As the world turns its attention to containing monkeypox, a rare disease caused by yet another viral infection, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc. Cases are surging again – but fortunately, the fatality rate has declined, thanks to vaccines, antiviral drugs, and growing communal immunity. (See how COVID fatality rates compare to those of other deadly diseases.)

The disease has taken a devastating toll, however. Almost 6.5 million people worldwide have died from complications of the coronavirus – more than a million of them in the U.S. Some of the victims were famous people, including- notable musicians, athletes, chefs, and politicians. (This is how many people have died from COVID-19 in each state.) 

To assemble a list of famous people who have died of COVID, 24/7 Tempo searched obituary listings in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and other news sources.

Click here to see 30 famous people who died of COVID

Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 it has been known that COVID-19 disproportionately affects older people, who are more susceptible to the illness and are at greater risk of death. All but six of the famous people on the list were over 70 when they died, and four were in their 90s. In some cases, COVID-19 was not the sole cause of death but combined with comorbidities.

It should also be noted that a slight majority of people on this list died before the first COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020.