Celebs who passed in 2024 that made our queer eyes weep

This year, we said goodbye to a constellation of stars—artists and advocates, creators and dreamers—who left indelible marks on our world. From trailblazing queer icons to allies who reminded us of the power of authenticity, their lives were a testament to the beauty of living boldly and bringing joy whenever they could. As we celebrate their legacies, we feel the sting of loss and the warmth of gratitude.

After all, a life well-lived doesn't end. It echoes.

Here are the luminaries of 2024 who made us laugh and cry and inspired us to carry their light forward. When legends leave us, their brilliance shines through us.

Nikki Giovanni

Renowned queer poet and activist Nikki Giovanni passed away at 81. Nikki taught us to rise, rebel, and love ourselves, each other, and the fight. On December 9th, aged 81, her pen finally rested, but her poetry still whispers to us in the quiet moments.

Cecilia Gentili

If Gentili's life were a script, it would be a story of resistance, redemption, and resilience. She wasn't just a trans trailblazer; she was a firecracker whose flames enlightened the lives of everyone she met. Her departure on February 6th at 52 leaves a hole in our hearts, but her legacy of advocacy will spark forever.

Liam Payne

The conjuring images of swooning fans and catchy hooks hold sway when we think of boy bands. But former One Direction member Liam Payne was more than a heartthrob. He was proof that even pop stars can use their voices for good. On October 16th, aged 31, his light was dimmed far too soon, with many left wondering why the brightest stars burn out the quickest.

Sir Lady Java

Sir Lady Java was a revolution in heels. A groundbreaking performer and activist, she fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights. At 82, she took her final bow on November 16th, teaching us that being yourself isn't just an act––it's an act of defiance.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones produced moments as much as music, with every melody becoming a work of magic. On November 3rd, the maestro left the stage for good, aged 91, but his symphony plays on in every beat, rhythm, and life he touched.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty didn't just fight her battles; she invited us into the ring. Whether she was a rebellious teen or a powerful witch, she made vulnerability a superpower. She died on July 13th at 53, leaving a legacy of strength and sisterhood.

Gena Rowlands

Acclaimed actress Gena Rowlands died on August 14th. Her performances were poetry in motion, capturing the complexities of womanhood. At 94, she exited stage left, leaving behind a reel of raw, unfiltered beauty that continues to roll in our hearts.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall wasn't your typical leading lady, but isn't that what made her unforgettable? Quirky, magnetic, and utterly unique, she reminded us that perfection is overrated. Passing away on July 11th at 75, she leaves behind a legacy as rich and textured as her roles.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith taught us that wit and wisdom are the ultimate accessories as Mother Superior, Professor McGonagall, or the Dowager Countess. Maggie's iconic roles featured lines of shade with a side of sass. Taking her final bow this year, she's earned numerous accolades and the adoration of fans worldwide. He died on September 27th at the age age 89.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones had a voice that could shake the heavens–and, occasionally, the dark side. He passed away on September 9th at the age of 93. The king of gravitas has gone silent, but his words still echo in our ears, reminding us of our connection with the "Circle of Life."

Phil Donahue

Phil Donahue died on August 18th at 88. His talk show was a mirror, reflecting society's complexities and contradictions. Phil made us laugh, cry, and think. But isn't that the mark of a great conversation?

Colin Peterson

Colin Petersen was the beat that kept the Bee Gees going. Though his rhythm finally stopped on November 18th, aged 78, his impact on their early sound continues to hum in the background.

Mimi Hines

Mimi was a showstopper in every sense of the word, with a voice that could shatter glass and a presence that could mend hearts. At 91, she took her final curtain call on October 21st, leaving us humming the tunes she brought to life and reminding us that the show must go on even in the most challenging moments.

Mitzi Gaynor

Mitzi performances were Technicolor dreams that danced off the screen and into our hearts. At 93, she bade adieu on October 17th, leaving behind a legacy as dazzling as her costumes. She taught us that life is a stage, so you'd better sparkle.

Gavin Creel

Gavin was a beacon of joy and a star on the Broadway stage. With every note and performance, he reminded us of the transformative power of theater. On September 30th, aged 48, the lights dimmed far too soon, but his voice still resonated in the hearts of fans and loved ones, showing us that a life in the spotlight can shine far beyond the stage.

John Amos

John Amos embodied the roles he played. From Good Times to Roots, Coming to America to West Wing, he gave us characters that felt like family. Passing away on August 21st at 84, his powerful portrayals remind us what dignity looks like.

