for spin offs and TV movies. He worked in stand up and reality television while continuing to act. He died in 2021 and remains closely associated with the franchise’s pop culture impact.

Jerry Van Dyke

He earned acclaim as Luther Van Dam on ‘Coach’ across the show’s long network run. Earlier he headlined ‘My Mother the Car’ and built a steady career as a character actor. He died in 2018 with numerous sitcom credits to his name.

Bonnie Franklin

She led ‘One Day at a Time’ as Ann Romano and helped put a modern single mother at the center of a network sitcom. Her theater background supported TV work that included directing and advocacy. She died in 2013 and is still referenced in discussions of groundbreaking sitcom roles.

Pat Harrington, Jr.

He won an Emmy for Dwayne Schneider on ‘One Day at a Time’ and became one of television’s most recognizable building superintendents. His voice and guest work appeared across animated and live action series. He died in 2016 after decades in television.

Valerie Harper

She starred as Rhoda on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and the spin off ‘Rhoda’ and won multiple Emmys. She continued to work on stage and television with recurring roles and tours. She died in 2019 and remained a symbol of independent sitcom heroines.

Share your favorite memories of these performers in the comments and tell us which roles still make you laugh today.