There was a lot of great things that happened in the past year. Bringing a lot of pop culture into the zeitgeist, there is a lot to take away. Even then, it is important to remember those contributors who passed away. The following isn't a list ranking one celebrity better than another. This is just a tribute to the many who passed away and deserve one final thanks for all that they have given us. Their legacy is in place and now it is our job to keep it alive. Join me in recognizing the greats that we lost this year.
Sid Caesar
A comedian best known for hosting Your Show of Shows as well as guest appearances in films including It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World as well as Mel Brooks' History of the World: Part I and Silent Movie. He is also notable for helping to launch Brooks, Woody Allen and Carl Reiner's careers.
Bob "Bob 2" Casale
Best known as the guitarist and keyboardist for the band DEVO. He also was a co-founder of Mutato Muzika, which produced soundtracks for Happy Gilmore, Moonrise Kingdom and Rushmore.
Don Pardo
Announcer for Saturday Night Live since 1975 and remains the only cast member to appear on every episode of the show up until his death. He also appeared as a voice actor in several works including Weird Al Yankovic's "I Lost on Jeopardy" song.
Russell Johnson
Best known for playing "The Professor" on the hit sitcom Gilligan's Island. He also starred in western series Black Saddle and had guest appearances on The Twilight Zone, Dallas and the film Three Days on the Condor.
Paul Mazursky
Influential director whose filmography features Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and Moscow on the Hudson. He also received three Oscar nominations for his film An Unmarried Woman.
Lauren Bacall
One of early Hollywood's most iconic actresses best known for her romance with Humphrey Bogart. She also appeared in several film noir titles most notably with The Big Sleep and Key Largo as well as comedy How to Marry a Millionaire.
John Pinette
Stand-up comedian and actor best known for his impersonations of pop culture figures such as Gollum and Tattoo from Fantasy Island. He has also appeared on the hit TV sitcom Seinfeld.
Harold Ramis
Influential comedic talent known for directing, writing and starring in comedies including Animal House, Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters, Analyze This and Stripes. He also was known for having a lasting partnership with comedian Bill Murray.
Shirley Temple
Child actress best known for performing "On the Good Ship Lollipop" and dancing in films that include Curly Top and Bright Eyes. She has had a fruitful career as an adult and even has a drink named after her.
John Henson
Son of The Muppets creator Jim Henson who continued in his father's career by being a puppeteer in many films. He was best known as playing Sweetums in films that include Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets from Space.
Bob Hoskins
Legendary actor known for his work in films Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Hook, Brazil and The Long Good Friday. He was also nominated for an Oscar in Mona Lisa.
Ruby Dee
Actress known for her work in the films Do the Right Thing and A Raisin in the Sun. She also received an Oscar nomination for her work in American Gangster.
James Garner
Actor best known for playing Bret Maverick on western series Maverick and Jim Rockford on detective show The Rockford Files. He has also appeared in films such as The Great Escape and Victor Victoria. He received an Oscar nomination for his work in Murphy's Romance.
Richard Attenborough
Legendary actor and director best known for his performances in Jurassic Park and The Great Escape. He also directed Chaplin and won Oscars for the biopic Gandhi.
Maria Von Trapp
Member of the Von Trapp Family Singers who escaped Nazi occupied Germany during World War II. Her story is the inspiration for the musical and filmed version of The Sound of Music.
Tommy Ramone
The first drummer for the iconic and influential punk band The Ramones. Their biggest hits included "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated" as well as the film Rock 'n Roll High School.
Mickey Rooney
Actor best known for his short height and appearing in the films The Human Comedy and A Midsummer's Night Dream. He became the first teenager to be nominated for an Oscar with Babes in Arms.
Casey Kasem
Radio personality who hosted the weekly countdown show Casey's Top 40. He was also famous for being the voice of Shaggy on cartoon series Scooby Doo.
Robin Williams
Prolific actor, stand-up comedian and performer whose legacy started with Mork & Mindy and featured films such as Good Morning Vietnam, Moscow on the Hudson, and The World According to Garp. He received multiple Oscar nominations including a win for Good Will Hunting.
Eli Wallach
Character actor whose legacy spans several decades and was featured in films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, and The Misfits. He has received an Academy Award and remains one of the most influential performers of his era.
Jan Hooks
Actress that is best known for her work on the classic veteran sketch TV series Saturday Night Live. She also has had recurring roles on 3rd Rock From the Sun and The Simpsons.
Elaine Stritch
Legendary stage performer whose work in Bus Stop, Sail Away and Elaine Stritch at Liberty got her inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. She has also appeared in TV and film and has a documentary called Elaine Stritch: Just Shoot Me which was released around the time of her death.
Ann B. Davis
Actress best known for her role Alice Nelson on the hit TV sitcom The Brady Bunch. She also won two Emmys for her work on The Bob Cummings Show.
Maya Angelou
Writer and activist best known for her autobiographical narratives including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." She has also worked with Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and read a poem at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration.
David Brenner
Stand-up comedian known as being the most frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He was considered to be a pioneer of observational comedy.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Character actor and director best known for his work in Boogie Nights, The Master and The Hunger Games sequels. He has won an Oscar for his work on Capote.
Mike Nichols
Legendary comedian, director and stage artist whose work includes such iconic, groundbreaking films such as The Graduate, The Birdcage and Angels in America. He is also one of the few people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (EGOT).
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