Deborah Finck (1967–2025), TikTok star who chronicled cancer

Deborah Finck was a mother of three sets of twins who appeared on the show “Nanny 911” and later amassed a following when her journey with cancer was chronicled on TikTok and Instagram.

John Barth (1930–2024), The Sot-Weed Factor novelist

John Barth was an author known for postmodern novels like “The Sot-Weed Factor” and “Giles Goat-Boy.”

Vontae Davis (1988–2024), former NFL cornerback

Vontae Davis was a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills, who famously retired during halftime of a 2018 game.

Louis Gossett Jr. (1936–2024), award-winning star of Roots

Louis Gossett Jr. was the Oscar- and Emmy-winning star of such movies and TV series as “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Roots.” 

David Bouley (1953–2024), top New York City chef 

David Bouley was an influential four-star chef in New York City known for his many TV appearances and the Tribeca restaurant that bore his name.

Shawn Barber (1994–2024), world champion pole vaulter 

Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber was a Canadian pole vaulter who won his event in both the World Championships and Pam American Games in 2015.

Henry Kissinger (1923–2023), influential secretary of state

Henry Kissinger was the U.S. secretary of state under Presidents and .

Len Chandler (1935–2023), folk and protest musician

Len Chandler was a musician during the 1960s folk revival and protest music scene whose work drew the attention of , , and others.

Anita Wood Brewer (1938–2023), singer and Elvis Presley’s girlfriend 

Anita Wood Brewer was a singer and TV performer who dated before his marriage.

Marijane Meaker (1927–2022), award-winning young adult and lesbian author

Marijane Meaker was an author of pioneering young adult and lesbian fiction, including under such pen names as M.E. Kerr and Vin Packer.

Ramsey Lewis (1935–2022), Grammy-winning jazz pianist

Ramsey Lewis was a legendary jazz pianist who had a hit in 1965 with “The In Crowd.”

Sumner Redstone (1923–2020), former chairman of ViacomCBS

Sumner Redstone was a billionaire businessman who rose from childhood poverty to build a media empire as the owner and former chairman of ViacomCBS.

Herman Wouk (1915–2019), “The Caine Mutiny” author

Other novels include the World War II epic “The Winds of War.”

Rest in Anger, Harlan Ellison (1934 – 2018)

When I heard from a friend and fellow fan that writer Harlan Ellison (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) died at home Thursday at the age of 84, the first thing I did was ignore my friend for a moment and contact my editor. “Ellison died,” I wrote. “Want something from me?” This is the influence Ellison had on multiple generations of writers. Words first.

Zeke Upshaw (1991–2018), played with Grand Rapids in the NBA G League

Zeke Upshaw, a forward with the Grand Rapids Drive in the NBA G League, has died at the age of 26, according to multiple news sources.

Bruce Halle (1930–2018), founder of Discount Tire retailer

Bruce T. Halle founded Discount Tire in Michigan with an inventory of only six tires in 1960 and grew the company into the largest independent tire dealer in North America.

Rachel Carson, Environmental Crusader

Half a century after Rachel Carson's death, her work toward a cleaner environment still resonates.

No Mere Mortal: Vincent Price and Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Michael Jackson's masterpiece "Thriller" was made all the creepier by Vincent Price's spooky rap.

CrazySexyCool: Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, songwriter and rapper with TLC, died nine years ago today. We commemorate the anniversary with a look at her talent – and her lifelong struggle with loss.