Norma Tanega (1939–2019), folk singer who had a hit with “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog”

Norma Tanega  was a folk singer and experimental musician who had a single hit, the 1966 song “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog.” The track reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later covered by artists including Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Yo La Tengo, and They Might Be Giants. Her other songs include “You’re Dead,” which was used as the theme song for the 2015 movie “What We Do in the Shadows.” Tanega was also a songwriter who wrote and cowrote songs for Dusty Springfield, with whom she had a romantic relationship, including “No Stranger Am I,” “The Colour of Your Eyes,” and Midnight Sounds.”

Natalie Trundy (1940–2019), “Planet of the Apes” actress

Natalie Trundy starred in four sequels to the original Planet of the Apes movie. She played different roles in the sequels which were produced by her then husband Arthur Jacobs. Trundy was the mutant Albina in 1970s Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Dr. Stevie Branton in EscapeFromPlanet of the Apes, and the chimpanzee Lisa in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. She started on Broadway as a teenager and moved to guest spots on TV series. Trundy starred as a teenager in the movie The Careless YearsoppositeDeanStockwell.

Jack Sheldon (1931–2019), “Merv Griffin Show” trumpeter and “Schoolhouse Rock” singer

Jack Sheldon was a jazz trumpeter and singer who was known for his work on “The Merv Griffin Show” and “Schoolhouse Rock.” A member of Mort Lindsey’s Orchestra on “The Merv Griffin Show” for 18 years, Sheldon often stepped out from the band, becoming Griffin’s sidekick. His trumpet solos were frequently heard on the show, including his famous solo in “The Shadow of Your Smile,” the 1965 Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards and Best Song at the Oscars. Sheldon also sang on several installments of the popular “Schoolhouse Rock” educational short films — he was the voice of the Conjunction Conductor in “Conjunction Junction,” and he sang “I’m Just a Bill.” He starred in the TV shows “Run, Buddy, Run” and “The Cara Williams Show.”

Sue Lyon (1946–2019), star of “Lolita”

Sue Lyon was an actress best known for starring in the title role of Stanley Kubrick’s controversial 1962 film adaptation of “Lolita.” Lyon was 14 when she was cast in the role of a girl who attracts the attention of a pedophile, and she was new to acting — she had just a few small screen credits and some modeling experience when she reportedly beat more than 800 other young actresses to get the role. She won a Golden Globe Award for most promising female newcomer for her performance. Lyon continued her acting career throughout the 1960s and ‘70s before leaving it behind after her final film, “Alligator,” in 1980.

Kelly Fraser (1993–2019), Inuit-Canadian pop singer

Kelly Fraser wasanInuit-Canadianpop singer known for her version of Rhiannae28099s e2809cDiamonds.e2809d In Fraserse28099 2013 version of the song, she mixed her native Inuktitut language with English to make the song accessible to everyone. Her video for the song went viral, inspiring many. Fraser, whowas born inSanikiluaq, Nunavut, released her debut album e2809cIsumae2809d in 2014. She received a Juno Award nomination for best Indigenous music album in 2017 for her album e2809cSedna.This year, she received theIndspireAward for using her music and her own personal struggles to strengthen and promote Inuit culture and language. She inspired young Indigenous people in Canada who felt bullied because of their culture.

Nicholas Kittrie (1926–2019), Pulitzer Prize-nominated author

Nicholas Kittrie was a legal scholar, a law professor, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of books about international law and morality including “Rebels With a Cause: The Minds and Morality of Political Offenders.” His “The Task Ahead” helped inform the development of the South African constitution, and he co-edited “The Future of Peace in the 21st Century” in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee as part of the celebration of the prize’s 100th anniversary. A professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, Kittrie was the college’s longest-tenured professor and taught for more than 50 years.

Neil Innes (1944–2019), Monty Python comedian who co-created The Rutles

Neil Innes was a comedian, writer, and songwriter best known for collaborating with the Monty Python team. He wrote songs and sketches for their TV show, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” and he wrote and performed songs on some of the comedy troupe’s albums. Innes played several small roles in the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” — the leader of Sir Robin’s minstrels, a serf crushed by the Trojan Rabbit, the leader of the chanting monks, and more — as well as writing the songs “Knights of the Round Table” and “Brave Sir Robin.” He also had small roles in “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” and Python member Terry Gilliam’s “Jabberwocky,” and he had his own show on British TV, “The Innes Book of Records.” Innes was a member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, who were featured in the Beatles’ movie “Magical Mystery Tour,” and the Rutles.

Sleepy LaBeef (1935–2019), rockabilly musician

Sleepy LaBeef  was a rockabilly musician with a strong fan following over his long career. LaBeef (born Thomas LaBeff) released his first singles in 1957 at the height of rockabilly music. He was nicknamed “Sleepy” for a lazy eye. He recorded for Mercury, Columbia and Rounder records and had a minor hit in 1968 with the straight-up country song “Every Day.” He was known for his constant touring and energetic live performances including a series of dates in 2019.

