List of television performers who died during production explained

The following is a list of television performers who died during production of the television show in which they were appearing. In many cases, a show will handle the death of an actor by killing off their character or otherwise writing them out of the show. In other cases, the show may recast the part with another actor. In extreme cases, the show may be cancelled outright.

List

ActorCharacterShowNumber of appearancesDate of deathCause of deathSeason in productionEffect on production
Robert RipleyPresenter and participantRipley's Believe It or Not!131949-05-27Heart attack1Died three days after live broadcast of the 13th episode. Ripley's friends and associates filled in as presenters for the remainder of the first season. Robert St. John took over as host for the second season. The series' final episode was on October 5, 1950, more than a year-and-a-half following Ripley's death.
Don "Creesh" HornsbyPresenter and star performerBroadway Open House01950-05-22Polio1Scheduled to be the show's host, but died a week before the May 29, 1950, premiere. Replaced by Morey Amsterdam (Mondays and Wednesdays) and Jerry Lester (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays).
Richard HartEllery QueenThe Adventures of Ellery Queen111951-01-02Heart attack1Character recast; taken over by Lee Bowman.
Barton YarboroughSgt. Ben RomeroDragnet11951-12-17Heart attack1Romero was written out in the opening scene of the second episode of the series, shown in September 1952, with his character dying of the same cause as Yarborough. He was killed off. After a few episodes, the character of Romero was replaced by Frank Smith; played by Ben Alexander.
Hattie McDanielBeulah, the maidBeulah61952-10-26Breast cancer3Character recast; taken over by Louise Beavers.
Nana BryantJulia – Margaret Williams's motherMake Room for Daddy1955-12-24Unknown3No on-screen explanation given; the character simply stopped appearing midway through the third season.
Fred AllenPanelistWhat's My Line?921956-03-17Heart attack6Died Saturday night, March 17, 1956. His place on the Sunday, March 18 live broadcast was taken by Steve Allen and subsequently by guest panelists.
Charles KingVarious extrasGunsmoke281957-05-07Cirrhosis of the liver2While an urban legend states that he died on the set after playing a corpse; the final episode he appeared in that aired during his lifetime was "Cheap Labor", which aired May 4, 1957, days before his death. Seven additional episodes featuring King were aired between May 11 and July 6, 1957.
George ClevelandGeorge "Gramps" MillerLassie1161957-07-15Heart attack4Character killed off.
Ward BondMajor Seth AdamsWagon TrainApproximately 1301960-11-05Heart attack4No on-screen explanation given; the character simply stopped appearing midway through the fourth season and was replaced by John McIntire (Christopher Hale) as the "new wagon master."
Joseph KearnsGeorge WilsonDennis the Menace1001962-02-17Cerebral hemorrhage3Character written out. With Season 3 episodes still in production, the first two episodes filmed after Kearns' death do not feature Mr. Wilson nor any acknowledgement of why he is absent; the episodes simply focus on other characters. Starting with the last six episodes of Season 3, the character of John Wilson (Gale Gordon as George's brother) is introduced and will remain for the rest of the series' run; the initial explanation of George's absence is that he is "away" on business. George (along with wife, Martha) are officially written out in the fourth-season premiere as having moved, and after a few scattered mentions in a few subsequent episodes are not referred to again.
Dick PowellHost/Occasional starThe Dick Powell Show411963-01-02Lung cancer2Replaced by several other actors who served as guest hosts (at which point the series was renamed The Dick Powell Theatre), until the series was cancelled at the end of the season.
Larry KeatingRoger AddisonMister Ed811963-08-26Leukemia4Character written out without explanation.
John LarkinMajor General Wiley CroweTwelve O'Clock High251965-01-29Heart attack1Character written out without explanation.
Henry KulkyChief Curly JonesVoyage to the Bottom of the Sea221965-02-12Heart attack1Character written out and replaced during the second season by Chief Sharkey, portrayed by Terry Becker.
Dorothy KilgallenPanelistWhat's My Line?7841965-11-08Combined drug and alcohol overdose24Died on the day following the Sunday, November 7 broadcast. Her place on the following Sunday's live broadcast was taken by Kitty Carlisle, a panelist from To Tell the Truth (which, like What's My Line?, was produced by Goodson-Todman Productions) and subsequently by guest panelists.
Alice PearceGladys KravitzBewitchedApproximately 601966-03-03Ovarian cancer2Character recast with Sandra Gould filling the role, starting with Season 3. With Season 2 production still continuing when Pearce died, an interim character – Harriet Kravitz (Mary Grace Canfield), Gladys' sister-in-law – is introduced, with the explanation that Gladys is away visiting her mother, while Harriet visits with Abner to keep house.
Ann SheridanHenrietta HanksPistols 'n' Petticoats211967-01-21Cancer1Character is absent in the last five episodes. Afterwards, the series was canceled.
Smiley BurnetteCharley PrattPetticoat Junction1967-02-16Leukemia4Character retired without explanation, and replaced by Floyd Smoot (Rufe Davis) and later, Wendell Gibbs (Byron Foulger).
Charles BickfordJohn GraingerThe Virginian181967-11-09Pneumonia and blood infection6Character either written out or killed off and replaced by his brother, Clay Grainger, portrayed by John McIntire.
Marion LorneAunt ClaraBewitched271968-05-09Heart attack4Character written out without explanation and replaced during the sixth season by Esmeralda, portrayed by Alice Ghostley.
Bea BenaderetKate BradleyPetticoat Junction1631968-10-13Lung cancer5No on-screen acknowledgement or direct comment on her death is ever made. The character of Kate Bradley is said to be "out of town." Kate's absence is alluded to in passing in the season seven premiere episode when her daughters, Billie Jo and Bobbie Jo (Meredith MacRae and Lori Saunders) comment wistfully, "Mom taught us to swim in that very same water tower." Benaderet's character was replaced by Dr. Janet Craig, played by June Lockhart.
Barton MacLaneGeneral Martin PetersonI Dream of Jeannie351969-01-01Double pneumonia4Character written out without explanation and replaced during the fifth season by General Winfield Schaeffer, portrayed by Vinton Hayworth.
Robert TaylorHostDeath Valley Days1969-06-08Lung cancer17Replaced by Dale Robertson.
Barbara PepperDoris ZiffelGreen Acres301969-07-18Coronary thrombosis4Character recast; role taken over by Fran Ryan.
Inger StevensVanessa SmithThe Most Deadly Game11970-04-30acute barbiturate poisoning1Died more than five months before series premiere and her character was recast, with Yvette Mimieux taking over the part. The premiere was postponed from September to October and ultimately the series was canceled after production of 13 episodes. The pilot episode with Stevens was never broadcast.
Frank SilveraDon Sebastian MontoyaThe High Chaparral141970-06-11Accidental electrocution3Character written out.
Arthur LeslieJack WalkerCoronation Street1970-06-30Heart attackCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Pete DuelHannibal Heyes (Joshua Smith)Alias Smith and Jones331971-12-31Suicide by ballistic trauma2Character recast with Roger Davis, the series' narrator.
Dan BlockerHoss CartwrightBonanza400+1972-05-13Pulmonary embolism following surgery13Character written out with no on-screen explanation, although Hoss' death is alluded to in at least two episodes. David Canary reprised his role as Candy Canaday to replace Hoss; however, Blocker's death was partially cited as a reason for the series' ratings going into decline in the fall of 1972 and eventual cancellation.
Roger DelgadoThe MasterDoctor Who371973-06-18Traffic collision10Character regenerated.
