Posted: 02 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT

"Star Wars" stars and fans mourned the loss of actor Peter Mayhew on Thursday night.

The 74-year-old actor, best known for his role as Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" movie series, died on Tuesday, according to a tweet from his family.

"The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home," the tweet posted Thursday read.

Peter Mayhew, best known for his role as Chewbacca on the "Star Wars" movie series, died on Tuesday, according to a statement from his family. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) (The Associated Press)

Mayhew's fans and friends paid tribute to the beloved actor on social media after the family's announcement.

PETER MAYHEW, THE ACTOR WHO PLAYED CHEWBACCA IN 'STAR WARS,' HAS DIED, HIS FAMILY SAYS

Mark Hamill, who starred alongside Mayhew in the "Star Wars" series as Luke Skywalker, penned a moving tribute to his former co-star.

"He was the gentlest of giants- A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars," Hamill wrote, alongside pictures of himself with Mayhew.

Actor Joonas Suotamo played Chewbacca as a double for Mayhew in 2015's "The Force Awakens" and tweeted a simple "R.I.P." on Thursday night, with a longer statement and a picture of the two actors.

"Peter's warm welcome when I came aboard as his double in The Force Awakens meant so much to me," his statement said, in part. "He was an absolutely one-of-a-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivaled class and I will miss him."

Suotamo continued: "Rest assured his legacy will live on and the spirit that he gave the character when he first donned the suit will never be forgotten."

"Rest In Peace My Friend," the 33-year-old actor added.

Disney CEO Robert Iger also paid tribute to the actor.

"The @WaltDisneyCo mourns the loss of our beloved #chewbacca portrayer, #PeterMayhew. Peter was larger than life in so many ways...a gentle giant playing a gentle giant. Rest in peace," Iger tweeted.

William Shatner, known for his roles on the original "Star Trek" television series, tweeted his condolences to Mayhew's family and reminisced about his friendship with the actor.

"I am so sorry to hear about Peter. We had so many fun and memorable tweets back and forth over the years plus seeing each other at a convention here and there. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed!" Shatner tweeted.

George Takei, also of "Star Trek" fame, wrote on Twitter: "A sad day for millions of fans."

Author Neil Gaiman offered his sympathies to Mayhew's family, saying: "I am so very sorry to hear this. My sympathies and love to the family."

"Lord of the Rings" star Elijah Wood also paid tribute to Mayhew, tweeting: "Sad to hear of Peter Mayhew's passing. So long, Chewie, may the force be with you."

Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt also tweeted about the loss of Mayhew, saying: "Aw hell, Chewbacca. #RIPPeterMayhew."

"Star Trek: Voyager" actor Robert Picardo called Mayhew "a giant in stature and kindness," on Twitter.

"Sad to hear of the passing of Peter Mayhew, a giant in stature and kindness. He was deeply committed to many charitable causes. His gentle soul will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him," he tweeted.

Noah Segan, who acted in the 2017 film "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," paid tribute to Mayhew in two tweets.

"A short Chewbacca story: A few years ago, I got to visit Pinewood Studios, where they shoot Star Wars. In the Warbrobe Department, there was a small room where they kept the Chewie costumes. When I saw him, I couldn't help myself. Something came over me," he wrote.

"I ran up to Chewie and hugged the costume. The handful of other people on the tour did the same, one by one. No one mentioned it. When we left the room, our guide said, 'Everyone has the same reaction when they see him. They all hug him. We don't even try to stop it anymore,'" he added in a second tweet.

Actor Daniel Logan, who played Boba Fett in "Star Wars: Episode II," said he was grateful to have known Mayhew.

"We have lost a beloved member of the Star Wars family. My heart is breaking. I am so grateful I knew Peter & could call him a friend. He was a mentor, a friend & a family member. Peter is now one with the Force. Lovely man who loved all his fans. RIP my friend. We all love you!" he tweeted.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Fox News' Elizabeth Zwirz contributed to this report.

Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew has died - amNY

Posted: 02 May 2019 05:35 PM PDT

We remember these celebrities who recently died for the music they created (Scott Walker, Dick Dale, Keith Flint of The Prodigy), the characters they portrayed (Peter Mayhew's Chewbacca, Georgia Engel's Georgette Baxter), their pioneering sports careers (Frank Robinson), their films, (John Singleton, Bernardo Bertolucci), books (Tom Wolfe, Steve Ditko), their brains (Stephen Hawking), their service (John Dingell, George H.W. Bush), their activism (Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker).

Here are the actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and other well-known names we've recently said goodbye to.

Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew, the British-born actor who played Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" films, has died, his family said on Thursday, May 2. The 74-year-old died at his North Texas home on Tuesday, according to the family's statement on Twitter. No cause of death was given in the statement.

John Singleton

Filmmaker John Singleton died on Monday, April 29, 2019, after suffering a stroke less than two weeks prior, a family representative confirmed to Deadline. Singleton, 51, was taken off life support. The Oscar nominee was best known for his directorial film debut, 1991's "Boyz n the Hood," which depicted the crime life unfolding on the streets of Los Angeles, California. The project starred Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut and Angela Bassett.

