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Entertainment Stars We Lost in the 2010s

Remembering Elizabeth Taylor Muhammad Ali Robin Williams and more

Valerie Harper actress 80

Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Survivor Mitzvah Project (Aug. 22, 1939 — Aug. 30, 2019) Harper started out as a dancer on Broadway before finding fame as Mary Tyler Moore's bestie, Rhoda, from 1970 to 1974. She aced the role, which led to her own spin-off, Rhoda in fall 1974. The actress faced several bouts of cancer after the first diagnosis in 2009.

Tim Conway actor 85

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images (Dec. 15, 1933 — May 14, 2019) A six-time Emmy winner best known as an actor and writer for The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978), Conway was a master of physical comedy and risky, deadpan improv that could stretch a skit from four minutes to 10. Conway won his last Emmy at 74, playing garrulous old-time actor Bucky Bright on 30 Rock (2008). Said Burnett, “I remember Johnny Carson saying that Tim made him laugh more than anybody." Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Doris Day singer and actress 97

Paul Harris/Getty Images (April 3, 1922 — May 13, 2019) At age 12, Day (born Doris Kappelhoff) almost died in a car wreck that ended her dance career. Her sugar-and-spice image propelled her to a second career as a No. 1 film actress opposite Frank Sinatra, James Stewart and, most famously, Rock Hudson. The film Pillow Talk (1959) earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress. She recorded her final studio album in 2011.

Penny Marshall director and actress 75

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images (Oct. 15, 1943 — Dec. 17, 2018) Penny Marshall was a comic actress who was also a master director of drama, and the first woman to direct a movie grossing more than $100 million — twice, with 1988's Big and 1992's A League of Their Own, starring Tom Hanks, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell. Her lovable Bronx honk became famous in the No. 1 TV comedy Laverne & Shirley (1976-83).

Burt Reynolds actor 82

Mike Windle/Getty Images for SXSW (Feb. 11, 1936 — Sept. 6, 2018) At the height of his fame in the 1970s, Burt Reynolds was the biggest movie star on the planet. His sly grin and unabashed embrace of his sex-symbol status powered the Smokey and the Bandit (1977) franchise and Me Decade hits like Deliverance (1972) and Hooper (1978). He burst back onto the movie scene in 1997's Boogie Nights, playing a seedy, ‘70s porn flick producer. The role earned him his only Academy Award nomination, for best supporting actor.

Anthony Bourdain chef and writer 61

James Keivom/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images (June 25, 1956 — June 8, 2018) The dynamic celebrity chef with a knack for storytelling ran several New York restaurants and eventually became an executive chef at brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan. America discovered Bourdain after his wildly popular tell-all memoir Kitchen Confidential (2000), and later, when he hosted programs for the Food Network, Travel Channel and, most recently, CNN. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe

Adam West actor 88

Mike Coppola/Getty Images (Sept. 19, 1928 — June 9, 2017) Known as the crime-fighting superhero Batman in the popular 1960s television series, West died after a short battle with leukemia. The man with a memorable voice made a return to Gotham City in many animated incarnations. Entertainment Access curated AARP entertainment articles, essays, videos, films and more See more Entertainment offers >

Roger Moore actor 89

Stuart Wilson/Getty Images (Oct. 14, 1927 — May 23, 2017) Making his 007 debut in Live and Let Die (1973), Sir Roger Moore played suave British secret agent James Bond in seven films, concluding with A View to a Kill (1985). Although he later appeared in several television shows and films, he became focused on supporting UNICEF, becoming the charity's goodwill ambassador in 1991.

Mary Tyler Moore actress 80

L. Cohen/WireImage (Dec. 29, 1936 — Jan. 25, 2017) Moore was widely regarded as “America's sweetheart” for her pioneering role as Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-77). The beloved actress also starred on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66) as Laura Petrie and was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Beth Jarrett in the 1980 movie Ordinary People.

Debbie Reynolds actress 84

Ethan Miller/Getty Images (April 1, 1932 — Dec. 28, 2016) This acclaimed movie star (and mother of actress Carrie Fisher, who died a day before) made her mark in Hollywood beginning in the early ‘50s, with roles in such musical film classics as Three Little Words (1950), Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Reynolds was also a noteworthy film historian, businesswoman and humanitarian.

