David Gail
David Gail appears in a 1996 promotional photo for the television series "Savannah." Getty Images/Savannah

The entertainment industry lost several stars and personalities in the past week.

Each of these celebrities contributed in their unique ways, leaving behind legacies that spanned the realms of television, music, and film.

Let's take a moment to remember and honor the seven celebrities who died in the past week.

1. David Gail

"Beverly Hills, 90210" alum David Gail has died, his sister confirmed Saturday. He was 58.

Katie Colmenares shared the news of her brother's passing via a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

"I will hold you so tight every day in my heart, you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being," his sister wrote. "[M]issing you every second of every day forever."

"There will never be another," she added.

Born in Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 27, 1965, Gail was known for his roles as Stuart Carson in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and Dr. Joe Scanlon in the "General Hospital" spinoff "Port Charles." He also appeared in other TV series, such as "Savannah," "The Round Table," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Doogie Howser, M.D."

Gail's career extended beyond television, with notable appearances in films like "Some Girl" (1998) and "Bending All the Rules" (2002).

2. Marlena Shaw

The soul and jazz worlds mourn the loss of Marlena Shaw, the iconic vocalist behind hits like "California Soul" and "Woman of the Ghetto."

Shaw's daughter, Marla Bradshaw, announced her passing on Facebook Friday, revealing that the legendary singer died peacefully while listening to her favorite songs. She was 81.

Signing with Chess Records in 1966 marked the beginning of Shaw's remarkable career. Her albums, including "Out of Different Bags" (1967) and "The Spice of Life" (1969), solidified her status as a soul sensation.

Shaw later moved to Blue Note Records, where she release five more albums, including 1976's "Just a Matter of Time."

The label paid tribute to the late singer on X, formerly Twitter.

Shaw had a total of 17 albums released with eight different labels throughout her career.

3. Mary Weiss

Shangri-Las Margie and Mary Anne Ganser and Mary Weiss
Three members of the singing group the Shangri-Las (previously the Bon Bons) on a visit to London. Extreme left and right sisters Margie and Mary Anne Ganser (1947 - 1971) and in the centre Mary Weiss whose sister Betty the fourth member of the group stayed at home in the USA because of illness. Getty Images/Ron Case
The lead vocalist of the 1960s band Shangri-Las, Mary Weiss, passed away Friday, leaving behind a legacy of timeless hits like "Leader of the Pack" and "Remember (Walking in the Sand)." She was 75.

The news was confirmed by a representative from her label, Norton Records.

"It was a joy and an honor to work with Mary on her solo/comeback album, which were her last records," Miriam Linna from Norton Records told People.

Weiss, who started her career in the '60s, was just 15 when she secured her first record deal.

The Shangri-Las, a trendsetting teen group of its era, toured with iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones before parting ways in 1968.

After a hiatus, Weiss emerged as a solo artist, releasing "Dangerous Game" in 2007.

4. Nerene Virgin

Nerene Virgin, a beloved Canadian children's entertainer known for her role as Jodie on the 1980s TV series "Today's Special," passed away at a hospital in Ontario, Canada, Monday, confirmed an obituary cited by Global News. She was 77.

Her contribution to children's programming made her a staple in many households during the '80s.

In addition to "Today's Special," she also starred in the shows "Ramona," "Polka Dot Door," "Night Heat," and "The Littlest Hobo."

Virgin's later career involved hosting the current affairs show "Eye on Toronto and running for the federal Liberal Party in the mid-2000s. She also became a writer and educator who advocated for teaching Black history in schools.

5. Charmian Abrahams

Charmian Abrahams, who starred in the popular British soap "Crossroads," died after being struck by a van in Birmingham, England, Monday. She was 96.

Abrahams was allegedly struck by a delivery van belonging to the supermarket chain Sainsbury's, the Daily Mail reported. West Midlands Police is investigating the incident.

In a statement obtained by the outlet, her family expressed their devastation at the sudden loss of the vibrant and "fiercely independent" individual.

Abrahams' career spanned over 50 years, and she worked alongside acting greats such as Sir Noël Coward, Albert Finney, and Sir Ian McKellen.

She played Mavis Hooper in more than 50 episodes of "Crossroads" in the 1980s before leaving the series.

6. Benedict Fitzgerald

Benedict Fitzgerald, co-screenwriter of the groundbreaking film "The Passion of the Christ," passed away in Marsala, Sicily, Wednesday. He was 74.

His cousin, Nancy Ritter, confirmed the news to Variety, saying that Fitzgerald had a long battle with an undisclosed illness.

His collaboration with Mel Gibson on 2004's "The Passion of the Christ" earned critical acclaim, and the biblical epic remains the highest-grossing independent film of all time.

Fitzgerald's career included notable screenplay adaptations like "Wise Blood" (1979), "Zelda" (1993), and Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" (1993).

He ventured into miniseries adaptations with works like Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" (1996) and Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" (1998).

7. Adam Harrison

Adam Harrison, son of "Pawn Stars" personality Rick Harrison, died in Las Vegas Friday. He was 39.

Harrison family spokesperson Laura Herlovich confirmed the tragic news to the Associated Press, emphasizing the family's request for privacy during this period.

Herlovich said that Adam died from a suspected drug overdose but that it was unclear where he passed away and what substance he took.

Adam, one of Rick's three sons, rarely made appearances in his father's show. However, TMZ reported that Adam previously helped out at Rick's store, World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, before pursuing his own venture.

In a heartfelt tribute to his son on Instagram, Rick wrote, "You will always be in my heart! I love you Adam."

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Celebrity deaths, Celebrity Deaths 2024