James BeckPrivate Joe WalkerDad's Army581973-08-06Pancreatitis6Character written out during the episode The Recruit with a letter saying he was "gone to The Smoke". Character was never seen or mentioned again.
Glenn StrangeSamGunsmoke2381973-09-20Lung cancer14Character killed off.
Patricia CuttsBlanche HuntCoronation Street21974-09-06Suicide by barbiturate poisoningCharacter recast, role taken over by Maggie Jones.
Barbara ColbyJulie ErskinePhyllis31975-07-24Ballistic trauma, inflicted during drive-by shooting1Character recast with Liz Torres taking over the role.
Graham HaberfieldJerry BoothCoronation Street1975-10-18Heart failureCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Freddie PrinzeChico RodriguezChico and the Man621977-01-29Ballistic trauma to the head, self-inflicted3Episodes completed prior to Prinze's death were aired on schedule. The first aired episode after Prinze's death included an on-air acknowledgement from series creator and executive producer, James Komack. Following the airing of Prinze's last completed episode, for the rest of season three, Chico's absence is explained as being "away" (either on business or visiting his father), with completed scripts focusing on other characters and Chico's lines either removed or rewritten for other characters. Starting in season 4, Chico was replaced by a 12-year-old boy named Raul (Gabriel Melgar), while other characters initially continued to explain that Chico was away. Finally, in the season 4 episode, "Raul Runs Away," which aired January 20, 1978 (nearly one year after Prinze's death), it is explained that Chico had died but with no explanation of his cause of death. However, the ratings declined and, with Prinze's death a primary factor, the series was cancelled in the spring of 1978.[1]
Diana HylandJoan BradfordEight is Enough41977-03-27Breast cancer1Character killed off before the beginning of the next season. Joan's death is addressed in the second-season premiere, and a new character, played by Betty Buckley, is introduced early in the second season.
Zara Cully"Mother" Olivia JeffersonThe Jeffersons1978-02-28Lung cancer4Character killed off and addressed briefly in an early Season 5 episode.
Will Geer"Grandpa" Zeb WaltonThe Waltons1978-04-22Respiratory failure6Character killed off, with his death addressed in the seventh-season premiere.
Arthur BroughMr. Ernest GraingerAre You Being Served?341978-05-286Character written out without explanation and replaced by Mr. Tebbs, portrayed by James Hayter.
Karl SwensonLars HansonLittle House On the Prairie1978-10-08Heart attack4Character killed off, as having died from complications of a stroke he had suffered after the series' main setting, Walnut Grove (the town which he founded), had fallen into an economic depression. The final episode that featured his character aired eight days after his death.
Jack SooDetective Nick YemanaBarney Miller1979-01-11Esophageal cancer5Character written out without explanation, though some episodes allude to Yemana's death. His last appearance was season 5 episode 9 "The Vandal". The fourteenth episode from fifth season The Voice Analyzer was aired on the same day Jack Soo died. A special tribute episode, with Soo's castmates giving out-of-character tributes to him, was aired in the spring of 1979.[2]
Ted CassidyVoice of Incredible Hulk and The Narrator The Incredible Hulk1979-01-16Complications from heart surgery2Character recast; replaced by Charles Napier.
Richard BeckinsaleStanBloomers51979-03-19Coronary artery disease1Scheduled filming for 6th episode cancelled.
Bob ClaytonAnnouncerThe $20,000 Pyramidapprox. 10401979-11-01Cardiac arrestapprox. 5Replaced by Steve O'Brien.
Mary McCartyNurse Clara "Starch" WilloughbyTrapper John, M.D.221980-03-30Heart attack1Character written out, explained to have retired after getting married in the Season 2 premiere; Character was replaced by Nurse Ernestine Shoop (played by Madge Sinclair).
Patrick CampbellTeam captainCall My Bluff1980-11-1015Replaced by Arthur Marshall.
Jim DavisJock EwingDallas751981-04-26Multiple myeloma4Character killed off with a helicopter crash after an extended absence.
Harold BennettYoung Mr. GraceAre You Being Served?501981-09-11Heart attack9Character written out, but continued to be mentioned. Later, character killed off in the first episode of the spinoff series Grace & Favour.
Johnny JacobsAnnouncerTreasure Hunt251982-02-081Replaced by Tony McClay, who had served as Jacobs' fill-in.
Michael ThomaGreg CranfieldFame71982-09-03Cancer1Mr. Cranfield was due to be sacked but the pupils forced the school board to reconsider. His job was saved but Toma died shortly after the episode was filmed. In the episode "Tough Act to Follow", the character was killed off with a heart attack; the episode was dedicated to Thoma.
Will LeeMr. HooperSesame Street1982-12-07Heart attack13Character killed off, with his death addressed in the season 14 episode, "Goodbye, Mr. Hooper", aired almost a year after his death on November 24, 1983. Episodes featuring Mr. Hooper that were taped prior to Lee's death were aired posthumously, with no acknowledgement of the reason for his absence from between his final aired appearance (in early 1983) until the airing of that episode.
Carolyn JonesMyrna CleggCapitol1081983-08-03Colon cancer2Temporary substitute Marla Adams played Myrna Clegg during periods when Jones was too ill to perform. At the time of Jones' death, Marla Adams was cast in The Young and the Restless and the role was assigned to Marj Dusay, who continued in the part for nearly four years, until Capitol's cancelation in March 1987.
Peter DudleyBert TilsleyCoronation Street1983-10-20Heart attackCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Jessica SavitchHostFrontline1983-10-23Drowned in a car accident1Replaced during the second season by Judy Woodruff.
Michael ConradPhil EsterhausHill Street Blues1983-11-22Urethral cancer4Character killed off while having sex with Grace Gardner. Episodes completed prior to his death were aired, with the first episode completed after Conrad's death addressing Esterhaus' death.
Ralph WhiteEeyoreWelcome to Pooh Corner1983-12-312Character recast with Ron Gans taking over the role.
John ComerSidLast of the Summer Wine471984-02-11Throat cancer7Character killed off, death mentioned on screen in following episodes.
Jack HowarthAlbert TatlockCoronation Street1984-03-31Liver complaintCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Jack BarryHostThe Joker's Wild1984-05-02Cardiac arrestReplaced by Bill Cullen.
Bernard YouensStan OgdenCoronation Street1984-08-27GangreneCharacter killed off with gangrene.
Ève GagnierCannellePasse-Partout1251984-09-19Kidney Complications2Character recast; replaced by Lucie Beauvais.
Toke TownleySam PearsonEmmerdale1984-09-27Heart attackCharacter killed off in his sleep.
Charlotte LongEloiseThe Tripods1984-10-06Car crash1Character briefly recast, with Cindy Shelley appearing as Eloise during a dream sequence.
Jon-Erik HexumMac HarperCover Up71984-10-18Ballistic trauma to the head, accidentally self-inflicted with a blank cartridge1Character killed off and replaced by Jack Striker, portrayed by Antony Hamilton.
Lennard PearceGrandadOnly Fools & Horses261984-12-15Heart attack4Character killed off. Pearce died while filming the series four episode "Hole in One" (several scenes were subsequently reshot with Buster Merryfield).
Carol WayneMatinee Lady (in Art Fern's Tea Time Movie sketches)The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1985-01-13DrownedReplaced by Teresa Ganzel.
Nicholas ColasantoCoach Ernie PantussoCheers711985-02-12Heart ailment3Character killed off at the beginning of the next season and replaced as bartender by Woody Boyd, portrayed by Woody Harrelson.
Dolph SweetCarl KaniskyGimme a Break!881985-05-08Cancer4Character killed off, and his character's death was addressed in the fifth-season premiere.
