The end of the year is usually a time to relax and connect with friends and family before the new year begins.
Hollywood often experiences heartbreaking news during the quiet period between Christmas and New Year’s, turning what should be a peaceful time of year into a period of mourning.
No story better illustrates the sadness of that time between Christmas and New Year’s than the passing of Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds.
In December 2016, Carrie Fisher was preparing her holiday table, looking forward to a family dinner with her daughter, Billie Lourd, and granddaughter.
However, the food wasn’t eaten, the lights weren’t turned off, and Reynolds’ planned celebration for her family and friends simply didn’t take place.
Fisher died just days after suffering a medical emergency while traveling home for the holidays.
Just a day after her daughter passed away, Reynolds sadly died as well. The tragedy left behind a heartbreaking image that became symbolic of the season: a Christmas dinner table perfectly set, but for a person who wouldn’t be there, and a mother unable to cope with the loss of her child.
The sudden loss of both stars shocked Hollywood and highlighted the painful emotions that often come with the end of the year.
It’s just… heartbreaking, especially this time of year. Every year-end always feels so heavy, but I’ll never forget when we lost George Michael. Christmas Day, 2016… it felt like a punch to the gut. He was such a legend, and it still doesn’t feel real. It’s like the final week of the year just takes our favorites, and losing him then was just… devastating.
Here’s a look at the celebrities who sadly passed away between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and whose impact will be remembered long after the holidays are over.
George Michael
The death of George Michael on Christmas Day in 2016 deeply affected both his family and fans worldwide, forever changing how many experience the holiday.
George Michael, the famous singer from Wham!, passed away at his home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53. His partner, Fadi Fawaz, found him peacefully in bed. While authorities initially called the death ‘unexplained but not suspicious,’ it was later determined to be caused by heart failure and a fatty liver. The news deeply saddened fans and fellow musicians around the world, turning what should have been a joyful day into one of mourning.
After Michael passed away, his sister Melanie Panayiotou honored his memory each Christmas by writing him a personal message. This became a comforting tradition for her, a way to remember the day she lost her brother. The practice became even more meaningful when her family experienced another loss.
Melanie passed away at the age of 59, exactly three years after the death of her husband, George. She was found at her home in Hampstead, worth £6.2 million and previously owned by her brother, on Christmas Day. A medical examination determined that she died from complications related to diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition caused by diabetes.
Friends say Melanie became very withdrawn after her brother George passed away, struggling with grief on top of past losses, including her mother Lesley’s death in 1997. She used to be outgoing and traveled the world with George, enjoying London’s nightlife in the early 90s, but those around her noticed she was deeply affected by all the sadness she’d experienced.
After Melanie passed away, their sister Yioda kept the Christmas tradition alive, remembering both George and Melanie with love and fondness on this day of remembrance and loss.
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin, the brilliant comedian of the silent film era, passed away on Christmas Day, a date traditionally associated with happiness. This has created a lasting connection between his death and a time of celebration.
The celebrated actor, director, and composer passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, on December 25, 1977. He was 88 years old and had recently suffered a stroke.
A light snow fell around Lake Geneva as a legendary filmmaker passed away peacefully, a long way from the nation where he first became famous.
Chaplin had settled in Switzerland decades earlier after a bitter rupture with the United States.
While traveling overseas in 1952, he discovered his visa to return to the United States had been canceled because he was suspected of having Communist beliefs.
I was heartbroken to learn that after his difficult experiences, Chaplin decided he could never go back. He started over in Europe, and thankfully, he found a measure of peace there, living out his final years quietly. It was a particularly sad Christmas morning when we lost him.
But even death did not bring him rest.
Two months after Chaplin’s death, a cemetery worker was shocked to find his grave had been broken into and his coffin stolen.
In a shocking and disturbing crime, thieves who stole Charlie Chaplin’s body demanded a huge ransom of 600,000 Swiss francs from his wife, Oona Chaplin. They threatened to hurt their children if she didn’t pay.
Following a months-long investigation, police identified the source of the calls as local phone booths and made two arrests. Those arrested were Roman Wardas, a 24-year-old Polish immigrant, and Gantscho Ganev, a 38-year-old citizen of Bulgaria.
After being stolen, Chaplin’s coffin was finally found in a farmer’s field about 14 miles away. It was then reburied in a more secure way, this time with concrete around it to prevent anyone from disturbing it again.
Carrie Fisher
It feels like the holidays were stolen from us when Carrie Fisher passed away. Just days after Christmas… it’s just awful. Everyone in Hollywood was heartbroken, of course, but it was especially devastating thinking about her family, waiting for her to come home for the holidays. It felt like a double blow, you know? A truly awful time.
