As we close the books on 2024, it’s important to reflect on those things, and people, we lost recently. Let’s take a moment and remember some of the most important and influential people who passed away this year.
Jimmy Carter
Born in 1924, Jimmy Carter lived to be 100 years old before passing away on December 29, 2024. Carter served as the 39th president of the US during a turbulent time in global affairs, including the Iran hostage crisis, a domestic oil shortage, escalation in the Cold War, and the successful Camp David Accords, which ushered in an era of peace between Israel and Egypt.
However, his legacy will not reflect his time as president nearly as much as his remarkable life after leaving office. He and his beloved wife Rosalynn set an example of service, dedicating much of their time to Habitat for Humanity projects, teaching in their local Sunday school, and drawing attention to important international human rights causes.
The couple owned and lived in one home for most of their married life, expect when in the military or away for public service. Rosalynn is buried under a special tree on the Plains, Georgia property. After Carter’s state funeral is concluded, he will rest alongside his beloved wife. Carter’s legacy of service will certainly continue to benefit people around the globe.
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Dame Maggie Smith
Margaret “Maggie” Smith was 89 years old when she passed away in September. Known to most these days as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series or as the grumpy granny Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, Maggie Smith was a leading actress for more than 70 years! She started her career in the theater, starring in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, while at college. She had her first national film award nomination in 1959 at the age of 25.
Maggie lived in a 15th century home in the south of England, which she bought with her husband in 1981. The small estate has a main house, several barns, a stable, orchard, and room for animals. The village has about 5,000 residents, and provided a perfect retreat from the public eye as she grew more and more famous.
In her illustrious career, she was nominated for an Oscar eight times, and won one time for Best Actress, given the title “dame” by Queen Elizabeth in 1990, and awarded numerous other salutations for her acting, which has blessed countless individuals across the globe. Her onscreen magic will remain with us for years to come.
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Donald Sutherland
Donald Sutherland is another classic actor who appeared in films for more than 50 years, nearly up until his passing on June 20, at the age of 88. The Canadian-born actor started his career in England, before getting roles in the US . It took a few years, but by the 1980s, he found his stride. He starred in several classic films such as Animal House, JFK, and Without Limits.
He was even able to work with his son, Kiefer Sutherland, in a few films. In more recent years, his work as President Snow in the Hunger Games series introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
In spite of many great roles in dozens of films, Sutherland never received an Oscar nomination; so in 1997 he received an honorary award by the Academy, for his body of work.
Sutherland and his wife lived in Florida in the last years of his life, but before his move in 2006, he lived for 30 years in this beachfront Santa Monica condo, which he helped design. Recently, it was available for rent for $12,000/month.
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Richard Simmons
Fitness icon Richard Simmons changed countless lives by encouraging them to reach a healthy weight through activity and healthy living. His cardio exercise videos, like the Sweatin’ to the Oldies series, were hits for decades, and his outlandish, positive, and unpredictable on-air personality made him a great television guest.
After failing health limited his ability to be active in public, Simmons mostly withdrew from public life in 2014, but maintained an online and social media presence until the end. He passed away on July 13, the day after his 76th birthday. He passed away at his home, and after a short investigation, it was clear it was from complications related to a fall on his birthday.
Simmons had lived in the Los Angeles mansion for decades. He bought the 4,000 square foot house in 1989, and lived there ever since. Unfortunately for the man who made so many happy, his $20 million estate quickly got mired in interpersonal drama, and has yet to be resolved.
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James Earl Jones
More than just the amazing voice behind Mufasa, Darth Vader, and CNN, James Earl Jones was a Hollywood legend who passed away at 93 on September 9. He earned so many awards over his career that he actually has an EGOT, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
He started out life in Mississippi, and at one point planned to become a doctor before making his acting debut in 1957. He remained in the public eye for more than 70 years, starring in Othello, King Lear, the Star Wars series (vocal) Driving Miss Daisy, The Lion King, and so many more.
He lived in Dutchess County, New York, for decades. Over time, he acquired around a dozen properties in the neighborhood of his original home. If you have $40 million, you can do whatever you want with your money!
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These are just a few of the many revered, renowned, and remarkable public individuals who passed away in 2024. This end-of-year review gives us the chance to reflect on the gifts they shared with the public, and remember the feelings their onscreen characters evoked in all of us.
