Looking Back: Celebrity Deaths of 2013

Nelson Mandela (Credit: Festival Karsh Ottawa)

2013 brought us no shortage of social, technological and medical triumphs: we welcomed a Pope with modern plans, functionally cured a baby of HIV and watched California commit itself to environmental health via cap-and-trade. But 2013 also saw its fair share of loss, which included a wealth of celebrity deaths.

From musicians, authors and actors to politicians and Human Rights activists, the list of 2013 celebrity deaths is a heavy hitter. The absences of these figures will be felt on both the world stage, as well as in intimacy of our homes. Who can’t recall a Sunday morning spent reading a film review by Roger Ebert, whose April death marked the end of an era in film critique?

On the actors’ side, we parted with Epic film darling Peter O’Toole. And perhaps most resoundingly, representatives from every corner of the world gathered for the funeral of activist and politician Nelson Mandela.

In the list below, we look back at those we’ve lost with great respect. Many of us grew up with these icons. Whether they led us through social and political revolutions, or just brightened up our day through music, cinema and television, they will be missed.
SevenPonds’s Top 10 Celebrity Deaths of 2013:

1) Hugo Chávez (July 28, 1954 — March 5, 2013)
The Venezuelan politician was the President of his country until his death. Now, we’re hearing whispers that  “Chávez: The Musical” is underway.

Roger Ebert.
(Credit: universebyu.edu)

2) Roger Ebert (June 18, 1942 — April 4, 2013)
He coined the phrase, “Two Thumbs Up,” and made sure we only shelled out for the best of films. Read SevenPonds’s obituary for him here.

3) Margaret Thatcher (Oct. 13, 1925 — April 8, 2013)
The final curtain fell for the Iron Lady, who was (in)famous for her tenacity as Britain’s first female Prime Minister.

4) James Gandolfini (Sept. 18, 1961 — June 19, 2013)
In a testament to his strength as an actor, Jersey native Gandolfini became inseperable from his mobster, Tony Soprano persona.

5) Tom Foley (March 6, 1929 – October 18, 2013)
Once Democratic Speaker of the House — and for 30 years a congressman — Foley died at the age of 84.

Lou Reed.
(Credit: louderthanwar.com)

6) Lou Reed (March 2, 1942 — Oct. 27, 2013)
The Velvet Underground front-man inspired a generation to “Walk on the Wild Side.”

7) Doris Lessing (October 22, 1919 – November 17, 2013)
A lesser known woman for the bon public. The Golden Notebook author won the first Nobel Prize for Literature and is regarded as one of the most important feminist writers of her era.

8) Diane Disney Miller (December 18, 1933 – November 19, 2013)
The only biological daughter of Walt (yes, that Walt) and his wife Lillian Bounds.

9) Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 — Dec. 5, 2013)
Mandela’s passing will mark the pages of our childrens’ textbooks. His strength of spirit will bring them to life.

10) Peter O’Toole (Aug. 2, 1932 — Dec. 14, 2013)
We’ll miss the inimitable mix of charm and intelligence of the “Lawrence of Arabia” actor. Read our obituary for him here.
Related Articles:

• Read about the psychology and culture of “Celebrity Worship” from abc.
• Check out the Chicago Tribune’s list of notable deaths from 2013
• Join SevenPonds’s discussion of Obama’s behaviour at Nelson Mandela’s funeral.