Jo Sullivan Loesser

Tony-nominated actress Jo Sullivan Loesser died on April 28, 2019, of heart failure, her publicist David Gersten told Deadline and Playbill.com. The Broadway star was best known for her role in the 1956 production "The Most Happy Fella." According to her publicist, she died at her home in New York City. She was 91. Above, she's pictured with Paul McCartney at the Minskoff Theatre on Oct. 26, 2009.

Georgia Engel

Actress Georgia Engel died Friday, April 12, 2019. She was 70. The actress was well known for her role of Georgette Baxter on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Engel also starred in "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Hot in Cleveland," "The Office" and "One Day at a Time." John Quilty, Engel's friend and executor, told The New York Times that the cause of death is unknown.

Nipsey Hussle

Rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside his clothing store in south Los Angeles on Sunday, March 31, 2019, authorities told The Associated Press. He was 33. Hussle's debut album "Victory Lap" scored him a Grammy nomination for best rap album this year. Numerous musical artists, including Drake, Rihanna, Chance the rapper, ASAP Rocky and more responded to the rapper's death on Twitter. Rhianna said her "spirit is shaken by this" news. Pharrell Williams wrote that Hussle was a "positive" force who "inspired millions." The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement that the shooting was reported about 6:20 p.m. ET near Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. Three victims were transported to a hospital where one was pronounced dead.

Scott Walker

Singer Scott Walker, who made his debut as one of The Walker Brothers and found success as a solo artist, died Monday, March 25, 2019, according to his label, 4AD. He was 76. "From teen idol to cultural icon, Scott leaves to future generations a legacy of extraordinary music; a brilliant lyricist with a haunting singing voice, he has been one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music, whose influence on many artists has been freely acknowledged," a statement reads. Walker began releasing solo work in 1967, with a series of albums titled "Scott," "Scott 2," "Scott 3," and eventually, "Scott 4," in 1969. Above, Walker and pop singer Lulu pose with awards at the St. Valentine's Day Presentation party in 1968.

Dick Dale

Dick Dale died Saturday, March 16, 2019, his former bass player Sam Bolle told Reuters. He was 81. The rock guitarist, aka the "King of Surf Guitar," was best-known for his 1962 track "Misirlou," which was featured in "Pulp Fiction." His cause of death was not immediately released.

Jan-Michael Vincent

Actor Jan-Michael Vincent, who starred in the 1980s CBS series "Airwolf," died on Feb. 10, 2019, multiple media outlets reported on March 8, 2019, citing his death certificate. He was 74. The death certificate was first published by TMZ. Vincent starred in several film roles in the '70s, including "Going Home" (1971), "The Mechanic" (1972) and "Bite the Bullet" (1975). He struggled with substance abuse, and had several run-ins with the law involving drug posession, alcohol abuse and domestiv violence.

Luke Perry

Actor Luke Perry died on Monday, March 4, 2019, five days after suffering a stroke, his publicist confirmed. He was 52. Perry was best known for his role as Dylan McKay in "Beverly Hills 90210" in the 1990s. He was later cast as father figure Fred Andrews on "Riverdale," a role he held from 2016-2019. "The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time," publicist Arnold Robinson said in a statement.

Keith Flint

Keith Flint, singer for the British electronic dance group The Prodigy died at age 49 on Monday, March 4. Standing on the shoulders of fellow system-buckers like John Lydon, Flint pushed fashion (witness hair styles from a double mohawk to brightly colored devil horn puffs) and, along with The Prodigy, BPM. Dance floor hits included "Firestarter," and we challenge you to keep you feet still when listening to it.

Katherine Helmond

Tony-winning "Who's the Boss?" actress Katherine Helmond, whose career spanned five decades, died Feb. 23, 2019, Deadline reports. The actress had been previously diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She was 89. Helmond starred as Jessica Tate in the '70s comedy "Soap" and, later, on "Everybody Loves Raymond." She is survived by her husband, David Christian.

André Previn

Award-winning composer André Previn died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in his Manhattan home, The New York Times reported, citing his manager, Linda Petrikova. He was 89. Previn served as the musical director for nearly half a dozen orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, pictured, in 1979. Over the course of his career, the German pianist worked with Ella Fitzgerald, among other artists, and won four Oscars for his film composing work, as well as 10 Grammys. He was awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys ceremony in 2010.

Peter Tork

The Monkees member Peter Tork died on Feb. 21, 2019, according to a statement posted on his Facebook page. He was 77. "It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world," the statement read. "As we have mentioned in the past, the PTFB team is made up of Peter's friends, family and colleagues - we ask for your kindness and understanding in allowing us to grieve this huge loss privately." Tork's cause of death was not immediately released, though The Washington Post reported he was diagnosed with a rare cancer (adenoid cystic carcinoma) in 2009.

Karl Lagerfeld

Designer Karl Lagerfeld died at age 85, a source at Chanel confirmed on Feb. 19, 2019. Lagerfeld served as the artistic director for the elite fashion brand for more than three decades. The German native also worked for Fendi and released his own ready-to-wear clothing line. A cause of death has not yet been announced.

John Dingell

Former Michigan Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress, died on Feb. 7. He was 92. He died at his home in Michigan, the office of his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell, who was elected to succeed him, said in a statement.

