WWE Hall of Famer Paul ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Orndorff dead at 71
ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Paul 'Mr. Wonderful' Orndorff dead at 71 Professional wrestling legend Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff died Monday, July 12, 2021, at the age of 71, his son confirmed via social media. (World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.)
ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Professional wrestling legend Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff died Monday at the age of 71, his son confirmed via social media.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr.” Travis Orndorff wrote on Instagram.
A cause of death was not immediately provided.
“He is better known as ‘Mr. #1derful’ Paul Orndorff,” the post continued. “Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy.”
The World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. Hall of Famer and former star running back for the University of Tampa was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 1973 NFL Draft, but never played a game in the league because he failed his physical, CBS Sports reported.
Instead, Paul Orndorff launched his professional wrestling career three years later, following a brief stint in the World Football League. He went on to claim NWA North American Heavyweight and National Heavyweight Championship titles before joining WWE in 1983, the integrated media and entertainment company reported.
“With his awe-inspiring in-ring style and unmatched swagger, ‘Mr. Wonderful’ turned his talent into a prototype for the modern-day Superstar,” WWE reported, noting Paul Orndorff’s “memorable debut” came Jan. 23, 1984, “with a win over Salvatore Bellomo at Madison Square Garden,” before graduating to an even larger stage.
“Mr. Wonderful” sealed his wrestling immortality by tag-teaming with manager Roddy Piper in the main event of the first WrestleMania to take on then-World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, CBS Sports reported.
Just got slammed with the Paul Orndorff news,RIP my brother,love you and thank you for always making me fight for everything in our matches,heaven just got even more Wonderful,love U4LifeHH
When Paul Orndorff retired from professional wrestling, he became a trainer for World Championship Wrestling Inc., where he helped mold the careers of Mark Jindrak, Stacy Keibler and Goldberg, WWE reported.
Alan Lancaster Alan Lancaster, a founding member of the 1960s band Status Quo, died Sept. 26. He was 72. ( C Brandon/Redferns via Getty Images)
Melvin Van Peebles Melvin Van Peebles, known as the "Godfather of Black Cinema," died Sept. 21. He was 89. (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)
Willie Garson dead at 57 Actor Willie Garson, of 'Sex and the City' and 'White Collar' fame died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, following a brief illness. He was 57. (Photo by: Robert Ascroft/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) (USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Sarah Dash: One Woman In Concert In this Nov. 17, 2011, file photo singer Sarah Dash performs "Sarah Dash: One Woman" at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. The legendary R&B performer died Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at the age of 76. (Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty Images) (Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty Images)
Anthony Johnson CIRCA 1998: Actor Anthony Johnson in a scene from the movie "I Got the Hook Up," circa 1998. Johnson has died at the age of 55.(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Jane Powell Jane Powell, who appeared in musicals and starred in films such as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," died Sept. 16. She was 92. (Richard Drew/Associated Press, file )
Norm Macdonald FILE PHOTO: Norm Macdonald attends the 2015 NBCUniversal Summer Press Day at the Langham Hotel on April 2, 2015 in Pasadena, California. His management team said he has died after a long battle with cancer. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Parys Haralson FILE PHOTO: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Parys Haralson of the San Francisco 49ers poses for his NFL headshot circa 2010 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers announced Haralson's death Sept. 13. (Handout/Getty Images)
Michael Constantine FILE PHOTO: Actor Michael Constantine attends "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" New York Premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 theater on March 15, 2016 in New York City. Constantine died Aug. 31 at the age of 94. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Terry Brennan Terry Brennan, who turned in memorable moments as a college football player and coach at Notre Dame, died Sept. 7. He was 93. (University of Notre Dame )
Michael K. Williams Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO series "The Wire," died Sept. 6. He was 54. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding dead at 39 FILE PHOTO: Sarah Harding, an English singer with the pop group Girls Aloud, has died at the age of 39. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Willard Scott Beloved "Today" weatherman Willard Scott died Sept. 4. He was 87. (Lawrence Lucier/FilmMagic)
David Patten dies FILE PHOTO: Wide receiver David Patten #86 of the New England Patriots catches a pass during the game with the Buffalo Bills on October 3, 2004 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Patriots defeated the Bills 31-17. Patten died Sept. 2 at the age of 47. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Ed Asner, gruff 'Lou Grant' star, dead at 91 FILE PHOTO: Ed Asner, who portrayed grizzled news producer "Lou Grant" for more than a decade, as well as other rough-around-the-edge characters, has died at 91. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Lee 'Scratch' Perry, reggae icon, dead at 85 FILE PHOTO: Lee 'Scratch' Perry, a pioneer in reggae and dub music has died at 85. (Karl Walter)
Former child actor Matthew Mindler dead at 19 Matthew Mindler, a former child actor known for his role in the movie "Our Idiot Brother," was found dead Saturday at 19. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Brian Travers FILE PHOTO: Brian Travers of UB40 performs live on stage at O2 Apollo Manchester on December 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. Travers died at the age of 62 after a being diagnosed with cancer. (Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)
