These 5 Celebrities Died Over The Weekend: Iconic Actors And Musicians
The entertainment and sports worlds are mourning the loss of five well-known personalities who passed away over the weekend.
From iconic actors to renowned musicians, their contributions left a lasting impact on their respective fields.
Here are the five celebrities who died in the past few days.
1. James McCaffrey - Dec. 17
On Sunday, the entertainment industry lost a versatile talent as James McCaffrey, renowned for voicing the title role in the "Max Payne" video game franchise and appearing on television shows like "Rescue Me," succumbed to cancer. He was 65.
A rep for the actor confirmed the news to TMZ, stating that McCaffrey passed away surrounded by loved ones.
McCaffrey's wife, Rochelle Boström, expressed her grief, saying in a statement to Fox News Digital, "His passing is devastating to so many."
The actor's impressive 35-year career spanned television shows such as "Sex and the City," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Blue Bloods."
He was best known for his role as firefighter and 9/11 victim Jimmy Keefe in "Rescue Me," which aired on FX from 2004 until 2011.
McCaffrey also lent his voice to the 2010 "Alan Wake" video game, its sequel, "Alan Wake 2," and 2019's "Control."
Following his death, fans paid tribute to him, sharing clips of him on social media.
2. Amp Fiddler - Dec. 17
Amp Fiddler, the influential Detroit musician known for his fusion of funk, soul and electronic music, passed away Sunday after battling cancer, according to a statement on Instagram. He was 65.
The artist, keyboardist and producer, who was born Joseph Anthony Fiddler, had a profound impact on Detroit's music scene and worked with legends like Prince, Raphael Saadiq and Maxwell.
From 1985 until 1996, he played keyboards in Parliament-Funkaedlic.
Amp Fiddler played a crucial role in nurturing the talents of the late producer J Dilla.
His solo albums included 1991's "With Respect" and 2004's "Waltz of a Ghetto Fly," which charted in the U.K.
3. Eric Montross - Dec. 17
The basketball community mourns the loss of Eric Montross, a former North Carolina Tar Heels and NBA player, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 52.
He died Sunday surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home, according to a statement from his family shared by the school.
Montross, a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American, played a vital role in North Carolina's NCAA championship in 1993.
Beyond the court, he contributed to UNC as a radio analyst and worked as a senior major gifts director at the Rams Club.
Known for his kindness, Montross's impact extended beyond basketball, and his charitable efforts, including a father-child basketball camp, showcased his commitment to community engagement.
4. Colin Burgess - Dec. 16
The original drummer of AC/DC, Colin Burgess, died Saturday. He was 77.
AC/DC announced the news on its social media platforms, describing Burgess as its first drummer and a highly respected musician. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Burgess was the original drummer with AC/DC from November 1973 to February 1974.
He was also the drummer in the Masters Apprentices, contributing to top 20 hits like "Turn Up Your Radio" and "Because I Love You."
He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998 alongside other members of the Masters Apprentices.
5. Steve Halliwell - Dec. 15
"Emmerdale" fans mourn the loss of Steve Halliwell, best known for his role as Zak Dingle in the long-running soap opera.
The actor passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by ITV.
The broadcaster's statement said Halliwell's portrayal of Zak Dingle made him synonymous with "Emmerdale," and his on-screen presence, marked by heart and humor, endeared him to audiences for 29 years.
His legacy in British television included appearances in series like "Threads," "Cracker" and "Coronation Street."
He was also a member of the 90s country rock trio the Woolpackers, who released the 1996 single "Hillbilly Rock Hillbilly Roll."