2019 was a turbulent year: much has happened in the world of pop culture, politics, and the economy. The deaths of beloved celebrities happen each year, but still, rock us to our core when we hear about their passing.

Today we look back at the celebrities that we lost in 2019. We will take a look at the reasons for their fame, achievements, and the legacy they leave behind.Without further ado, let’s get started. Let’s remember them now and forever.

Luke Perry

Died 3/4/2019

luke perry

The beloved Luke Perry was born on October 11, 1966. An Ohio native, he first broke onto the scene as Dylan McKay on the hit show Beverly Hills, 90210. Success would only continue for Perry, his most recent role being on the show Riverdale.

He was born Coy Luther Perry III, and his parents divorced in 1972. He maintained a relationship with his biological father until his passing in 1980 from a heart attack. He spoke highly of his father, telling People magazine it was him who told him the important parts of being a man.

Perry landed in Hollywood in 1984. There, he would do all kinds of odd jobs: paving, shoe salesman, and more. It helped him fund his acting classes. It took three years and 216 rejections, but Perry finally got a role on the TV show Loving, playing the role of Ned Bates. From there, success was continuous for Perry.

Marie Fredriksson

Died 12/9/2019

Marie Fredriksson

Marie Fredriksson was a singer and keyboardist of Roxette. Here are some of the hit songs the band is best known for:

“Listen To Your Heart,” “Joyride,” and “The Look” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.  Before forming the band Roxette, she had a successful career in Sweden. She was a member of the band Strul, who were so successful that they had their own festival in 1979.

She was born in 1958 near Ossjo, Sweden. She was the youngest of five kids, and her parents came from humble backgrounds: her mother was a factory worker and her father a postman.

It was at home while her parents were working that Marie would work with siblings and friends on learning and playing music. She also credits her pastor with encouraging her to love music.Roxette’s music continues to delight and brings enjoyment to people of all ages.

Jacques Chirac

Died 9/26/2019

ChiracFormer French President Jacques Chirac was a Harvard graduate and also graduated from France’s  École nationale d’administration before beginning his career as a civil servant.

He would also serve as the Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995, just one of his many accomplishments as a politician.

He entered politics not long after. Some of his policies included:

  • Lower tax rates
  • Getting rid of price controls
  • Harsh punishment for terrorism
  • Privatization of business

He also stood against the American assault on Iraq and is known for reducing the term of French presidents from 7 years to just 5 as per a referendum passed in 2000. In 2002 when Chirac was up for re-election, he had his opponent beat when he won nearly 83% of the total vote.

Chirac is also regarded for his acknowledgment of the state’s roundup of Jews during World War II. Another president, Mitterrand, did not feel that France was responsible. Chirac, in a 1995 speech, apologized by stating, “France, on that day [July 1942] committed the irreparable.”

Juice WRLD

Died 12/8/2019

Juice WRLDThe world was shocked when the young rapper, Juice WRLD, died at the young age of 21. His real name was Jarad Anthony Higgins. He suffered an emergency while traveling through Chicago’s Midway International Airport. Higgins grew up in Homewood, just 25 miles south of Chicago.

Popular songs by the rapper include “Lucid Dreams,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  In March 2019, his album “Death Race for Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

The young man suffered a seizure while exiting a private jet. The musician was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Those on his private plane felt that he had been swallowing Percocet pills in an attempt to conceal them from law enforcement. The official cause of death was not found even after an autopsy. However, audio from emergency services and officials indicate that cardiac arrest and seizure are the cause.

Tony Britton

Died 12/22/2019

Tony BrittonThe British actor was 95 years old when he passed away. His daughter, Fern Britton, had nothing but lovely things to say: “Great actor, director, and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Some films that Britton is most famous for include:

  • Operation Amsterdam
  • The Day of the Jackal
  • Sunday Bloody Sunday

He is also known for his role on the BBC comedy Don’t Wait Up in the ’80s.

Actors and family members all came out to support the actor. Downton Abbey’s Peter Egan wrote, “Very sad to see the passing of the legend Tony Britton.” Journalist Alastair Steward said, “So many memories of …funny, witty times…. you are in our thoughts.”

Nicholas Pegg stated he was raising a glass to the actor. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten for his contribution to British movies and television.

Caroll Spinney

Died 12/8/2019

Caroll Spinney

The man behind the voices of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, beloved Sesame Street characters, passed away earlier in the year.

He passed in his home in Connecticut. The puppeteer and actor had been suffering from dystonia, which is a muscle disorder.He began as the voice for these beloved characters when the series started 50 years ago. In 2015, Spinney stopped wearing the Big Bird suit but lent his voice to the widely recognized character.

Spinney earned five Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the program, and also got a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Spinney touched the hearts and lives of children and their parents all over the world when he played his roles. A statement issued after his death stated, “Carroll Spinney gave something truly special to the world.”

Nipsey Hussle

Died 3/31/2019

NipseyHussle

Rapper Nipsey Hussle died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head and the torso. The incident took place in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was at the clothing company he owned, Marathon Clothing, which he had started in 2017.

Eyewitnesses report multiple shots being heard. Police quickly responded and taped off the area. Videos show the rapper being given CPR.

The 33-year-old rapper is believed to be connected to the Crips but still made music with others that were part of rival gangs like YG and The Game.He has released many mixtapes, having been part of the rap scene for ten years plus. His first studio album, entitled “Victory Lap,” even got him nominated for a Grammy.

Hussle will be remembered for his music and for being active in the local community, having led efforts meant to deter gang activity. “Destination Crenshaw,” an art initiative, was one such effort.

Doris Day

Died 5/13/2019

Doris Day
Doris Day, US actress and singer, wearing a red, white and blue polka dot neckscarf and a dark blue jumper, with a dark blue bow in her hair, circa 1965. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Doris Day, an activist, singer, and actor, died after a serious bout with pneumonia.She was in excellent health and was one of the names we will always remember when we think of old Hollywood glamour.

The Doris Day Animal Foundation stated that the star was surrounded by friends at the time of her passing.

Although she hadn’t been in the limelight for years, Doris Day remains a huge name in the world of pop music. Some of her hits were “Que, Sera Sera” and “Dream A Little Dream”, among several others.  Her status as a pop culture icon can be found in lyrics by the Beatles and Wham!

She was something of a hero to the gay community, as her true compassion showed when she supported Rock Hudson during his bout with AIDS during the ’80s.From having her own TV show to starring in a variety of movies, Doris Day is a name we will not soon forget.

Peter Mayhew

Died 4/30/2019

Peter MayhewThe man known for playing the character Chewbacca in the worldwide phenomenon Star Wars passed away, and Harrison Ford, AKA Han Solo, stated that “I loved him.

From 1977 to 2015, Mayhew graced the screen as the sidekick to Han Solo, the Wookiee that everybody loved. “He invested his soul in character…” said Ford. Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, referred to him as a gentle giant. After all, Mayhew stood a towering 6’ 6”. Mayhew will never be forgotten thanks to the millions of Star Wars fans everywhere.

These are just a few of the celebrities that we lost during this year. Which of these celebrities had an impact on you? Whether it was Big Bird or Chewbacca, or someone else, keep their memory alive by listening to their music, learning their history, or watching their films.