Igor Vovkovinskiy Seven-foot, eight-inch tall, Igor Vovkovinskiy, was certified the tallest man in America. Vovkovinskiy died Aug. 20. (Nati Harnik/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Don Everly whose pioneering, harmonizing rock sound with his younger brother Phil, led to more than a dozen hit songs as the Everly Brothers has died. He was 84. FILE PHOTO: Don Everly whose pioneering, harmonizing rock sound with his younger brother Phil, led to more than a dozen hit songs as the Everly Brothers has died. He was 84. This photo taken in 1983 of The Everly Brothers, aka Don Everly and Phil Everly in London. (D. Morrison/Getty Images)
Tom T. Hall Country music singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall. who wrote "Harper Valley PTA" and also had several No. 1 country hits, died Aug. 20. He was 85. ( David Redfern/Redferns)
Sonny Chiba Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba, the Japanese actor and martial arts legend who had roles in American films like “Kill Bill” and “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” died Aug. 19. He was 82. (Chesnot/Getty Images)
Maki Kaji This undated photo provided by NIKOLI, shows Maki Kaji, chief executive of the company until July, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. Kaji, known as the “Godfather of Sudoku,” the numbers puzzle he created that’s drawn fans around the world, has died, a spokesman for his Japanese company said Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. He was 69. (NIKOLI via AP) (AP)
James Hormel James Hormel, the first openly gay U.S. ambassador, died Aug. 13. He was 88. (Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Nanci Griffith Nanci Griffith, a Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter whose songs like “Love at the Five and Dime” celebrated the South, died Aug. 13. She was 68 (Gaelle Beri/Redferns via Getty Images)
Pat Hitchcock Pat Hitchcock, the only child of legendary British film director Alfred Hitchcock, appeared in several of her father's movies. She died Aug. 10 at the age of 93. (Stefan Rousseau - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tony Esposito Hockey Hall of Famer Tony Esposito, who was the Chicago Blackhawks' star goalie for 15 seasons, died Aug. 10. He was 78. (Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
Sunni Welles FILE PHOTO Sunni Welles (L) speaks during a news conference with attorney Gloria Allred (R) March 27, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. Welles, who accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault when she was 17, died this week at the age of 72. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Markie Post known for roles on ‘Night Court,’ ‘Scrubs’ dead at 70 FILE PHOTO: Actress Markie Post, known for her roles on television shows “Night Court” and “Scrubs” has died at 70. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Bobby Bowden Bobby Bowden who took Florida State football from the bottom of the standings to become a perennial powerhouse, winning two National Championships, has died at 91. (Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Trevor Moore Comedian Trevor Moore, known for his work on "The Whitest Kids U'Know," died Aug. 6. He was 41. (FilmMagic/FilmMagic)
Poco guitarist Paul Cotton, who played lead guitar, sang and wrote songs for the country-rock band Poco, died July 31 in Eugene, Oregon. He was 78. (Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns, via Getty Images)
J.R. Richard James Rodney Richard, whose promising major league career was cut short by a stroke in 1980, died Aug. 4. He was 71. (Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Saginaw Grant, noted Native American character actor, dies Saginaw Grant, a prolific Native American character actor and hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, has died. He was 85. Grant's publicist, Lani Carmichael, says Grant died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at a private-care facility in Hollywood, California. (AP Photo/E.J. Flynn File)
Carl Levin Carl Levin, who served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years representing Michigan, died July 29. He was 87. (J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Ron Popeil, inventor and king of TV pitchmen, dies at 86 Ron Popeil, the quintessential TV pitchman and inventor known to generations of viewers for hawking products including the Veg-O-Matic, the Pocket Fisherman, Mr. Microphone and the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ, died July 28, 2021. (SMXRF/Star Max/GC Images)
Johnny Ventura Merengue legend Johnny Ventura died July 28 in the Dominican Republic. He was 81. (Gladys Vega/ Getty Images)
Dusty Hill FILE PHOTO: Dusty Hill of ZZ Top performs on the Pyramid Stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2016 in Glastonbury, England. Hill died at the age of 72. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Former Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming dead at 77 Former U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, who retired in January, died June 26, 2021, three days after he was hospitalized for injuries he suffered in a bicycle accident. He was 77. (U.S. Senate via AP)
Jackie Mason Comedian Jackie Mason, whose politically incorrect routines were a throwback to the borscht belt style of comedy, died July 24. He was 93. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Rodney Alcala Rodney Alcala, known as the "Dating Game Killer," died July 24 in California. He was 77. (Michael Goulding/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Greg Knapp Longtime NFL assistant Greg Knapp died July 22 from injuries sustained after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle near his California home.. He was 58. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Violinist Robby Steinhardt, original member of band Kansas, dead at 71 Robby Steinhardt of Kansas during a break while filming a music video June 1, 1982, in Los Angeles. According to The Associated Press, Steinhardt died about 6:30 p.m. July 17, 2021, at a Florida hospital, where he was being treated for pancreatitis complications. (Getty Images/Bob Riha Jr.)
