One thing about 2016 is that we've lost so many celebrities. It seemed like every month, a star passed away when we weren't expecting it. And these loses were big. We can agree 2016 was definitely a horrible year for losing celebrities we loved. Movies, music, television shows, sports, etc., will not be the same without them. I even cried myself at some of these deaths. We all came together to mourn the death of these stars. Let's take a look back and see who we are truly going to miss in 2017.
David Bowie (January 10th)
We began 2016 with the loss of David Bowie. He was a legendary singer who changed the face of rock and roll. He was in the music industry for five decades, and his last album "Blackstar" was released two days before his death. Bowie was quietly battling liver cancer two years before his death. He was truly an icon and a pop culture legend with his music and stage presence.
Alan Rickman (January 14th)
We knew and loved Alan Rickman for his portrayal as Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" film series. He has also starred in many other films and television shows, but Snape was what he was known for. Harry Potter fans were devastated over his loss, as were all of us.
Nancy Reagan (March 6th)
Former First Lady Nancy Reagan passed away at the age of 94. She was an admirable, classy First Lady who did many things while in office, like creating the "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign. She still remained active in politics after her husband Ronald Reagan's death. She was a very influential woman who will be missed.
Prince (April 21st)
This was one death I was completely heartbroken over, being a huge fan of Prince. Prince passed away out of nowhere, leaving fans shocked and saddened. Like Bowie, he completely changed the face of music with his rock, funk, pop, and soul sounds. "Purple Rain" is a classic 1980's movie and soundtrack. This is one death I don't think I will get over.
Muhammad Ali (June 3rd)
This was another death that I am still heartbroken and sad over. Muhammad Ali was not only an amazing boxer, but he was an activist for human rights. He was outspoken and controversial, but we loved what he had to say. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is my favorite quote from him. He spent much of his life being very sick with Parkinson's disease. We should all try to live a life like Ali did, giving back and helping those in need.
Gene Wilder (August 29th)
There are so many roles we love Gene Wilder for. He was Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," he was also in "Young Frankenstein," "Blazing Saddles," and "The Producers." He always made us laugh with every role he took on throughout the years. He is one of those actors that will be hard to replicate his presence.
Florence Henderson (November 24th)
"America's Mother" Florence Henderson sadly passed away in November. A few days before her death, we saw her in the audience of the show "Dancing With The Stars" enjoying the finale. She was one of the greatest television mothers as Carol Brady in "The Brady Bunch." She was so sweet and lovable, and we will all miss her charm.
George Michael (December 25th)
During the evening on Christmas, we were all completely taken aback from learning the shocking death of George Michael. We loved him for his music career with the band "Wham!" and his solo career. He has many iconic songs, such as "Faith," "Father Figure," and "Freedom! '90" It was so sad to learn about his death on Christmas Day. My favorite Christmas song is the one he wrote with Wham! called "Last Christmas"
Carrie Fisher (December 27th)
Just when we thought this horrible year was over, we lose Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher. She suffered a heart attack on an airplane a few days before her death. She was an icon as Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" films, and also starred in other movies as well as being an author. She was a big advocate for mental illness as well. We are all mourning the loss of the beautiful Carrie Fisher (Update: The day after she died, her mother Debbie Reynolds, a legendary actress, passed away).
There are many other celebrities we lost in 2016 that were not mentioned, but we will equally miss them just as much. With 2016 coming to a close, we will always remember these stars, the legacy they leave behind, and how much we love and miss them.