A look at those who changed the world and left us in 2017

David Colton, Special to USA TODAY Published 11:42 a.m. ET Dec. 19, 2017 | Updated 7:50 a.m. ET Dec. 29, 2017

Just in time for the new year, here's a look at some of the most famous faces that passed away in 2017. USA TODAY

Blasting America’s parents with the teen-shaking shout, “Go Johnny go!” Chuck Berry, dead at 90, taught the world to rock. It took the sly blueberry thrills of Fats Domino, gone at 89, to add the roll.

The absurdist red smoking jacket of Hugh Hefner, 91 ushered in a sexual revolution of pouty Playmates and upscale urges. It was Mary Tyler Moore, 80, who tore up that centerfold, proving that even sexier could be a spunky, single career woman on TV.

Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan, 82, was the last human to walk on the moon in 1972. Only six moonwalkers remain, but all left footprints, untouched in the lunar dust nearly a half-century later.

Everyone, from the most high-flying to the earthbound among us, leaves a mark, an echo, an imprint on those around them and those to come. And sometimes those influencers, whether superstar athlete, embattled world leader or a family’s favorite relative, don’t realize the impact they’re having, the inspirations, learnings or complications they leave behind.

This year’s PASSAGES is more than a list of notable remembrances. In many ways it is a final coda to a century gone by.

The archaic sounding “1900s,” from first flights, silent movies, the Depression, two world wars, civil rights, the yin yang of Vietnam and Woodstock, the fall of Communism, the rise of consumerism to MTV, CNN and the dawn of the Internet, are fast fading in collective memory. According to Pew Research, the nation’s 79.8 million Millennials (ages 18-35), now outnumber the fabled Baby Boomers (ages 52-70) by 5 million souls.

More: 2017: Remembering those we've lost through the year

More: These 10 people made the biggest impact in entertainment this year

More: And the most Googled of 2017 is ...

Put another way, the most common age is now 22. In the exploding social media environment of 2017, that’s hardly old enough — or viral enough — to remember the power of gossip columnist Liz Smith, 94, whose coverage of a brash Manhattan real estate mogul helped invent Donald Trump. Or activist Dick Gregory, 84, the groundbreaking comedian who helped break the color barrier on television and seemed to be on a perpetual hunger strike against injustice for the rest of his career.

Even teen heartthrobs like David Cassidy, 67, and Erin Moran, 56, seem from all-but-forgotten happier days.

To be fair, how many of the older demographic knew of online rapper Lil Peep, 21, who died of an accidental overdose of pain killers after releasing in November his first album, Come Over When You’re Sober?

Generations have their own streams of histories now. The names of 20th-century giants may survive, but as they die in their 80s and 90s, living longer than before, their true footprints flow back to the sea, eventually.

Take Jerry Lewis, 91, whose comic anarchy in the 1950s was the progenitor of Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Kramer on Seinfeld, the Naked Gun movies, Saturday Night Live and more. His telethons raised something like $2.6 billion to fight muscular dystrophy. That’s the short version. But in many ways, Lewis helped spark the youthquake of the ’60s.

A generation of kids watched wide-eyed on black-and-white TVs in the 1950s when Lewis, dressed like a proper grownup in a sleek tuxedo, suddenly put two chopsticks in his mouth, clapped his arms like a walrus, ran across the stage and jumped into Dean Martin’s arms.

How could parents tell kids to behave after seeing something like that? Is there any wonder campuses exploded a few years later?

On the calmer side was the genial Gomer Pyle wisdom of Jim Nabors, 87, who soothed his fans with country humor, a gospel-perfect voice and visions of a homogeneous time gone by. But fans slowly learned of Nabors’ four-decade relationship with his partner, Stan Cadwallader, including a marriage in 2013. Nabors said he never thought it was important, but he was a major cultural marker in gay politics.

The normalization of America’s diversity came from the unlikeliest of places. Insult comic Don Rickles, 90, who likely would call everyone in this essay a “hockey puck,” nonetheless celebrated the nation’s changing demographics every time he mocked the ethnic stereotypes in his nightclub audience.

Cast members Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa von Trapp) and Duane Chase (Kurt von Trapp) attend "The Sound of Music" 40th Anniversary Special Edition DVD Cast Reunion at The Tavern on the Green Nov. 10, 2005 in New York City. Actress Heather Menzies-Urich, best known for playing Louisa Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, died on Dec. 24, 2017 in Frankford, Ontario, Canada. Menzies-Urich had several film and TV roles. She was the widow of actor Robert Urich, who died of cancer in 2002. Menzies-Urich died of brain cancer. She was 68. Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images

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An undated photo released by NASA shows the official Space Shuttle portrait of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, attired in the Shuttle Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit with Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) attached and American flag in background.NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless, the first person to fly freely and untethered in space, died on Dec. 23, 2017, at age 80. NASA via AFP/Getty Images

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In this Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, Dick Enberg, the voice of the San Diego Padres, poses in his booth prior to the Padres' final home baseball game of the season in San Diego. Enberg, the sportscaster who got his big break with UCLA basketball and went on to call Super Bowls, Olympics, Final Fours and Angels and Padres baseball games died on Dec. 21, 2017. He was 82. Engberg's daughter, Nicole, confirmed the death to The Associated Press. She said the family became concerned when he didn't arrive on his flight to Boston on Thursday, and that he was found dead at his home in La Jolla, a San Diego neighborhood. Lenny Ignelzi, AP

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Hiep Le, who starred in Oliver Stone's "Heaven and Earth" movie, passed away on Dec. 19, 2017, in the Los Angeles area. She was 46. Roland Neveu, Warner Bros.