Richard Simmons

With glittering shorts and an even brighter spirit, Richard Simmons taught us to sweat with a smile. His energy may have gone quiet on July 13th, aged 76, but his impact will always be loud.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Though short in stature, Dr. Ruth greatly impacted those she guided. Passing away on July 12th, she leaves decades of candid conversations that demystified intimacy and empowered countless lives. At 96, Dr. Ruth taught us that when it comes to love, knowledge is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Johnny Wactor

Wactor may have been a soap opera star, but his presence felt anything but scripted. On May 25th, at just 37, his departure leaves fans longing for a resolution to a story cut too short.

Chance Perdomo

Chance was one of those stars you couldn't take your eyes off. Charisma on legs, his star burned out far too soon at 27 on March 30th. But in his short time, he reminded us of the magic that happens when talent and authenticity collide.

Anne Whitfield

Anne's performances were like whispers from the past–elegant, understated, and unforgettable. When she passed away on February 15th at 85, she left behind a treasure trove of golden-age Hollywood memories. It's a reminder that, sometimes, quiet grace leaves the loudest echo.

Carl Weathers

Carl was a force of nature. From Rocky to The Mandalorian, he brought power and heart to every role. Though he passed on February 2nd, aged 76, his legacy punches on, reminding us that strength comes in many forms.

Adan Canto

Adan was the actor who made you believe in every look, line, and moment. On January 2nd, at the age of 42, he left us too soon, but his talent was a true gift.

Glynis Johns

Glynis was the epitome of charm, with a voice like a lullaby and a laugh that lit up the screen. She leaves behind a century of stories and smiles, passing away on January 4th at 100, reminding us that life's greatest treasures can sometimes be delivered with a wink.

Dexter Scott King

Dexter Scott King wasn't just a civil rights icon's son; he was a keeper of the flame. His work ensured his father's dream stayed alive. Passing on January 22nd at the age of 62, Dexter reminded us that carrying a legacy is its kind of courage.

Earl Holliman

Earl Holliman was a classic Hollywood charmer with a touch of the everyman. Dying on November 25th at 96, he leaves behind a career that spanned decades and a charm that never faded.

Dorothy Allison

Dorothy wrote raw, unflinching stories that were deeply human. At 75, she died on November 5th, leaving behind words that cut deep and healed even deeper. Allison taught us that telling the truth is the bravest act of all.

Peggy Caserta

Peggy wasn't just Janis Joplin's lover but a trailblazer in her own right. Passing away on November 21st, aged 84, she leaves a legacy of living boldly, loving unapologetically, and dressing impeccably. Peggy reminded us that every life has a soundtrack, and hers rocked.

Christopher Ciccone

Although he may have been Madonna's brother, Christopher carved out his creative past. His passing on October 4th at 63 reminds us that behind every icon, someone is writing the story to be told.

David Mixner

David Mixner was a revolution in motion. At 77, his work as an LGBTQ+ activist remains a blueprint for change. Though he passed on March 11th, Mixner reminds us that history is shaped by those who dare to dream.

Shawn Barber

Shawn soared to new heights as an Olympic pole vaulter and gay athlete. On January 17th, his story ended too soon at just 29. But his courage continues to inspire. He proved that being your authentic self is always a win.

Bernie Delia

Bernie was a guardian angel for the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC, and beyond. Passing away on June 21st, aged 68, he leaves behind a legacy of generosity that uplifted queer individuals and projects, reminding us that the most beautiful works of art are the lives we touch.

Christopher Durang

Durang wrote plays that held a funhouse mirror up to society, making us laugh at our absurdities while questioning them. At 75, the curtain fell on his life on April 2nd, but his razor-sharp wit lives on.

Joe Lieberman

Joe's legacy was one of conviction. Though polarizing at times, he was a figure who championed authenticity. At 82, his story ended on March 27th, leaving a complicated but impactful history.

Pat Logue

Pat may not have been a household name, but in LGBTQ+ circles, she was a quiet revolutionary. She leaves a legacy of activism and compassion, showing us that the most important battles are fought out of the spotlight.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris was a poet with a guitar. On September 28th, aged 88, the music legend rode off into the sunset, leaving behind a trail of songs that feel like old friends. Kris taught us that a good lyric can tell a lifetime's worth of stories.

Each name on this list tells a story, and each story has an ending we weren't ready for. But as we wipe away the tears, we're reminded of the gifts they left us that continue to shape our lives, even after theirs have ended. Ultimately, a legacy is more than a name passed down through a family line or a contribution to society.

At its core, a legacy is just another word for love.