Betty Davis, Traci Braxton, and Bob Saget Are Among the Stars Who've Died in 2022

Emmy-winning comedian and game show host Louie Anderson died at age 68 on 21 Jan. His longtime publicist Glenn Schwartz told Deadline, the Baskets star and Family Feud host died in a Las Vegas hospital days after he was in treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer.

Rockstar Meat Loaf, born Marvin Lee Aday, died on Thursday, 20 Jan. at age 74. "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight," his longtime agent Michael Greene told the Associated Press in a statement. "We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man... From his heart to your souls… don't ever stop rocking!"

The musician was best known for his hit 1977 album Bat Out of Hell with songwriter Jim Steinem and producer Todd Rundgren. Bat Out of Hell became a musical that ran from 2017 to 2020 and included hit songs such as "Paradise By the Dashboard Light," "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)."

Sir Sidney Poitier, Hollywood's first Black movie star, died on 7 Jan. at age 94. The prime minister of the Bahamas, Hon. Philip Davis, confirmed his passing during a press conference. "It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Sir Sidney Poitier. Our whole Bahamas grieves and extends our deepest condolences to his family," he began. "But even as we mourn, we celebrate the life of a great Bahamian: a cultural icon, an actor and film director, an entrepreneur, civil and human rights activist and, latterly, a diplomat. We admire the man, not just because of his colossal achievements, but also because of who he was: his strength of character; his willingness to stand up and be counted; and the way he plotted and navigated his life's journey."

The prolific Bahamian actor became the first Black man to win an Oscar for best actor and carved the way for future Black stars in Hollywood. Denzel Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and more wrote touching tributes to Poitier following his death.

Academy Award-winning actor William Hurt died at age 71 on March 13. "It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winning actor, on March 13, 2022, one week before his 72nd birthday. He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time," his son confirmed via a statement obtained by Deadline. Hurt was best known for his roles in "Children of a Lesser God," "Broadcast News," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" for which he won best actor at the 58th annual Academy Awards in 1985.

The "Braxton Family Values" star died after a private battle with esophageal cancer at age 50 on March 12. "It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci," the Braxton family said in a statement issued via sister Toni Braxton's Instagram account. "Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly."

They concluded: "Traci passed this morning as the snow was falling, our angel is now a snowflake. We ask that you respect our privacy as we plan to send her home with love, celebrating her life. We are family forever."

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Surratt, and her son, Kevin Surratt Jr.

Mitchell Ryan, best known for his roles in "Lethal Weapon" and "Dharma & Greg," has died at age 88. The actor died of congestive heart failure at his Los Angeles home on March 4, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ryan's "Dark Shadows" costar Kathryn Leigh Scott called him a "great gift" in her life. "I cherish my warm memories of his beautiful soul," she wrote on Facebook. "I'm heartbroken."

"Game of Thrones" actor John Stahl died at age 68 on March 2. In a statement confirming his death, Stahl's agent, Amanda Fitzalan Howard, described the actor as "a stalwart of Scottish theatre." She added: "He died on the [Scottish] Isle of Lewis on March 2, 2022 and is survived by his wife, Jane Paton." Prior to portraying Rickard Karstark in HBO's "Game of Thrones," Stahl played Tom "Inverdarroch" Kerr in the Scottish soap opera "Take the High Road" from 1982 until 2003.

The Oscar-winning film editor died suddenly at his home in West Hollywood on Feb. 17. He was 59 years old. Brenner had been reportedly working at home editing footage from James Cameron's Avatar sequels for nearly a year. Some of Brenner's most notable work includes editing "Born on the Fourth of July," last year's and 2017's "Justice League" films, "Independence Day," "The Day After Tomorrow," and "2012." Brenner leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Amber, and his three children: Anna, Haider, and Sasha.

The funk pioneer died after a battle with cancer on Feb. 9. She was 77. "It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon," Davis's longtime friend Connie Portis said in a statement. "Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans. At a time to be announced, we will pay tribute to her beautiful, bold, and brash persona. Today we cherish her memory as the sweet, thoughtful, and reflective person she was.… There is no other."

Cheslie Kryst, crowned Miss USA in 2019, died on Jan. 30. "In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined," her family said in a statement to POPSUGAR. "Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on "EXTRA." But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on."

"Extra" wrote in a statement: "Our hearts are broken. Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our 'Extra' family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends."

The attorney and entertainment news correspondent died by suicide, the New York Police Department confirmed to CNN.