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Bernard Cardinal Law, Archbishop of Boston, center, stands with some of the estimated 200 couples who renewed their marriage vows on Feb. 25, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. Law, the embattled former Boston cardinal whose legacy amid the clergy sex abuse scandal ushered in a painful era for the nation and the Roman Catholic Church,has died, according to a church official. He was 86. Michael Dwyer, AP

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During his last appearance at the Speedway, Jim Nabors smiles to the applause of fans before the 98th Indianapolis 500 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, 2014. Nabors died peacefully at his home in Honolulu on Nov. 30, 2017, with his husband Stan Cadwallader at his side. He was 87. Mike Fender , The Indianapolis Star

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Actor Rance Howard and Judy Howard attend the Tribute to Bruce Dern with SAG-AFTRA, SAGindie And The National SAGindie Committee during AFI FEST presented by Audi at The Roosevelt Hotel on November 11, 2013 in Hollywood, Calif. Director Ron Howard says his actor father Rance Howard has died at age 89. Howard announced his father's passing Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, on Twitter. He appeared in several of Ron Howard's films, including "Apollo 13," ''A Beautiful Mind," ''Splash," ''How the Grinch Stole Christmas," ''Parenthood" and "Grand Theft Auto," along with other film and television series credits. Valerie Macon, Getty Images

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David Cassidy attends the 5th Annual New Jersey Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on June 9, 2012, in Newark. Former teen idol Cassidy of "The Partridge Family" fame has died at age 67, publicist said on Nov. 21, 2017. Bobby Bank, WireImage

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This October 1991 file photo shows actress Della Reese. Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," died at age 86. A family representative released a statement Monday that Reese died peacefully on Nov. 19, 2017, in California. No cause of death or additional details were provided. Douglas C. Pizac, AP

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Charles Manson is escorted to his arraignment In this 1969 file photo, on conspiracy-murder charges in connection with the Sharon Tate murder case. Authorities say Manson, cult leader and mastermind behind 1969 deaths of actress Sharon Tate and several others, died on Nov. 19, 2017. He was 83. AP

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Musician Mel Tillis performs onstage during 2011 Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club on April 30, 2011, in Indio, Calif. Tillis, the longtime country star who wrote hits for Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs and many others, and overcame a stutter to sing on dozens of his own singles, has died. A spokesman for Tillis, Don Murry Grubbs, said Tillis died early Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Fla. He was 85. Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

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Malcolm Young of AC/DC performs at the Bank Atlantic Center on Dec. 20, 2008, in Sunrise Florida. AC/DC guitarist and co-founder Malcolm Young has died aged 64, the band announced on Nov. 18, 2017. mpi04/MediaPunch/IPX

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Liz Smith leaves the Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony for Walter Cronkite on Sept. 9, 2009, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York. Prominent gossip columnist Smith, known as the 'Dame of Dish,' died of natural causes on Nov. 12, 2017. She was 94. Stephen Chernin, AP

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Actor John Hillerman poses for a portrait in circa1982 in Honolulu. A spokeswoman for the family of Hillerman says the co-star of TV’s “Magnum, P.I.” has died. Hillerman was 84. Spokeswoman Lori De Waal said Hillerman died Thursday at his home in Houston. She said the cause of death has yet to be determined. Donaldson Collection via Getty Images

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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay poses for a photo in 2005. Roy Halladay, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter, died when his private plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on Nov. 7, 2017. He was 40. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

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Music recording legend Fats Domino, 79, poses at Tipitina's on Aug. 19, 2007. Domino, the amiable rock 'n' roll pioneer whose steady, pounding piano and easy baritone helped change popular music even as it honored the grand, good-humored tradition of the Crescent City, has died. He was 89. Mark Bone, chief investigator with the Jefferson Parish, La., coroner's office, said Domino died Oct. 24, 2017. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

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Actor Robert Guillaume poses for a portrait in Los Angeles in this Sept. 4,1991 photo. Guillaume, who won Emmy Awards for his roles on "Soap" and "Benson" died Oct. 24, 2017 in Los Angeles at age 89. Guillaume's widow Donna Brown Guillaume says he had been battling prostate cancer. Chris Martinez, AP

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New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle squats on the field Sept. 20, 1964, after being hit hard while passing during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Pittsburgh. Tittle, the Hall of Fame quarterback and 1963 NFL Most Valuable Player, has died. He was 90. Dozier Mobley, AP

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Tom Petty performs on the Acura Stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on April 28, 2012. Musician Tom Petty died after suffering a cardiac arrest Oct. 2, 2017 at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. Petty was found unconscious Sunday night at his home in Malibu. He was 66. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

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Conde Nast chairman, Si Newhouse Jr., leaves a news conference in New York, May 25, 2011. The billionaire media mogul died at his New York home, Oct. 1, 2017. He was 89. Mary Altaffer, AP

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Monty Hall, longtime host of "Let's Make a Deal." The popular game show host has died after a long illness at age 96. His daughter Sharon Hall says he died Sept. 30, 2017, at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif. Game Show Network

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Hugh Hefner poses for a photograph at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles on June 10, 2005. The Playboy magazine founder died at his home of natural causes on Sept. 27, 2017, surrounded by family. He was 91. Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

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Actor Bernie Casey arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Black Dynamite" on Oct. 13, 2009 in Hollywood. Casey, the professional football player turned actor known for parts in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "I’m Gonna Git You Sucka," died Sept. 19, 2017, in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 78. Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

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In this Feb. 23, 1945, photo, Jake LaMotta, left, of the Bronx borough of New York City, and Ray Robinson of the Harlem section of New York City, fight at Madison Square Garden in New York. Robinson won the fight on a decision. LaMotta fought Sugar Ray Robinson six times, handing Robinson his first defeat. LaMotta, whose life was depicted in the film "Raging Bull," died Sept. 19, 2017, at a Miami-area hospital from complications of pneumonia. He was 95. Matty Zimmerman, AP

