Like it or not, the world changed with the COVID-19 epidemic. A vague yet often deadly constellation of symptoms swept through the world, altering the fabric of society and changing the way people interact. It also cut many lives short, including the rich and famous. (For dramatic interpretations of epidemics, discover the best movies about viruses and pandemics.)
To compile a list of some of the most famous people who died from COVID-19, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of celebrity and news publications including People Magazine, National Public Radio, and Entertainment Weekly. Next, we selected celebrities from a range of backgrounds and eras. After that, we consulted sites like Biography and Britannica for specific biographical information.
Dawn Wells
One of the most shocking celebrity deaths from COVID-19 was actress Dawn Wells. Born Dawn Alberta Wells, she first rose to fame as Mary Ann on the long-running hit television show “Gilligan’s Isle.” Besides this, Wells had roles in shows like “Burke’s Law,” “The Love Boat,” and “Roseanne,” as well as movies like “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”
According to her publicist, Wells died on December 29, 2020, from causes related to COVID-19. Even before that, however, Wells struggled financially due to the 2008 financial crisis. This led her friends to fundraise over $200,000 to help her pay off medical bills and IRS penalties. Tragically, however, she succumbed to the virus at the age of 82.
Cloris Leachman
Another shocking celebrity death from COVID-19 was actress and comedian Cloris Leachman. In a career that spanned nearly eight decades, Leachman was a prominent face in television and movies. Some of her best-known roles were in “The Last Picture Show,” “History of the World, Part 1,” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” For her success, Leachman won eight Primetime Emmy Awards as well as an Academy Award.
Tragically, Leachman passed away at the age of 94. Though her death certificate reported her cause of death to be a cerebrovascular accident, otherwise known as a stroke, COVID-19 contributed significantly to her death. She passed away on January 27, 2021.
Tommy “Tiny” Lister
Another celebrity who passed away from COVID-19 was actor, comedian, and wrestler Tommy “Tiny” Lister. Born Thomas Duane Lister Jr., he first rose to prominence with roles in hit movies like “Friday” and “The Fifth Element.” Usually cast as a bully, Lister also had brief stints with Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation.
Unfortunately, Lister died on December 10, 2020. According to his manager, Lister had not tested positive for the coronavirus in the previous weeks, however, appeared to exhibit symptoms of the virus in the days leading up to his death. At the time of his passing, Lister was 62 years old.
Herman Cain
Another shocking celebrity death from COVID-19 was businessman and politician Herman Cain. He first rose through the corporate ranks at the Pillsbury Company as well as Burger King. His success there led to Cain being appointed as CEO and Chairman of Godfather’s Pizza. After that, Cain made a well-publicized but ultimately unsuccessful run for President in the 2012 Presidential election.
According to various sources, Cain first tested positive for COVID-19 on June 29, 2020. This led to him spending most of the following month in an Atlanta-area hospital being treated for the virus. Tragically, however, Cain passed away from COVID-19 on July 30, 2020. He was 74 years old.
Roy Horn
Another celebrity death from COVID-19 that was as tragic as it was shocking was the illusionist and entertainer Roy Horn. Born Uwe Ludwig Horn, Horn rose to fame as one part of the famous magic duo Siegfried and Roy. Known for their daring stunts and tricks with live tigers, the duo held long-running residencies in Las Vegas. Their career was cut short, however, after a tiger attacked Horn during one of their performances.
The attack severed Horn’s spine as well as causing various motor and verbal abilities. Horn survived and lived another seventeen years, before becoming infected with COVID-19. He first tested positive for it in April 2020, before passing away from complications related to the virus on May 15, 2020. He was 75 years old.
John Prine
Another shocking celebrity death from COVID-19 was singer-songwriter John Prine. Born John Edward Prine, he first worked as a mailman before being invited to open for musician Kris Kristofferson. This led to a long and successful career, with numerous albums ranking on the Billboard charts including 2018’s “Tree of Forgiveness,” which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200.
According to a representative of the singer, Prine was hospitalized on March 26, 2020, at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Two days later, he was intubated to assist his breathing. Tragically, however, Prine succumbed to the virus on April 7, 2020. He was 73 years old.
Meat Loaf
Another celebrity death from COVID-19 that was as shocking as it was tragic was legendary musician and actor Meat Loaf. One of the best-selling musicians of all time, Meat Loaf rose to fame with his “Bat Out of Hell” album trilogy which sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He was also a noted actor, appearing in such cult classic films as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Fight Club.”
Unfortunately, Meat Loaf died on January 20, 2022. Though no official cause of death was reported publicly, both reports from his family, as well as celebrity news publications, suggested he came down ill with COVID-19 in early January before he was hospitalized. He was 74 years old.
Carol Sutton
Another celebrity who died from COVID-19 was actress Carol Sutton. Born Carol Joan Dickerson, Sutton was best known for her acting roles in movies like “Steel Magnolias,” “Monster’s Ball,” and the Ray Charles biopic “Ray.” She also had notable roles in films like “The Pelican Brief,” “Killer Joe,” and “The Last Exorcism.”
Tragically, however, Sutton passed away from complications related to contracting the COVID-19 virus on December 10, 2020. According to New Orleans news affiliate WGNO, Sutton was hospitalized at the New Orleans’ Touro Infirmary a few days before her death. Her passing was confirmed by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a lengthy tribute. She was 76 years old.
Adam Schlesinger
Adam Schlesinger was a musician, songwriter, and record producer. He first rose to fame as a founding member of bands like Ivy, Tinted Windows, and most notably, Fountains of Wayne. He was also a notable movie composer, penning title songs for films like “That Thing You Do!” and “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” For his musical success, Schlesinger won three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and the ASCAP Pop Music Award.
Tragically, however, Schlesinger’s life was cut short in 2020. According to various sources, the singer and composer died on April 1, 2020, shortly after testing positive for COVID-19. At the time of his untimely passing, Adam Schlesinger was 52 years old and is survived by his partner and children. (For other famous people whose lives were cut short, explore 20 movie and TV stars who died far too young.)
Phil Spector
Another unexpected but still shocking celebrity death from COVID-19 was controversial songwriter and producer Phil Spector. Born Harvey Phillip Spector, Spector rose to fame due to his spectacular studio recording innovations including the “Wall of Sound” technique. However, in later years, Spector became a bit of a recluse, before being charged and convicted for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. (For other murderer celebrities, discover 24 celebrities who have killed people.)
Long-time imprisoned and quite sick by the time the COVID-19 epidemic rolled around, Spector was taken to the San Joaquin General Hospital on December 31, 2020, and intubated the following month before succumbing to complications related to COVID-19 on January 16, 2021. He was 81 years old.