obituaries – Americans.com

O.J. Simpson, the iconic football star whose life traversed the peaks of athletic greatness and plunged into the depths of legal turmoil, passed away on Wednesday, as confirmed by his family. He was 76.

Simpson’s legacy in football is undeniable, marked by his historic achievements on the field. From his electrifying college days at the University of Southern California to his record-breaking NFL career, Simpson captivated audiences with his unparalleled skill and athleticism. His crowning moment came in 1973 when he became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, a feat that remains etched in football lore.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Simpson transcended the realm of sports to become a cultural phenomenon. His magnetic persona and charm catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to endorsement deals, acting roles, and widespread fame. The iconic Hertz rental car commercials, featuring Simpson sprinting through airports, elevated him to new heights of celebrity status, while his portrayal of Nordberg in “The Naked Gun” franchise solidified his place in pop culture history.

However, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn with the tragic murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. The ensuing trial, dubbed the “trial of the century,” captivated the nation and ignited heated debates on race, justice, and celebrity. Simpson’s acquittal in the criminal trial and subsequent civil judgment thrust him into a maelstrom of controversy and scrutiny, forever altering the trajectory of his life.

Despite his legal battles and personal struggles, Simpson’s impact on American culture endures. His story continues to fascinate and intrigue, with documentaries and television dramas revisiting the complexities of his life and legacy. From his rise to stardom to his fall from grace, Simpson’s journey serves as a cautionary tale and a reflection of the complexities of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of justice.

As we bid farewell to O.J. Simpson, we remember not only his athletic achievements but also the enduring legacy of his tumultuous life. His passing marks the end of an era, yet his story will forever be woven into the fabric of American history, a testament to the enduring power of one of the most enigmatic figures in sports and culture.

In memory of the actors, musicians, and other famous faces who have died in 2023, including Bob Barker, Sinéad O’Connor, Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Raquel Welch, Jimmy Buffett, among others. Read on to remember their life and work.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry, a natural comic actor starred as Chandler Bing on the NBC television sitcom Friends, died on October 28th at the age of 54. Perry also appeared on Ally McBeal and received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performances in The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story.

Bob Barker

Bob Barker, who was the affable host of The Price Is Right for 35 years, died on Aug. 26 at the age of 99. Barker was a steadfast presence on television for decades, hosting the The Price Is Right (longest-running game show in U.S. history).

Sinéad O’Connor

Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, best known for her hit cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” died July 26 at 56. O’Connor released 10 albums over the course of her career, including her 1987 debut, The Lion and the Cobra, and her biggest hit, 1990’s I Do Not Know What I Haven’t Got.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett, the velvet-voiced, impeccably elegant crooner who ruled America’s mid-century musical landscape, died July 21 at 96 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He released more than 60 studio albums — including two with close friend and collaborator Lady Gaga — and earned 20 Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), two Emmys, and at least one Guinness World Record entry for “the longest time between the release of an original recording and a re-recording of the same single by the same artist” for the George Gershwin song “Fascinating Rhythm.”

Tina Turner

Tina Turner, the legendary singer often dubbed the Queen of Rock & Roll, died May 24, at 83. She first achieved musical success in the ’60s and ’70s as part of a duo with then-husband Ike Turner, but divorced him in 1976 after years of verbal and physical abuse. In the ’80s, Turner reinvented herself as a global rock superstar with songs like “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “The Best.” Turner performed in films like 1975’s Tommyand 1985’s Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch, an actress who rose to fame as a sex symbol during the 1960s, died Feb. 15 at the age of 82. She appeared in a steady number of films throughout the ’60s and ’70s, including The Queens, Bedazzled, Lady in Cement, Hannie Caulder, 100 Rifles, The Three Musketeers, and Crossed Swords. Other credits included Mork & Mindy, Evening Shade, Seinfeld, and, most recently, Legally Blonde, American Family, and How to be a Latin Lover.

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett, the musician known for his tropical rock sound, died of a rare form of skin cancer on September 1 at age 76. Buffett was most widely known for his hit song “Margaritaville,” an ode to the cocktail and island relaxation, which he capitalized on and turned into a billion-dollar fortune. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Buffett’s net worth to be $1 billion. Buffett was also known for his other hits, like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”