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This June 9, 1973, file photo shows Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, reacting after her horse won the Belmont Stakes, and the Triple Crown, at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Chenery, who bred and raced 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat as well as realizing her disabled fathers dream to win the Kentucky Derby in 1972 with Riva Ridge, died Sept. 16, 2017, at her Boulder, Colo., home following complications from a stroke, her children announced Sunday through Leonard Lusky, her longtime friend and business partner. She was 95. Jack Kanthal, AP

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In this Feb. 4, 2008, file photo, actor Harry Dean Stanton arrives at a celebration for actress Marion Cotillard in West Hollywood, Calif. Legendary character actor Stanton has died at age 91. Stanton's agent John S. Kelly says the actor died Sept. 15, 2017, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Kelly said Stanton died of natural causes, but gave no further details. Chris Pizzello, AP

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Troy Gentry, of the country band Montgomery Gentry, was killed in a New Jersey helicopter crash Sept 8, 2017 just before he was set to perform. He was 50. Here he performs at the 2nd Annual Academy of Country Music USO Concert at Nellis Air Force Base April 2, 2011 in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller, Getty Images

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Musician Walter Becker of Steely Dan performs onstage during Day 1 of the 2015 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on April 10, 2015, in Indio, Calif. Becker, the co-founder of the band 'Steely Dan', passed away on Sept. 3, 2017, at the age of 67. Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic

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Actor Richard Anderson arrives at the TCM Classic Film Festival opening night premiere of the 40th anniversary restoration of Cabaret" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 12, 2012, in Hollywood, Calif. Richard Anderson, the tall, handsome actor best known for co-starring simultaneously in television's The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman in the 1970s, has died at age 91. Anderson died of natural causes on Aug. 31, 2017, family spokesman Jonathan Taylor said. Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

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Jerry Lewis, actor, comedian is photographed in 1995. Lewis died at age 91, on August 20, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nev. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY NETWORK

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Actor Jay Thomas attends the 40th Anniversary St. Jude Hollywood Gala honoring Danny Thomas and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on March 7, 2002, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Known for his roles in Murphy Brown, Cheers, and Love & War, had died of cancer. He was 69. Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

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In this July 21, 2012 file photo, comedian and activist Dick Gregory poses for a portrait during the PBS TCA Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Gregory, the comedian and activist and who broke racial barriers in the 1960s and used his humor to spread messages of social justice and nutritional health, has died. He was 84. Gregory died on Aug. 19, 2017, in Washington, D.C., after being hospitalized for about a week, his son Christian Gregory told The Associated Press. He had suffered a severe bacterial infection. Matt Sayles, Invision/AP

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Glen Campbell poses for a portrait in the living room of his home in Malibu, Calif., in this Aug. 5, 2013 file photo. Musician Glen Campbell died on Aug. 8, 2017 at 81. Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

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In this Oct. 28, 1992, file photo, Don Baylor is all smiles as he answers questions after being named the first manager of the Colorado Rockies baseball club, in Denver. Don Baylor, the 1979 AL MVP with the California Angels who went on to become manager of the year with the Colorado Rockies in 1995, has died. He was 68. Baylor died on Aug. 7, 2017, at a hospital in Austin, Texas, his son, Don Baylor Jr., told the Austin American-Statesman. David Zalubowski, AP

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1993 file photo of Darren Daulton of the Philadelphia Phillies. Daulton, the All-Star catcher who was the leader of the Phillies' NL championship team in 1993, has died. He was 55. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

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In this Jan. 1, 1971, file photo, Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian is carried off the field by his players after defeating Texas, 24-11, in the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game, in Dallas. Parseghian, who took over a foundering Notre Dame football program and restored it to glory with two national championships in 11 seasons, died on Aug. 2, 2017, at his home in Granger, Ind. He was 94. AP

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In this Sept. 29, 2011 file photo, actor Sam Shepard poses for a portrait in New York. Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Oscar-nominated actor and celebrated author whose plays chronicled the explosive fault lines of family and masculinity in the American West, died of complications from ALS, Thursday, July 27, 2017, at his home in Kentucky. He was 73. Charles Sykes, AP

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In this Sept. 15, 2013 file photo, June Foray arrives at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the then Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, in Los Angeles. Foray's niece, Robin Thaler, said Thursday, July 27, 2017, that Foray died in a Los Angeles hospital of cardiac arrest. She was 99. Richard Shotwell, Invision/AP

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Actor John Heard poses for a portrait at the Getty Images Portrait Studio during the 2006 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2006 in Park City, Utah. Heard, who played the father figure in the Home Alone films died on July 22, 2017 at the age of 72. Mark Mainz, Getty Images

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Singer Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs onstage during the band's "One More Light" album release party at the iHeartRadio Theater on May 22, 2017 in Burbank, Calif. Bennington was found hanging at his home on July 20, 2017. He was 41. Scott Dudelson, WireImage

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Portrait of Martin Landau on Sept. 28, 1994. Landau died July 16, 2017. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

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Director George A. Romero is surrounded by actors dressed as zombies as he arrives for the world premiere of his movie "Land of the Dead" during the final night of the CineVegas film festival at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort on June 18, 2005 in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller, Getty Images

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Iranian Professor of mathematics Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to receive the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematics, has died on July 15, 2017 of breast cancer at the age of 40. Stanford University via European Pressphoto Agency

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Actor Nelsan Ellis arrives at the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" Season 3 at The Cinerama Dome on June 8, 2010 in Hollywood, Calif. Ellis, famous for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood", died after complications from heart failure on July 8, 2017. He was 39. Michael Buckner, Getty Images

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Nicky Hayden of USA and Red Bull Honda World Superbike team prepares to start on the grid during the Race 2 during the FIM Superbike World Championship - Race 2 at Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 14, 2017 in Imola, Italy. Hayden died on May 22, 2017, five days after he was hit by a car while training on his bicycle. He was 35. Mirco Lazzari gp, Getty Images

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Actor Michael Nyqvist poses during a photo call for the Sky Series Night '100 Code' on March 15, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Nyqvist, known for his role in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, died of lung cancer June 27, 2017. He was 56. Joerg Koch, Getty Images

