Celebrity Deaths in 2021: Recap of Stars We've Lost This Year

Hollywood has said goodbye to some big stars in 2021.

Months after the Saved by the Bell reboot premiered on NBC’s streaming service in November 2020, one of the original show’s stars, Dustin Diamond, died in February 2021, following a battle with cancer.

“We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma. He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago,” the actor’s rep confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly. “In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”

His costars, including Mario Lopez, spoke out and and shared tributes via social media following his passing. “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on,” the actor wrote via Instagram.

Harry Potter star Paul Ritter — known for his role as Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince — died in April 2021 after battling a brain tumor. “It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night,” his agent confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly. “He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54 and had been suffering from a brain tumor.”

The statement continued, “Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”

These aren’t the only stars we’ve lost so far this year. Fans have also said goodbye to some industry legends and trailblazers — including TikTok stars and musicians — among others. Scroll through our gallery for a full list of celebrity deaths in 2021.

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Virgil Abloh

The fashion icon died at age 41 on November 28 after a private battle with cancer.

“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma,” an Instagram statement read. “He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art and culture.”

Anthony Barajas

The TikTok star died on July 31, at the age of 19 after a movie theater shooting in Corona, California that occurred days prior.

“The Corona Police Department has been notified that Anthony Barajas passed away early this morning,” the Corona Police Department shared in a press release at the time. “We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.”

Helen McCrory

In a Twitter post shared on April 16, the Harry Potter star’s husband announced that she had died at 52 after a battle with cancer.

“She died as she lived,” the actor wrote in his tribute. “Fearlessly. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

Adam Perkins

On April 13, the Vine star’s brother, Patrick Perkins, confirmed his death in an Instagram post.

“My brother, Adam Perkins, passed away this previous Sunday, 4-11-21,” he wrote. “Being a twin is a very central part of my identity. It’s all I’ve known. And I’m struggling to find the words to explain what it will be like for me to live in this world without him. My best friend.”

The internet star, who was known for his viral “Welcome to Chili’s” video, was 24 years old. His cause of death was not revealed.

Song Yoo-jung

Sublime Artist Agency confirmed the South Korean star died on January 23 with an Instagram statement posted on January 25. “Actress Song Yoo-jung has left us. Yoo-jung was always our friend who gave happiness with a bright smile,” the post’s caption read in Korean. “She was a wonderful actress who performed with passion more than anyone else.”

The cause of death was not revealed. She was 26 years old.

Larry King

The well-known talk show host died on January 23 at age 87. A statement released on his Twitter account confirmed the news with fans. “With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our cofounder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” the social media statement read.