Melody Beattie (1948–2025), Codependent No More author

Melody Beattie was an author best known for her self-help books, including “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself,” which sold more than seven million copies.

Walt Ehmer (1966–2024), Waffle House CEO

Walt Ehmer was the CEO of the popular restaurant chain Waffle House from 2012 until his death.

Benji Gregory (1978–2024), child actor from ALF

Benji Gregory was a child actor best known as Brian Tanner, the son on the 1980s sitcom “ALF.” 

Peggi Blu (1946–2024), Star Search champ and American Idol vocal coach

Peggi Blu was a “Star Search” champion in 1986, an R&B singer who backed up for artists like Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand, and a vocal coach on “American Idol.”

Robyn Bernard (1959–2024), Terry Brock on General Hospital 

Robyn Bernard was an actress best known for playing Terry Brock, aka Terry O’Connor, on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital.” 

Keith Gattis (1970–2023), country singer who wrote hits for Kenny Chesney

Keith Gattis was a country singer who wrote hits for Kenny Chesney and George Strait.

Nicki Aycox (1975–2022), “Supernatural” actress   

Nicki Aycox was an actress best known for her recurring role as Meg Masters on the TV series “Supernatural.”    

Busisiwe “Busi” Lurayi (1986–2022), “How to Ruin Christmas” star

Busisiwe “Busi” Lurayi was a South African actress who starred in the 2020 Netflix series “How to Ruin Christmas.”

Carl Bean (1944–2021), “I Was Born This Way” singer who inspired Lady Gaga

Carl Bean was a minister, AIDS activist, and singer known for his 1977 dance club hit, “I Was Born This Way.”

Alvin Ing (1932–2021), actor known for “Flower Drum Song,” “The Gambler”

Alvin Ing was an actor known for his performance on Broadway as Wang Ta in “Flower Drum Song.”

Jim Frey (1931–2020), former Cubs and Royals manager

Jim Frey was the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.

Kay Hagan (1953–2019), former North Carolina senator

Kay Hagan was the first Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina. In 2008 she was a state senator when she beat Republican Elizabeth Dole. She lost her seat in 2014 to Republican Thom Tillis in a close contest that was one of the most expensive Senate races ever. In the Senate, Hagan was a strong advocate for women and a prominent backer of the Affordable Care Act. After discovering that the U.S. Senate swimming pool was for men only, she worked with Senator Chuck Schumer to end that practice.

Ashley Massaro (1979–2019), WWE superstar

The wrestler also appeared on “Survivor: China.”

Roy Dotrice (1923 – 2017), British actor played Leopold Mozart in "Amadeus"

He portrayed Hallyne the Pyromancer in “Game of Thrones”…

Alec McCowen (1925 - 2017), Broadway star

Alec McCowen, a British actor who was a Broadway and West End star, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 91.

Dylan Rieder (1988–2016), professional skateboarder

Dylan Rieder wasaprofessional skateboarder and model.

Inspired by Sally Ride

Sally Ride, the first American woman in space – and also the youngest American in space – inspired generations of women.

Peter Cushing: Doctor, Villain, Vampire Hunter

In the course of his long career, Peter Cushing was lucky enough to be part of three wildly popular entertainment institutions: Hammer Films, "Doctor Who" and "Star Wars"...

James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon

When James Arness was born, his parents could hardly have guessed that someday thousands of babies would be named after him.

Mick Ronson: The Man Behind the Man Who Sold the World

Twenty years after his death, we look back on the life and career of musician Mick Ronson, influential sideman who toured and recorded with some of rock's most legendary acts. (Getty Images / Terry O'Neill

John Wayne, Tough Guy

Even more than 30 years after his death, John Wayne remains one of the all-time most popular actors.

Peggy Lee Gives Us Fever

When Peggy Lee was discovered by Benny Goodman in 1941, it was the beginning of a beautiful – and six-decade-long – career.

Levon Helm's Last Waltz

As the drummer and one of the lead singers for The Band, Levon Helm helped drive a roots rock revival that's still going strong today.