John Dingell, a Democrat, served in the House of Representatives for 59 years before retiring in 2015. He played a role in passing Medicare in 1965 and the Affordable Care Act in 2010. He also pushed legislation such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Air Act as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson, a Hall of Fame outfielder and the first black Major League Baseball manager, died on Feb. 7 at the age of 83. Robinson, who had a long-term illness, died at his California home, according to the MLB website.

Robinson hit 586 home runs and was a 14-time All-Star. He played for five teams throughout his career, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Cincinnati Reds, where he made his professional debut. After retiring as a player, he went on to manage the San Francisco Giants, the Orioles and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals.

Kristoff St. John

Actor Kristoff St. John was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Feb. 4 at the age of 52, NBC reported. Mark Geragos, St. John's attorney, confirmed the news.

St. John was best known as a longtime cast member of the CBS soap, "The Young and the Restless." He was a two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and won eight NAACP Image Awards. St. John debuted on TV at age 7, according to his CBS biography, and his credits include "That's My Mama," "Suddenly Susan," "The Cosby Show" and numerous feature films.

James Ingram

Grammy-winning R&B musician James Ingram, who rose to fame in the '80s and '90s, died at age 66, Variety reported on Jan. 29. "Grey's Anatomy" actress Debbie Allen, a longtime friend of Ingram's, tweeted the news, writing that she had "lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir." Ingram was best known for his 1982 duet with Patti Austin, "Baby, Come to Me." He was nominated for more than a dozen Grammys in the early '80s and '90s.

Kevin Barnett

Comedian Kevin Barnett died while vacationing in Mexico, his talent agency tweeted on Jan. 22. Fox Entertainment released a statement following the tweet, writing, "he was an incredibly funny, wildly talented man who had so much more to do and so many more stories to tell." Based in NYC, Barnett, in his early 30s, had a growing resume that included writing credits for "Broad City" as well as co-creator of the Fox sitcom "Rel." In a tweet, Comedy Central wrote: "Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian and writer, contributing to Broad City, the stand-up community and beyond. He'll be greatly missed."

Carol Channing

Broadway actress Carol Channing died on Jan. 15 at the age of 97, her publicist Harlan Boll said. She died of natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, Boll said. Channing played Dolly Levi in the 1964 Broadway musical "Hello Dolly!"

Mel Stottlemyre

Former Yankees player and coach Mel Stottlemyre died on Jan. 13, the MLB team confirmed. He was 77 years old and died after a battle with cancer. "Beyond his tremendous accomplishments as a player and coach, Mel Stottlemyre was beloved for his class, dignity and fighting spirit," a statement released by the team reads. "... His plaque in Monument Park will forever serve to celebrate the significance of his legacy."

Daryl Dragon

The musician behind the hit songs, "Love Will Keep Us Together" and "Do That to Me One More Time," Daryl Dragon of the Captain & Tennille, died Jan. 2 at age 76, Reuters reported. He died of kidney failure, per a statement from his publicist. The duo's debut album reached No. 1 in 1975 and won "Record of the Year" at the Grammy Awards the following year. His longtime wife, Toni Tennille -- they divorced in 2014 -- "was with him when he died, in Prescott, Arizona.

Bob Einstein

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" actor Bob Einstein died on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, according to Deadline. He was 76. The actor, who created 1987's Super Dave Osborne (of "Super Dave") had been battling cancer. Einstein won an Emmy for his work as a writer for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour."

Gene Okerlund

Famous pro-wrestling announcer Gene Overland died at age 76, WWE confirmed on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. The WWE Hall of Famer was known as "Mean Gene."

Pegi Young

Musician Pegi Young died on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, a statement posted to her official Facebook page read. Young, the ex-wife of Neil Young, died at age 66 after a battling cancer. "With great sadness, we confirm that on January 1st, after a year-long battle with cancer, Pegi Young -- mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, musician, activist and co-founder of the Bridge School -- passed away surrounded by her friends and family in her native California," the statement read.

Amos Oz

Israeli author Amos Oz died at the age of 79 on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018. He published award-winning and popular novels, like "Don't Call It Night," and a memoir, "A Tale of Love and Darkness." His daughter, Fania Oz-Salzberger, confirmed the news of his death on Twitter, writing "My beloved father, Amos Oz, a wonderful family man, an author, a man of peace and moderation, died today peacefully after a short battle with cancer ... May his good legacy continue to amend the world."

Penny Marshall

Actress and director Penny Marshall, of "Laverne & Shirley" and "A League of Their Own" fame, died on Dec. 17, 2018, her rep confirmed to Variety. She was 75. The Bronx native was the first female director to gross $100 million, with 1988's "Big."

Colin Kroll

Colin Kroll, the co-founder of the Vine video app and the HQ Trivia game, died on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, of an apparent drug overdose in his SoHo apartment, according to Variety. Kroll founded Vine with Rus Yusupov in 2012 and sold it to Twitter later that year -- it officially shut down in 2017. Kroll's latest venture, HQ Trivia, a live game that awards actual cash to players, has become a viral app since he created it in in 2017. He was 34.