Lee Mendelson (1933–2019), “Peanuts” TV specials producer

Lee Mendelson wasthe executive producer for the beloved cPeanutsc19 TV special,cCharlie Brown Christmas.c19 He also producedcItc19s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,c19 cA Charlie Brown Thanksgivingc19 and more than 50 other animated TV specials. Outside of cPeanuts,c19 he oversaw the cGarfieldc19 and cCathyc19 animated TV specials. Mendelson decided to hire jazz musician Vince Guaraldi to create music for cCharlie Brown Christmasc19 and he co-wrote the lyrics for the timeless song in that special, cChristmas Time Is Here.c19

Don Imus (1940–2019), controversial radio “shock jock”

Don Imus was the controversial radio “shock jock” who hosted the popular longtime radio show “Imus in the Morning.” He was known for his outspoken on-air personality and his program sometimes offended listeners as he was accused of saying racist and homophobic comments. Imus debuted his show in 1971 on WNBC in New York City. He inspired others including Howard Stern, who later hosted his own show on WNBC. Imus and his wife Deirdre founded the Imus Ranch in 1999, a summer camp for children with cancer. He retired from broadcasting in 2018 after a nearly 50-year career.

Allee Willis (1947–2019), songwriter who wrote “Friends” theme and “September”

Allee Willis was a songwriter who was nominated for an Emmy Award for writing the theme song to “Friends,” “I’ll Be There for You.” She worked with Earth, Wind & Fire frequently, co-writing their hits including “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “In the Stone.” Willis won two Grammy Awards, one for co-writing the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation of “The Color Purple,” and the other for her work for the “Beverly Hills Cop” soundtrack, for which she co-wrote the Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance” and Patti LaBelle’s “Stir it Up.” Her other notable songwriting credits include the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done to Deserve This” and Bonnie Raitt’s “Got You on My Mind.” She was a 2018 inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Edward Aschoff (1985–2019), ESPN college football reporter

Edward Aschoff was a college football reporter for ESPN, working the sidelines for their TV and radio coverage for the last three seasons. In 2016, he and fellow ESPN reporter Adam Rittenberg won first place for enterprise writing in the Football Writers Association of America's contest for their story on the role of race in college football. He was known at ESPN for his friendly personality and stylish suits. He passed away on his 34th birthday.

Elbert Dubenion (1933–2019), legendary Buffalo Bills receiver

ElbertDubenion was a legendary wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills when they played in the AFL, playing for the team in all nine seasons of his career, retiring after the 1968 season.Dubenionwas called c2Golden Wheelse2809d for his incredible speed on the field. In 1964, he set the pro football record for yards per catch in one season with 27.1 For his career, he averaged an amazing 18.3 yards per catch and finishedwith almost 300 receptions. He won two AFL championships with the Bills in 1964 and 1965 and is a member of theBuffalo Bills Wall of Fame. He later became a scout for the Bills and other pro teams.

Joseph Segel (1931–2019), founder of QVC

Joseph Segel was the founder of the TV shopping channel QVC. Inspired by watching the Home Shopping Network, Segel created a competitor with a different technique, skipping the hard sell and limited-time offers in favor of providing viewers with information about the products and letting them purchase them any time. Segel founded QVC in 1986 and remained its chairman until 1993, when he retired and took on an advisory role that he kept until 2013. Segel also founded the Franklin Mint, producer of collectible coins and other items including die-cast vehicles and LP record sets.

Ram Dass (1931–2019), spiritual guru

Ram Dass was a beloved spiritual guru who was a pioneer of the 1960s psychedelic drug movement. Born Richard Alpert in Boston, Massachusetts, Dass was a psychologist who taught at Harvard. There he became friends with Timothy Leary and the two studied the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs, leading to their dismissal from the school. Alpert went on a journey to India in 1968 and came back with the name Ram Dass. He became a central figure in Eastern spiritual thinking and his 1971 book “Be Here Now” became a counter-culture classic.

Junior Johnson (1931–2019), NASCAR legend

Junior Johnson  was a NASCAR legend who won 50 races during his Hall of Fame career including the 1960 Daytona 500. Growing up in the hills of Western North Carolina, Johnson was a bootlegger, outrunning authorities while transporting moonshine in his car. He became a NASCAR driver with his first major race coming in 1953 at the Southern 500. Johnson is credited with inventing the drafting technique during his Daytona 500 victory when he used the slipstream of faster cars in front of him to slingshot to first place on the last lap. He was in the first class to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Johnson later became a team owner with his drivers winning over 100 races.

Angelo Lozada (1966–2019), comedian warmed up “Daily Show” audiences

Angelo Lozada was a New York comedian who was the warmup act for “The Daily Show” for three years. He co-created and starred in the web series “Get Some!,” for which he was nominated for best actor in a web series at the Official Latino Short Film Festival. Lozada was the founder of the comedy troupe Noyurican Rule, and he was featured on “Showtime at the Apollo,” BET’s “ComicView,” and Martin Lawrence’s “1st Amendment.”

