In Memoriam: Television Legends We Lost in 2026

A martial artist and international action star, Chuck Norris anchored network television for nearly a decade as the lead character Cordell Walker in CBS's long-running hit drama Walker, Texas Ranger. His rugged screen presence made him an enduring television favorite throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

A giant of the stage and screen, Patrick Stewart became a cultural icon through his legendary performance as Captain Jean-Luc Picard across seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation and its spin-off Star Trek: Picard. Beyond sci-fi, he commanded TV audiences with acclaimed performances in productions like Moby Dick, A Christmas Carol, and the comedy series Blunt Talk.

The beloved Emmy-winning Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara earned worldwide acclaim for her comedic genius. While renowned for her film work, her portrayal of Moira Rose on the hit TV sitcom Schitt's Creek redefined her career, winning her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Beginning her career as a child performer, Hayden Panettiere rose to primetime stardom as the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC's sci-fi hit Heroes. She later earned multiple Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of troubled country music star Juliette Barnes on the drama series Nashville.

A staple of primetime television, Susan Saint James achieved major TV success starring in the mystery drama McMillan & Wife alongside Rock Hudson. She later won an Emmy Award for her co-starring role as Kate McArdle on the beloved 1980s CBS comedy Kate & Allie.

Eric Dane captured the hearts of television audiences as Dr. Mark "Sloan" Mark (nicknamed "McSteamy") on ABC's long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy. He continued to demonstrate his dramatic range with key roles in TNT's action series The Last Ship and HBO's critically acclaimed drama Euphoria.

Famous for his work in crime dramas, Vincent Pastore delivered a seminal performance as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's revolutionary series The Sopranos. His intense yet sympathetic portrayal created one of the most memorable character arcs in peak-television history.

British actor Anthony Head won over audiences worldwide as the wise, tea-drinking mentor Rupert Giles on the cult fantasy series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In later years, he endeared himself to a new generation of fans as Rupert Mannion on Apple TV+'s hit comedy series Ted Lasso.

James Van Der Beek became a household name and a defining face of 1990s teen television as the titular character Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek. He later showcased his sharp comedic timing in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and appeared in shows like Pose and CSI: Cyber.

Best known for his breakout role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on AMC's groundbreaking drama Breaking Bad, RJ Mitte brought visibility and authenticity to disability representation on screen. He expanded his TV career with roles in Switched at Birth and The Guardian.

Starting as a teen star playing Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, Shelley Fabares enjoyed a television career spanning over five decades. She later earned multiple Emmy nominations for her role as Christine Armstrong on the long-running ABC sitcom Coach.

Although recognized for major film roles, Tom Skerritt earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the CBS television series Picket Fences. He also made memorable guest appearances on shows like Brothers & Sisters and Cheers.

Dennis Haskins entered pop culture history as the beloved, often frazzled principal Richard Belding on NBC's hit Saturday morning comedy Saved by the Bell. He reprised the iconic character across multiple spin-offs including Saved by the Bell: The College Years and The New Class.

Randolph Mantooth starred as paramedic Johnny Gage on the 1970s NBC procedural Emergency!, a role credited with introducing the public to emergency medical services and boosting paramedic care nationwide. He went on to appear in numerous daytime serials like As the World Turns and guest-starred on ER.

Anne Schedeen was best known as the straight-laced matriarch Kate Tanner on the hit 1980s NBC sci-fi sitcom ALF. Before starring on ALF, she made regular appearances on classic series such as Emergency!, Paper Dolls, and Three's Company.

Ben Jones gained widespread popularity playing the dependable, overall-clad mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit CBS action-comedy The Dukes of Hazzard. His TV career anchored a public image that later helped him get elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

While well known for film, Robert Carradine captured a younger generation of television viewers as Sam McGuire, the gentle father of Hilary Duff's character, on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. He also hosted the reality competition show King of the Nerds.

A veteran of daytime television, Robert Kelker-Kelly stepped into one of daytime's most recognizable roles as Bo Brady on NBC's Days of Our Lives in the early 1990s. His soap opera career also included high-profile roles on Another World and General Hospital.

An Emmy Award-winning voice actor, Eric Bauza lent his versatile vocal talents to countless animated television shows. He served as the modern official voice for iconic television animation characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Woody Woodpecker across series on Cartoon Network, HBO Max, and Nickelodeon.