Gene “Groove” Allen (1964–2025), Groove B. Chill rapper

Gene “Groove” Allen was a rapper and actor best known for his work in the hip-hop trio Groove B. Chill and for his roles in movies like “House Party” and “House Party 2.” 

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.

Dave 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur (1968–2023), De La Soul cofounder 

David Jolicoeur was a founding member of the pioneering rap trio De La Soul.  He performed under the names “Trugoy the Dove,” “Plug Two,” and simply "Dave.” 

Carmen Herrera (1915–2022), abstract artist who became famous late in life

Carmen Herrera was an abstract artist who made her first sale at the age of 89 and went on to great fame in the art world.

Howard Grimes (1941–2022), drummer for Al Green, Ann Peebles

Howard Grimes was a drummer with the Memphis soul session band the Hi Rhythm Section, who backed singers including Al Green and Ann Peebles.

Ivan Reitman (1946–2022), director of “Ghostbusters”

Ivan Reitman was a filmmaker who directed movies including “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes.”

Lecile Harris (2020), rodeo clown who appeared on “Hee Haw”

Lecile Harris was a legendary rodeo clown who appeared on TV shows including “Hee Haw,” where he performed for five years. When Harris got into rodeo as a young man, rodeo clowns also fought the bulls that bucked off bullriders. He continued fighting bulls until his 50s, when he became solely a rodeo clown. He performed for decades, with his last performance at the 55th Annual Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show in Jackson. Mississippi, just before his death.

Dick Churchill (2019), last surviving WWII "Great Escape" team member

Dick Churchill was the last surviving member of the real-life "Great Escape" team, who escaped from a German POW camp during World War II and were later immortalized on film in the 1963 Steve McQueen classic.

Betty Ballantine (1919–2019), paperback pioneer

Publisher popularized the paperback and science fiction through Ballantine books.

Lyndon LaRouche (1922–2019), perennial presidential candidate

Lyndon LaRouche Jr., a contentious political activist and perennial candidate for U.S. president, died February 12. He was 96. One of the most unusual characters in American politics, LaRouche operated outside the mainstream of political thought, embracing an unorthodox platform of ideas from both the left and right of the political spectrum. With the support of his small but intensely loyal group of followers, he ran for president eight times between 1976 and 2004 — once from prison.

Pedro Morales (1942–2019), Hall of Fame pro wrestler

Pedro Morales was a beloved pro wrestler, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. He was the first wrestler in WWE history to win the Triple Crown: the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and World Tag Team Championship. A native of Puerto Rico, Morales moved to New York in his teens, where he discovered wrestling. He debuted as a professional at 17 in 1959, and he went on to win the WWE Championship in 1971, holding the title until 1973. A legendary 1972 match against Bruno Sammartino ended in a draw – and an embrace between the two champs – after 75 minutes of wrestling. After his 1987 retirement, Morales remained active in wrestling as a road agent and a Spanish-language commentator.

Gordon Banks (1937–2019), England’s 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper

Made “save of the century” against the legendary Pele.

Daryle Singletary (1971 – 2018), traditional country singer

Had multiple hit songs in the 90s…

Charles Schulz: The Man Behind Peanuts

As we prepare to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas," here are 20 facts about Charles Schulz's life and career....

Sal Mineo: The Switchblade Kid

We look back at the life and work of actor Sal Mineo, tragically murdered in an alley in West Hollywood just as his stalled career was on the upswing.