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Eva Marie Saint, Oscar Winner and 'Hitchcock Blonde,' Dies at 102
4 days ago•Source: ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
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Sass Jordan, Juno-Winning Rock Icon and 'Canadian Idol' Judge, Dies at 65
Sass Jordan, the Montreal-based rock singer and songwriter known for 'Make You a Believer,' has died at age 65. She passed away on October 2, 2026, surrounded by family. Jordan was a Juno Award winner, a judge on all six seasons of 'Canadian Idol,' and a mentor to artists like Taylor Hawkins. Her career spanned four decades, from 1980s session work to 2020s blues albums.
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Mary Louise Weller, 'Animal House' Star, Dies at 79
Variety•8 days ago
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Mary Louise Weller, 'Animal House' Star, Dies at 79
The Hollywood Reporter•9 days ago
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GWAR co-founder Chuck Varga dies at 68 after cancer battle
Chuck Varga, a founding member of the shock metal band GWAR and creator of the 'Sexecutioner' character, has died at age 68 following a cancer diagnosis. Varga, who was not an original musician but was instrumental in the band's visual identity through Slave Pit Inc., passed away peacefully with his wife Bambi by his side. His death was announced by bassist Casey Orr, who praised Varga's artistic contributions. The band had launched a fundraiser and blood drive in June after Varga's diagnosis became public. Varga, who attended Virginia Commonwealth University, helped shape GWAR's grotesque aesthetic and performed lead vocals on key tracks before leaving the band in 1997 to pursue film and theater work in New York City.
Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory Co-Founder, Dies at 45 After Cancer Battle
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at age 45. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones. Gilbert had been battling metastatic pheochromocytoma since 2021 and was later diagnosed with stage four adrenocortical carcinoma and brain tumors in early 2026. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and their daughter, Lily.
Defiance Native Michael 'Mac' McCarthy Remembered for Tech, Family, and Service
Michael Anthony 'Mac' McCarthy, 69, of Defiance, Ohio, died September 11, 2026. A 1975 Defiance High School graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran (1975–1979, Cape Canaveral), he later worked as a dispatcher for Hornish Group for 34 years and served as the Florida United Methodist Church Media/Tech Coordinator. Mac enjoyed computers, music, and time with family. He is survived by his wife Karen (née Andrew), stepson Jared Hull, stepdaughter Stacie Zachrich, grandchildren Abigail, Jacob, and Isaac Hull/Zachrich, sisters Kathy and Patricia, and many nieces and nephews; he was preceded by his parents and siblings. A Celebration of Life was planned for September 25, 2026 at Florida United Methodist Church in Napoleon, with memorials suggested to the church or the American Heart Association.
Tung Chee-hwa’s legacy: Hong Kong’s fragile balance with Beijing
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive after the 1997 handover, died at 89. Handpicked by pro-Beijing elites, he aimed to implement Deng Xiaoping’s one country, two systems but faced a turbulent tenure marked by the 1997 financial crisis, the SARS outbreak, and the controversial Article 23 bill that sparked massive protests in 2003. His governance boosted projects like Disneyland and housing targets but was criticized for crony capitalism and weakening Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub, contributing to a deepening divide with Beijing and a long-term shift of the city’s economy toward the mainland.
Island Legend Trip Barnes Dies at 83, Leaves a Legacy of Laughter and Charity
Clarence A. (Trip) Barnes III, the Vineyard’s famed raconteur and longtime fundraiser, died September 1 at 83 in West Tisbury. A former New York truck driver who became an island legend, he founded Vineyard House, supported Hospice of MV, the MV Preservation Trust, the Vineyard Commission, and numerous island causes, often raising funds with his high-energy auctions. Survived by partner Joan, daughter Elizabeth, sons Mike and Clarence IV, sister Susan, and grandchildren; services planned for October.
Jazz Legend Cassandra Wilson Dies at 70
Cassandra Wilson, a Jackson-born Grammy-winning jazz vocalist celebrated for blending jazz with blues, gospel and folk, has died at age 70 in Jackson, Mississippi. City officials praise her as a native daughter whose music carried Mississippi’s sound worldwide; Wilson earned multiple Grammys and left a lasting legacy in jazz.
Optimus Prime’s Voice Icon Peter Cullen Dies at 85
Peter Cullen, the longtime voice of Optimus Prime and the mopey Eeyore, died at 85 in Los Angeles, surrounded by family. He originated Optimus Prime’s deep, calm voice in the 1980s Transformers series and later reprised the role in films, series, and games, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Transformers: Prime. Cullen said the voice was inspired by his brother Larry, a U.S. Marine, and he also voiced Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh projects.
Dolly Parton dies at 80, leaving a lasting legacy in music and philanthropy
Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer-songwriter and philanthropist behind the Imagination Library, has died at 80. A career spanning hits like Jolene and 9 to 5, film roles, Dollywood, and a lifelong literacy mission, Parton built a sprawling legacy of music, charity and entrepreneurship; she canceled her 2026 Las Vegas residency due to health issues, with a Broadway musical planned to open later this year.
Kathy Brooks, 67, Remembered for Faith and Family
Kathy Ann Brooks, 67, of Rochelle, Illinois, died August 24, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Born February 25, 1959 in Waupun, Wisconsin, she worked as a CNA, later in Ohio as a head teller and in the loan department, then in Rochelle as a dental assistant and co-manager of the Super Lube store, and served as Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her husband Harold; two daughters Stacey Ansteth and Taryn Brooks; siblings; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry Beekman and nephew Daniel Beekman. Visitation is August 31, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle, IL 61068. Cremation care provided by Unger-Horner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Thrift Shop.
Promo-Industry Leader Rob Watson Dies at 48
Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) and a Counselor Top 40 leader, died suddenly at age 48. A 20-year industry veteran, he helped grow Vantage and spearheaded the launch of Swagee, the company’s print-on-demand platform, earning praise for his intelligence, mentorship and warmth from colleagues and industry peers.