Most Notable Celebs who Died in January 2026

The entertainment industry faced a series of significant losses in the first month of 2026, bidding farewell to icons across film, television, music, and fashion. These figures left behind enduring legacies that shaped their respective fields and influenced audiences worldwide. From pioneering musicians to legendary screen stars, these individuals are remembered for their profound contributions to popular culture. This list honors the notable celebrities and industry figures who passed away in January 2026.

Victoria Jones

Actress Victoria Jones passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 34. She was found deceased, although a specific cause of death has not been widely reported to the public at this time. Jones was recognized for her various contributions to the acting profession during her burgeoning career. Her sudden passing at a young age sent ripples through her professional community and among those who followed her work.

Bret Shuford

Broadway performer Bret Hanna-Shuford died on January 3, 2026, at the age of 46. His passing was attributed to complications from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and lymphoma. Hanna-Shuford was a respected figure in the theater world, known for his work in numerous stage productions over the years. His career on Broadway showcased his extensive talents in musical theater and dramatic acting.

Sidney Kibrick

Former child actor Sidney Kibrick passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 97. His death was reported as being due to age-related causes following a long life. Kibrick was famously known for his role as the character Woim in the ‘Our Gang’ short films during the 1930s. He later transitioned away from the limelight but remained a notable figure from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Béla Tarr

Acclaimed filmmaker Béla Tarr died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 70 following a prolonged illness. The Hungarian director was celebrated for his unique cinematic style characterized by philosophical themes and incredibly long takes. He gained international recognition for works such as ‘Sátántangó’ and ‘The Turin Horse’. Tarr’s profound influence on arthouse cinema remains significant among directors and film enthusiasts worldwide.

Guy Moon

Renowned composer Guy Moon passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 63 from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was prolific in the world of television, particularly for his extensive work on animated series. Moon provided the musical scores for ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Danny Phantom’, among many others. His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the musical identity of modern animation.

T.K. Carter

Actor T.K. Carter died on January 9, 2026, at the age of 69 at his home. While his passing was confirmed by representatives, no specific cause of death has been widely reported. Carter was well-known for his memorable roles in the film ‘The Thing’ and the sitcom ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’. He also appeared in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Corner’, earning praise for his dramatic range.

Bob Weir

Legendary musician Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on January 10, 2026, at the age of 78. His death was the result of lung issues following a well-documented history of cancer. As a singer and guitarist, Weir was a central figure in the counterculture movement and the global jam band scene. He continued to perform for decades with various iterations of his original group, including ‘Dead & Company’.

Scott Adams

Cartoonist Scott Adams passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. He was the creator of the long-running comic strip ‘Dilbert’, which satirized office culture and corporate life for millions of readers. The strip was syndicated in thousands of newspapers globally at the height of its popularity. Adams also authored several books focusing on business philosophy and social commentary throughout his life.

Bruce Bilson

Prolific television director Bruce Bilson passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 97 from age-related causes. He was a mainstay of American television production, directing episodes for iconic series such as ‘Get Smart’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. Bilson won an Emmy Award for his work on ‘Get Smart’ in 1968. His career spanned over five decades, during which he worked on dozens of popular sitcoms and dramas.

Roger Allers

Renowned animator and film director Roger Allers passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 76 after a brief illness. He is most famous for co-directing the Disney animated classic ‘The Lion King’. Allers also worked on other major features during the Disney Renaissance, including ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin’. His contributions to the field of animation helped shape the landscape of modern cinema.

Valentino

Legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani died on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93 from natural causes at his home. Known globally simply as Valentino, he founded his eponymous fashion house in 1960. He became famous for his signature “Valentino Red” dresses and dressed countless celebrities and international royalty. His immense influence on the high-fashion industry and global culture spanned over half a century.

Rob Hirst

Musician Rob Hirst, a founding member and drummer of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 70. His passing followed a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hirst was instrumental in the band’s international success, contributing as a primary songwriter for hits like ‘Beds Are Burning’. Beyond his musical talent, he was widely known for his activism and commitment to environmental causes.

Francis Buchholz

Francis Buchholz, the former bassist for the rock band Scorpions, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 71. His death was attributed to cancer. Buchholz was a member of the band during their most commercially successful period, performing on legendary albums like ‘Love at First Sting’. His bass lines were a foundation of the band’s hard rock sound throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Elle Simone Scott

Television host and cookbook author Elle Simone Scott died on January 25, 2026, at the age of 49. Her death was the result of ovarian cancer, a battle she had fought for several years. Scott was a prominent star on the series ‘America’s Test Kitchen’ and a trailblazer for women of color in the culinary world. She was also the founder of SheChef, an organization dedicated to supporting professional female chefs.

Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar

Legendary Jamaican drummer Sly Dunbar passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 73. A specific cause of death was not immediately specified following the announcement of his passing. As one half of the prolific duo Sly & Robbie, Dunbar revolutionized reggae and dancehall music through his innovative percussion. He worked with a diverse range of international artists, including Bob Dylan and Grace Jones, over several decades.

Catherine O’Hara

Celebrated actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. While her death was confirmed, no specific cause has been provided by her family or representatives. O’Hara was an Emmy-winning performer known for her roles in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, ‘Home Alone’, and ‘Beetlejuice’. Her career began with the ‘Second City Television’ sketch comedy troupe, establishing her as a legendary comedic icon.

Please share your memories and thoughts on these influential figures in the comments.