The much-loved actress and writer died on December 27, 2016, at the age of 60. She had a heart problem while on a flight from London to Los Angeles four days earlier.
The Los Angeles County coroner determined she died from sleep apnea, along with some other contributing factors that weren’t specifically identified.
Carrie Fisher was on her way to spend Christmas with her family when she suffered a cardiac arrest on a flight just before landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
Passengers immediately began CPR while the plane was landing. Once the aircraft touched down, she received emergency care and was quickly transported to UCLA Medical Center, where doctors admitted her in critical condition.
Fisher never regained consciousness.
Carrie Fisher’s family confirmed her passing in a statement released through her spokesperson, Simon Halls, which included a message from her daughter, Billie Lourd.
The statement said she was cherished by many and would be deeply missed. The family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during this difficult time.
Shortly after Carrie Fisher passed away, her mother shared a heartfelt message, thanking fans for appreciating her daughter’s talent and expressing thanks for the support that comforted her as Carrie moved on.
Debbie Reynolds
The deaths of Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Carrie Fisher, were particularly heartbreaking because they happened so close together – Debbie passed away just one day after Carrie, near the end of the year. The timing felt especially cruel to those in Hollywood.
The beloved actress, famous for her bright smile and lively spirit, passed away on December 28, 2016, at the age of 84, following a stroke. She was a shining star during Hollywood’s golden era.
Carrie Fisher was taken to a Los Angeles hospital earlier that day and later died, as confirmed by her son, Todd Fisher.
For many years, Debbie Reynolds charmed audiences with her singing and dancing, becoming a beloved and inspiring figure in film.
At only 19, she became famous overnight when she played Kathy Selden in the movie Singin’ in the Rain. That role ensured she’d be remembered as a classic movie star.
Throughout her career, she shared the screen with iconic stars like Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Fred Astaire. She became known for her charming personality, clever humor, and incredible skill as a performer.
Reynolds frequently said being a mother was the most fulfilling part of her life, and she was deeply heartbroken by the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
She passed away just under 24 hours after Carrie Fisher, transforming what should have been a joyful family Christmas into a heartbreaking tragedy for Hollywood.
Carlos Marín
The passing of Carlos Marín at the end of the year sadly highlighted the significant losses the music industry experienced during the pandemic.
Il Divo singer Carlos Marín sadly passed away in December 2021 at the age of 53 after contracting coronavirus. He died in a Manchester hospital following his illness.
Marín became sick on December 7th and soon after tested positive for Covid-19. He was hospitalized at Manchester Royal Infirmary, where his health quickly worsened.
Doctors put him into a medically induced coma and used machines to help him breathe in the intensive care unit.
Initial reports indicated the singer had received the vaccine, but details weren’t widely shared as fans worldwide grew increasingly worried about his health.
Marín’s bandmates confirmed his passing and expressed their deep sorrow, describing him as not just a fellow musician, but a beloved brother.
They described Carlos as one-of-a-kind, highlighting his exceptional talent, genuine warmth, and kind heart, saying there will never be anyone quite like him.
For 17 years, Marín was a member of the popular vocal group Il Divo. He toured the world with the other members, sharing his strong voice on millions of albums and in numerous concerts.
Natalie Cole
I’ll never forget Natalie Cole’s incredible voice – it truly spanned generations. It’s just so heartbreaking that we lost her so quietly, right at the very end of one year and the beginning of the next. It felt like a piece of music just faded away.
The Grammy Award-winning singer died of heart failure in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. She was 65 years old and passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with her son, Robert Yancy, at her side.
Being a fan, it always broke my heart to hear about Natalie Cole’s final days. Apparently, she was surrounded by her family, which is beautiful. Her twin sisters, Casey and Timolin, flew out to Los Angeles to celebrate Christmas with her, and it ended up being their last Christmas together. From what I understand, she took the time to thank them for everything, just telling them simply, ‘I love you all.’ It’s such a touching image, and it really stays with me.
After returning home to Florida, the sisters received the news they had been dreading.
Cole died in the hospital on New Year’s Eve, and her sister Casey remembered it as a time that was both deeply sad and calm.
She said to The Daily Mail that after a long struggle, her loved one had finally found peace, and was no longer in pain. While the family was heartbroken, she noted they were celebrating the new year in a special, unseen way.
Natalie Cole, following in the footsteps of her famous father Nat King Cole, became a successful singer herself. She’s known for popular songs like “This Will Be” and a touching virtual performance of “Unforgettable” with her father.