Selma DiamondSelma HackerNight Court1985-05-13Lung cancer2Character killed off and addressed in the third-season premiere.
Samantha SmithElizabeth CulverLime Street41985-08-25Crash of Bar Harbor Airlines Flight 18081Production initially continued, but series cancelled after airing only five out of eight episodes produced.
Sidney CluteDetective Paul LaGuardia Cagney & Lacey801985-10-02Cancer4Character written off, with an explanation onscreen that he retired and moved away. As a tribute, Clute's name was kept in the opening credits until the series finale.
Johnny OlsonAnnouncerThe Price is Right1985-10-12cerebral hemorrhage13Replaced in February 1986 by Rod Roddy (on-air auditions were held in the interim).
Bill ScottMoosel, Brat The Wuzzles131985-11-29Heart attack1Series cancelled.
Gruffi Gummi, Toadwart, Sir TuxfordDisney's Adventures of the Gummi BearsCharacters recast for the second season; the former two were taken over by Corey Burton and the latter was taken over by Roger C. Carmel.
Anne BaxterVictoria CabotHotel1985-12-12Stroke3Character killed off.
Dustin GeeHimself (performer)The Laughter Show121986-01-03Heart attack3No on-screen explanation given.
Florence HalopFlorence KleinerNight Court1986-07-15Lung cancer3Character killed off and addressed in the fourth-season premiere. Her successor was played by Marsha Warfield, who remained for the rest of the series run.
Ted KnightHenry RushThe Ted Knight Show1986-08-26Colorectal cancer6Series cancelled; production was to have resumed in September 1986, with Knight planning on returning to work. First-run episodes that were completed prior to his death were aired on schedule through the end of the 1986–1987 season.
Roger C. CarmelCyclonus, Bruticus, MotormasterThe Transformers1986-11-11Congestive heart failure3Bruticus and Motormaster both written out. Replaced as voice of Cyclonus during the fourth season by Jack Angel.
Sir TuxfordDisney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears2Character recast with Brian Cummings.
Joe GladwinWally BattyLast of the Summer Wine451987-03-119Character killed off, death mentioned on screen in following episodes.
Eamonn AndrewsHostThis Is Your Life1987-11-05heart failureAndews had completed his last edition of the show six days before his death on October 30. This and two others that had yet to be broadcast, were postponed until they were broadcast in January 1988 with his wife's permission. Replaced by Michael Aspel.
Grigory TolchinskyFilyaGood Night, Little Ones!1000+1988-03-05Natural Causes24Character recast, replaced by Igor Galunenko.
Daws ButlerVarious characters (most notably Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound)Yogi's Treasure Hunt271988-05-18Heart attack3Series ended two months before Butler's death; replaced by sequel series The New Yogi Bear Show with the title character voiced by Greg Burson.
Jack ClarkAnnouncerWheel of Fortune1988-07-21Bone cancer8Replaced by M.G. Kelly, and later by Charlie O'Donnell.
Jack HaigMonsieur Roger LeClerc'Allo 'Allo!511989-07-04Cancer5Character written out as preferring to leave René's Café to go back to prison (where he came from at the start of the show) because the food was better there. Replaced by his brother Ernest LeClerc, portrayed by Derek Royle.
Derek RoyleMonsieur Ernest LeClerc81990-01-23Cancer6Character recast, role taken over by Robin Parkinson.
David RappaportMALCaptain Planet and the Planeteers41990-05-02Suicide by Gunshot1Character recast; replaced by Tim Curry.
Jim Hensonvarious Muppets, most notably Ernie and Kermit the FrogSesame Street1990-05-16Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome21Some characters recast with other Muppet performers, most notably Steve Whitmire, who assumed the roles of Ernie and Kermit. A number of other characters, however, were retired outside of special occasions.
Kevin Peter HallHarryHarry and the Hendersons161991-04-10AIDS-related pneumonia1Character recast with Dawan Scott taking over the role.
Emily McLaughlinJessie BrewerGeneral Hospital1991-04-26CancerCharacter killed off.
Arthur PentelowHenry WilksEmmerdale1991-08-06Heart attackCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Redd FoxxAlphonso RoyalThe Royal Family71991-10-11Heart attack1Character killed off. The show was retooled with Jackee Harry being brought in as Al and Victoria's other daughter, who moved in with the Royals to help them overcome Al's death. Despite this move being well-received, the show was cancelled after one season.
Richard HuntVarious MuppetsSesame Street1992-01-07AIDS complications23Some episodes already taped during fall months prior to his death were aired, with his characters retired from the show the following season and some of them recast by other Muppet performers, most notably David Rudman and Jennifer Barnhart.
Larry RileyFrank WilliamsKnots Landing1111992-06-06AIDS-related kidney failure13Character written out; No on-screen explanation given.
John HancockIke JohnsonLove & War71992-10-12Heart attack1Character killed off and replaced by his brother Abe, portrayed by Charlie Robinson.
Werner StockerDarius51993-05-27Brain cancer1Character killed off in the episode that aired only a few days before his death. Was originally planned to appear in flashbacks in subsequent episodes, but had to be completely written out instead.
James HuntColor commentatorGrand Prix1993-06-15heart attackReplaced by Jonathan Palmer.
Raymond BurrPerry MasonPerry Mason (TV film series)261993-09-12CancerCharacter was written out as being out of town in the final four films (which were retitled A Perry Mason Mystery) and was replaced first by Paul Sorvino as Anthony Caruso, then by Hal Holbrook as Wild Bill McKenzie.
Mark McManusJim TaggartTaggart311994-06-06Alcohol induced liver failure11Character disappears and is subsequently killed off.
Dominic LuceroHimself/Various charactersRoundhouse521994-07-01Lymphoma3His characters were recast by other cast members or written out without explanation, Lucero was paid tribute in the series finale.
Robert LansingCapt. Paul Blaisdell241994-10-23Cancer2Character written out; No on-screen explanation given.
Hugh O'ConnorLonnie JamisonIn the Heat of the Night1995-04-07Ballistic trauma, self-inflicted8Final TV movie, which had already completed production, was dedicated to O'Connor when it aired about a month after his death.
Kōhei MiyauchiKame SenninDragon Ball Z1995-06-02abdominal varicesFinal role recorded only 3 months before his death. Character recast; replaced by Jōji Yanami for a single episode then Hiroshi Masuoka thereafter in Dragon Ball GT.
Linda GaryAunt MaySpider-Man281995-10-05Brain cancer3Character recast for the fourth season; taken over by Julie Bennett.
Kei TomiyamaYang Wen LiLegend of the Galactic Heroes721995-09-25pancreatic cancer3Character killed off but had already completed his lines just before his death; taken over by Hozumi Gōda for spin-off series.
Tomozou SakuraChibi Maruko-chan2Character recast, taken over by Takeshi Aono.
Doris GrauLunchlady DorisThe Simpsons211995-12-30Respiratory failure7Character initially retired, but brought back years later with Tress MacNeille taking over the role.
John BeradinoSteve HardyGeneral Hospital1996-05-19Pancreatic cancerCharacter killed off.
Ray CombsHostFamily Challenge1996-06-02Suicide by Hanging2Replaced by Michael Burger, rebranded as "The New Family Challenge".
Dana HillCharles DuckmanDuckman491996-07-15Complications caused by diabetes4Character recast; replaced by Pat Musick.
Robert RidgelyCommanderDexter's Laboratory31997-02-08Cancer1Character recast; replaced by Earl Boen.
David DoyleGrandpa Lou PicklesRugrats1997-02-26Heart attack5Character recast; replaced by Joe Alaskey.
