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In recent years it seems many famous stars are starting to leave us too soon, ranging from musical artists to major actors and actresses in TV shows and movies.
John Dunsworth was one of the most recent losses in 2017. Dunsworth was well known for his character Jim Lahey in the Canadian comedy show “Trailer Park Boys.” He died of an undisclosed illness on Oct. 16, in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 71.
Michael Mantenuto was a college ice hockey player and Army non-commissioned officer. He was also an actor best known for his performance as Olympic ice hockey star Jack O’Callahan in the movie Miracle on Ice a movie that recounted the USA hockey team’s 1980 Olympic victory over the undefeated Russian team. Mantenuto suffered from self inflicted gunshot wounds on April 24. He was 35 years old.
Tom Petty was an American singer and part of the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Formed in 1976, the band originally comprised of Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Ron Blair, Stan Lynch and Benmont Tench. The band is best known for the hit singles “American Girl,” “Breakdown,” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Petty went into cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu. On Oct. 2, he was rushed to the hospital, but was unable to be revived. He was 66 years old.
Hugh Hefner was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 9, 1926. In January 1952, after he was denied a $5 raise, he left his job as a copywriter for “Esquire.” In 1953, Hefner decided he wanted to create his own paper and magazine He took the little amount of money he had and invested it. His small amount turned into $8,000 which he used to start his multi million dollar magazine. He had earned he started his dream magazine “Playboy” which was originally called “Stag Party.” The first publication, which featured Marilyn Monroe, was sold in December 1953 and sold over 50,000 copies. Hefner passed away on July 27; he was 91 years old, died from natural causes and left his legacy to his son Cooper.
John Heard was born on March 7, 1946 in Washington, D.C. He appeared in 1975 as Guildenstern in “Hamlet” at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, where he was also the understudy for Hamlet. He had lead roles in several films, including Deceived, Chilly Scenes of Winter, and Cat People. Perhaps one of his most famous films was his role as Peter Mccallister in the 1990 film Home Alone. Sadly, Heard died on July 27. He was 71 years old and his cause of death has not been confirmed, however police officers suspect foul play.
Carrie Fisher was born on Oct.21, 1956 in Beverly Hills, California. She was an American actress, writer, and humorist. best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars film. Which was nominated for 3 saturn award. She suffered a heart attack and passed away on Dec. 27, 2016.
