Beloved Stars We Lost on Christmas Day PHOTOS

Christmas Day is usually about celebration and tradition, but for many fans, it’s also linked to heartbreaking losses in entertainment. Over the years, several beloved actors and musicians have died on Dec. 25. From Charlie Chaplin to a Rat Pack legend, here is a look at the most prominent stars we lost on Christmas Day.

Joan Blondell’s Christmas Day Death Marked the End of a Hollywood Era

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Joan Blondell died on Christmas Day in 1979 at age 73 after battling leukemia. A fixture of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Blondell built a long career across film and television.

Many fans remember her as Vi in “Grease,” released just one year before her death. She also appeared in popular TV series, including “The Twilight Zone,” “Banyon,” and “Here Come the Brides.”

Charlie Chaplin Passed Away on Christmas After a Historic Career

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Sir Charlie Chaplin died peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Day in 1977 at age 88 following a stroke. One of the most influential figures in film history, Chaplin became world-famous for his silent-era Tramp character.

Beyond acting, Chaplin wrote, directed, and composed music for his films and co-founded United Artists, giving filmmakers greater creative control, according to Variety. His credits include “The Kid,” “The Gold Rush,” and “A Woman of Paris.” He received an Honorary Academy Award in 1972 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975.

Dean Martin’s Christmas Day Death Shocked Fans

Dean Martin died on Christmas Day in 1995 from acute respiratory failure at age 78. Known as “The King of Cool,” Martin was a singer, actor, and television host with a decades-long career.

He was a key member of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. and hosted “The Dean Martin Show” from 1965 to 1974. His most famous songs include “That’s Amore,” “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.”

James Brown Was Lost on Christmas Day in 2006

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James Brown died on Christmas Day in 2006 at age 73 from congestive heart failure. Widely known as the Godfather of Soul, Brown’s career spanned more than 50 years.

He was among the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His influence can still be heard today through iconic songs such as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.”

Eartha Kitt’s Passing Came as a Shock

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Eartha Kitt died on Christmas Day in 2008 from colon cancer at age 81. Her death surprised fans, as she had been performing just months earlier.

Kitt is best remembered for portraying Catwoman on “Batman” in 1967 and for her acclaimed Broadway performances in “Timbuktu!” and “The Wild Party.” Her sultry holiday classic “Santa Baby” remains a Christmas staple decades later.

George Michael’s Christmas Day Death Rocked the Music World

George Michael died peacefully at home on Christmas Day in 2016 at age 53, according to his publicist. One of the best-selling artists of all time, Michael first rose to fame as part of Wham! before launching a hugely successful solo career.

His hits include “Careless Whisper,” “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “Freedom! ’90.” His sister Melanie later died on Christmas Day in 2019, adding another layer of tragedy to his legacy.

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