James Brown
James Brown was known for his incredible energy, music, and constant motion, but he passed away on a quiet, festive day.
James Brown was known by many names – the Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite, Soul Brother Number One, and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business – but he was far more than just a musician.
He wasn’t just a performer; he profoundly impacted culture, revolutionized music, and inspired countless artists, ultimately becoming a significant figure in American history.
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Brown on Christmas Day in 2006. He was 73 years old, and it marked the end of an incredible career that lasted over fifty years. It truly felt like the end of an era.
He died at Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, from heart failure brought on by pneumonia.
Dean Martin
Dean Martin’s life came to a quiet close on one of the year’s most poignant days.
The beloved singer, actor, and comedian passed away on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1995, at the age of 78.
Martin died at his home in Beverly Hills from lung disease, following a long period of illness. He suffered from emphysema and ultimately succumbed to acute respiratory failure.
A lifelong heavy smoker, Martin had been diagnosed with lung cancer in September 1993.
Instead of having surgery to try and live longer, he decided to retire from public life in early 1995 and spend his remaining months privately.
Dean Martin, often called ‘The King of Cool,’ first became famous as part of the comedy team Martin and Lewis, alongside Jerry Lewis. They were incredibly popular together.
He went on to enjoy a successful career as a solo artist, working in music, movies, and TV. He famously hosted The Dean Martin Show and was a key part of the legendary Rat Pack in Hollywood.
News of his death reverberated far beyond Los Angeles.
In Las Vegas, the city that helped cement his legend, the Strip’s lights were dimmed in his honor.
Martin was laid to rest at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt is strongly associated with Christmas through her iconic voice, but the holiday season also coincided with her passing, marking a final goodbye.
The beloved singer, actress, and dancer passed away at her home in Weston, Connecticut, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008. She was 81 years old and had been fighting colon cancer.
Eartha Kitt is most remembered for her iconic song “Santa Baby” and her captivating performance as Catwoman in the Batman television series. She left a lasting impression through her self-assuredness, independence, and unique sense of style.
Oh my gosh, Eartha Kitt was just… incredible. Seriously, her talent wasn’t limited by anything! She performed everywhere for so many years, and she absolutely refused to let anyone tell her what she could or couldn’t do. She just did her own thing, completely fearless and unique, and I loved her for it!
The fact that she died on the same day her voice was traditionally heard in so many homes each year made her death both sad and strangely beautiful.
Jason Robards
As a lover of classic performances, I was so saddened to hear about Jason Robards’ passing just after Christmas. It truly marked the end of an era – he was one of the most respected and talented actors America has ever produced, both on stage and in film. It feels like a significant loss for anyone who appreciates great acting.
The celebrated actor passed away on December 26, 2000, at 78 years old. He had been fighting cancer for some time, ultimately succumbing to complications from lung cancer after previously battling bowel cancer.
Jason Robards was a powerful and deeply moving actor who uniquely won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor two years in a row, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s greatest performers.
As someone who’s followed creative careers for years, it’s always inspiring to see true mastery. Robards really embodied that – he was one of the rare performers to achieve what we call the Triple Crown of Acting. That means he won major awards in all three major performance areas: an Oscar for film, a Tony for stage, and an Emmy for television. It’s a huge accomplishment and speaks to his incredible versatility and talent!
He received further accolades, including induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, a National Medal of Arts, and Kennedy Center Honors.
His passing represents the loss of a truly impactful actor – someone who brought weight and dignity to every character he played. He was a skilled professional, and his absence is felt as time passes.
Nigel Hawthorne
The passing of Sir Nigel Hawthorne occurred during the quiet period between Christmas and New Year, and Britain has lost a truly unique and recognizable voice.
The celebrated actor passed away on December 26, 2001, while being treated for pancreatic cancer. He was most famous for playing the witty and cunning Sir Humphrey Appleby in the popular TV series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, roles that made him a beloved and iconic figure in British television.
He became internationally recognized for his performance as King George III in “The Madness of King George.” This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and highlighted his talent for portraying characters who were both powerful and emotionally sensitive.
The death of Hawthorne was a significant loss, as he was a remarkably witty, intelligent, and precise performer. His passing felt especially poignant during a time already filled with remembrance.
Gerry Anderson
Gerry Anderson, the creator of many beloved shows, died peacefully shortly after Christmas, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative storytelling that delighted generations of children.
The celebrated television producer and creator of Thunderbirds passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 26, 2012, at 83 years old.
He passed away after several years of living with a combination of dementias, including Alzheimer’s, a condition he had publicly disclosed earlier in the year.
Jamie Anderson announced that his father had passed away peacefully and with dignity.
