TV Stars Who Died in 2016, From Garry Shandling to Chyna (Photos)
A look back at the small-screen entertainers who passed this year
The entertainment world lost some of its most memorable TV stars in 2016. Click on to read more.
Pat Harrington, Jr. (died Jan. 6, age 86)
Harrington had a master’s degree in philosophy but followed his father into acting. He earned praise for his early TV comedy work with Steve Allen and others, but audiences today remember him best as Schneider, the wisecracking building superintendent on the ’70s sitcom “One Day at a Time.”
Also Read: Pat Harrington Jr. Remembered by Hollywood: 'He Brought So Much Joy and Laughter to Our Planet'
Abe Vigoda (died Feb. 24, age 94)
Vigoda stole scenes in the TV cop comedy “Barney Miller” and as one of the mafiosi who betray Michael Corleone in “The Godfather.” His death was erroneously reported in 1982 and became a running joke for the rest of his life.
Also Read: Oscars In Memoriam Snubs Include Abe Vigoda, Tony Burton, Uggie the Dog (Video)
Garry Shandling (died March 24, age 66)
A onetime potential successor to Johnny Carson, Shandling helped remake TV comedy with his groundbreaking HBO series “The Larry Sanders Show.”
Also Read: Garry Shandling, 'Larry Sanders Show' Star, Dies at 66
Also Read: How Garry Shandling Shook Up Late-Night TV
Doris Roberts (died April 17, age 90)
Roberts was a character actress who rocketed to fame as Ray Romano‘s controlling mom on “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Also Read: Doris Roberts, 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star, Dies at 90
Chyna (died April 20, age 46)
Chyna, whose real name was Joan Laurer, found fame as a WWF professional wrestler in the late 1990s. She later became an award-winning actress in adult movies.
Also Read: WWE Superstar Chyna's Brain to Be Donated to Science for CTE Study
Morley Safer (died May 19, age 84)
As a celebrated Vietnam correspondent, the Canadian-born Safer was accused by President Lyndon Johnson of undermining U.S. war efforts. He later became one of the longest-serving correspondents on CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Also Read: Watch Morley Safer's Legendary Vietnam War Report (Video)
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