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Some of the most notable celebrities who died in 2023, in the past few weeks, were respected actors, musicians, authors, and other important people celebrated in their respective fields.
From Raquel Welch to Hugh Hudson, here's a look at the celebrities who died in 2023 and some of their greatest work.
Celebrities Who Died in 2023
1) Raquel Welch
One of the most iconic actresses of the 1960s, Raquel Welch died at the age of 82 on February 15, 2023.
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She gained fame for roles in sci-fi film Fantastic Voyage and fantasy movie One Million Years B.C., which featured her wearing a scanty deer-skin bikini. Welch continued to act into her 70s, appearing in shows like Mork & Mindy, Evening Shade, Seinfeld, and Legally Blonde as well as American Family and How to be a Latin Lover.
2) Richard Belzer
Comedian and actor Richard Belzer was best known for his role as the acerbic police detective John Munch in the TV series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Munch first appeared in 1993 and became one of the longest-running characters on television.
The actor also performed stand-up with John Belushi and Gilda Radner before becoming a warm-up comic for Saturday Night Live. Celebrities who died in 2023 unfortunately also include Belzer, who passed away on February 19.
3) David Jolicoeur
David Jolicoeur was a member of the legendary hip-hop band De La Soul, which formed in 1988. After signing with Tommy Boy Records, the group released their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989. The album secured the no. 1 spot on the Billboard charts and is considered a classic of hip-hop.
The group released nine albums before Jolicoeur's death at the age of 54 on February 12, 2023.
4) Burt Bacharach
Composer Burt Bacharach, who died on February 8, 2023, at the age of 86, was best known for his many hits with lyricist Hal David.
The duo wrote numerous songs, including Walk on By, which was a hit for Dionne Warwick, Do You Know the Way to San Jose? sung by Dusty Springfield, and "The Look of Love from Casino Royale. He also composed music for movies starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn.
5) Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams was an actress who became famous for her role as Shirley Feeney on the television series Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley. She also appeared in several films, including American Graffiti and The Conversation. On stage, Williams starred in the musical The Drowsy Chaperone.
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors her contributions to the entertainment industry. Williams died January 25, 2023, at the age of 62.
6) Barrett Strong
Barrett Strong, who was born in Mississippi but raised in Detroit, wrote many critically acclaimed songs released by Motown Records with producer Norman Whitfield. These include I Heard It Through the Grapevine, War, and Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. Barrett Strong was also instrumental in the success of The Temptations' songs.
Strong passed away this year on January 28, 2023, at the age of 81.
7) Chuck Jackson
Chuck Jackson, a celebrity who died in 2023, on February 16, at 85 years old, was a Grammy-winning soul singer and one of the first artists to make hit records out of music written by Burt Bacharach.
Jackson was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1937. He was raised singing gospel music in church and began his professional career as a member of the doo-wop group, the Del-Vikings. The cause of his death, however, has not been disclosed.
8) Austin Majors
Austin Majors, the former child star who appeared on NYPD Blue, died on February 11, 2023, at the age of 27.
He received a Young Artists Award for his work in 2002 and graduated from USC in 2017 after studying film production and cinematography. He was also known for creating music under the moniker Pope.
9) David Crosby
David Crosby was a founding member of The Byrds, who played at the Woodstock festival and released their self-titled album in 1969. He later joined forces with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills to form Crosby, Stills & Nash, which released their self-titled debut album in 1970.
The musician was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice--once for his work with The Byrds and once for Crosby, Stills & Nash. He is one of the celebrities who died in 2023, at the age of 81 on January 18.
10) Hugh Hudson
Hugh Hudson, the British filmmaker who directed the Academy Award-winning film Chariots of Fire, died on February 10, 2023, following a brief bout of illness at 86.
The 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which starred Ben Cross and Nigel Havers, depicted the 1924 Olympics. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The director's other credits include Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), and Revolution (1985), which starred Al Pacino.
Burt Bacharach, David Crosby, and several other celebrities who died in 2023 have inspired millions of people with their craft and continue to win hearts for their contribution to the arts.