Nancy Wilson

Across a long, award-winning career that included Grammys and many TV appearances ("Hawaii Five-O," "Room 222"), Nancy Wilson kicked her career as a jazz singer into high gear shortly after arriving in New York City in the late 1950s. After signing with Capitol Records and releasing an early 1960s record with Cannonball Adderley, she went on to put out dozens of albums -- across an array of genres including pop and R&B -- and became known to NPR listeners as the host of "Jazz Profiles." She died on Dec. 13, 2018, at 81, in California.

George H.W. Bush

Former President George H.W. Bush died on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, a family spokesman said. He was 94. Bush served as the 41st president of the United States, from 1989 to 1993. His son, former President George W. Bush, released a statement on Twitter, writing, "Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens."

Stephen Hillenburg

The creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants," Stephen Hillenburg, died following a battle with ALS, Nickelodeon announced on Nov. 27, 2018. He was 57. Hillenburg's cartoon made its debut on Nickelodeon in 1999 and attracted viewers both young and old. It breached out into two films and a Broadway production. "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family," the network said in a statement. The creator, above, in Tokyo in 2006, revealed he was suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease in 2017.

Bernardo Bertolucci

Bernardo Bertolucci, the director of "Last Tango in Paris," died Nov. 26, 2018, his publicist said. He was 77. The Italian director had been battling cancer for several years and died at home in Rome, according to Variety. He was known best for his brazen works, like the 1972 Marlon Brando film, "Tango," and released his last project, "Me and You," in 2012.

Roy Clark

Country star Roy Clark, the guitar virtuoso and singer who headlined the cornpone TV show "Hee Haw" for nearly a quarter century and was known for such hits as "Yesterday When I was Young" and "Honeymoon Feeling," died Nov. 15, 2018, of complications from pneumonia. Clark, shown in a 1970s photo, was 85.

Katherine MacGregor

"Little House on the Prairie" actress Katherine MacGregor died Nov. 13, 2018, her representative, Tony Sears, told the Associated Press. She was 93. MacGregor played Harriet Oleson, the mother of "Prairie" mean girl Nellie. She appeared on the series NBC series from 1974 to 1983.

Stan Lee

The man behind our favorite superheroes, Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk and so many other Marvel Comics died at the age of 95 on Nov. 12. While the writer and editor had help designing the superheroes, he took ownership of promoting them and made cameos in each of the Marvel movies that were made in the first decades of the 21st century, which grossed over $20 billion at theaters worldwide, according to Reuters.

Roy Hargrove

Legendary jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove died on Nov. 2 at age 49 in Manhattan; he had battled kidney disease for years. Embraced by the jazz community, he also tooted his horn as a member of the Soulquarians, a soul-hip-hop collective that included Questlove, Erykah Badu and Q-Tip, among many others. As the New York Times wrote in its obit, even in "his final days, dogged by failing health, Mr. Hargrove remained a fixture of the jam sessions at Smalls in Greenwich Village. When not on tour, he spent multiple nights each week in that low-ceilinged basement, his slight, nattily dressed frame emerging occasionally from a corner to blow a smoky, quietly arresting solo."

Mac Miller

Mac Miller has died of an apparent overdose, Variety and TMZ reported on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. The 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Malcolm James McCormick, had been open about his struggle with substance abuse in the past, Variety reported. He released his latest album, "Swimming," in August and was scheduled to perform at MSG Hulu Theater on Nov. 23.

Burt Reynolds

Actor Burt Reynolds, who rose to fame in the '70s with "Smokey and the Bandit," died Sept. 6, 2018, at age 82, a spokesman for his Los Angeles agent confirmed. His career was marked by his roles in Hollywood films such as "Smokey" (1977), "Deliverance" (1972) and "The Longest Yard" (2005), as well as a TV stint in "Gunsmoke" (1962-1965). His role in the 1997 flick "Boogie Nights" earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nod, and he was set to appear in the upcoming "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" crime drama from Quentin Tarantino.

Neil Simon

Neil Simon, one of Broadway's most popular playwrights, died on Aug. 26, 2018. He was 91. Simon was beloved for his works "The Odd Couple," "The Goodbye Girl" and "Lost in Yonkers," among others. Simon was being treated for pneumonia at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City at the time of his death.

John McCain

Sen. John McCain died Aug. 25, 2018, at age 81, according to a statement from his office. McCain had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. His family announced he was ending treatment for the cancer the day before he died.

The Arizona senator, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam, ran unsuccessfully for president in 2008.

"Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28 p.m. on August 25, 2018. With the senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years," the statement from his office said.

Robin Leach

Journalist Robin Leach, known for his role on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," died Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John Katsilometes revealed on Twitter. Leach was 76. "Sad to report the death of famed celeb reporter, friend and colleague #RobinLeach @ 1:50 a.m. in #LasVegas. He would have been 77 Wednesday. He suffered a second stroke Monday. He in hospice care. He'd been hospitalized since Nov. 21, after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas," Katsilometes wrote on Twitter. He followed his note with a statement from Leach's family confirming the news. Leach hosted "Lifestyles" between 1984 and 1995 and was best known for his work as a celeb columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Craig Zadan

Hollywood producer Craig Zadan died Aug. 20, 2018, at age 69. Zadan, pictured, left, one half of the studio company Storyline Entertainment, was behind several TV and film musicals, including 1984's "Footloose" and 2007's "Hairspray," and several of his team's productions went on to win Academy Awards. Zadan was a Miami native, but moved to New York to attend Hofstra University before starting his production company in NYC in the '70s.