Herman Boone (1935–2019), “Remember the Titans” football coach

Herman Boone was the high school football coach immortalized in the hit movie “Remember the Titans.” Denzel Washington played Boone in the film, released in 2000. T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, was first integrated for the 1971 school year which was Boone’s first year as head coach. He brought the team together through racial tension with assistant coach Bill Yoast, who was white, leading them to an undefeated season and the 1971 Virginia state championship.

James “Radio” Kennedy (1946–2019), inspiration for the film “Radio”

James “Radio” Kennedy was the mentally disabled man who inspired the 2003 hit movie “Radio.” He was an inspirational figure for the T.L. Hanna High School football team in Anderson, South Carolina. Kennedy was nicknamed “Radio” when he started showing up at the team’s football practices holding a transistor radio to his head. T.L. Hanna’s football coach Harold Jones formed a bond withKennedyand he became an inspirational figure on the sidelines at the teame28099s games for many years. The town embracedKennedyand he took classes at the high school though he could not read orwriteand he was given permanent status as a junior at the school so he would not have to graduate and leave.

Emil Richards (1932–2019), percussionist who snapped for “The Addams Family” theme song

Emil Richards was a percussionist who played vibraphone and other instruments with some of the great musicians of the 20th century and on popular theme songs.

Hayden Fry (1929–2019), longtime University of Iowa football coach

Hayden Fry was the beloved football coach at the University of Iowa for 20 seasons, from 1979 to 1998.

Richard Hatcher (1933–2019), one of the first black mayors of a major U.S. city

Richard Hatcher was the mayor of Gary, Indiana, for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988. When he was elected in 1967, he became one of the first African Americans to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city, and the first to be elected to the office rather than appointed. As mayor, Hatcher took on problems in the city including prostitution and illegal gambling, though his successes there couldn’t overcome problems including the steep decline of the city’s steel industry in the 1970s and ‘80s. Hatcher brought the National Black Political Convention to Gary in 1972, and he was a national voice for civil rights. He served as chairman of Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign and was vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1981 to 1985.

Chuy Bravo (1956–2019), “Chelsea Lately” sidekick

Chuy Bravo was an actor best known as Chelsea Handler’s sidekick on the talk show “Chelsea Lately” from 2007 to 2014.

Danny Aiello (1933–2019), character actor known for “Do the Right Thing”

Danny Aiello was a prolific character actor best known for his role as pizzeria owner Sal Frangione in Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing.”

Philip McKeon (1964–2019), “Alice” star

Played Alice’s son Tommy on the popular sitcom..

Marie Fredriksson (1958–2019), Roxette singer and keyboardist

Marie Fredriksson was the lead singer and keyboardist for Roxette, the Swedish pop duo that had 1980s and ‘90s hits including “The Look” and “It Must Have Been Love.”

Juice WRLD (1998–2019), Chicago rapper

Juice WRLD  was a Chicago rapper best known for the hit song “All Girls Are the Same” from 2018 album “Goodbye & Riddance.” Juice WRLD (born Jarad Higgins) signed a $3 million record deal with Interscope Records in 2018 after his EP “Juice Wrld 999” was streamed millions of times. In 2019 he released album “Death Race for Love” that hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and co-headlined a tour with Nicki Minaj.  

Robert Walker Jr. (1940–2019), “Star Trek” actor

Played Charlie Evans in the iconic “Star Trek” episode “Charlie X.”

Pete Frates (1984–2019), popularized the ALS ice bucket challenge

He raised millions for ALS research.

Ron Leibman (1937–2019), acclaimed actor

Starred in “Angels in America,” “Norma Rae,” and “Friends.”

Caroll Spinney (1933–2019), Sesame Street's beloved Big Bird

He played the giant character ever since the show's 1969 premiere — and also played Oscar the Grouch.

Rene Auberjonois (1940–2019), costar of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Benson"

The TV actor also costarred in movies like "The Little Mermaid" and "M*A*S*H."

Leonard Goldberg (1934–2019), legendary TV producer

Leonard Goldberg was one of the producers behind iconic 1970s TV shows “Charlie’s Angels,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and “Fantasy Island.” Goldberg was still producing at the time of his death as executive producer of “Blue Bloods,” a CBS police drama starring Tom Selleck. Goldberg had a long Hollywood career, becoming the head of programming at ABC where he oversaw “Mod Squad.” He partnered with Aaron Spelling in the 1970s on “Charlie’s Angels,” “Hart to Hart” and many other hit shows and TV Movies including “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.” He served as president of 20th Century Fox from 1987 to 1989 and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame in 2007.

Jimmy Cavallo (1927–2019), rock and roll pioneer

His band is believed to be the first white group to play the Apollo Theater.

D.C. Fontana (1939–2019), pioneering “Star Trek” writer

She wrote the classic “Star Trek” episode “Journey to Babel.”

Pat Sullivan (1950–2019), Auburn college football legend

Auburn quarterback won the Heisman Trophy in 1971.

Shelley Morrison (1936–2019), “Will & Grace” actress

Shelley Morrison, who played maid Rosario on the sitcom “Will & Grace,” died of heart failure in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 1, 2019. She was 83.