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Former German chancellor Helmut Kohl, shown in a March 12, 1998 photo, who was celebrated as the father of German reunification and an architect of European integration, died on June 16, 2017 at the age of 87. Paul Vicente, AFP/Getty Images

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Stephen Furst at the The Directors Guild of America in Hollywood, Calif. Furst died on June 17, 2017 of complications from diabetes. He was 63. Justin Kahn, WireImage

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Adam West, who played Batman during the 1960s TV series, joined USA TODAY for a fun interview and photo shoot at San Diego Comic-Con in 2014. West died on June 10, 2017 after a short battle with leukemia. He was 88. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

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Frank Deford, editor and publisher of The National Sports Daily, holds a proof of the final front page of the newspaper after a news conference at the paper's offices in New York on June 12, 1991. Award-winning sports writer and commentator Frank Deford, 78, died May 28, 2017, in Key West, Fla., his family confirmed. Susan Ragan, AP

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman is shown during a Jan. 12, 2011, interview. Allman died on May 27, 2017, at the age of 69. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

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Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Jim Bunning shown in a March 1966 photo. Bunning was elected to the Senate in 1998 as a senator from Kentucky. He died on May 26, 2017, at the age of 85. AP

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President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with his national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, as he presents Brzezinski with the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony in Washington on Jan. 17, 1981. Brzezinski, the national security adviser to President Carter, has died at age 89. His death was announced on social media, May 26, 2017, by his daughter, MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski. AP

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British actor Roger Moore, playing the title role of secret service agent 007, James Bond, is shown on location in England in 1972. Moore, played Bond in seven films, more than any other actor. Roger Moore's family said May 23, 2017, that the former James Bond star has died after a short battle with cancer. AP

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Roger Ailes, chairman and CEO of Fox News and chairman of FOX Television Stations, is photographed in the Fox newsroom in New York City on Sept. 29, 2006. Ailes died on May 18, 2017. He was 77. Eileen Blass, USA TODAY

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Chris Cornell of U.S. band Soundgarden during his performance at the Greenfield Openair, Interlaken, Switzerland on June 14, 2014. Audioslave and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell died May 18, 2017, at age 52, according to Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery. GIAN EHRENZELLER, Keystone via European Pressphoto Agency

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Powers Boothe attends the "Nashville" panel at the Disney ABC TCA Day 2 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 27, 2012, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Boothe died May 14, 2017. He was 68. Todd Williamson, Invision/AP

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Erin Moran arrives at the Fox Reality Channel Really Awards in Los Angeles on Sept. 24, 2008. Moran, the former child star who played Joanie Cunningham in the sitcoms "Happy Days" and "Joanie Loves Chachi," died April 22, 2017, at 56. Police in Harrison County, Ind., said that she was found unresponsive after authorities received a 911 call. Matt Sayles, AP

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USA-1 pilot Steven Holcomb reacts after heat 4 of men's four-man bobsleigh during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Sanki Sliding Center. Holcomb was found dead in his sleep May 6, 2017, at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

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In this May 31, 2015, file photo, Bill Paxton arrives

In this May 31, 2015, photo, Bill Paxton arrives at the Critics' Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Paxton's death certificate states the actor died from a stroke days after surgery to replace a heart valve and repair damage to his aorta. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. He died on Feb. 25, 11 days after the surgery. Richard Shotwell, Invision/AP

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Joseph Wapner, star of television show, The People's Court, is shown Oct. 22, 1986. Wapner died Feb. 26, 2017, from respiratory failure. He was 97. AP

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Legendary singer and composer Chuck Berry, one of the pioneers of rock-and-roll, performs at a concert in Montevideo on April 15, 2013. Berry died on March 18, 2017. He was 90. Pablo Porciuncula, AFP/Getty Images

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In this March 15, 2017, file photo, Defendant Aaron

Defendant Aaron Hernandez listens during his double murder trial in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. Massachusetts prison officials said Hernandez hanged himself in his cell and pronounced dead at a hospital early on April 19, 2017. He was 28. Pool photo by Elise Amendola

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In this April 1, 2014, file photo, the recipient of

In this April 1, 2014, photo, the recipient of the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature Derek Walcott attends a news conference in Mexico City. Walcott, known for capturing the essence of his native Caribbean and became the region's most internationally famous writer, died early on March 17, 2017, on the island of St. Lucia, according to his son, Peter. He was 87. Berenice Bautista, AP

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Norma McCorvey, left, is shown in this April 26, 1989 photo with her lawyer, Gloria Allred, in Washington D.C. McCorvey was the woman whose demand for an abortion led to the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision. She was known as Jane Roe in the landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. She was 70. J. Scott Applewhite, AP

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In this Nov. 2, 2004, file photo, author-columnist

In this Nov. 2, 2004, photo, author-columnist Jimmy Breslin poses for in his New York apartment. Breslin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning chronicler of wise guys and underdogs who became the brash embodiment of the old-time, street smart New Yorker, died March 19, 2017. His stepdaughter said Breslin died at his Manhattan home of complications from pneumonia. He was 86. Jim Cooper, AP

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In this Sept. 4, 2015 photo, legendary drummer Clyde Stubblefield plays a set on the drums at Sosonic studio before a performance to raise money for a scholarship fund established in his name in Madison, Wis. Stubblefield, a drummer for James Brown who created one of the most widely sampled drum breaks ever, died Feb. 18, 2017, at age 73. His wife, Jody Hannon, told The Associated Press that Stubblefield died of kidney failure at a Madison, Wis., hospital. Amber Arnold, Wisconsin State Journal via AP