Aretha Franklin

"The Queen of Soul," who released hits such as "Think" and "Respect" during the course of a several-decades-long musical career, died on Aug. 16, 2018, officials said. She was 76. The singer, who had been battling advanced pancreatic cancer, died at her home in Detroit, according to one of her publicists. She became the first woman voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and won 18 Grammys throughout her career.

Her last large-scale performance took place at Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City during the November 2017 Elton John AIDS Foundation concert. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press on Aug. 16, 2017, Franklin said she had wanted to open a nightclub in her hometown of Detroit called "Aretha's," where she planned to sing occasionally.

Charlotte Rae

Charlotte Rae, of the '80s sitcoms "The Facts of Life" and "Diff'rent Strokes," died on Aug. 5, 2018, at her home in Los Angeles, according to the New York Times. She was 92. Rae, known best in the role of Edna Garrett, started out on Broadway.

Tab Hunter

Actor Tab Hunter, who rose to fame in the '50s and later became a symbol of the gay rights movement, died July 8, 2018, according to a post on his Facebook page. The New York-born celebrity was 86. The post, on the "Tab Hunter Confidential" Facebook page, did not provide further details on his cause of death. He was known best for his roles in "Damn Yankees!" and "The Burning Hills," as well as a notable turn in John Waters' "Polyester," in which he played upon his heartthrob image. In 2005, his "Confidential" autobiography exposed he'd been living out his fame in Hollywood as a closeted gay man. A movie of the same title was released in 2015.

Steve Ditko

The comic book artist and co-creator of such legendary comic book characters as Spider-Man and Doctor Strange was found dead in his Manhattan home on June 29, 2018, the NYPD confirmed to Variety on July 6. He was 90 years old. Ditko was responsible for conceiving Spider-Man's signature attributes, such as his costume and web shooters. The superhero is one of the most popular ever invented, generating over 360 million book sales and several movie franchises since his debut. Among Ditko's fans was author Neil Gaiman, who tweeted, "I know I'm a different person because he was in the world."

Joe Jackson

The late Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, died Wednesday, June 27, 2018, his family said. He was 89. The music manager behind the careers of the Jackson 5 had reportedly been battling pancreatic cancer. On June 24, Jackson tweeted that he had "seen more sunsets than I have left to see."

Richard 'Old Man' Harrison

Reality star Richard Harrison, left, who appeared in "Pawn Stars," died at age 77, his son Rick Harrison revealed on Twitter June 25, 2018. Known best as "Old Man," Harrison and his son and grandson ran the Las Vegas pawn shop depicted in the series. Harrison, who TMZ reports suffered from Parkinson's disease, opened Gold & Silver Pawn in 1988. "He lived a very full life and through the History television show 'Pawn Stars' touched the lives of people all over, teaching them the value of loving your family, hard work and humor," his son wrote on Instagram in tribute to his late father. "Pawn Stars" has aired 15 seasons on History and A&E since premiering in 2009.

Charles Krauthammer

Pulitzer Prize winner and conservative political commentator Charles Krauthammer died on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at the age of 68, according to The Washington Post and Fox News. Krauthammer, who died of cancer of the small intestine, was a fixture on the Fox News Channel as well as on editorial pages of The Washington Post and other national newspapers.

XXXTentacion

Rapper XXXTentacion was shot dead in South Florida on Monday, June 18, 2018, TMZ first reported. The rapper, 20, released his first album in August 2017 and reached the Billboard 200 album chart for his second, titled "?" XXXTentacion, whose birth name is Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was fatally injured in a drive-by shooting, according to the Broward County Sheriff's office. The Florida native was involved in legal problems over his alleged beating of a girlfriend while pregnant.

Jackson Odell

Songwriter and actor Jackson Odell, who appeared in popular shows such as "iCarly" and "The Goldbergs," was found dead on June 8 at his home in Tarzana. The cause of death has not been released, pending an autopsy. No foul play is suspected. He was 20.

Odell played Gumbo in "iCarly," Kyle in "The Fosters," and appeared several times as Ari Caldwell in "The Goldbergs," among other roles. He recently finished writing songs for the soundtrack of the film "Forever My Girl," a drama about a country musician who tries to get his ex-fiancée back, according to his website.

"He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul," the family said in an emailed statement to amNewYork. "He had so much more to share. Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world does as well. We are now going to try to make sense of our immeasurable loss privately."

Anthony Bourdain

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain died on June 8 at 61. The host of CNN's food and travel series "Parts Unknown" was found dead in a hotel bathroom in France, where he had been working on an upcoming episode. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging; the New York Times later reported that a toxicology report found no narcotics in his system.

Kate Spade

Katherine Noel Brosnahan, known as designer Kate Spade, was found dead in her apartment in Manhattan on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, the NYPD confirmed. She was 55. She was the designer behind her brand, Kate Spade New York. On Thursday, June 7, 2018, her death was ruled a suicide by hanging by the medical examiner's office.