Biz Markie 'Just a Friend' rapper dead at 57 Rapper Biz Markie, known for his hit "Just a Friend" died Friday, July 16. He was 57. (CP/Getty Images for Mastercard)
Charlie Robinson dead at 75 Actor Charlie Robinson accepts his award for ‘Lead Actor in a Play’ at the 2006 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards at the Orpheum Theatre on Nov. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. The veteran stage and screen actor, best known for his role as Mac on the sitcom “Night Court,” died Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the age of 75.
(Photo by Ryan Miller/Getty Images) (Ryan Miller/Getty Images)
Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during ceremonies at Universal Amphitheatre in 2005. Orndorff died Monday, July 12, 2021, at the age of 71, his son confirmed via social media. (Photo by Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images) (Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images)
Suzzanne Douglas Actress Suzzanne Douglas, who appeared in the sitcom “The Parent ’Hood,” died July 6. She was 64. ( Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
Robert Downey, Sr. FILE PHOTO: Filmmaker Robert Downey, Sr poses for photos during 'An Evening With Robert Downey, Sr.' at Film Forum on May 20, 2016 in New York City. The filmmaker, and father to Robert Downey Jr,. has died at the age of 85. (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Rchard Donner In 'The Toy' Director Richard Donner is pictured in this file photo on set of 1982’s “The Toy.” The prolific director-producer died Monday, July 5, 2021, at the age of 91. (Michael Ochs Archives/Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)
Donald Rumsfeld FILE PHOTO: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld attends a wreath laying ceremony with former President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on the grounds of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial at the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, in observance of the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Rumsfeld's family announced Wednesday that the former Secretary of Defense had died at the age of 88. (Patrick Semansky/AP)
Stuart Damon Actor Stuart Damon, a fixture on "General Hospital" from 1977 to 2013, died at 84, the show's executive producer announced June 29. He was 84.. ( American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)
Mike Gravel Mike Gravel, a former U.S. Senator from Alaska who later mounted multiple unsuccessful presidential bids, died Saturday. He was 91. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt, File) (Steffen Schmidt/AP)
Johnny Solinger Rocker Johnny Solinger, best known as the front man for Skid Row for more than 15 years, died June 26. He was 55. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Frank Bonner Frank Bonner, who starred as advertising salesman Herb Tarlek on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ died Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at his home in Laguna Niguel, California, at the age of 79. (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Ned Beatty In this Oct. 17, 2003, file photo, actor Ned Beatty poses at New York's Music Box Theatre where he plays the role of Big Daddy in a new production of Tennessee Williams' ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’ Beatty, the immeasurably talented character actor, died Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the age of 83. (Chris Polk/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
'Gone Girl' actress Lisa Banes dies after hit-and-run in New York City "Gone Girl" actress Lisa Banes has died at age 65, her publicist said June 14, 2021. (Victoria Will/Invision/AP)
Ernie Lively dies FILE PHOTO: Actors Blake Lively and Ernie Lively arrive at the InStyle/Warner Bros. after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Oasis Court at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. Ernie Lively died June 3. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Clarence Williams III dead at 81 Pictured from left to right are Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole of ‘The Mod Squad’ in this 1968 stick photo. Williams, who became a household name playing Lincoln ‘Linc’ Hayes on ABC’s ‘The Mod Squad,’ died Friday, June 4, 2021, of colon cancer at the age of 81. (ABC/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
Robert Hogan FILE PHOTO: Robert Hogan attends "The Liquid Plane" Opening Night Party at Signature Theatre Company's The Pershing Square Signature Center on March 8, 2015 in New York City. Hogan died at the age of 87 from complications of pneumonia. (Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
B.J. Thomas Grammy Award-winner B.J. Thomas, who sang "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Hooked on a Feeling," died May 29. He was 78. ( Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Gavin MacLeod Gavin MacLeod, who starred on "Love Boat" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died May 29. He was 90. (CBS via Getty Images)