People from all corners of television, radio, and the arts immediately shared their appreciation for Anderson, showing how deeply connected audiences felt to his work.
The actors involved with the show Thunderbirds shared their sadness, explaining that the series had a significant impact on many people’s lives.
Many broadcasters, comedians, and performers shared similar feelings, pointing out that Anderson’s stories made growing up a truly magical experience.
Vincent Schiavelli
Vincent Schiavelli’s unmistakable presence brought depth, humanity and quiet sadness to the screen.
The popular character actor passed away in late December 2005 at 57 years old, after fighting lung cancer.
He died at his home in Polizzi Generosa, a small town in Sicily close to Palermo. The town was especially meaningful to him, as it was where his grandfather was born.
Schiavelli was buried in the town cemetery, a fitting final resting place for the man who found so much inspiration there in his later years. He captured the essence of the town beautifully in his 2002 book, Many Beautiful Things, blending personal stories, descriptions of food, and cherished memories – much like the careful and considered way he approached his work as an actor.
Harry Schiavelli was a memorable actor who appeared in many movies and TV shows. He had a unique look and delivered powerfully subtle performances, often captivating audiences even in small roles. His passing at the end of the year was a quiet loss, but his work continues to resonate with viewers.
Sue Lyon
Sue Lyon’s life changed dramatically after a childhood acting role, and she passed away peacefully on Boxing Day.
As a longtime observer of Hollywood, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Sue Lyon, who died in December 2019 at the age of 73. She became a global star practically overnight at just 14, playing the iconic role in Kubrick’s Lolita. That performance was incredibly memorable – and sparked a lot of conversation, of course – and it rightfully earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer, immediately making her one of the most talked-about faces in the industry.
Despite her success starring alongside Richard Burton in ‘The Night of the Iguana,’ Ava Lyon’s career never quite reached those same levels again. Her complicated personal life, including five marriages and constant public attention, frequently drew more focus than her acting. She later revealed that one relationship, in particular, significantly affected her future career prospects.
Lyon passed away in Los Angeles on December 26th, leaving behind her daughter, Nona. Her death has led people to think again about her life as a talented child star, and the immense pressures she faced growing up in the spotlight.
William Demarest
William Demarest, a beloved and long-working character actor in Hollywood, passed away peacefully shortly after Christmas. His death marks the end of a remarkable career.
Demarest passed away on December 28, 1983, at the age of 91, after battling pneumonia and cancer. While he wasn’t often the star, his distinctive voice, excellent comedic timing, and memorable personality made him a recognizable figure in American movies and TV for many years.
Throughout his long career, Demarest acted in over 100 films and numerous television shows, collaborating with famous directors like Preston Sturges. He later gained popularity with a new audience playing Uncle Charley on My Three Sons. By the end of his life, he was seen as a connection between classic Hollywood and the rise of television.
His death at the end of the year was quiet and peaceful, which seemed right for an actor who was brilliant in subtle ways – remembered for small moments and lasting impressions rather than grand displays.
Violet Carson
Violet Carson was a familiar face to many television viewers, and her passing shortly after Christmas felt like the end of a significant chapter in British TV history.
Yolette Carson passed away on December 26, 1983, at the age of 85. She’s fondly remembered for playing Ena Sharples on Coronation Street, a character she portrayed for twenty years and which made her a household name in the UK.
Ena Sharples, with her distinctive hairnet and shopping bag, became an iconic figure representing everyday life in Britain after the war. Known for her strong opinions and unwavering principles, she was a character audiences couldn’t overlook. She played a key role in defining the feel of the long-running soap opera, demonstrating that TV characters could feel as familiar and enduring as people you knew in your own community.
It felt like losing a member of the family when she died, just after Christmas. Everyone was so sad, not just because she was a brilliant actress, but because ‘she’ – the character she played – had been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. She was always there, in our living rooms, for a whole generation, and now… it just doesn’t feel right without her.
Earl Hindman
Earl Hindman died on December 29, 2003, at the age of 61, after a battle with lung cancer.
Oh my gosh, I’ll always think of Earl Hindman as Wilson! He was Wilson, you know? That wonderfully wise neighbor on Home Improvement who you never actually saw… just heard his voice and got the best advice. It’s like, the show wouldn’t have been the same without him, and honestly, I can’t think of Wilson as anyone but Earl Hindman. He just was that character, forever!
Before he became famous for his recurring appearances on TV, Hindman was a well-regarded actor in theater and film. He even won an Emmy for his work on the soap opera Ryan’s Hope and appeared in movies like The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
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2025-12-25 17:42