Iain AndersSuperintendent Jack McVitieTaggart391997-09-05Infection following a short illness[3] 14Character written out; No on-screen explanation given.
Dermot MorganFather Ted CrillyFather Ted1998-02-28Heart attack3Production completed filming before his death.
Gera SufimovaKarkushaGood Night, Little Ones!1000+1998-04-15Natural Causes34Character recast, replaced by Galina Marchenko.
Kevin LloydDC Alfred "Tosh" Lines The Bill1998-05-02Asphyxia14Character written out; No on-screen explanation given.
Phil HartmanBill McNealNewsRadio751998-05-28Ballistic trauma, inflicted by his wife, Brynn Hartman5Character killed off with a heart attack at the beginning of the season in a tribute episode. Replaced for the fifth (and final) season by long time friend Jon Lovitz as Max Louis.
Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz, et al.The Simpsons5410Major recurring characters of Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz retired, occasionally being used in background shots.
Shari LewisHerself, Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy, and LewisThe Charlie Horse Music Pizza131998-08-02Pneumonia1Series cancelled.
Phil LeedsJudge Dennis 'Happy' BoyleAlly McBeal51998-08-16Pneumonia2Character killed off.
Bob TrowBob Dog, Robert Troll, and Harriet Elizabeth CowMister Rogers' Neighborhood1998-11-02Heart attack29Characters retired.
Gene SiskelHostSiskel & Ebert1999-02-20Complications from brain surgeryShow renamed to Roger Ebert & the Movies, with Ebert accompanied by guest critics; Richard Roeper later joined Ebert as permanent co-host.
David StricklandTodd StitiesSuddenly Susan1999-03-22Suicide by hanging3Character written out without explanation, although an off-screen death was hinted.[4]
Jill DandoPresenterCrimewatch1999-04-26MurderedReplaced by Fiona Bruce.
Buster MerryfieldUncle AlbertOnly Fools & Horses1999-06-23Brain tumour7Character killed off.
Bill OwenCompo SimmoniteLast of the Summer Wine1861999-07-12Pancreatic cancer21Character killed off with a heart attack and addressed in a season 22 episode. Bill Owen's son Tom Owen plays character's on screen son Tom Simmonite in following episodes.
Mary Kay BergmanLiane Cartman, Sheila Broflovski, et al.South Park441999-11-11Suicide by Gunshot3Characters recast, taken over by Mona Marshall, Eliza Schneider, and later April Stewart.
Jay Jay, Herky, Savannah, Revvin' EvanJay Jay the Jet Plane382Characters recast; replaced by Debi Derryberry.
Timmy Turner Oh Yeah! Cartoons2Character recast with Tara Strong taking over the role.
Madeline KahnPauline FoxCosby601999-12-03Ovarian cancer4Character presumably killed off. A special tribute episode, with Kahn's castmates giving out-of-character tributes to her, was aired a few weeks after her death.
Nancy MarchandLivia SopranoThe Sopranos2000-06-18Lung cancer and emphysema3Character killed off.
Myles FergusonScott LintonEdgemont132000-09-29Car accident1Character written out without explanation.
David DukesJoseph McPheeDawson's Creek72000-10-09Heart attack4Character written out.
Michael CuccioneJason "Q.T." McKnight2gether: The Series192001-01-13Respiratory failure2Series cancelled.
Kenneth MacDonaldMikeOnly Fools and Horses302001-08-07Heart attack9Character written out with the explanation of being in prison for fraud.
Kathleen FreemanMrs. GordonAs Told by Ginger2001-08-23Lung cancer2Character written out as having retired. Original ending of episode "No Hope For Courtney" was to have Mrs. Gordon come back to work as a teacher.
Ginzō MatsuoAlexander T. OyajiideOjamajo Doremi2001-08-25Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage3Character recast for season 4; taken over by Nobuaki Kanemitsu.
Graeme StrachanHost/CarpenterOur House2001-08-29Helicopter crash9A tribute episode to Shirl was aired several weeks after his death, series later cancelled.
Billie Lou WattMa BaggeCourage the Cowardly Dog62001-09-07Lung cancer3Character written out.
Natalia DerzhavinaKhryushaGood Night, Little Ones!1000+2002-03-10Heart Failure38Character recast, replaced by Oksana Chabanyuk.
Gordon WharmbyWesley PegdenLast of the Summer Wine1392002-05-18Lung cancer23Character killed off, death implied on screen in following episodes.
Josh Ryan EvansTimmy LenoxPassions3022002-08-05Complications of heart surgery4Character was killed off in the episode that aired the day of his death. The character was originally planned to be brought back as an angel in later episodes, but had to be written out instead.
Yō InoueRyo BakuraYu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters2003-02-28lung cancerCharacter recast; replaced by Rica Matsumoto.
Lynne ThigpenElla Mae FarmerThe District2003-03-12Cerebral hemorrhage3Character killed off from the cancer she was in remission from. Third season finale included a tribute to her character.
Luna the MoonBear in the Big Blue House4Production ended one year before her death, with last episodes airing posthumously in 2006, replaced with Breakfast with Bear in 2005.
Thora HirdEdie PegdenLast of the Summer Wine1522003-03-15Stroke24Character killed off, death implied on screen in following episodes.
Michael JeterMr. Noodle's Brother, Mister NoodleSesame Street2003-03-30Epileptic seizure44Character retired.
Gregory HinesWilliam "Big Bill" GloverLittle Bill2003-08-09Liver cancer4Series ended.
Harry GozCaptain Hazel "Hank" MurphySealab 20212003-09-06Multiple myeloma3Character written out as having left Sealab to fight in "The Great Spice Wars". Replaced by his son Michael as Captain Bellerophon "Tornado" Shanks.
Jaclyn LinetskyCaillouCaillou2003-09-08Traffic accidentCharacter recast; replaced by Annie Bovaird.
Megan O'Connor15/Love131Both characters killed in a plane crash.
Vadim SchneiderSébastien Dubé
John RitterPaul Hennessy8 Simple Rules2003-09-11Undiagnosed aortic dissection2Character killed off from an implied heart attack, with his character's death explained in the two-part episode "Goodbye". Two new characters, portrayed by James Garner and David Spade, were introduced to replace Ritter's character.
CliffordClifford the Big Red Dog653Series ended five months before Ritter's death; replaced by prequel Clifford's Puppy Days with the title character voiced by Lara Jill Miller. Later, character recast with Adam Sanders taking over the role on the 2019 revival series.
Tony CapstickPolicemanLast of the Summer Wine332003-10-2325Character written out; No on-screen explanation given, and replaced by another policeman, portrayed by Louis Emerick.
Rod RoddyAnnouncerThe Price is Right2003-10-27Colon cancer32Replaced in April 2004 by Rich Fields (on-air auditions were held in the interim).
Richard BiggsMilo MortonStrong Medicine2004-05-22Aortic dissection5Character killed off.
David BaileyAlistair CranePassions2004-11-25drowned in his pool6Character recast with John Reilly taking over the role.
Jerry OrbachLennie Briscoe2 (Trial by Jury)
282 (all Law & Order programs)
2004-12-28Prostate cancer1Character killed off; character's off-screen death mentioned on other shows within the Law & Order franchise.
John VernonDean ToadblattThe Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy32005-02-01Complications from heart surgery5Character recast; replaced by Ronnie Schell.
Stan RichardsSeth ArmstrongEmmerdale2005-02-11EmphysemaCharacter killed off with a heart attack while flying home from Australia.
Richard WhiteleyHostCountdown2005-06-26endocarditisReplaced by Des Lynam.