Utah Jazz great Mark Eaton dead at 64 FILE PHOTO: Mark Eaton, a defensive giant for the Utah Jazz, is dead after a bicycle accident Friday night. He was 64. (Mike Powell/Getty Images)
Eric Carle Eric Carle, a children's book author and illustrator who sold more than 170 million books during his career, died May 23. He was 91. ( Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
Paul Mooney dead at 79 Photo of Paul Mooney circa 1970. The comedy legend died Tuesday, May 19, 2021, at the age of 79 following a heart attack at his Oakland, California, home. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Charles Grodin Actor Charles Grodin is pictured during a "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" appearance on March 7, 1994. Grodin died Tuesday, May 18, 2021, of bone marrow cancer at the age of 86 at his Wilton, Connecticut, home. (Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Norman Lloyd Norman Lloyd, who had a long and versatile career as an actor, director and producer, died May 11. He was 106. Lloyd starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "Saboteur" and later played a doctor on "St Elsewhere" during the 1980s. (David Livingston/Getty Images)
Colt Brennan Colt Brennan, who starred at the University of Hawaii as quarterback and finished third in Heisman Trophy balloting in 2007, died May 10. He was 37. ( Alexandra Wyman/WireImage)
Lloyd Price Lloyd Price, a 1950s R&B star whose hits included "Stagger Lee" and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," died May 3. He was 88. (Associated Press, file )
1980s music video glam gal Tawny Kitaen dead at 59 Actress Tawny Kitaen, known for her vivacious roles in 1980s heavy metal music videos and the Tom Hanks comedy "Bachelor Party", has died. She was 59. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Ernest Angley Televangelist Ernest Angley, a charismatic and controversial figure, died at age 99, his ministry announced May 7. (Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Paul Van Doren Paul Van Doren, who co-founded the Vans footwear brand in 1966, died May 6. He was 90. (Vans)
Jonathan Bush FILE PHOTO: Jonathan Bush, the final sibling of former President George H.W. Bush has died at the age of 90. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty)
George Jung FILE PHOTO: George Jung attends his Birthday Celebration And Screening Of "Blow" at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on August 6, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Bobby Unser FILE PHOTO: Race car driver Bobby Unser is shown in this 1977 file photo. Bobby Unser, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and part of the only pair of brothers to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” has died. He was 87. He died Sunday, May 2, 2021, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico of natural causes, The Indianapolis Speedway said Monday. (AP Photo/File) (Anonymous/AP)
Olympia Dukakis Actress Olympia Dukakis, who won an Oscar for her role in "Moonstruck," died May 1 in New York City. She was 89. (Dia Dipasupil/WireImage)
Eli Broad Billionaire Eli Broad, who was instrumental in reshaping the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, died April 30. He was 87. (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Johnny Crawford Johnny Crawford, who had a stack of roles, most notably on "The Rifleman" and "The Mickey Mouse Club," died April 29. He was 75. (Keystone Features/Getty Images)
Geno Hayes dead at 33 Former NFL linebacker and Florida State University standout Geno Hayes died Monday, April 26, 2021, at the age of 33, four days after being placed on hospice care at his parents’ home in Georgia for end-stage liver disease. Hayes is pictured here in an undated photo before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the Chicago Bears at London’s Wembley Stadium. (Andrew Matthews - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)
Michael Collins FILE PHOTO: Astronaut Michael Collins smiles as he practices opening the hatch between the command module and the Apollo Lunar Module, June 28, 1969. NASA announced he died April 28 at the age of 90. (Anonymous/AP)
Les McKeown FILE PHOTO: Singer Les McKeown with Scottish pop group The Bay City Rollers, playing at the Budokan in Tokyo, where young girls fainted with excitement and had to be carried out by policemen and attendants. McKeown died April 19 at the age of 65. (Keystone/Getty Images)
Alma Wahlberg, the matriarch of the Wahlberg family has died Family confirmed the death of Alma Wahlberg on Sunday (April 18) in a series of tributes to her on social media. She was 78. (Robert E. Klein/Getty Images)
Charles Geschke Charles "Chuck" Geschke, who co-founded Adobe Inc. in 1982, died April 16. He was 81. (Richard Drew/Associated Press )
Hester Ford Hester McCardell Ford, the oldest living American, died April 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was 115. (WSOC)
Felix Silla Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on "The Addams Family," died April 16. He was 84. (Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic)
