For every beginning, there is an end; this is the cycle of human life. However, the memories we create throughout our lives are treasures to be shared and cherished with our loved ones. For actors, their craft on screen not only captures emotions but also imparts moral values that resonate with audiences, shaping culture and society. This is why the deaths of actors can profoundly affect their fans, as their work leaves a lasting impact.
This month, several legendary international actors have passed away, leaving behind legacies that will be remembered for generations. Although their passing is heart-wrenching, we can move forward while preserving their contributions in our memories. Here are seven legendary actors and actresses whose talents and achievements will endure throughout history:
1. Dame Maggie Smith
The beloved British actress Dame Maggie Smith passed away on the morning of 27th September 2024, at the age of 89 years old. Known for her iconic roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey”, she was adored by her co-stars and fans alike. Maggie began her stage career as a student at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952 and made her Broadway debut in “New Faces of ’56”. She was also an award winning actress, having won two Academy Awards in her career—Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”(1969) and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” (1978).
2. Barbara Leigh-Hunt
Barbara Leigh-Hunt, best known for portraying Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the 1995 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice”, passed away peacefully on 16th September 2024, at her home in Warwickshire, England. With a career spanning seven decades, she graced productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the West End, and Broadway. She also famously appeared as a victim in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Frenzy”, which featured one of the director’s most graphic scenes.
3. Arunachalam Sakunthala
Known by her stage name C.I.D. Sakunthala (சிஐடி சகுந்தலா), Indian actress Sakunthala passed away at 84 years old after being hospitalised for chest pain. Her portrayal of the villain in “Thavaputhalvan” (தவப்புதல்வன்), opposite Sivaji Ganesan (சிவாஜி கணேசன்), skyrocketed her fame. Over the years, she appeared in over 600 films in various Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Her powerful performances left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and she will be dearly missed.
4. John Ashton
John Ashton, the actor who played the tough but lovable Sergeant John Taggart in “Beverly Hills Cop”, passed away on 26th September 2024, after a long battle with cancer. At 76 years old, he left behind a legacy with his role in one of the most influential action comedies in cinema. During his lifetime, he also received critical acclaim for his role in “Midnight Run”, which earned him a Critics’ Choice Movie Award Nomination for Best Acting Ensemble.
5. Drake Hogestyn
Soap opera star Drake Hogestyn, known for his portrayal of John Black in “Days of Our Lives”, passed away at 70 years old after battling pancreatic cancer. Joining the cast in 1986 as the mysterious Pawn, Hogestyn became a fan favorite. Although his tenure on the show ended in 2008 due to budget cuts, his contribution to the series and the soap opera genre remains significant.
6. Kris Kristofferson
Legendary American singer and actor Kris Kristofferson passed away at 88 years old at his home in Maui, Hawaii. He rose to fame with his portrayal of troubled rocker John Norman Howard in “A Star Is Born” (1976) and even won a Golden Globe for his role in 1977. Kristofferson’s final performance was in Ethan Hawke’s 2018 film “Blaze”, a fitting end to a career that spanned music and film, making him a central figure in the outlaw country movement.
7. Park Ji Ah
South Korean actress Park Ji Ah (박지아), known for her role in the psychological thriller “The Glory“(더 글로리), passed away at 52 years old due to complications from a stroke. Her performance as Jeong Mi Hee (정민희), the mother of the main character in “The Glory”, left a profound impact on audiences worldwide. Her sudden passing shocked fans but she will be remembered for her contributions to the South Korean entertainment industry.
Sakinah contributed to this article.