Alan Bean

American astronaut Alan Bean, who walked on the moon in 1969 during the Apollo 12 mission and commanded a crew on the Skylab space station in 1973 before giving up his career to become a full-time painter, died in Houston on May 26, 2018, officials said. He was 86. Bean had fallen ill two weeks earlier while traveling in Indiana, his family said. He was only one of 12 people to ever set foot on the moon, and when he gave up his career at NASA, he created paintings that focused on the Apollo missions and sold for tens of thousands of dollars each.

Philip Roth

Author Philip Roth died on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, his agent said. He was 85. Roth, who died in New York City of congestive heart failure, wrote more than 30 books. "Patrimony," a memoir published in 1991, nabbed him the National Book Critics Circle Award. Roth won the Pulitzer Prize for 1997's "American Pastoral."

Tom Wolfe

Tom Wolfe, author and journalist behind the New Journalism movement, died on May 15, 2018, his agent said. He was 87. Wolfe was the bestselling author of "The Right Stuff" and "Bonfire of the Vanities." A Virginia native, Wolfe moved to New York City in 1962 when he began working for the New York Herald Tribune, according to the New York Times. He died at a Manhattan hospital.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder, "Superman's" Lois Lane, died on May 13, 2018, according to a representative at Montana Funeral Home. Kidder was 69. The actress starred in the 1978 "Superman" film alongside Christopher Reeve. In total, she portrayed the superhero's reporter love interest in four "Superman" flicks -- in 1987, 1983, 1980 and 1978.

Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer, best known for playing the evil sidekick Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" movie series, died on Saturday, April 21, 2018, according to a statement posted to his verified social media accounts. He was 49. Standing at 2 foot 8 inches, Troyer was one of the shortest men in the world. "Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he'd be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined," reads the statement announcing his death. In addition to his role in the "Austin Powers" films, Troyer had more than 25 other film credits to his name.

Avicii

EDM star Avicii, known for his radio hits like "Wake Me Up" and "Hey Brother," died April 20, 2018, his representative Diana Baron said in a statement. He was 28. A cause of death was not immediately released, though his family later said he "struggled" with the meaning of life and "could not go on any longer." Avicii received two Grammy nominations for best dance recording, in 2013 for "Levels" and in 2012 for "Sunshine." He retired from touring in 2016 citing health reasons.

Barbara Bush

Former first lady Barbara Bush died at the age of 92 on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, the Bush family confirmed in a statement. She was the only woman to witness her husband and son sworn in as president.

R. Lee Ermey

Former marine and Hollywood actor R. Lee Ermey died April 15, 2018, due to complications from pneumonia, his manager Bill Rogin tweeted. He was 74. Ermey is remembered for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 "Full Metal Jacket." The Golden Globe-nominated actor also appeared in "Apocalypse Now," "Mississippi Burning" and did voice work for "Toy Story."

Milos Forman

The Czech-born movie director, best known for his Oscar-winning classics "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Amadeus," died at age 86 on Friday, April 13, 2018. His other notable work included the 1979 rock musical "Hair," the 1981 drama "Ragtime," and 1996 biopic "The People vs. Larry Flynt," which earned a nomination for an Academy Award.

Chuck McCann

Chuck McCann -- the voice behind the "I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs" commercial -- died at age 83, his publicist said on April 9, 2018. The Brooklyn-born voice actor and comedian died of congestive heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital. He was known for roles including "Little House on the Prairie," "Bonanza" and "Columbo," including that of the Cocoa Puffs breakfast cereal advertisement. "His work was legendary," his publicist Edward Lozzi said. "What baby boomer doesn't know cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs?"

Steven Bochco

Prolific television producer Steven Bochco died April 1, 2018, at 74. Bochco, who battled a rare form of leukemia, is credited with breaking ground with his genre-bending TV dramas, including "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue." Bochco, who won 10 Emmy Awards, also developed "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and in a rare miss, the oft-maligned "Cop Rock."

Andrew Balducci

The founder of Balducci's, the specialty foods market that got its start as a fruits stand in Greenwich Village, died of leukemia on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York. He was 92. Born in Greenpoint, he spent most of his childhood in Italy before returning to the U.S. and opening his brick-and-mortar store selling gourmet goods like prosciutto and fresh mozzarella in Manhattan. Today, there are five Balducci's stores in New York and Connecticut.

Stephen Hawking

Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking died on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at his home in Cambridge. He was 76. Hawking, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, when he was 21 years old, sought to understand some of the most complicated topics, including the origins of the universe and the mysteries of black holes.

Craig Mack

Rapper Craig Mack died Monday, March 12, 2018. He was 46. The "Flava in Ya Ear" rapper was among the first to sign with Bad Boy Records in the early '90s. The Long Island-born rapper died at his home in South Carolina.

Hubert de Givenchy

Designer Hubert de Givenchy, center, died Saturday, March 10, 2018, a representative for his fashion label confirmed to The New York Times. He was 91. The French fashion icon was known for dressing Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, among other famous faces. Givenchy was behind the little black dress that has become iconic to "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers, known for playing surgeon Maj. Charles Winchester III on "M.A.S.H.," died March 3 after battling bladder cancer, according to his talent agency. The Oregonian had more than 150 film and TV credits with voice acting roles in a number of Disney films, including in "Beauty and the Beast" as Cogsworth and characters in "Lilo & Stitch" and "Pocahontas." He also appeared on the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and in "Perry Mason" movies. He was 75.