Helen McCrory, known for role in Harry Potter movies, dead at 52 British actress Helen McCrory, known for her roles in the Harry Potter series of movies and the show Peaky Blinders, has died. She was 52. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Lee Aaker Lee Aaker, a child actor in the 1950s who starred as the orphan Rusty alongside a German shepherd on "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," died April 1. He was 77. (CBS via Getty Images)
Bernie Madoff FILE PHOTO: In this March 10, 2009, file photo, former financier Bernie Madoff exits federal court in Manhattan, in New York. Authorities said he died of natural causes while serving time in federal prison. (David Karp/AP)
Joseph Siravo FILE PHOTO: Actor Joseph Siravo died at the age of 64 from cancer. (Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)
Ramsey Clark Ramsey Clark, who served as attorney general for President Lyndon B. Johnson during the 1960s, was a champion of civil rights and later an outspoken critic of the U.S. government, died April 9. He was 93. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press, file )
DMX dies FILE- DMX performs during the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta on Oct. 1, 2011. The family of rapper DMX says he has died at age 50 after a career in which he delivered iconic hip-hop songs such as “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem." A statement from the family says the Grammy-nominated rapper died at a hospital in White Plains, New York, "with his family by his side. (David Goldman/AP)
Prince Philip FILE - In this Wednesday July 22, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prince Philip arrives for a ceremony for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles from himself to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Windsor Castle, England. Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. (Adrian Dennis/AP)
Howard Weitzman Howard Weitzman, a powerful attorney whose client list included Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and O.J. Simpson, died April 4. He was 81. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)
Howard Schnellenberger Howard Schnellenberger led the University of Miami to its first national title during the 1983 season. He died March 27 He was 87. (Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images )
James Hampton FILE PHOTO: Actor James Hampton died April 7 from complications from Parkinson's disease. (Barry Brecheisen/WireImage)
Paul Ritter FILE PHOTO: Paul Ritter attends the "Friday Night Dinner" photocall at Curzon Soho on March 09, 2020 in London, England. The actor died April 5 of a brain tumor. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
G. Gordon Liddy G. Gordon Liddy, best known for his role in the botched break-in at the Watergate complex in 1972, died March 30. He was 90. (Louis MONIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Sarah Obama In this Feb. 6, 2008, file photo, Sarah Obama, step-grandmother of then U.S. President Barack Obama, sits in the backyard of her house in the village of Kogelo, near the shores of Lake Victoria, in Kenya. Sarah Obama, the matriarch of former U.S. President Barack Obama's Kenyan family, has died, relatives and officials confirmed Monday, March 29, 2021, but did not disclose the cause of death. She was at least 99 years old. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
Larry McMurtry Larry McMurtry, who won a Pulitzer Prize for "Lonesome Dove" and co-wrote the screenplay for “Brokeback Mountain to win an Academy Award, died March 25. He was 84. (SGranitz/WireImage)
Beverly Cleary Beverly Cleary, who sold more than 85 million children's books worldwide, died March 25. She was 104. (Vern Fisher/Monterey Herald via AP)
Jessica Walter Jessica Walter attends the ABC Walt Disney Television Upfront on May 14, 2019 in New York City. Her daughter confirmed her death at the age of 80. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
George Segal Actor George Segal, who starred in "The Goldbergs" and was nominated for an Oscar in 1966, died March 23. He was 87. (Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press )
Elgin Baylor dies FILE PHOTO: NBA Hall of Fame and former player, Elgin Baylor speaks at an event before an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The Lakers announced the Hall of Famer died March 22 at the age of 86. (Alex Gallardo/AP)
Actor Yaphet Kotto, James Bond villain and 'Alien' star, dead at 81 Actor Yaphet Kotto, who played Mr. Big in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die," died March 15, 2021, at age 81, multiple news outlets are reporting. (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images)
Marvelous Marvin Hagler Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight boxing champion from 1980 to 1987, died, his wife said March 13. He was 66.. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Roger Mudd Roger Mudd, a longtime political correspondent for CBS News who later moved to NBC, died March 9. He was 93. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Mark Pavelich Mark Pavelich, who set up the winning goal in the U.S. hockey team's "Miracle on Ice" victory against the Soviet Union in 1980. was found dead March 4 at a Minnesota treatment center. He was 63.. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images )