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In this Aug. 6, 2011 photo, J. Geils, left, and Peter Wolf of J.Geils Band perform at the Fleet Boston Pavilion in Boston. Musician J. Geils, founder of The J. Geils Band known for such peppy early 80s pop hits as 'Love Stinks,' ''Freeze Frame' and 'Centerfold,' died in his Massachusetts home at 71. Groton police said officers responded to Geils' home around 4 p.m. April 11, 2017, for a well-being check and found him unresponsive. Faith Ninivaggi, The Boston Herald via AP

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In this Sept. 13, 2016, file photo, Jonathan Demme,

In this Sept. 13, 2016, photo, Jonathan Demme, director of the concert film 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids,' appears at the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. Demme died, April 26, 2017, of complications from esophageal cancer in New York. He was 73. Chris Pizzello, Invision/AP

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This is a Oct. 28, 2011 file photo of Sinn Fein's Martin

A Oct. 28, 2011 photo of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness as he waves while waiting to hear the results in the first count in the presidential election at Dublin Castle, Ireland. McGuinness, an IRA and Sinn Fein leader who became a minister of peacetime Northern Ireland, died on March 21, 2017. Peter Morrison, AP

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Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka appears at the Spooky Empire Mayhem Horror Convention at the DoubleTree Hotel on May 31, 2014, in Orlando, Fla. Snuka, a professional wrestler and actor died on Jan. 15, 2017. He was 73. Jeff Daly, Invision/AP

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A file picture dated Feb. 11, 2007 shows Al Jarreau

Al Jarreau is shown in 2007 holding his Grammy for best traditional R&B performance at the 49th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. On Feb. 12, 2017, the singer died at the age of 76. European Pressphoto Agency

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A file picture dated May 25, 2013 shows British actor

British actor John Hurt attends the press conference for 'Only Lovers Left Alive' at the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2013. Best known for his role in 'The Elephant Man,' Hurt died at the age of 77 on Jan. 27, 2017. Sebastien Nogier, European Pressphoto Agency

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A file image dated May 28, 2009 shows actress Mary

A May 28, 2009, photo shows actress Mary Tyler Moore speaking at the at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, D.C., USA. Moore died on Jan 25, 2017. Denny Henry, European Pressphoto Agency

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American navy commander and astronaut for the upcoming Apollo 10 mission Eugene Cernan is pictured in his space suit, in1969. Cernan died on Jan. 16, 2017. He was 82. AP

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Actor Don Rickles of the film 'Mr. Warmth, The Don Rickles Project' poses in the portrait studio during AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi held at ArcLight Cinemas on Nov. 9, 2007 in Hollywood, Calif. Rickles died on April 6, 2017. He was 90. Mark Mainz, Getty Images for AFI

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Richard Hatch is shown in a publicity photo from the original T.V. series 'Battlestar Galactica.' Hatch died on Feb. 7, 2017. He was 71. SCI FI CHANNEL

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'The Exorcist' author, William Peter Blatty, stands on what are popularly known as The Exorcist Steps in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. in this Sept. 3, 2013 photo. Blatty died on Jan 12, 2017. He was 89. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

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Robert Osborne, columnist and critic for the Hollywood Reporter, signs copies of '75 Years of the Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards' on Nov. 4, 2003 at The Grove in Los Angeles, Calif. Osborne died on March 6, 2017. He was 84. Doug Benc, Getty Images

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Joni Sledge of Sister Sledge appears on stage at the amfAR's 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 19, 2016 in Cap d'Antibes, France. Sledge died on March 10, 2017. She was 60. Andreas Rentz, Getty Images

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Charlie Murphy is shown in a Nov. 2012 photo while attending at 'Eddie Murphy: One Night Only,' a celebration of Eddie's career in Beverly Hills. Murphy died on April 12, 2017. He was 57. Chris Pizzello, Invision/AP

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Country singer Mel Tillis, 85, had a severe stutter, except when he sang, inspiring millions during a time when disabilities were often hidden away.

Others had lives full of contradictions

Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law, 86, was viewed as a man of faith and devotion, a priest with global reach and influence. But he was forced to resign after revelations that he failed to remove sexually abusive priests. The scandal, recounted in the film Spotlight, raised issues still confronted by Catholics today.

Norma McCorvey, 69, was an uncertain symbol as well. Known by the pseudonym “Jane Roe” in the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion, the case took so long that she gave birth to the child. She later became an anti-abortion activist.

The crucial role of media in everything from sports to politics and entertainment was led by heroes and visionaries.

San Francisco 49ers and later New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle, 90, was the first pro football player ever to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated; Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, 94, brought the Fighting Irish back to college football prominence in 1966 and 1973; and sports executive Don Ohlmeyer, 72, helped add prime time to the NFL with ABC’s Monday Night Football in 1970.

If centuries have a voice, surely the calls of longtime baseball, football and Olympics broadcaster Dick Enberg, 82, were as distinctive as anyone's. Oh my!

The ultimate street reporter, Jimmy Breslin, 88, corresponded with New York’s Son of Sam serial killer on the front pages of the Daily News in 1977, a print version of what today would be a storm of tweets; political adviser Roger Ailes, 77, invented the conservative Fox News Channel as what he said was a counter to liberal media. Political coverage has never been the same.

Between those outsized personalities were calmer stalwarts of journalism: John Quinn, 91, was a founding editor of USA TODAY who proved that colorful graphs and info-boxes could co-exist with quality reporting; Money and Fortune editor Marshall Loeb, 88, known as the father of modern business journalism, said reporters must be “cleaner than clean.” Wiser words than ever these days.

Opening doors to new forms were Lillian Ross, 99, a pioneer of “new journalism,” which brought a novelistic approach to profiles and news coverage; writer Kate Millett, 82, who pushed hard for sexual equality; and Spencer Johnson, 78, who added to the business lexicon with his book, Who Moved My Cheese. Robert Pirsig, 88, rode to fame with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which was a philosophical touchstone for the ’60s generation.