George Kaufman

Chairman of Kaufman Astoria Studios George Kaufman died Feb. 20, 2018, his publicist said. He was 89 years old. Kaufman is credited with rejuvenating the neighborhood with the success of the historic production venue, the filming location for several NYC-set shows like "Orange is the New Black" and "Blue Bloods." "George was so much more than a real estate developer. He understood deep in his bones the importance of investing in New York's communities because they are the very foundation of the City's greatness," Hal Rosenbluth, the president and CEO of Kaufman Astoria Studios, said in a statement.

Billy Graham

Evangelist Billy Graham, who counseled presidents and preached to millions across the world from his native North Carolina to communist North Korea during his 70 years on the pulpit, died on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. He was 99, a spokesman said. According to his ministry, he preached to more people than anyone else in history, reaching hundreds of millions of people either in person or via TV and satellite links.

Vic Damone

Singer Vic Damone, known for "On the Street Where You Live," among other singles, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, his daughter told The Associated Press. He was 89. The legendary performer also had several TV and film credits, including "The Vic Damone Show," "Rich, Young and Pretty" and "Kismet."

Jan Maxwell

Tony-winning actress Jan Maxwell died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, after battling cancer, her son confirmed to Deadline. She was 61. Her theater roles included "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "The Sound of Music." On TV, she had notable stints on "Law & Order," "The Good Wife" and "The Divide."

Reg E. Cathey

Actor Reg E. Cathey, who played Freddy on "House of Cards" and appeared in "The Wire," died at age 59 after reportedly battling cancer. "The Wire" creator David Simon first reported his death on Feb. 9, 2018. Cathey guest starred on numerous TV shows, but won an Emmy in 2015 for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for his work on Netflix's "House of Cards."

John Gavin

The actor who peaked with roles in Douglas Sirk's "Imitation of Life," Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" and the epic "Spartacus" died on the morning of Feb. 9, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. He was 86. In addition to his acting career, he also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild in the early '70s and as U.S. ambassador to Mexico under Ronald Reagan.

Lovebug Starski

Lovebug Starski, right, died after suffering a heart attack in Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, his manager confirmed. A native of the Bronx, along with Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, Starski was a key member of the late 1970s scene that spawned hip-hop.

Mickey Jones

Mickey Jones, whose resume as an actor stretched back to the early 1970s, died on Feb. 7, 2018, at age 76, his rep confirmed to Deadline. You loved him as the pot dealer with a heart, Hot Rod Dunham, in "Justified," while your parents might remember him from the short-lived "Alice" spinoff "Flo." The character actor popped up in roles across film ("Sling Blade") and television ("Home Improvement"), as well as TV movies ("V"). Deadline reported that his death followed a long illness.

John Mahoney

John Mahoney died on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, while in hospice care, his manager Paul Martino said. He was 77. The SAG Award-winning actor played "Frasier" dad Martin Crane on all 11 seasons of the NBC show from 1993 to 2004.

Louis Zorich

Tony Award-nominated actor Louis Zorich, who played the father of Paul Reiser's character on NBC's "Mad About You," died on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at his Manhattan home. He was 93. While the majority of his roles on TV and film were of the character-actor kind, he also tackled big parts like King Lear and Agamemnon on stage. He is survived by his wife, fellow actor Olympia Dukakis, and other family members.

Mark Salling

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Tinder / Tommaso Boddi

"Glee" actor Mark Salling died on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. He was 35. He appeared as Noah "Puck" Puckerman on all six seasons of the Fox series which aired its final episode in 2015. While the medical examiner had not officially released cause of death, TMZ reported Salling died of an apparent suicide. In December 2017, Salling had plead guilty to child pornography charges and was facing up to 7 years in prison. His sentencing was scheduled for March 7.

Ursula K. Le Guin

Author Ursula K. Le Guin, whose most recent book was "No Time to Spare," died on Jan. 23, 2018. She was 88. Le Guin was known best for her sci-fi and gender-bending tales, including her breakout 1969 novel "The Left Hand of Darkness."

Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker

The Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, an influential figure in the civil rights movement and chief of staff to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died Jan. 23, 2018. He was 88.

Keith Jackson

Legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson, the signature voice of college football for ABC, died on Jan. 12, 2018 at age 89. "For generations of fans, Keith was college football," said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, in a statement. "When you heard his voice, you knew it was a big game." Listeners could identify Jackson by his signature "Whoa, Nellie" call. Jackson is credited with nicknaming the Rose Bowl "The Granddaddy of Them All" and Michigan's stadium "The Big House."

David Cassidy

David Cassidy, the singer and actor who became a teen heartthrob after starring in "The Partridge Family" in the 1970s, died Nov. 21, 2017. He was 67. Cassidy had entered a Florida hospital for treatment of liver failure.

Fats Domino

New Orleans pianist Fats Domino died at age 89, his family told WWL-TV on Oct. 25, 2017. The artist, whose full name was Antoine Dominique Domino Jr., was best-known for his hits "I'm Walkin'" (1957) and "Ain't That a Shame" (1955), among others.

