RIP: Black celebrities who passed away in 2023. Remember them.
Related Story: Notable Black figures who died in 2023
We lost many high-profile Black figures this year, from esteemed elders who blazed paths to young stars who met tragic ends at the hands of others or by suicide. Here we’ve highlighted just a few of the celebrities who died this year but left legacies that will be felt well beyond 2022.
(first row, l-r): Legendary actor Sidney Poitier, 94, died on Jan. 6; James Mtume, 76, musician, songwriter, and producer of the R&B/funk group Mtume died of cancer on Jan. 9; ‘60s icon and leader of the Ronettes, Ronnie Spector, 78, died of cancer on Jan. 12; André Leon Talley, 73, a trailblazing editor for Vogue, died on Jan. 18; actor Johnny Brown, 84, of “Good Times” fame, died of cardiac arrest on March 2; singer and reality star Traci Braxton died of cancer on March 12; social media personality Kevin Samuels, 57, died of hypertension on May 5.
(second row, l-r) R&B singer and musician Bernard Wright, 58, best known for his song, “Who Do You Love?” died in a traffic accident on May 19; former Dallas Cowboys running back and Gopher great Marion Barber III, 38, died of heatstroke on June 1; comedian Jak Knight, 28, died by suicide on July 14; R&B singer and bassist Michael Henderson, 71, best known for his vocals on “You Are My Starship” died on July 19; TV, screen and stage actress Mary Alice, 85, died of natural causes on July 27; pioneering “Star Trek” actress Nichelle Nichols, 89, died of heart failure on July 30; basketball legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell, 88, died on July 31.
(third row, l-r) Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier, 81, died on Aug. 8; comedian David A. Arnold, 54, died of natural causes on Sept. 7; journalist and longtime CNN anchor Bernard Shaw, 82, died of pneumonia on Sept. 7; legendary jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, 87, died on Sept. 12; rapper PnB Rock, 30, died on Sept. 12 after being fatally shot; R&B singer Jesse Powell, 51, best known for the hit song “You” died of a heart attack on Sept. 13; rapper Coolio, 59, of “Gangsta’s Paradise and “Fantastic Voyage” fame died of cardiac arrest on Sept 28.
– ADVERTISEMENT –
(fourth row, l-r) Gospel great Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, 50, died on Sept. 30; R&B singer Joyce Sims, 63, best known for hits “Come into My Life” and “Lifetime Love” died on Oct. 15; rapper Takeoff of the group Migos, was fatally shot on Nov. 1; singer and actress Irene Cara, 63, known for pop hits “Fame” and “Flashdance…What A Feeling,” and the movie “Sparkle,” died on Nov. 25; “Walker, Texas Ranger” actor and teacher Clarence Gilyard, 66, died on Nov. 28; dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss, 40, died by suicide on Dec. 13; soccer’s first global superstar Pelé, 82, died on Dec. 29.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.
