4 Celebrities Who Died In The First Week Of 2024
Several Hollywood figures passed away in the first week of 2024.
Let's take a moment to remember these talented individuals and reflect on their contributions to the entertainment industry.
1. Christian Oliver - Jan. 4
Actor Christian Oliver and his two young daughters died after their plane crashed into the sea near a Caribbean island Thursday. He was 51.
Oliver's daughters Annik and Madita were aged 12 and 10, respectively.
Pilot Robert Sachs, who owned the plane, was also killed in the crash, according to a statement from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
The incident occurred off the island of Bequia, with the small single-engine aircraft plummeting into the ocean shortly after takeoff from the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm. The group was headed to St. Lucia.
The pilot and three passengers were pronounced dead on the scene after their bodies were recovered by authorities.
Oliver, who was born Christian Klepser, had roles in films like "The Baby-Sitters Club," "The Good German," "Speed Racer," and "Valkyrie."
2. Glynis Johns - Jan. 4
"Mary Poppins" actress Glynis Johns passed away in Los Angeles Thursday due to natural causes. She was 100.
The multitalented star's death was announced by her manager, Mitch Clem, via a statement to Variety.
"Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood," Clem said.
Johns received a best supporting actress Oscar nod for her role in 1960's "The Sundowners" and won a Tony for her performance in the original Broadway production of "A Little Night Music."
She sang and performed the song "Sister Suffragette" in the 1964 musical.
In "Mary Poppins," she played Winifred Banks, who needed a nanny (played by Julie Andrews) for her children.
3. David Soul - Jan. 4
David Soul, best known for his role as Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the crime show "Starsky & Hutch" in the 1970s, passed away Thursday. He was 80.
His wife, Helen Snell, confirmed his death in a statement obtained by Page Six Friday.
"His smile, laughter and passion for life will be remembered by the many whose lives he has touched," she said.
No cause of death was disclosed.
Soul's career spanned decades and included an Emmy-nominated performance in the 1980 TV movie "Rage" and notable roles in "Here Comes the Brides" and "Magnum Force."
He also appeared in the 2004 remake of "Starsky & Hutch" starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
Beyond acting, he pursued a music career, making chart appearances with singles like "Silver Lady" and "Don't Give Up on Us."
4. Harry Johnson - Jan. 2
Harry Johnson, a prolific actor with a career spanning four decades, died in Los Angeles on Jan. 2. He was 81.
His wife, Christiane, confirmed his death to Deadline, citing a "long illness" as the cause.
Johnson, credited as "Chip Johnson" in his early career, had notable roles in "Battlestar Galactica," "Dynasty," "Quincey M.E.," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and more.
He gained recognition for his appearances in "Law & Order," in which he played dual roles between 1992 and 1993.
Johnson's contributions extended beyond acting. He also excelled as an ADR voice performer and audio professional.
His last voice work was featured in the 2018 Netflix hit film "Bird Box."
Johnson's multifaceted career also included writing five books under the pen name Harry Castle.
