Bruce Degen (1945–2024), The Magic School Bus illustrator

Bruce Degen was an artist and writer best known for illustrating dozens of books for young readers, including the beloved children’s book series “The Magic School Bus.”

Frank Borman (1928–2023), commander of historic Apollo 8 mission

Frank Borman was an astronaut who commanded Apollo 8, the first mission to fly around the moon. 

C-Knight (2023), rapper with the Dove Shack 

C-Knight was a rapper with the hip-hop group the Dove Shack, known for their 1995 hit “Summertime in the LBC.” 

Jeff Cook (1949–2022), guitarist and fiddler for Alabama

Jeff Cook was a co-founder of the wildly popular country band Alabama, playing guitar, fiddle, and keyboards as well as singing backing vocals.

Leslie Phillips (1924–2022), voice of the Sorting Hat in “Harry Potter”

Leslie Phillips was an English actor known for his roles in several “Carry On” movies and as the Sorting Hat in the “Harry Potter” series.

John Artis (1946–2021), co-defendant in Rubin “Hurricane” Carter case

John Artis was a co-defendant in the notorious 1967 murder trial against boxer . Both were convicted but later exonerated.

Dean Stockwell (1936–2021), “Quantum Leap” star

Dean Stockwell was an actor whose long career included memorable roles on TV in “Quantum Leap” and in movies including the original “Dune” and “Married to the Mob.”

Edward J. Perkins (1928–2020), first Black U.S. ambassador to South Africa

Edward J. Perkins was a diplomat who became the first Black U.S. ambassador to South Africa.

Norm Crosby (1927–2020), legendary old school comic

Norm Crosby was a legendary old school comic known as the "The Master of Malaprop."

Cándido Camero (1921–2020), pioneering Latin jazz percussionist

C ándido Camero was a percussionist who is considered one of the fathers of Latin jazz, best known for his conga and bongo drumming.

Maria Perego (1923–2019), puppeteer created Topo Gigio

Maria Perego was an Italian puppeteer best known for creating Topo Gigio, a mouse puppet beloved by viewers of “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Paul Buckmaster (1946–2017), legendary arranger worked with David Bowie and Elton John

His arrangements accompanied rock classics such as “Space Oddity”…

Roy Halladay (1977–2017), former pitcher was a two-time Cy Young Award winner

Pitched a perfect game for the Phillies in 2010.

Julie Gregg (1937 - 2016), actress in The Godfather

Julie Gregg, the actress who played Sonny Corleone’s wife, Sandra, in the first two “Godfather” movies, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, of cancer at her home in Van Nuys, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 79.

Leonard Cohen (1934–2016), Hallelujah singer and songwriter

Leonard Cohen, a legendary Canadian-born singer-songwriter, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 82.

Willard Smith Sr. (2016), Will Smith's father

Will Smith Sr., the father of actor Will Smith, died Nov. 7, according to his son's ex-wife, Sheree Fletcher. Willard Carroll Smith Sr. was a refrigeration engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran who lived in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his famous son, he had three other children: Pamela and twins Harry and Ellen, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by Smith II's three children, Will "Trey" III, Jaden, and Willow. In an interview with Studio Q, Smith Sr. thanked the lord for his son's success. Asked what his favorite of Smith II's movies was, he said, "Surprisingly, 'Six Degrees of Separation,' because that was his first movie that he really acted. That was his first real acting role. That's still my favorite. I guess next in line would be 'Enemy of the State.'" Will Smith II described his father in an interview with Essence magazine: "Dad was tough but not tyrannical. He kept me in line. He’d get this look that said, 'One more step, Will, and it’ll get ugly.' He was an independent businessman – he set up refrigeration in supermarkets – and he always provided for us. He’s a steady and positive figure in my life."

Janet Reno (1938 - 2016), former U.S. attorney general

The former United States attorney general who served under President Bill Clinton died Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Steve McQueen Lives On

While Steve McQueen lived, he was one of America's favorite anti-heroes. The actor and daredevil brought us some of our favorite on-screen car chases, performing his own stunts whenever possible. And his devil-may-care personality – which led him to quit acting at the height of his popularity in favor of racing motorcycles – sealed the deal. He was one of the coolest guys around.

Joe Frazier Still Swinging in Philadelphia

won a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics.

The Remarkable Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most-admired first ladies of all time. And in the 50 years since her death, she has been endlessly quoted.