Popular culture was shaped by artists like Basil Gogos, 88, whose paintings on the cover of Famous Monsters of Filmland helped spark the “monster boom” of the 1960s; illustrator Bernie Wrightson, 68, and writer Len Wein, 69, breathed life into the Swamp Thing; and a small zombie film, Night of the Living Dead, directed by George Romero, 77, inspired The Walking Dead today.

In Japan, Haruo Nakajima, 88, played Godzilla in 12 films, uncredited until recent years when he became a favorite at conventions. When asked whether the Godzilla films were a parable for the atomic bombs dropped on Japan, Nakajima would demur, saying it was “hot” inside the monster suit.

We also lost a James Bond, Roger Moore, 89; a Batman (some would say the true Batman), Adam West, 88; an Oscar winner Martin Landau, 89, and a hilarious show business pioneer, Rose Marie, 94.

The music world was shaken by the deaths of rock superstar Tom Petty, 66; and stars such as Glen Campbell, 81, who recorded to the end despite his battle with Alzheimer’s; two of the original Allman Brothers, Gregg Allman, 69, and Butch Trucks, 69; Steely Dan’s Walter Becker, 67, soprano Barbara Cook, 89; and song stylist Al Jarreau, 76.

Champions of jazz included writer Nat Hentoff, 91, who combined fierce political commentary with profiles of music greats, and songstress Della Reese, 86, one of cinema’s first black actresses who became best known for her role in television’s Touched by an Angel. Groups such as Manhattan Transfer and Pink Martini owe much to scat singer Jon Hendricks, 96, whose bebop arrangements with Lambert, Hendricks and Ross vocalized the jazz of Count Basie.

But the music world and all of America was shaken most by the mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas, where a gunman killed 58 people at a Jason Aldean concert. A month later another gunman killed 25 at a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. And a few weeks later a suspected Islamic terrorist ran down eight people on a bicycle path in Manhattan.

These are lives lost that are worth remembering as well.

Along with the four U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan in 2017, there were 122 police officers killed in the line of duty, more than 900 people shot and killed by police across the USA this year (mental illness a factor in a quarter of the incidents); and more than 33,000 gun deaths in the U.S (two-thirds of them suicides).

USA TODAY’s PASSAGES of course cannot capture the depth or the pain of it all.

But no matter what form your remembrance takes of those we lost this year — whether quiet reflection, holding a candle at a memorial service, saluting a soldier at an airport or placing a gold star on a window, contributing to a victim fund, fighting for gun safety and enforcement of existing laws, or pushing for background checks and tougher gun restrictions, thanking a first responder or kneeling at church or on a football field — families and friends need to know that their loved ones will never be forgotten. This holiday season or ever.

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Cardinal Bernard Law, disgraced in scandal has died | 1:08

The Vatican says Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston, has died at 86. Law was the Boston archbishop in 2002 when court documents revealed he had failed to stop priests who molested children. AP

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Disgraced U.K. celebrity publicist dies in prison | 0:47

Disgraced celebrity publicist Max Clifford died Sunday after collapsing in prison. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Bollywood legend Shashi Kapoor dead at 79 | 0:38

Legendary Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor died Monday evening at the age of 79. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actress Della Reese dead at 86 | 0:45

Actress Della Reese died at 86 years old. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Country music 'hall of famer' Mel Tillis has died | 0:38

Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis has died. Tillis was 85 years old. His six-decade career includes more than 60 albums, three dozen Top 10 singles and countless hits. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Three's Company' Actress Ann Wedgeworth Dead At The Age Of 83 | 0:40

Actress Ann Wedgeworth has died Time

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young has died | 0:51

AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young has died. He was 64 years old. Young helped start AC/DC with his brother Angus in 1973. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Lil Peep dead at 21: Celebs pay tribute | 1:11

Emerging rapper and YouTube star Lil Peep has passed away, according to multiple reports. He was 21 Time

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Everlasting Love' singer Robert Knight dead at 72 | 0:33

Robert Knight, who recorded the first version of "Everlasting Love," one of the biggest songs to come out of Nashville, died Sunday after a short illness. He was 72 years old. Michael Schwab/USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 John Hillerman of 'Magnum, P.I.' dies at 84 | 0:46

John Hillerman died Thursday. He was 84. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Fats Domino dies aged 89 | 0:28

Fats Domino, the amiable rock 'n' roll pioneer whose steady, pounding piano and easy baritone helped change popular music, has died. (Oct. 25) AP

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Emmy winner Robert Guillaume passes away at 89 | 0:42

Actor Robert Guillaume passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 89 from prostate cancer. Wochit-All

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie dies after battling brain cancer | 1:37

Gord Downie, the lead singer for Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, has died after a battle with brain cancer Time

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Project Runway' designer Mychael Knight dies at 39 | 1:01

Mychael Knight gained fans as a finalist on the popular fashion design reality show 'Project Runway.' A friend of the Georgia designer said he died "doing what he loved." USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Veteran British actor Roy Dotrice passes away at 94 | 0:41

On Monday it was reported that veteran British actor Roy Dotrice passed away at his home in London at the age of 94. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle dies at 90 | 0:58

Y.A. Tittle, the prolific QB who powered the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants in the 1950s and '60s, died at age 90. USA TODAY Sports

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Hall of Fame Forward Connie Hawkins Dead At 75 | 0:43

Hall of Fame forward Connie Hawkins died on Friday at the age of 75, the Phoenix Suns announced. Time_Sports

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Comedian Ralphie May, star of ‘Last Comic Standing,’ has died at 45 | 0:36

Ralphie May, a comedian who broke onto the national scene after an attention grabbing series of appearances during NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has died at the age of 45. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Musician Tom Petty dies at age 66 | 0:49

Rock superstar Tom Petty has died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, a day after he suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, California. (Oct. 3) AP

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Monty Hall of 'Let's Make A Deal' dies at 96 | 0:37

TV icon and 'Let's Make a Deal' host Monty Hall has died at the age of 96. He earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1973. Wochit