Tom Petty

Singer Tom Petty died on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, at age 66, his long-time manager, Tony Dimitriades, said in a statement. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office attributed his death to a "multisystem organ failure" brought on by an accidental overdose of seven medications, the agency said Friday, Jan. 19, 2018. Petty was found unconscious at his home in Malibu in October and taken to UCLA Medical Center, but could not be revived, Dimitriades said.

Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner, who built what became known as the popular Playboy empire after debuting the men's magazine in the 1950s, died Sept. 27, 2017, Playboy Enterprises said. He was 91. In this undated photo, Hefner and his girlfriend Barbi Benton are welcomed by "Bunny Girls" from the London Playboy Club, on their arrival at Heathrow Airport aboard his private DC 9 jetliner, which bears the Playboy logo. One Bunny Girl is wearing a Union Jack costume.

Jake LaMotta

Bronx-born boxer Jake LaMotta died Sept. 19, 2017, one of his daughters, Christi LaMotta, announced. He was 95. LaMotta, "The Bronx Bull," was portrayed by Robert De Niro in the 1980 Martin Scorsese-directed city-set film "Raging Bull" focused on his time in the ring. According to TMZ, he died in a nursing home after suffering from pneumonia.

Chester Bennington

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington died Thursday, July 20, 2017, the Los Angeles County coroner's office confirmed. He was 41. According to The New York Times, his death is being investigated as a suicide. Bennington had been the band's vocalist since 1999. Linkin Park rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like "Numb" and "In the End." The band was set to perform at Citi Field on July 28. The CEO of WB Records, Cameron Strang, said in a statement: "Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his band-mates and his many friends."

Adam West

Adam West, star of the 1960s "Batman" television series, died June 9, 2017. He was 88. A representative for the actor told Variety he died after battling leukemia. His family issued the following statement on Twitter: "Our beloved AW passed away last night. He was the greatest. We'll miss him like crazy. We know you'll miss him too - West Family"

Roger Moore

Actor Roger Moore, best known for his role of Bond, James Bond, died on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, his family said on his Twitter account. "With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated," the tweet read. The 89-year-old died after suffering from cancer. Moore played the leading role in the Bond movies for 12 years.

Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell, the frontman for hard rock bands Soundgarden and later Audioslave, died in Detroit on May 17, 2017, his rep said. He was 52. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a suicide. The rocker was known as the face of one of the leading bands in '80s and '90s grunge music.

Chuck Berry

Rock 'n' roll songwriter and guitarist Chuck Berry died at age 90 on March 18, 2017, in his home in Missouri, St. Charles County police said. Berry was considered one of the founding fathers of rock 'n' roll.

Mary Tyler Moore

Emmy-winning actress Mary Tyler Moore died on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Moore, a Brooklyn native, was known best for her roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Ordinary People" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." She was 80.

By amNY.com staff

'Cobra Kai,' Disney star Peyton List joins cast of Syracuse movie - syracuse.com

Posted: 02 May 2019 11:01 AM PDT

Disney Channel star Peyton List has joined the cast of a new Hollywood movie filming in the Syracuse area.

Deadline reports List will appear in "Paper Spiders" opposite Emmy-nominated actress Lili Taylor ("Say Anything," "Mystic Pizza," "American Crime"), Stefania LaVie Owen ("The Carrie Diaries"), Tom Papa ("The Marriage Ref"), Ian Nelson ("The Hunger Games"), and David Rasche ("Sledge Hammer," "Men in Black 3″). Scenes have been shot at the B'Ville Diner and more locations in Baldwinsville, plus Syracuse's Sedgwick Farm neighborhood.

The film is described as a bittersweet coming-of-age story focused on a high school student's senior year being turned upside down when her mother begins to suffer from a mental illness. Taylor will play the mother and Owen, who currently appears opposite Matthew McConaughey in "The Beach Bum," will play the daughter; List will play Owen's best friend.

List is best known for playing Emma Ross on the Disney series "Jessie" and its spinoff "Bunk'd," totaling more than 150 episodes over seven seasons from 2011 to 2018. The 21-year-old actress also appeared in "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," and season 2 of YouTube Red's "Cobra Kai," the acclaimed sequel to "The Karate Kid" movies.

"Paper Spiders" will be directed by Inon Shampanier, who co-wrote the script with Natalie Shampanier. The pair's previous credits include 2015′s "Beautiful & Twisted" (starring Rob Lowe) and 2012′s "The Millionaire Tour" (starring Dominic Monaghan). Producers include Anne Clements of Idiot Savant Pictures and Ash Christian of Cranium Entertainment.

Production is scheduled to take place around the Syracuse area over the next few weeks. Eric Vinal at the Film, TV and Entertainment Office at Visit Syracuse says "Paper Spiders" will use the Greater Syracuse Soundstage (formerly known as the nano film hub in DeWitt) and be eligible for the NY State Film Tax Credit program.

The Greater Syracuse Soundstage is also being used for the upcoming "The Night House," a horror-thriller directed by David Bruckner ("V/H/S," "The Ritual") filming next month around CNY, and two other productions earlier this year: "Odd Man Rush" and "The Mental State."

Peter Mayhew's death sparks reactions from Mark Hamill, other 'Star Wars' actors - Fox News