John SpencerLeo McGarryThe West Wing1552005-12-16Heart attack7Character killed off with a heart attack; running mate Matt Santos (portrayed by Jimmy Smits) wins presidential election.[5]
Len CarlsonBuzzCyberchase2006-01-26Heart Attack5Character recast with Philip Williams taking over the role.
Minimus P.U., Greenbeard and Spindly Tam Kanushu Atomic Betty2Character recast with Dwayne Hill taking over the role.
Benjamin HendricksonHarold "Hal" Munson Jr.As the World Turns2006-07-02Suicide by GunshotCharacter killed off on the line of duty.
Mako IwamatsuIroh312006-07-21Esophageal cancer2Voice work already completed for the second season, had one non-speaking appearance in the beginning of the next season and was then recast with Greg Baldwin, who accurately imitated his predecessor's voice and voiced the character for the third and final season, along with two guest appearances in season two of the sequel series.
Tony JaySpiderus, Cloud KingMiss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends172006-08-13Complications from cancer surgery3Series ended.
Steve IrwinHimself/Crocodile HunterThe Crocodile Hunter2006-09-04Fatal stingray injury5Series cancelled. In 2018, the remaining family members starred in the series, Crikey! It's the Irwins, following their work at the Australia Zoo.
Darlene ConleySally SpectraThe Bold and the Beautiful2007-01-14Stomach cancerCharacter written out in the South of France, "surrounded by hunky cabana boys."
Christopher AllportAndrew CampbellMad Men2008-01-25Avalanche1Character killed off with a plane crash.
Ashley CallieLee HainesIsidingo500+2008-02-15Traffic Accident11Character went missing and later killed off-screen without specifying her cause of death.
Mark SpeightPresenterSMart1732008-04-07Suicide by hanging14A special tribute to Mark Speight was broadcast. Along with the final two series' new format, guest presenters appear each week to assist the two presenters, Kirsten O'Brien and Mike Fischetti.
Stanley KamelDr. Charles KrogerMonk462008-04-08Heart attackCharacter killed off with a heart attack and replaced as Adrian Monk's psychiatrist by Dr. Neven Bell, portrayed by Héctor Elizondo.
Tim RussertModeratorMeet the Press2008-06-13Heart attackReplaced by Tom Brokaw, and later by David Gregory.
Clive HornbyJack SugdenEmmerdale2008-07-03CancerCharacter killed off with a heart attack.
Kathy StaffNora BattyLast of the Summer Wine2462008-12-13Brain tumor29Character written out as visiting Australia, and replaced by Barbara Young as her sister, Stella, who is house-sitting for her.
Wayne AllwineMickey MouseMickey Mouse Clubhouse992009-05-18Complications caused by diabetes3Character recast for season 4; replaced by Bret Iwan as the current voice of Mickey Mouse.
Billy MaysHimself (host)PitchMen122009-06-28Hypertensive heart disease1Series continued with Anthony Sullivan becoming the sole host.
Maggie JonesBlanche HuntCoronation Street2009-12-02Character killed off.
Brittany MurphyLuanne Platter and various charactersKing of the Hill2009-12-20Pneumonia13Original series ended before her death, revival series and fourteenth season currently in production.
Phil HarrisHimself Deadliest Catch2010-02-09Intracranial hemorrhage6Replaced by Derrick Ray as captain for the remainder of the season.
Charlie O'DonnellAnnouncerWheel of Fortune2010-11-01Heart failure22Replaced in June 2011 by Jim Thornton (on-air auditions were held in the interim).
Elisabeth SladenSarah Jane SmithThe Sarah Jane Adventures532011-04-19Cancer5Production suspended before the commencement of filming of three planned 2-part serials, resulting in an abbreviated broadcast season and leaving some story arcs and plot points unresolved. Series later ended.
Ryan DunnHimself (host)Proving Ground92011-06-20Car accident1Series cancelled.
Andy WhitfieldSpartacus2011-09-11Non-Hodgkin lymphoma4Character recast with Liam McIntyre taking over the role.
Frances BayAunt GinnyThe Middle112011-09-15Complications from pneumonia3Character killed off in Season 3 episode, "The Map".
Betty DriverBetty WilliamsCoronation Street2,800+2011-10-15PneumoniaCharacter killed off with an illness.
Ian AbercrombieChancellor Palpatine/Darth SidiousStar Wars: The Clone Wars292012-01-26Kidney Failure5Character recast; replaced by Tim Curry.
Ernest BorgnineMermaid ManSpongeBob SquarePants152012-07-08Kidney Failure8Character retired (alongside Barnacle Boy).
Jerry NelsonThe Count and other charactersSesame Street2012-08-23Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease43Many of Nelson's characters recast; taken over by Matt Vogel. An episode loosely inspired by Jerry's death and centered on The Count aired in 2013.[6]
Larry HagmanJ.R. EwingDallas356 (original series)
17 (revival series)
2012-11-23Acute myeloid leukemia2Character killed off with two fatal gunshot wounds (a reference to the "Who shot J.R.?" cliffhanger of the original series), an episode revolving around his funeral, and an episode detailing his master plan.
Jenni RiveraHerselfI Love Jenni2012-12-09Crash of Mexico Learjet 253Series ended; In 2016, the remaining family members starred in the spin-off series The Riveras, which featured her daughter Chiquis Rivera.
Jeanne CooperKatherine ChancellorThe Young and the Restless1,2962013-05-08Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease40Character killed off in her sleep. A tribute episode was later made in honor of Cooper.
Richard ThorpAlan TurnerEmmerdale2013-05-22Character killed off in his sleep.
James GandolfiniJohn StoneThe Night of2013-06-19Heart attack1Gandolfini was set to portray the role of John Stone. However, he died before filming began. Production delayed, character recast; replaced by John Turturro. Gandolfini was posthumously credited as executive producer. The first episode, "The Beach", which aired three years after his death was dedicated to him.
Cory MonteithFinn HudsonGlee812013-07-13Heroin and alcohol overdose5Production delayed; character killed off in the season 5 episode, "The Quarterback", without specifying cause of death.
Lee Thompson YoungBarold "Barry" FrostRizzoli & Isles2013-08-19Suicide by Gunshot4Production suspended; character was said to be on vacation at the end of the 4th season, then later killed off in a car accident on the way home and was given a funeral in a fifth-season premiere.
Marcia WallaceEdna KrabappelThe Simpsons1782013-10-25Pneumonia25Character retired, later killed off screen. Edna's death (which includes previously recorded dialogue by Wallace) is acknowledged in the 25th-season episode "The Man Who Grew Too Much."
Christopher Evan WelchPeter GregorySilicon Valley52013-12-02Cancer1Character killed off while taking a trip in Serengeti after suffering an implied heart attack while running away from a tent incident.
Ralph WaiteJackson GibbsNCIS82014-02-13Natural causes11Character killed off with a stroke in Season 11 finale episode, "Honor Thy Father".
James RebhornFrank MathisonHomeland82014-03-21Melanoma4Character killed off with a stroke while Carrie is working overseas. In the season 4 finale of Homeland was dedicated to him.
Walter MasseyPrincipal HaneyArthur2014-08-04Undisclosed 19Character written out as having moved to Tanzania to build a school.
Don PardoAnnouncerSaturday Night Live7262014-08-18Natural causes38Replaced by former SNL cast member Darrell Hammond.
Joan RiversHostFashion Police2014-09-04Anoxic encephalopathy due to hypoxic arrest5Replaced by Kathy Griffin, and later by NeNe Leakes and Margaret Cho.