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Playboy founder Hugh Hefner dies at 91 | 1:33

He helped usher in a sexual revolution in the 1950s, and his business empire ultimately became one of the world's most recognizable brands. Now, after more than 60 years of publishing and partying, cultural icon Hugh Hefner has passed away. Video provided by Reuters Newslook

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Jessi Zazu of Those Darlins dies at 28 | 0:34

Jessi Zazu, whose band Those Darlins was at the forefront of the city's indie rock revival a decade ago, died on Tuesday following an extended battle with cancer. Wochit

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actor Frank Vincent dead at 80 | 0:34

Actor Frank Vincent has died at the age of 80. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Kathie Lee Gifford's mother passes away at 87 | 0:44

Kathie Lee Gifford is paying tribute to her mother, Joan Epstein. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Gay marriage pioneer Edie Windsor has died at 88 | 1:19

Many people consider Edie Windsor a pioneer for the legalization of same-sex marriage. Windsor passed away on September 12th. She was 88 years old. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Len Wein, co-creator of Wolverine, passes away | 0:40

Len Wein, the co-creator of the iconic character Wolverine, died on Sunday at the age of 69. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Steely Dan' co-founder Walter Becker passes away at 67 | 0:37

Walter Becker, the co-founder of the band Steely Dan, passed away on Sept. 3, 2017, at the age of 67. Wochit

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Legendary Big East hoops coach Rollie Massimino dies at 82 | 0:58

Former Villanova basketball coach Rollie Massimino, who led the Wildcats to the national title in 1985, has passed away at 82. USA TODAY Sports

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Hong Kong businessman and socialite David Tang dies at 63 | 1:02

David Tang worked for his grandfather for a time, but quickly left to start his own ventures and first came to public prominence in 1991 with the opening of the China Club Time

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actor Jay Thomas passes away | 0:39

Jay Thomas, known for roles on 'Cheers' and 'Murphy Brown,' passed away this week at age 69. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Hollywood legend Jerry Lewis dead at 91 | 0:31

The comedian, director and actor was also known for his career-long battle against muscular dystrophy. He hosted The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon from 1966 to 2010.

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Predator' actor dies | 0:34

Actor Sonny Landham, known for his warrior death in 'Predator,' dies at 76

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Legendary comic, activist dies | 0:39

Civil rights activist and comedian Dick Gregory died at age 84.

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actor Joseph Bologna has died at age 82 | 0:39

The star was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Wochit-All

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Rhinestone Cowboy' Glen Campbell dies at 81 | 1:59

Glen Travis Campbell brought country music to new audiences. He found success as a session musician before embarking on a solo career that included several smash hits. He announced he was suffering with Alzheimer's disease in 2011. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Original Godzilla actor dies at 88 | 0:50

The world of cinema lost an icon today, as actor Haruo Nakajima - best known for being the man inside the suit of Godzilla, passed away at the age of 88 years old. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Ty Hardin dead at 87 | 0:40

Ty Hardin, a popular film and television actor, well known for his starring role in the TV Western series "Bronco," has passed away at the age of 87. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Harry Potter' actor passes away at 91 | 0:40

Robert Hardy, a British film and TV actor best known for playing Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in four of the 'Harry Potter' films, died on Thursday. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Costco co-founder Jeff Brotman dies at 74 | 0:30

Jeff Brotman changed retail for us all. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Sam Shepard, legend of stage and screen, dies | 0:54

Sam Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Oscar-nominated actor, died at home in Kentucky at age 73. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 The actress behind Rocky the Squirrel & Natasha has died | 1:03

June Foray was the voice actress behind Rocky the flying squirrel, Natasha Fatale and the Granny in Tweety and Sylvester cartoons. After acting for seven decades in legendary cartoons, Foray has died. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Linkin Park lead vocalist Chester Bennington found dead at age 41 | 0:55

Chester Bennington's body was found at his home in Los Angeles County. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Cagney and Lacey' actor Harvey Atkin passes away | 0:43

On Tuesday it was reported that Canadian actor Harvey Atkin, who was best known for playing staff sergeant captain Ronald Coleman on the TV show 'Cagney and Lacey', died at the age of 74. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Legendary actor Martin Landau has died at 89 | 0:53

Martin Landau was well known for his roles in 'Ed Wood,' Tucker: the Man and his Dream,' and in the TV version of Mission: Impossible. He was 89 years old. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Horror director George A. Romero is dead at 77 | 0:25

The Los Angeles Times has reported that director George A. Romero has passed away following a "brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer." USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Michael Nyqvist passes away at 56 | 0:39

Actor Michael Nyqvist, best known for his role in the original Swedish version of 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' movie, passed away at the age of 56 after battling lung cancer. Wochit

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Christopher Wong Won, founding member of 2 Live Crew dies at 53 | 0:35

Founding member of rap group 2 Live Crew, Christopher 'Fresh Kid Ice' Wong Won, died at the age of 53. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 YouTube & VH1 star Stevie Ryan dies by suicide at age 33 | 0:24

Stevie Ryan has died at age 33. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office reports that the YouTube star was discovered in her home on on Saturday afternoon and pronounced dead at the scene. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Bill Dana, creator of José Jiménez, dies | 0:37

The comic created the character, who became a popular figure in the '60s. Wochit

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actor Stephen Furst, lovable Flounder in 'Animal House,' dies at 63 | 0:28

Actor Stephen Furst, lovable Flounder in 'Animal House,' dies at 63 USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Chancellor behind German reunification dies at 87 | 0:47

Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl died at the age of 87. He was most known for his leadership during the reunification of Germany and promoting unity in Europe. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Famed actress Glenne Headly dies at 62 | 0:57

Glenne Headly, star of 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' has died at 62. Headly started out as an original member of Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre company. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 '77 Sunset Strip' star Roger Smith dies | 0:51

Roger Smith played a cool private investigator on ABC's '77 Sunset Strip' in the '50s and '60s. He and actress Ann-Margaret recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Time

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega dead at 83 | 0:54

A source close to the family of Manuel Noriega says the former Panamanian dictator has died at age 83. The onetime U.S. ally was ousted as Panama's dictator by an American invasion in 1989 and spent the rest of his life in prison in several countries. (May 30) AP

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Sir Roger Moore, longtime James Bond actor, dies | 1:08

Roger Moore played 007 in more Bond movies than any other actor.