Reggae legend Bunny Wailer dead at 73 Bunny Wailer, the last standing member of the Bob Marley group, The Wailers, is pictured on stage in Paris the July 20, 2014. The reggae icon died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the age of 73. (Michael Bunel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Vernon Jordan FILE PHOTO: Vernon Jordan, former advisor to President Bill Clinton, introduces Clinton on the second day of the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library April 9, 2014 in Austin, Texas. Jordan died March 1 at the age of 85. (Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Markie Dee Prince Markie Dee, a member of the Fat Boys hip-hop group, died Feb. 18. He was 52. (Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Rush Limbaugh FILE PHOTO: Radio personality Rush Limbaugh reacts after First Lady Melania Trump gives him the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on February 04, 2020 in Washington, DC. He was 70. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Chick Corea Chick Corea, who pioneered jazz fusion as a composer and keyboardist, died Feb. 9. He was 79. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)
Larry Flynt Larry Flynt, the founder and publisher of Hustler magazine who was involved in several First Amendment battles, died Feb. 10. He was 78. (Dave Pickoff/Associated Press )
Marty Schottenheimer FILE - San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer answers a question at a news conference in San Diego, in this Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, file photo. Schottenheimer died Monday night, Feb. 8, 2021, at a hospice in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Denis Poroy/AP)
Supremes co-founder Mary Wilson dead at 76 Singer Mary Wilson, a co-founder of legendary Motown group The Supremes, died Feb. 8, 2021, at age 76, multiple news outlets are reporting. (WIll Jacks/WireImage/Getty Images)
Leon Spinks Leon Spinks, right, who stunned the boxing world when he defeated Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title in February 1978, died Feb. 5. He was 67. (Associated Press )
Jim Weatherly Jim Weatherly, who wrote Gladys Knight & the Pips' biggest hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia," died Feb. 3. He was 77. ( Ava Gandy/WireImage)
Christopher Plummer FILE PHOTO: Christopher Plummer attends the post-screening event for "Knives Out" hosted by Audi Canada, Lionsgate, Mongrel Media and MRC at Patria on September 07, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The actor died at the age of 91. (ANDREW KELLY/Getty Images for Audi Canada)
Dianne Durham Dianne Durham, right, the first Black to win a USA Gymnastics national title, died Feb. 4 in Chicago. She was 52. (Lisa Genesen, Associated Press, file)
Actor Hal Holbrook dead at 95, report says Actor Hal Holbrook died Jan. 23 at age 95, according to The New York Times. (Walt Disney Television/ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images)
Dustin Diamond dies at 44 Actor and stand-up comedian Dustin Diamond, best known for portraying Samuel "Screech" Powers in the "Saved by the Bell" franchise, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. He was 44. (Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images, File)
Hilton Valentine, guitarist for ‘The Animals’ dead at 77 FILE PHOTO: Hilton Valentine guitarist for British rock and roll band, The Animals, has died. He was 77. The photo shows the English rock band when they reformed in 1983 for a world tour. Clockwise from back left, is bassist Chas Chandler, guitarist Hilton Valentine, drummer John Steel, keyboard player Alan Price and singer Eric Burdon. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Keystone/Getty Images)
Sophie Pop artist and producer Sophie, who was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2018, died in Greece on Jan. 30 at the age of 34. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)
John Chaney Hall of Fame college basketball coach John Chaney, who led Temple University's basketball team to 17 NCAA tournament appearances in 24 years, died at the age of 89, the university announced Jan. 29. ( Joseph Labolito/WireImage)
Cloris Leachman Actress Cloris Leachman, whose eight-decade career included an Oscar-winning performance in "The Last Picture Show" and a role as the grim-faced Frau Blücher in “Young Frankenstein,” died Jan. 2. She was 94. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP file)
Jimmie Rodgers Jimmie Rodgers, who scored his biggest hit with "Honeycomb" in 1957, died Jan. 18. He was 87. (Jim McCrary/Redfern)
Legendary talk show host Larry King dead at 87 FILE PHOTO: Legendary talk show host Larry King has died. He was 87. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Gregory Sierra Gregory Sierra, who played Sgt. Miguel “Chano” Amanguale on "Barney Miller," died Jan. 4. Sierra also starred on "Sanford and Son" and appeared in several other television shows. (Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
