Jeff Baena (1977–2025), The Little Hours filmmaker

Jeff Baena was a screenwriter and director known for such movies as “I Heart Huckabees” and “The Little Hours,” as well as the husband of actress Aubrey Plaza.

Erica Ash (1977–2024), MADtv and Survivor’s Remorse actress

Erica Ash was an actress best known for her comedy work in the Fox sketch comedy show “MADtv” and the Starz sitcom “Survivor’s Remorse.” 

“Peetah” Morgan (1977–2024), reggae singer with Morgan Heritage 

Peter Anthony “Peetah” Morgan was the lead singer for the two-time Grammy-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage.

Dejan Milojević (1977–2024), Golden State Warriors assistant coach

Dejan Milojević was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and a former basketball star in Serbia, where he played for 15 years, winning three MVPs and three championships.

Nashawn Breedlove (1977–2023), actor in 8 Mile

Nashawn Breedlove was an actor and rapper best known for his rap battle in the 2002 movie “8 Mile.”

Clark Haggans (1977–2023), former Steelers linebacker 

Clark Haggans was an NFL linebacker who helped lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.

Paul Cattermole (1977–2023), S Club 7 singer

Paul Cattermole was a singer with the British pop group S Club 7, known for hits including “Never Had a Dream Come True.” 

Annie Wersching (1977–2023), “24,” “Star Trek: Picard” actress

Annie Wersching was an actress known for roles in “24,” “Star Trek: Picard,” “Runaways,” and many other TV shows, as well as in the video game “The Last of Us.”

Jeremiah Green (1977–2022), Modest Mouse drummer 

Jeremiah Green was the drummer for the indie rock band Modest Mouse, known for hits including “Float On.”

Stephan Bonnar (1977–2022), UFC Hall of Famer

Stephan Bonnar was a legendary Hall of Fame fighter in the UFC known for his fight against Forrest Griffin.

Shonka Dukureh (1977–2022), “Elvis” actress and blues singer 

Shonka Dukureh was a blues singer and actress who appeared as Big Mama Thornton in the recent Baz Luhrmann movie “Elvis.” 

Cedric McMillan (1977–2022), bodybuilding champion

Cedric McMillan was a leading bodybuilder who won the prestigious Arnold Classic in 2017.

Dustin Diamond (1977–2021), starred as Screech in “Saved by the Bell”

Dustin Diamond was an actor best known for starring as Samuel Screech Powers in Saved by the Bell and its spin-offs.

Lady Red Couture (1977–2020), cohost of YouTube show “Hey Qween!”

Lady Red Couture was a comedian and singer who cohosted the popular YouTube show “Hey Qween!”

LaShawn Daniels (1977–2019), songwriter for Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson

LaShawn Daniels was an acclaimed songwriter who wrote for superstars Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. He won a Grammy Award for co-writing Destiny’s Child’s hit song, “Say My Name.” In 2003, he co-wrote the popular song “Love and War” for Tamar Braxton and he appeared on her reality shows, “Braxton Family Values” and “Tamar & Vince.” He also wrote songs for Brandy and Monica, Jennifer Lopez, and the Spice Girls.

Devin Lima (1977 - 2018), LFO singer

The pop band was known for their hit song “Summer Girls”

Richard Swift (1977–2018), former member of the Shins

Touring musician with the Black Keys and producer for Foxygen.

Roy Halladay (1977–2017), former pitcher was a two-time Cy Young Award winner

Pitched a perfect game for the Phillies in 2010.

Robert Yancy (1977 - 2017), Natalie Cole's only child

Musician was legendary singer Natalie Cole's only child...

Evan Helmuth (1977–2017), The Devil Inside star

Actor played a priest in “The Devil Inside” horror film.

Maryam Mirzakhani (1977 - 2017), Fields Medal for mathematics winner

Editor's note: Maryam Mirzakhani's date of death was later clarified to have been July 14, 2017.

Nelsan Ellis (1977 - 2017), True Blood's Lafayette

Actor starred on “True Blood”…

Keion Carpenter (1977 - 2016), NFL defensive back

Keion Carpenter, a former defensive back with the NFL's Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons, died Dec. 29, 2016, in Miami, Florida, while vacationing with his family, according to multiple news sources. He was 39. Carpenter, who also excelled as a special teams player, collapsed Dec. 28 and died the following day. He played for the Buffalo Bills from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, the team traded him to the Atlanta Falcons; he played with that team from 2002 to 2005. During his professional career, Carpenter had 206 tackles, 14 interceptions, and one touchdown.

Richard Nicoll (1977 - 2016), fashion designer

Richard Nicoll, a British-born fashion designer, died Friday, Oct. 21, in Sydney, Australia, where he lived, according to multiple news sources. He was 39.

Memories of Brittany Murphy

Lots of little girls dream of becoming famous actresses, but the dream proved unusually intense for Brittany Murphy. She knew from an early age that her destiny lay in Hollywood's sun-drenched hills.