In previous years, it is as if celebrities seem to pass away in threes, but not this year. Many popular and beloved celebrities’ time on earth has come to a close in 2024.
One Direction star Liam Payne passed away on Oct. 16. NBA Hall-of-Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away on Sept. 30. Harry Potter famed actress Maggie Smith passed away on Sept. 27. Actor James Earl Jones passed away on Sept. 9. Actor John Amos passed away on Aug. 21. American TV personality Richard Simmons passed away on July 13. Actress Shelley Duval passed away on July 11 and athlete and actor Carl Weathers passed away on Feb. 2.
These celebrities created plenty of memories in American childhoods and they will be dearly missed by their respective communities.
“Chita Rivera was a famous actress, singer, and dancer who broke stereotypes in the world of Broadway, TV, music, and dance. She was a champion of diversity in dance and an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Mackenzie Cain, a student at Piedmont University. “She will always be an inspiration to me and many others to come.”
Chita Rivera passed away Jan. 30.
Many fans send out thoughts and prayers to the families of the celebrities as they continue to mourn together. Sadly, fans of these celebrities are experiencing a tragic moment in history where what they once admired is now falling apart.
Getting through any kind of grief can be hard. If students are seeking counseling services, see Sean Williamson or visit Starfish on the Piedmont App to make an appointment.