Bob Avian Tony Award-winning choreographer Bob Avian died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 21. He was 83. (Shiho Fukada/Associated Press, File)
Mira Furlan Actress Mira Furlan, who starred in all 111 episodes of "Babylon 5" and also appeared in "Lost." died Jan. 20. She was 65. ( Michael Schwartz/WireImage)
Baseball legend Hank Aaron dead at 86 FILE PHOTO: Legendary baseball slugger Henry “Hank” Aaron has died. He was 86. (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Don Sutton Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton, who won 324 games and pitched for six pennant winners during his 23-year major league baseball career, died Jan. 18. He was 75. ( Andrew Snook/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Harry Brant Harry Brant, the son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and businessman Peter Brant, died Jan. 17 from an accidental overdose. He was 24. ( Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
Phil Spector has died at 81 FILE PHOTO: Music producer Phil Spector, known for his "Wall of Sound" and who was later convicted of murder, has died. He was 81. (Pool/Getty Images)
Sylvain Sylvain Sylvain Sylvain, a guitarist for the New York Dolls, a group that ushered in the punk rock era of the 1970s, died Jan. 13. He was 69. ( Matt Kent/WireImage)
Siegfried Fischbacher FILE PHOTO: Siegfried Fischbacher speaks during the 23rd annual Keep Memory Alive 'Power of Love Gala' benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fischbacher died Jan. 15 at the age of 81. (Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Ali)
Sheldon Adelson FILE - This Feb. 10, 2017 file photo, Chief Executive of Las Vegas Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson shows at a business roundtable with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Adelson, the billionaire mogul and power broker who built a casino empire spanning from Las Vegas to China and became a singular force in domestic and international politics has died after a long illness, his wife said Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) (Andrew Harnik/AP)
Eve Branson FILE PHOTO: Richard Branson (L) and honoree Eve Branson attend the AltaMed Power Up, We Are The Future Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on May 12, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. Richard Branson announced the death of his mother due to COVID-19. (Michael Kovac)
Nancy Bush Ellis FILE PHOTO: This Jan. 7, 1990, file photo shows President George H. W. Bush hiding behind his sister, Nancy Ellis, as he prepares for a jog along the C&O canal in the Georgetown section of Washington. A longtime Democrat who helped her Republican brother and nephew get elected president, died of complications of the coronavirus Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at an assisted living facility in Concord, Massachusetts. She was 94. (Marcy Nighswander/AP)
Actor John Reilly dead at 86 Actor John Reilly is pictured holding his daughter, Caitlyn Reilly, when she was a child. The longtime soap opera actor died in early January 2021 of an undisclosed cause. (Courtesy Caitlyn Reilly)
Tommy Lasorda FILE PHOTO: Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a portrait during spring training photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 20, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers announced Lasorda died at the age of 93. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Neil Sheehan Neil Sheehan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose articles on the Pentagon Papers triggered a court battle, died Jan. 7. He was 84. (Frederic Reglain/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Eric Jerome Dickey Bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey died Jan. 3 in Los Angeles. He was 59. (Joseph Jones via Associated Press )
Tanya Roberts FILE PHOTO: Actress Tanya Roberts arrives at the gala premiere of "Criss Angel Believe" by Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor Resort & Casino October 31, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former Bond girl died Jan. 4 at the age of 65. Her death was confirmed after conflicting reports from her publicist and her companion. (Ethan Miller)
Gerry Marsden FILE PHOTO - In this April 25, 1964 file photo, Gerry Marsden leaps over his band, the Pacemakers. Gerry Marsden, the British singer and lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers, who was instrumental in turning a song from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel” into one of the great anthems in the world of football, has died. He was 78. (AP)
Paul Westphal Hall of Fame basketball coach Paul Westphal died Jan. 2, the Phoenix Suns announced. He was 70. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Floyd Little Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little, who starred at Syracuse University and for the NFL's Denver Broncos, died Jan. 1. He was 78. ( Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