BubbeArthur219Character killed off in the season 25 episode "Listen Up!".
Carol Ann SusiDebbie WolowitzThe Big Bang Theory392014-11-11Cancer8Character killed off in her sleep while on vacation in Florida.[7]
Warren ClarkeCharles PoldarkPoldark42014-11-12Died in his sleep following a short illness1Character killed off in his sleep while on his deathbed in Season 1, Episode 4.
Anne KirkbrideDeirdre BarlowCoronation Street1,4392015-01-19Breast cancerCharacter killed off, possibly with brain aneurysm.
Monty OumLie RenRWBY2015-02-01allergic reaction3Character recast; taken over by his older brother Neath Oum as the current voice of Lie Ren.
Shirley StelfoxEdna BirchEmmerdale2015-12-07CancerCharacter killed off with ovarian cancer.
Yūko MizutaniSakiko SakuraChibi Maruko-chan2016-05-17Breast cancerCharacter recast with Machiko Toyoshima taking over the role.
Alan YoungScrooge McDuckMickey Mouse22016-05-19Natural causes3Character recast; taken over by John Kassir.
Anton YelchinJim Lake Jr.Trollhunters2016-06-19Blunt traumatic asphyxia3Character recast; role taken over during season 3 by Emile Hirsch. The series premiered in December 2016, six months after his death. Yelchin had recorded dialogue for three seasons, the last of which aired in 2018.
John McLaughlinHostThe McLaughlin Group2016-08-16Prostate cancerSeries ended.
Carrie FisherAngelaFamily Guy322016-12-27Cardiac arrest15Character killed off with an implied drowning in Season 17 episode, Pawtucket Pete.
MiaCatastrophe64Character killed off in Season 4, Episode 6.
Miguel FerrerOwen Granger1052017-01-19Throat cancer8Character killed off under a tree after battling cancer.
Albert RosenfieldTwin Peaks8 (original series)
11 (revival series)
3Miniseries. Filmed before his death.
Stretch MonsterStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters101Character recast; replaced by David Kaye.
Bill PaxtonDetective Frank RourkeTraining Day132017-02-25Complications from heart surgery1Series cancelled.[8]
Charlie MurphyVictor "Vic" Hargrove Black Jesus212017-04-12Leukemia2Character written out.
Glenne HeadlyDiane FuttermanFuture Man52017-06-08Pulmonary embolism1Character killed off.
Adam WestMayor WestFamily Guy1172017-06-10Leukemia15Character killed off and has appeared as a ghost. West had recorded his voice for 5 episodes for season 16, which aired posthumously.[9]
John DunsworthJim LaheyTrailer Park Boys992017-10-1612Series ended. Replaced with Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series.
Hiromi TsuruBulmaDragon Ball Super2017-11-16aortic dissectionCharacter recast; replaced by Aya Hisakawa for all future Dragon Ball roles.
Dokin-chanSoreike! AnpanmanCharacter recast; replaced by Miina Tominaga.
Reg E. CatheyJames LucasLuke Cage 72018-02-09Lung cancer2Series cancelled.
DuShon Monique BrownConnieChicago Fire592018-03-23Sepsis6Character written out and she became a Counsellor.
Anthony BourdainHimself (host)2018-06-08SuicideSeries ended.
Barry ElliottBarry ChuckleChuckle Time122018-08-05Bone cancer1Series cancelled.
Unshō IshizukaNarrator, Professor Oak, et al.Pokémon1,0322018-08-13Esophageal cancer21Characters recast; roles taken over by Kenyu Horiuchi.
Scott WilsonHershel GreeneThe Walking Dead332018-10-06Leukemia9Character was already killed off in season 4 episode "Too Far Gone" which aired five years before Wilson's death, Wilson reprised his role as Hershel via a dream sequence in the 5th episode of the 9th season "What Comes After", which was filmed before his death and aired on November 4, 2018, a month after his death.
Abel JohnsonThe OA92Series cancelled.
Stan LeeMr. Frederickson, Fred's father62018-11-12Respiratory failure2Production competed on the first and second seasons before his death. The episode "Supersonic Sue" was dedicated to him.
Ricky JayT.H. Vignetti Sneaky Pete92018-11-24Natural causes3Series cancelled.
Kristoff St. JohnNeil WintersThe Young and the Restless1,6972019-02-03Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy46Character killed off with a stroke.
Luke PerryFred AndrewsRiverdale422019-03-04Stroke3Character killed off with an off-screen hit-and-run accident in the season 4 premiere.
Cameron BoyceZachMrs. Fletcher52019-07-06Epileptic seizure1Miniseries. Completed before his death.
Simon OstergaardParadise City81Series premiered two years after his death, series renewed for second season in 2021, but no updates have been announced since then.
Russi TaylorMinnie MouseMickey Mouse612019-07-26Colon cancer5Series ended; replaced by The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse with Minnie recast by Kaitlyn Robrock.
Mickey and the Roadster Racers702Character recast; taken over by Kaitlyn Robrock.
Various characters (most notably Martin Prince and Sherri and Terri)The Simpsons19330Certain characters recast, including Martin Prince, Sherri and Terri; taken over by Grey DeLisle.
Linda PorterMyrtle VartanianSuperstore352019-09-25Cancer5Character killed off.
John WitherspoonLloyd Hamilton Black Jesus312019-10-29Heart attack 3Series cancelled.
Brian TarantinaJacopo "Jackie" DellapietraThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel162019-11-023Character killed off of a stroke in the season 4 episode "Everything is Bellmore".
Cha In-haJoo Won-seokLove with Flaws2019-12-03Suicide1Series ended.
Brian DennehyDominic WilkinsonThe Blacklist92020-04-15Cardiac arrest due to sepsis7Character recast; taken over by Ron Raines in the season 8 premiere. Later, character killed off from his injuries.[10]
Fred WillardAlbert "Pop-Pop" JohnsonThe Loud House72020-05-15Heart attack5Character recast; replaced by Christopher Swindle for the episode "Resident Upheaval" and later by Piotr Michael.
Fred NairdSpace Force31Character killed off.
Naya RiveraCollette JonesStep Up202020-07-08Accidental drowning3Character recast; taken over by Christina Milian.[11] Later, series cancelled.
Haruma MiuraKeita SaruwatariLove Begins When the Money Ends42020-07-18Suicide by hangingMiniseries.
Chadwick BosemanT'Challa / Star-LordWhat If...?42020-08-281Character written out as having returned to his own universe. Later, character killed off in the 2022 film, .
Diana RiggMrs PumphreyAll Creatures Great and Small22020-09-10Cancer1Character recast; taken over by Patricia Hodge.[12]
Archie LyndhurstOllie CoultonSo Awkward62020-10-01Brain hemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic leukemia6Character written out.
Clark MiddletonGlen CarterThe Blacklist132020-10-04West Nile Virus8Character killed off with West Nile Virus.
Bobby BallFrankNot Going Out212020-10-28COVID-1911Character killed off-screen.
Alex TrebekHostJeopardy!8000+2020-11-08Pancreatic cancer37A series of interim hosts served as temporary replacements for the remainder of season 37; except for the first week where Mike Richards was host, Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings served as longer-term interim hosts for season 38. This arrangement was made permanent for season 39.
Kirby MorrowColeLego Ninjago2020-11-18Accidental substance overdose14Character recast; taken over by Andrew Francis.
Christopher PlummerHoward LawsonDeparture122021-02-05Complications from a fall2Character written out without explanation.
George SegalAlbert 'Pops' SolomonThe Goldbergs2021-03-23Complications from bypass surgery8Character killed off.
