Gone But Not Forgotten: 10 Actors We Still Miss Think About Everyday

10 Actors We Still Miss And Think About Every Day

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at actors we’ve lost, but who will always stay with us no matter how much time passes. We’ve structured this list based on cultural impact, though every one of these stars has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Matthew Perry

To the millions of fans who adored him, he’ll always be known as Chandler Bing. Perry had worked steadily in guest roles on television since 1979, some of which include notable appearances on “Growing Pains” and “Silver Spoons”. But it wasn’t until 1994 when he joined the cast of “Friends” that Perry’s career took off like a rocket. Even 20 years after the show went off the air, people are still watching him crack sarcastic jokes and making everyone laugh. With his most notable work frequently on the minds of fans, he’s a comedian whose talents we’re happy to see still floating around on the interwebs.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Some actors stand out because of the films they were a part of. Others just ooze star power regardless of their gigs. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman was an unconventional example of both of these. For many years, Hoffman opted to pursue notable supporting acting roles in films like “Patch Adams”, “Scent of a Woman”, and “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. When he did step into a lead role, his work was incredibly powerful and memorable. He won a Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Truman Capote in 2005’s “Capote” and received three subsequent nominations for Best Supporting Actor after that. Oscar or no, his love for eccentric characters cemented him into the hearts and memories of many.

Chris Farley

The art of comedy is a tough one to master, especially when it can be so subjective, which is why Chris Farley merits all the praise. Known for his outlandish and energetic style of comedy, Farley found a way to make anything funny through his over-the-top delivery. Whether it was shouting out his sage advice as Matt Foley on SNL, or trying to sell brake pads on “Tommy Boy”, Farley made everyone, including his castmates, break out in hysterical laughter. Despite having passed away in 1997, his touch on humor has had a lasting effect on the world of funny.

Chadwick Boseman

His career may not have been as lengthy as some of the others on this list, but the mark he left on film will be felt for years to come. Chadwick Boseman started working in television back in 2003, appearing in the likes of “ER”, “Law & Order” and “Castle”. With powerful acting and assiduous perseverance, he was steadily working his way up the Hollywood ladder. However, it was his appearance as the titular character in “Black Panther” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that cemented him in film history. Through T’Challa, Boseman gave cinema its first real, true Black superhero and had a major hand in helping change the landscape of diversity in film forever.

Alan Rickman

Depending on your particular interest in film, the name Alan Rickman may bring to mind a vastly different set of characters. Action fans know him from his memorable role as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard”. Fantasy aficionados remember him fondly as Snape from the “Harry Potter” films. And even comedy fans loved his turn as Dr. Lazarus from “Galaxy Quest” and Metatron in “Dogma”. Rickman was a traditionally trained English actor who spent much of his early years in theater performing various Shakespeare roles. To see him take his craft from stage to screen was a delight for all fans of cinema. With his deep voice and impeccable delivery, Rickman’s legacy lives on in perpetuity through his work and our memory of him.

Gene Wilder

Audiences today might only know Gene Wilder from the original “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, but Wilder’s career was so much more than that. As a longtime collaborator of both Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor, Wilder found success in some of the most memorable comedy films of his time. “Blazing Saddles”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Silver Streak” and “Stir Crazy” were just some of the massive successes this multi-talented actor brought to life. “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is still a childhood favorite among many to this day and, as much as we like Timothée Chalamet’s interpretation, few will ever compare to the enthusiasm and charisma of Gene Wilder.

Betty White

At 99 years old, Betty White was still giving audiences the chuckles. And we have no doubt they’d have continued if she’d made it to her hundredth birthday. Her long career spanned multiple, memorable television programs like “Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”. After appearing in 2009’s “The Proposal” and as well as everybody’s favorite Snickers commercial, White experienced a resurgence in her career, bringing her to the small screen yet again with “Hot in Cleveland”. Fans loved her for being real and never being afraid to make fun of herself, or her age. A staple of Hollywood for seven decades, Betty White wasn’t just an actress; she was a force to be reckoned with.

Carrie Fisher

She was the author of “Postcards from the Edge”. She gave Jay and Silent Bob a ride on their intrepid journey to Hollywood. She even appeared on an episode of “The Big Bang Theory”. Despite all of her countless roles in film and television, Carrie Fisher will always be remembered as Luke’s twin sister Leia, from the “Star Wars” franchise. And much like her princess/general persona, Fisher herself wasn’t afraid to be real and push boundaries. Never one to shy away from uncomfortable topics or conversations, Fisher left a legacy of one of the greatest female protagonists in film, as well as in her real life.

Heath Ledger

Many of Heath Ledger’s roles are, in one word, unforgettable. This was a man with the kind of range mountains would be jealous of. He took his craft quite seriously, as he was known to allow gaps of time to pass between projects so that, when he did take on a new role, he could put all his creative energy into it. It’s likely for this very reason that characters like “The Dark Knight’s” Joker, and Ennis from “Brokeback Mountain” stand out among his many credits. His dedication and love for acting make us miss him all the more.

Robin Williams

We don’t think it’s an inaccurate statement to call Robin Williams the greatest improvisational comedian of all time. There are countless stories of Williams using his skills to take the written word of a script, and spin it in a way no one else ever could have. From his cameo appearance with Billy Crystal on “Friends”, to pretty much every bit of his dialog in “Good Morning, Vietnam”, no one ever knew exactly what might come out of his mouth. Every comedian hopes they can get a laugh but, with Robin Williams, it was belly aches from straight-up guffaws. He gave us so much, but we still would have loved to see more from this legend.



Who’s an actor that lives in your head rent-free? Let us know in the comments below.