Tom Smothers

Tom Smothers, one half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, died at age 86 in December.

The comedian died at his home following “a recent battle with cancer,” his brother and costar Dick Smothers announced in a press release from the National Comedy Center.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick shared. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years.”

He continued, “Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.” 






Kamar de los Reyes


One Life to Live star Kamar de los Reyes, best known for playing villain Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera from 1995 to 2009, died in December in Los Angeles shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, a representative for his family confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 56.






Bobbie Jean Carter

Bobbie Jean Carter, the sister to Aaron Carter and Nick Carter, died at age 41 in December. Bobbie Jean died in Florida, TMZ reported, citing her mother, Jane Carter.

"I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean, and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time," Jane told the outlet, referring to Bobbie Jean's death, as well as those of Aaron, who died at 34 in November 2022, and Leslie Carter, who died at 25 in January 2012.

"When I am able to think clearly, I’ll release a fuller statement, but until then, I would request to be left to grieve in private," she continued.



Norman Lear

Norman Lear — the award-winning American television writer, film producer and activist best known for creating All in the Family — died at the age of 101. The Hollywood icon died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, according to a release from his representatives.

The news was also confirmed on Lear's official Instagram account beside a black-and-white photo of the television legend smiling. In the post, Lear's team said he died "surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end."

"Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people—those he just met and those he knew for decades—who kept his mind and heart forever young," the caption read. "As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support."