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Chris Cornell leaves long rock legacy | 0:53

Rocker Chris Cornell, famous lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, died on tour at the age of 52. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Fox News founder Roger Ailes dies at age 77 | 0:53

Roger Ailes may be remembered for founding Fox News and the sexual harassment allegations that later led to his ouster. But his 50-year career had many other milestones. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Emmy winner Powers Boothe made bad guys look good | 1:14

Powers Booth was known for playing villains in 'Sin City,' 'The Avengers,' 'Tombstone' and more. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 MTV stars mourn death of Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin | 1:00

Christopher Boykin aka Big Black passed away this week at age 45. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme dies | 0:29

Jonathan Demme, the Oscar-winning director of "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia," has died aged 73 from complications from esophageal cancer. (April 26) AP

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 'Joanie' from Happy Days has died | 1:03

56-year-old Erin Moran, who was best known as 'Joanie' from 'Happy Days, has passed away in Harrison County, Indiana. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Relive Don Rickles' best on-screen moments | 0:53

Comedian Don Rickles passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of laughs. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Chuck Berry, 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll,' dies at 90 | 0:48

See why he was called "The Father of Rock 'n' Roll." USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Actor Bill Paxton is dead at 61 | 1:03

The actor known for roles in the 'Titanic' and 'The Terminator' has died due to complications from surgery. USA TODAY NETWORK

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Detroit Red Wings, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch dies at 87 | 0:54

Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and founder of Little Caesars, died at the age of 87. USA TODAY NETWORK

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Mary Tyler Moore: A beloved TV star and female icon dies | 1:17

Here are eight things you should know about Mary Tyler Moore, an icon for female actors throughout her life. USA TODAY

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NOTABLE DEATHS IN 2017 Gene Cernan, last man to walk on the moon, dies | 1:01

Gene Cernan, commander of Apollo 17 and the last person to walk on the moon, has passed away. He was also the second American to walk in space during the Gemini 9 mission. USA TODAY NETWORK

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Last Video Next Video

Cardinal Bernard Law, disgraced in scandal has died
Disgraced U.K. celebrity publicist dies in prison
Bollywood legend Shashi Kapoor dead at 79
Actress Della Reese dead at 86
Country music 'hall of famer' Mel Tillis has died
'Three's Company' Actress Ann Wedgeworth Dead At The Age Of 83
AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young has died
Lil Peep dead at 21: Celebs pay tribute
'Everlasting Love' singer Robert Knight dead at 72
John Hillerman of 'Magnum, P.I.' dies at 84
Fats Domino dies aged 89
Emmy winner Robert Guillaume passes away at 89
The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie dies after battling brain cancer
'Project Runway' designer Mychael Knight dies at 39
Veteran British actor Roy Dotrice passes away at 94
Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle dies at 90
Hall of Fame Forward Connie Hawkins Dead At 75
Comedian Ralphie May, star of ‘Last Comic Standing,’ has died at 45
Musician Tom Petty dies at age 66
Monty Hall of 'Let's Make A Deal' dies at 96
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner dies at 91
Jessi Zazu of Those Darlins dies at 28
Actor Frank Vincent dead at 80
Kathie Lee Gifford's mother passes away at 87
Gay marriage pioneer Edie Windsor has died at 88
Len Wein, co-creator of Wolverine, passes away
'Steely Dan' co-founder Walter Becker passes away at 67
Legendary Big East hoops coach Rollie Massimino dies at 82
Hong Kong businessman and socialite David Tang dies at 63
Actor Jay Thomas passes away
Hollywood legend Jerry Lewis dead at 91
'Predator' actor dies
Legendary comic, activist dies
Actor Joseph Bologna has died at age 82
'Rhinestone Cowboy' Glen Campbell dies at 81
Original Godzilla actor dies at 88
Ty Hardin dead at 87
'Harry Potter' actor passes away at 91
Costco co-founder Jeff Brotman dies at 74
Sam Shepard, legend of stage and screen, dies
The actress behind Rocky the Squirrel & Natasha has died
Linkin Park lead vocalist Chester Bennington found dead at age 41
'Cagney and Lacey' actor Harvey Atkin passes away
Legendary actor Martin Landau has died at 89
Horror director George A. Romero is dead at 77
Michael Nyqvist passes away at 56
Christopher Wong Won, founding member of 2 Live Crew dies at 53
YouTube & VH1 star Stevie Ryan dies by suicide at age 33
Bill Dana, creator of José Jiménez, dies
Actor Stephen Furst, lovable Flounder in 'Animal House,' dies at 63
Chancellor behind German reunification dies at 87
Famed actress Glenne Headly dies at 62
'77 Sunset Strip' star Roger Smith dies
Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega dead at 83
Sir Roger Moore, longtime James Bond actor, dies
Chris Cornell leaves long rock legacy
Fox News founder Roger Ailes dies at age 77
Emmy winner Powers Boothe made bad guys look good
MTV stars mourn death of Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin
Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme dies
'Joanie' from Happy Days has died
Relive Don Rickles' best on-screen moments
Chuck Berry, 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll,' dies at 90
Actor Bill Paxton is dead at 61
Detroit Red Wings, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch dies at 87
Mary Tyler Moore: A beloved TV star and female icon dies
Gene Cernan, last man to walk on the moon, dies

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A look at those who changed the world and left us in 2017

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