Beyonce Remembers Etta James

Beyonce, who played Etta James in Cadillac Records is deeply saddened by the news that the iconic singer passed away today.

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time,” Beyonce said on her Web site. “I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

Etta died today (Jan. 20) due to her long-time struggle with leukemia.

Edited: January 20th, 2012

Etta James Dies at 73

Etta James has passed away at the age of 73 after a long-time struggle with leukemia.

“This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world,” De Leon said. “She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always,” said Lupe De Leon, her longtime friend and manager to CNN.

Early last year, James was again admitted to a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with a urinary tract infection and the blood infection sepsis.

During her long-time career, James won four Grammys and received a 1993 inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Edited: January 20th, 2012

Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79

Elizabeth Taylor has passed away at the age of 79.

According to her publicist, Taylor, “was surrounded by her children - Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.

The actress was hospitalized at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center nearly two months ago for congestive heart failure.

In her career, Taylor won two Academy Awards during her long career and is survived by 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Edited: March 23rd, 2011

Leslie Nielsen Dies at 84

Leslie Nielsen has died of complications from pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 84.

His family released a statement saying: “We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60 year career in motion pictures and television.”

Nielsen is best known for his role in the Airplane film franchise.

According to his nephew, “in this last 48 hours, the infection has gotten too much. He just fell asleep and passed away.”

Edited: November 28th, 2010

Golden Girl Rue McClanahan Dies at 76

Golden Girl star Rue McClanahan has passed away at the age of 76.

According to her manager:

“She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning. She had a massive stroke. [She] had her family with her. She went in peace.””

McClanahan is best known for her roles as Blanche Deveraux in the classic sitcom, Golden Girls.

Edited: June 3rd, 2010

Dennis Hopper: Dead at 74

Dennis Hopper has died today (May 29) after a decade-long battle with prostate cancer.

The 74-year-old actor passed away in his Los Angeles home surrounded by family.

In September, he was rushed to the hospital with flu-like symptoms – he later announced he was suffering with prostate cancer.

He is known for several films including, Rebel Without a Cause and Easy Rider.

Hopper was married five times and leaves behind 4 children.

Edited: May 29th, 2010

Gary Coleman Dies at 42

Gary Coleman has passed away at the age of 42 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

The actor hurt his head on Wednesday when he fell in his Utah home, and was taken to a local hospital.

Coleman had been in a coma on life support since the fall.

He is best known for his work on Diff’rent Strokes which her starred in from 1978-86 and his famous catchphrase -  “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?.”

Edited: May 28th, 2010

Brittney Murphy’s Husband Found Dead

Simon Monjack, the husband of the late Brittany Murphy, was found dead Sunday night (May 23) at his home in California.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Murphy’s mother found Monjack unconscious in the master bedroom at 9:24 p.m.

Murphy died five months ago due to pneumonia.

The cause of death is unknown.

Edited: May 24th, 2010

Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

Designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead Thursday morning at his London home, his office confirmed.

Britain’s Daily Mail reports that he hung himself in his apartment.

His family issued a statement saying:

“Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.

According People,  “Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 10:20 a.m. [Thursday] regarding a man found dead …The deceased is believed to be 40 years old and from London. Next of kin have been informed but formal identification is awaited. A postmortem examination will be arranged in due course. The death is being treated as non-suspicious at this time.”

Our condolences go out to the McQueen family.

Edited: February 11th, 2010

Brittany Murphy Died from Pneumonia

Brittany Murphy died from multiple drug intoxication, pneumonia and “iron deficiency anemia,” the Los Angeles County Coroner reported today and ruled her death as accidental.

Murphy was found in her Hollywood Hills home on Dec. 20. Her husband, Simon Monjack and her mother were at the scene and were attempting to revive her, but were unsuccessful.

TMZ reports that the multiple drugs that were found in her system were for “cramps, and over-the-counter medications, including cough syrup.”

They also report that “the drugs pushed her over the line but the underlying problems were the pneumonia and anemia.”

Edited: February 4th, 2010

“Catcher in the Rye” Author J.D. Salinger Dies at 91

American novelist J.D. Salinger, who wrote the iconic novel, Catcher in the Rye has passed away on Wendesday (Jan. 28).

He was 91.

Salinger died of natural causes at his home in Cornish, N.H, his son said in a statement.

He lived there for decades in isolation.

Salinger is best known for Catcher in the Rye and declined any requests from Hollywood to turn it into a movie.

Edited: January 28th, 2010

Nancy Kerrigan’s Father Dies, Brother Arrested

Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan’s father has passed away, and her 45-year-old brother Mark, has been charged with assaulting him.

Kerrigan’s 75-year-old dad, Daniel died shortly after an incident yesterday in Boston. According to a police report, officers who responded to a 911 call found him unconscious in his home in Boston.

Mark allegedly had a fight with his dad. Mark told officers it was because Daniel wouldn’t allow him to use the phone. Mark Kerrigan struggled with officers and was arrested after being subdued with pepper spray. He is set to be arraigned on Monday (Jan. 25).

Brenda Kerrigan, Daniel’s wife, told the Boston Herald that her husband died of a heart attack and there was nothing suspicious about the death.

Edited: January 25th, 2010