Jessica WalterMalory ArcherArcher1102021-03-24Undisclosed12Walter finished recording lines for the twelfth season prior to her death, with the season ending with her character retiring to an unlocated island with her husband.[13]
Helen McCroryElizabeth 'Polly' Gray (née Shelby)Peaky Blinders302021-04-14Breast cancer6Character assassinated before first episode of Series 6.
Stelmaria, Asriel's dæmonHis Dark Materials43Character recast; taken over by Victoria Hamilton.
Lisa BanesSperia BalaskThe Orville42021-06-14Traumatic brain injury after struck by an electric scooter3Series ended.
Philece SamplerRokuta Kamado (English dub)12021-07-01Heart attack2Series ended in 2024.
Sabine Cheng and Ms. Mendeleiev (English dub)4Characters recast; replaced as Sabine by Anne Yatco. Ms. Mendeleiev's new actress is yet to be announced.
Sean LockTeam Captain8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown2021-08-16Cancer22Series continued with several guest star teams.
Ed AsnerCarl FredricksenDug Days52021-08-29Natural causes1Series premiered three days after his death. Series later cancelled.
Michael K. WilliamsSmokey GreenwoodF Is for Family182021-09-07Acute combined drug intoxication5Series ended.
Norm MacdonaldYaphitThe Orville222021-09-14Acute leukemia3Series ended.
Willie GarsonStanford BlatchAnd Just Like That...27 (original series as Sex and the City)
3 (revival series)
2021-09-21Pancreatic cancer1Character written out as having moved to Tokyo.
Octavio OcañaBenito RiversVecinos1952021-10-29Gunshot wound12Character written out as having moved away after landing a role for a television series.
Will RyanWillie the GiantMickey Mouse Funhouse52021-11-19Cancer1Character recast; taken over by Brock Powell.
Kim Mi-sooYeo Jeong-minSnowdrop72022-01-05Undisclosed 1Series ended.
Gaspard UllielAnton MogartMoon Knight12022-01-19Skiing accident1Completed filming three months before his death.[14] [15] He appeared as a guest star on the third episode, "The Friendly Type", which aired two months after his death, on April 13, 2022, and was dedicated to him.[16]
Jérôme Attias[17] Of Money and Blood121Ulliel was on a break from filming the miniseries at the time of his death.[18] Still had 84 more days of filming left.[19] Production delayed; character recast; replaced by Niels Schneider.[20]
Lindsey PearlmanKarenHaus of Vicious62022-02-18Suicide by intentional overdose of sodium nitrite.1TBD. Series premiered six months after her death.
MarthaThe Ms. Pat Show42Character written out.
William HurtStephen HolstromPantheon82022-03-12Prostate cancer1Character killed off from cancer in the season 2 episode, "Apokalypsis".
Papangkorn RerkchalermpojCoach Eak Thai Cave Rescue62022-03-23Died in his sleep Miniseries.
Gilbert GottfriedDigit and WidgetCyberchase862022-04-12Ventricular tachycardia13Character recast; replaced by Ron Pardo.
Robert MorseSanta ClausTeen Titans Go! 102022-04-20Heart failureCharacter recast, replaced by Fred Tatasciore.
Mike HagertyEd MillerSomebody Somewhere 62022-05-05Seizure caused by antibiotics2Character written out without explanation.
Marnie SchulenburgMaggie CaysenCity on a Hill62022-05-17Breast cancer3Series cancelled.
Ray LiottaJames "Big Jim" KeeneBlack Bird62022-05-26Heart failure and pulmonary edema1Miniseries. Filmed a year before his death.
Billy KametzRen and Ash's Rotom PhonePokémon (English dub)652022-06-09Colon cancer25Character recast; taken over by Barrett Leddy.
NiccoloAttack on Titan (English dub)84Series ended.
Naofumi IwataniRising of the Shield Hero (English dub)2Character recast; taken over by Stephen Fu.
MacaqueLego Monkie Kid374Character recast; taken over by Alejandro Saab.
Jak KnightDeVonBig Mouth282022-07-14Suicide by Gunshot6Character written out without explanation.
Paul SorvinoFrank CostelloGodfather of Harlem112022-07-25Undisclosed.3Character written out without explanation.
Bernard CribbinsWilfred MottDoctor Who102022-07-28Undisclosed.1Cribbins posthumously appeared in the 60th anniversary special, "Wild Blue Yonder", as he had filmed his scenes for the special shortly before his death.
Anne HecheJocelyn's motherThe Idol62022-08-12Injuries caused by motor vehicle crash1Character written out and scenes with her character filmed before her death were deleted.
CoolioKwanzaa-botFuturama42022-09-28Accidental fentanyl overdose8Recorded his lines for the revival before his death. Eighth season currently in production.
Leslie JordanPhilCall Me Kat392022-10-24Sudden cardiac dysfunction 3Character written out as having moved to Tahiti. Jordan completed filming on eight episodes for the third season before his death, four of which aired posthumously.
Stephen "tWitch" BossHimself/JudgeSo You Think You Can Dance2022-12-13Suicide17Replaced by a new judging panel.
Don LorenzoVecinos42023-03-11Pneumonia14Character killed off in season 15. His final appearance in Vecinos was the season 14 episode "Foto familiar", originally aired eight days after his death.
Lance ReddickZeusPercy Jackson and the Olympians12023-03-16Heart disease1Filming completed before his death, the episode he appeared on, "The Prophecy Comes True", premiered ten months after his death, and was dedicated to his memory.[21]
Lex LuthorTBD. Series premiered over a year after his death.
Marion GameHuguetteScènes de ménages1504+2023-03-2314Character killed off.[22]
Charles StanleyHostIn Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley2023-04-1827Series ended.
Jock ZonfrilloHost & JudgeMasterChef Australia2342023-04-30Undisclosed15Replaced by a new judging panel.
Jacklyn ZemanBobbie SpencerGeneral Hospital1,2012023-05-10Cancer50Character killed off.
Ray Stevenson[23] Baylan SkrollAhsoka82023-05-211TBD. Second season currently in production.[24]
Treat WilliamsLenny RossBlue Bloods62023-06-12Motorcycle accident14Character killed off from cancer in the season 14 episode, "Fear No Evil".
William S. Paley81Miniseries. Filmed before his death.
Angus CloudFezco "Fez" O'NeillEuphoria162023-07-31Drug overdose caused by acute intoxication3TBD. Third season currently in production.[25]
Johnny HardwickDale GribbleKing of the Hill2582023-08-08Undisclosed14Recorded his lines for the revival before his death. Fourteenth season currently in production.[26]
Ron Cephas JonesElijah MuhammadGenius: MLK/X82023-08-194Miniseries.[27]
David McCallum[28] [29] Donald "Ducky" MallardNCIS3722023-09-25Natural causes 21Character killed off in his sleep in the season 21 episode, "The Stories We Leave Behind".
Haydn GwynneQueen CamillaThe Windsors202023-10-20Cancer4TBD. Fourth season currently in production.
Andre BraugherA. B. Wyner The Residence42023-12-11Lung cancer1Character recast; replaced by Giancarlo Esposito.[30]
Steve HalliwellZak DingleEmmerdale2,7952023-12-15Undisclosed Character killed off.
Kamar de los ReyesHector Ayala / White Tiger2023-12-24Cancer1TBD.
Adan CantoArman MoralesThe Cleaning Lady262024-01-08Appendiceal cancer3Character killed off by sacrificing himself in the season 3 episode, "El Reloj".[31] [32]
Bill HayesDoug WilliamsDays of Our Lives2,1412024-01-12Undisclosed 59TBD. His final appearance premiered on July 11, 2024, six months after his death.