Carrie Fisher actress 60

David M. Benett/Getty Images for Marina Rinaldi (Oct. 21, 1956 — Dec. 27, 2016) “I knew something enormous was likely going to impact my life from this film,” she said of playing Princess Leia in the first Star Wars movie (1977). Sure enough, global fame followed. The daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher became an accomplished memoirist and novelist who was frank about her struggles with alcohol, drugs and mental illness. “You're only as sick as your secrets,” Fisher said in 2009. “If that's true, I'm just really healthy."

Gene Wilder actor 83

MJ Kim/Getty Images (June 11, 1933 – Aug. 29, 2016) A comedic genius best remembered for portraying Willy Wonka in the 1971 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Oscar-nominated actor starred in a string of other comedy classics including The Producers (1967), Stir Crazy (1980),Young Frankenstein (1974) and Blazing Saddles (1974).

Muhammad Ali boxer and activist 74

Amanda Edwards/Getty Images (Jan. 17, 1942 — June 3, 2016) One of the 20th century's most legendary sports figures, Ali won a gold medal as a light-heavyweight boxer in the 1960 Olympics. Born Cassius Clay, he converted to Islam in 1963, renamed himself, and later became a leading activist for racial equality. As a heavyweight boxer, he reigned as the world's champion from 1964 to 1967 and for much of the ‘70s.

Yogi Berra baseball player 90

RJ Capak/WireImage (May 12, 1925 — Sept. 22, 2015) The renowned Yankees catcher was a powerhouse player in the 1950s, an 18-time All-Star, and later a successful manager. Yet he was almost as famous for his quirky wit, coining Yogi-isms such as, “It's like déjà vu all over again."

Frank Gifford athlete sports commentator 84

Bobby Bank/WireImage (Aug. 16, 1930 — Aug. 9, 2015) The New York Giants Hall of Famer found a hugely successful second career on TV as a sports commentator. His wife, TV personality Kathie Lee, has said that he hated funerals, so when he passed away his loved ones had a party and “played Frank Sinatra all day long."

Leonard Nimoy actor 83

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images (March 26, 1931 — Feb. 27, 2015) He was Spock, the pointy-eared human/Vulcan who was the voice of reason on the Starship Enterprise. Though in later years Nimoy hoped to be known for more than his 1960s Star Trek role — his first autobiography was titled I Am Not Spock (1975) — the actor could hardly escape his iconic status. He titled his 1995 memoir I Am Spock.

Robin Williams actor 63

Peter Kramer/Getty Images (July 21, 1951 — Aug. 11, 2014) An Oscar-winning actor and comedian with bristling energy and incredible versatility, Williams portrayed characters ranging from a space alien in Mork & Mindy (1978–82) to a U.S. Armed Forces radio DJ in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), an owner of a gay Miami club in The Birdcage (1996) and a psychology professor in Good Will Hunting (1997).

Mickey Rooney actor 93

Amanda Edwards/WireImage (Sept. 23, 1920 --— April 6, 2014) Rooney appeared in many films through his long career, including the Andy Hardy series and The Black Stallion (1979). He had his personal troubles (he was married eight times) but was a dedicated actor until the end.

James Gandolfini 51 actor

Matthew Peyton/Getty Images (Sept. 18, 1961 — June 19, 2013) His quiet charisma gave his now-iconic character, violent mob boss Tony Soprano, a fascinating complexity. In real life, The Sopranos (1999–2007) costar Edie Falco says, “He was kind and uniquely generous.” His softer side shines in the posthumously released comedy Enough Said (2013).

Andy Griffith actor 86

Rick Diamond/WireImage for The Recording Academy (June 1, 1926 — July 3, 2012) It's hard to think of Andy Griffith without thinking of the lighthearted whistle that opened The Andy Griffith Show (1960–68). The actor returned to television to star in the legal drama series Matlock (1986–95). He also recorded several gospel albums.

Elizabeth Taylor actress 79

Kevin Mazur/WireImage (Feb. 27, 1932 — March 23, 2011) Not only was she one of the first Hollywood superstars, Taylor was also a businesswoman and activist. The icon negotiated a record-breaking $1 million to lead in Cleopatra (1963) and became one of the first celebrities to take part in HIV/AIDS activism.

Gary Coleman actor 42

Kevin Winter/Getty Images (Feb. 8, 1968 — May 28, 2010) Coleman's signature, “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” in Diff'rent Strokes (1978–86) will forever remain a classic line of the times. Although he was most successful during his childhood, the actor continued to make cameos as himself and appeared in other movies until his death. Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for USA Today and Al Jazeera English. MORE FROM AARP AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Restaurants offers > See more Travel Planning offers > See more Flowers & Gifts offers > See more Groceries offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS