Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to Rodney Muñoz, the Emmy-winning costume designer for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', who died at age 60 after working with the host for nearly 30 years. Kimmel described Muñoz as a 'caring friend' and joked that no one saw him in his underpants more, highlighting their close professional bond. This loss follows the recent death of Kimmel’s longtime bandleader and childhood friend, marking a period of significant personal and professional grief for the late-night host.
Mike Ditka, the legendary Chicago Bears coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, died on October 9, 2026, at age 86. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell publicly honored Ditka during a press conference, recalling a memorable one-on-one interview with the late coach ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft. While sports organizations emphasized Ditka’s fierce competitive legacy, religious outlets highlighted his deep Catholic faith and personal devotion.
Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar died at 75 from cardiac arrest in Goa. Known for roles in 'Parinda' and 'Krantiveer,' he won multiple National Film Awards and was a philanthropist. His death follows a 2018 harassment allegation that was dismissed by police.
Michael Kearns, widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s first openly gay actors, has died at age 76. A trailblazing figure in LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS advocacy, Kearns broke barriers in the 1990s by publicly disclosing his HIV status on national television. His career spanned decades, blending acting with political activism and theater, including acclaimed solo works addressing the AIDS crisis. He is survived by his adopted daughter, Tia Katherine Kearns.
R&B singer Freddie Jackson died at age 70, leaving a legacy defined by 10 number-one singles and 19 top-10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His 1986 album 'Just Like the First Time' spent 26 weeks at number one, a record that remains the fourth-longest run in the chart's 61-year history. Billboard ranked his 15 biggest hits, with 'Rock Me Tonight' topping the list based on cumulative chart performance.
Nana Patekar, a three-time National Film Award winner and prominent figure in Indian cinema, died at 75 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. Found unconscious early Thursday, he was rushed to Manipal Hospital where 45 minutes of CPR failed to revive him. A medico-legal case was registered, and a post-mortem is underway. Tributes poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and fellow actors, praising his versatility and intensity. Patekar, known for roles in 'Parinda' and 'Krantiveer,' also faced a sexual harassment allegation in 2018 that was later dismissed by a court. He is survived by his son and separated wife.
Nana Patekar, a prominent figure in Indian Hindi and Marathi cinema, died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa and was pronounced dead after 45 minutes of CPR. Patekar was celebrated for his intense performances in films like 'Parinda' and 'Krantiveer,' winning three National Film Awards. His death prompted tributes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and fellow actors, while a medico-legal case was opened to determine the cause of death.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson has died at age 70, three days after his birthday. Known for 1980s hits like 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' Jackson was a dominant figure in the genre, achieving 10 number-one singles and four number-one albums. His family confirmed his passing on October 6 without disclosing a cause of death, though he had previously revealed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024. Jackson, born in Harlem, began his career singing at White Rock Baptist Church and later became a background vocalist for Melba Moore before securing his own recording contract. His debut album, 'Rock Me Tonight,' debuted at No. 20 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in May 1985 and reached No. 1 by June, staying there for 14 weeks. His 1986 follow-up, 'Just Like the First Time,' spent 26 weeks at No. 1, a record that still stands as the fourth-most weeks at No. 1 in the chart's 61-year history. Jackson earned two Grammy nominations for best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance. He also toured with Peabo Bryson, Howard Hewitt, and Jeffrey Osborne in 2013. Jackson's death was announced by his family on social media, and he was mourned by Melba Moore, who called him a 'great singer and even a greater friend.'
Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR at Manipal Hospital, he could not be revived. A state funeral is planned for his farmhouse in Pune, and a post-mortem is underway to confirm the cause of death.
Margaret Hamilton, the computer scientist who led the software team for NASA’s Apollo program and helped establish software engineering as a discipline, has died at age 90. Her priority-driven code prevented a catastrophic failure during the Apollo 11 moon landing, and her legacy includes founding companies and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Eva Marie Saint, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in 'On the Waterfront' and 'North by Northwest,' has died at age 102. She passed away at her Los Angeles home on Tuesday, surrounded by family. Saint’s career spanned over eight decades, bridging live television, Broadway, and classic cinema. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1955 for her performance opposite Marlon Brando and later became a cultural icon as the 'Hitchcock Blonde' in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 thriller. Her death marks the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy of enduring performances and a career that prioritized artistic integrity over mainstream stardom.
Actor Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding, died at age 75 on September 27, 2026. His death certificate confirms Parkinson's disease as the primary cause, with other conditions including depression and hypertension. He had privately battled the illness for eight years.
Eva Marie Saint, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in 'On the Waterfront' and 'North by Northwest,' has died at age 102. She was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, celebrated for a career that spanned over seven decades across film and television. Saint won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1955 for her debut feature and later became a cultural icon for her performance as Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 thriller. Her death was confirmed by her representative, who cited natural causes and noted she was surrounded by family. With only 20 feature film credits, Saint prioritized artistic integrity and family over mainstream stardom, leaving a legacy defined by understated complexity and enduring elegance.
Freddie Jackson, the R&B star known for 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' died at age 70. His family announced his passing on October 6, three days after his birthday, without disclosing a cause of death. Jackson had previously revealed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024 and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation. He earned two Grammy nominations and multiple platinum albums, leaving a legacy as a defining voice of 1980s soul music.
Sam McDowell, the left-handed pitcher known as 'Sudden Sam,' has died at age 84. MLB announced the news on October 6, 2026, without providing specific details on the cause of death. McDowell spent 11 of his 15 major league seasons with the Cleveland Indians, where he became a dominant force. He led the American League in strikeouts five times and won the ERA title in 1965. Although his career ended early due to alcohol addiction, he later became a licensed therapist and addiction consultant for the Baseball Assistance Team.