Carl WeathersGreef KargaThe Mandalorian102024-02-01Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease4TBD. Fourth season currently in production.
Kenneth MitchellJoeThe Old Man32024-02-24ALS2TBD. Second season currently in production.
Tarako[33] [34] Momoko "Maruko" SakuraChibi Maruko-chan1,4212024-03-04Undisclosed34Character recast, replaced by Kokoro Kikuchi.
Chance PerdomoAndre AndersonGen V82024-03-30Motorcycle accident2Production delayed, filming on second season begin in May 2024, with Perdomo's character not recast.
Cole Brings PlentyPete Plenty Clouds192322024-04-04Undisclosed 2TBD. Second season currently in production.
Brian McCardieIsaac Grant102024-04-28Undisclosed 1TBD. First season currently in production.
Bernard HillTom CarsonThe Responder52024-05-05Undisclosed 2TBD. Season 2 premiere aired on the day of his death.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Snauffer, Douglas . Thurm, Joel . The Show Must Go on: How the Deaths of Lead Actors Have Affected Television Series. McFarland. 2008. 78. 978-0-7864-3295-0.
  2. Web site: How TV Shows Handled Actors' Deaths. Mitovich. Matt Webb. March 5, 2019. TVLine. en. March 17, 2019.
  3. Web site: Iain Anders. September 9, 1997 .
  4. Web site: 'Suddenly Susan: From High Ratings To Tragedy. Trendchaser. October 3, 2018.
  5. News: 'West Wing' Writers' Novel Way of Picking the President. Jacques. Steinberg. April 10, 2006. The New York Times.
  6. Web site: "I Am the Count": Sesame Street's Jerry Nelson Tribute. October 31, 2013.
  7. Web site: The Story Behind 'Big Bang Theory's' Tribute to Carol Ann Susi. The Hollywood Reporter. February 19, 2015. en. March 17, 2019.
  8. Web site: Mitovich . Matt Webb . Training Day, Ransom Cancelled at CBS . TVLine . May 17, 2017.
  9. Web site: 'Family Guy' Producer Reveals Plans for Adam West's Character. EW.com. en. March 17, 2019.
  10. Web site: Viewers Met the New Dom on 'The Blacklist' After Ron Raines Replaced Brian Dennehy. November 20, 2020 .
  11. Web site: Trepany . Charles . Christina Milian to take over Naya Rivera's role in 'Step Up' show: 'I have massive shoes to fill' . USA TODAY . March 27, 2021.
  12. Web site: All Creatures Great and Small casts Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey following the death of Dame Diana Rigg. Craig. David. April 8, 2021. Radio Times. September 7, 2021.
  13. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Jessica Walter Leaves Behind One Final Season Of FXX's 'Archer' . Deadline Hollywood . March 25, 2021 . March 27, 2021.
  14. Web site: April 15, 2022 . Marvel, Director and Cast of 'Moon Knight' Pay Tribute to Gaspard Ulliel . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20220508120018/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7McheORW80 . May 8, 2022 . May 8, 2022 . YouTube .
  15. Web site: Barnhardt . Adam . October 3, 2021 . Moon Knight Crew Celebrates Filming Wrap for Disney+ Series in New Video . ComicBook.
  16. Web site: Milheim . Russ . April 13, 2022 . Marvel Pays Tribute to Moon Knight Actor Gaspard Ulliel in New Episode . The Direct . May 8, 2022 . April 13, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220413143935/https://thedirect.com/article/moon-knight-actor-dies-gaspard-ulliel-marvel-tribute . live.
  17. Web site: January 20, 2022 . Mort de Gaspard Ulliel: l'acteur s'apprêtait à tourner dans une nouvelle série, sur l'arnaque à la taxe carbone . . May 8, 2022 . January 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220128035521/https://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/mort-de-gaspard-ulliel-l-acteur-s-appretait-a-tourner-dans-la-serie-de-xavier-giannoli-sur-l-arnaque-a-la-taxe-carbone_d3e4e6a6-79ca-11ec-81d1-fb371ca4993d/ . live.
  18. Web site: Keslassy . Elsa . January 28, 2022 . Gaspard Ulliel's Death Ruled as Accidental; Paris Funeral Attracted Nearly a Thousand People . Variety . May 8, 2022 . January 31, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220131114657/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/gaspard-ulliel-death-investigation-1235165987/ . live.
  19. Web site: SJ . February 1, 2022 . Tikkoun (Canal+) : arrêt brutal du tournage, l'équipe choquée ne peut pas reprendre . Tikkoun (Canal +): sudden stop of filming, the shocked team cannot resume it . May 8, 2022 . Melty.fr . French.
  20. Web site: February 18, 2022 . Gaspard Ulliel remplacé par Niels Schneider dans "Tikkoun" . Gaspard Ulliel replaced by Niels Schneider in "Tikkoun" . . French . May 8, 2022 . February 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220219215642/https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/entry/gaspard-ulliel-remplace-par-niels-schneider-dans-tikkoun_fr_620fc3d7e4b0f93b2617e794 . live .
  21. Web site: Campione . Katie . "Percy Jackson And The Olympians" Pays Tribute To Lance Reddick In Season Finale . . January 30, 2024.
  22. News: Marion Game, l'interprète de Huguette dans " Scènes de ménages ", est décédée à 84 ans . March 24, 2023 . Le Parisien . March 24, 2023.
  23. Web site: Pedersen . Erik . September 25, 2023 . Ray Stevenson Dies: 'RRR', 'Thor', 'Vikings' & 'Rome' Actor Was 58 . May 22, 2023 . Deadline . en-US.
  24. Web site: Hatchett . Keisha . January 9, 2024 . Ahsoka (Essentially) Renewed for Season 2 at Disney+ . January 9, 2024 . TVLine . en-US.
  25. Web site: Matt Grobar . Denise Petski . July 31, 2023 . Angus Cloud Dies: 'Euphoria' Actor Was 25. . July 31, 2023.
  26. Web site: Ausiello . Michael . August 14, 2023 . Johnny Hardwick Recorded New King of the Hill Episodes for Hulu Revival Prior to Death (Exclusive) . September 16, 2023 . TVLine . en-US.
  27. Web site: Petski . Denise . November 30, 2022 . 'Genius: MLK/X' Adds Ron Cephas Jones, Gary Carr, Hubert Point-Du Jour In Lead Roles, 5 More Cast . October 6, 2023 . Deadline . en-US.
  28. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . September 25, 2023 . David McCallum Dies: Beloved 'NCIS' Actor & 'Man From U.N.C.L.E' Star Was 90 . September 26, 2023 . Deadline . en-US.
  29. Web site: Dagan . Carmel . September 25, 2023 . David McCallum, Star of 'NCIS,' 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,' Dies at 90 . September 26, 2023 . Variety . en-US.
  30. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Giancarlo Esposito Takes On Andre Braugher's Role In Netflix's 'The Residence'; Al Franken Playing Senator Among Other Cast Additions. . February 7, 2024.
  31. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Adan Canto Dies: 'The Cleaning Lady' & 'Designated Survivor' Star Was 42 . . January 9, 2024.
  32. Web site: Adan Canto's Fate on 'The Cleaning Lady' Revealed 3 Months After His Death . 2024-04-10 . Peoplemag . en.
  33. Web site: Chibi Maruko-chan Anime's Lead Voice Actress TARAKO Dies at 63. . March 10, 2024.
  34. Web site: Tweet posted at Chibi Maruko-chan's Twitter page regarding Tarako's death (in Japanese). March 10, 2024.