Aga Khan IV (1936–2025), spiritual leader, magnate, and philanthropist

The Aga Khan IV was the spiritual leader of the Isma'ili branch of Shia Islam, a billionaire philanthropist who helped build homes, hospitals and schools throughout the world.

Brooke Ellison (1978–2024), prominent disability rights advocate 

Brooke Ellison was a prominent disability rights activist, author, professor, and a noted advocate for stem cell research.

Bob Beckwith (1932–2024), iconic 9/11 firefighter 

Bob Beckwith was a New York City firefighter who became an icon of resilience when he stood with President George W. Bush at Ground Zero just a few days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Hage Geingob (1941–2024), president of Namibia 

Hage Geingob was the third president of Namibia, serving from 2015 until his death. 

Earl “The Twirl” Cureton (1957–2024), NBA “big man” and college star 

Earl “The Twirl” Cureton was an NBA player and college standout who excelled at the University of Detroit Mercy and played pro ball with the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and others.

Harry Whittington (1927–2023), Texas reformer shot by VP

Harry Whittington was a lawyer who made headlines in 2006 when he was accidentally shot by Vice President Dick Cheney while on a hunting trip.

Josh Neuman (1999–2022), skateboarding YouTuber

Josh Neuman was a YouTube star and content creator known for his videos in which he skateboarded perilous routes in beautiful locales across the world.

Ashley Bryan (1923–2022), award-winning children’s author and illustrator

Ashley Bryan wrote and illustrated award-winning children’s books including “Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum” and Beautiful Blackbird.”

Dianne Durham (1968–2021), first Black national gymnastics champion

Dianne Durham was the first Black gymnast to win a U.S. national championship, in 1983.

Bonnie MacLean (1939–2020), pioneering rock poster artist

Bonnie MacLean was a poster artist who created swirling, psychedelic imagery in her concert posters for San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. One of the only women working as a rock poster artist, MacLean was the Fillmore’s in-house artist from 1967 to 1971, creating posters for concerts including the Doors, the Yardbirds, Pink Floyd, and Cream. Some of her posters are worth thousands of dollars to collectors. MacLean was married to Bill Graham, the Fillmore’s concert promoter, during the 1960s and ‘70s.

Jane Milmore (1955–2020), screenwriter and producer for “Martin,” “The Hughleys”

Jane Milmore was a producer, screenwriter, and playwright whose TV credits include “Martin,” “The Wayans Brothers,” and “The Hughleys.” Milmore won a People’s Choice Award and an NAACP award for her work on “Martin,” as well as winning a Prism Award for her work on “The Hughleys.” She co-created the short-lived 1993 sitcom “Daddy Dearest,” starring Don Rickles and Richard Lewis. Other shows Milmore worked on with her longtime writing partner, Billy Van Zandt, include “Newhart,” “Suddenly Susan,” and “Yes, Dear.” Milmore and Van Zandt also wrote more than 20 plays together, including “You’ve Got Hate Mail” and “The Boomer Boys Musical,” and Milmore was an actress, appearing in her plays as well as in movies and TV shows.

John Mahoney (1940 – 2018), “Frasier” star

Beloved for his role as Martin Crane on the popular sitcom…

Edwin Jackson (1991–2018), Indianapolis Colts linebacker

Made 66 tackles with the Colts in 2016.

Marc Spitz (1969–2017), Spin magazine writer

A music journalist and author, Marc Spitz wrote for Spin magazine and Salon.com.

The Barbara McNair Show

(March 4, 1934–Feb. 4, 2007) was a woman of many talents: A singer and an actress, she also hosted her own TV variety show, becoming one of the first Black women to do so. The Barbara McNair Show lasted three seasons, from 1969 to 1972, and featured big names like , , Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and more. As talented as her guests, McNair herself often sang on the show.

Edgar Mitchell (1930 - 2016), Apollo 14 astronaut

Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14 astronaut who was the 6th man to walk on the moon, has died in Florida, according to The Associated Press. He was 85.

Axl Rotten (1971 - 2016), WWE wrestler

Brian Knighton wasbetter known by his professional wrestling name, Axl Rotten.

Dave Mirra (1973-2016), BMX and X Games star

David Michael "Dave" Mirra, the BMX and X Games star, has died of an apparent suicide, the Los Angeles Times reports.

King of the Jukebox: Louis Jordan

In the 1940s, no self-respecting jukebox would have been complete without at least a few records by Louis Jordan. The pioneering bandleader-singer-saxophonist was one of the top hitmakers of the day, making Black and White audiences alike move their feet to his uniquely infectious tunes. Along the way, he created some of the earliest precursors to rock ‘n’ roll and rap, and his wild success on the charts—as well as in diners, dance clubs and drive-ins—led fans to dub him "The King of the Jukebox."

Ossie Davis: Success on His Own Terms

On Feb. 4, 2005, the world lost a great champion of civil rights, who overcame racism and prejudice to become one of the most-honored actors of his generation. Today we look back at accomplished and outspoken Ossie Davis.

Karen Carpenter Had Only Just Begun

The death of Karen Carpenter is one of the great tragedies of the music world. Blessed with a warm, friendly singing voice and a natural flair for drums – but perhaps feeling a lack of control over her life, professionally and personally – she turned to diets to shape the one thing she felt she could control: her body. Anorexia nervosa and its vicious circle of dieting and pills eventually led to her death 30 years ago at the young age of 32.

Like Liberace

From the marvelous costumes to the silly banter to the grandiose and bombastic playing style, everything about Liberace was beloved by his fans...

The Betty Friedan Mystique

Betty Friedan , author of the landmark The Feminine Mystique , died five years ago today on her 85th birthday. We took a look back at her life and the impact of her work.