Residents of the United States, Canada, and various countries worldwide could not wait to celebrate one of their most treasured yearly holidays, Thanksgiving. It is usually marked with family, friends and a lot of food.
The idea of having a huge feast with turkey and other tasty delights a month before Christmas may not seem like a big deal to some, but it very much is in America and other Thanksgiving-celebrating parts of the world.
The holiday is usually celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November in the US. This year, it fell on Thursday, November 25, 2021, and millions of people executed plans for the big day.
Although the day was packed with jubilations and thanks for the entire year for most, some families used the day to remember their loved ones who passed away early or mid this year. Among the handful of legends that were lost this year, here are some that did not get to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2021. They’ll surely be missed.
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer was a legendary acting figure who passed away this year at the age of 91. The Canadian actor was best known for playing Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” the famous 1965 drama. His manager wrote a tribute for USA Today on the day of his death.
He expressed that Plummer was an “extraordinary man” with great love and respect for his profession. He also complimented his “old fashion” manners and “self-deprecating humor” and how beautifully he spoke.
MEGA“He was a National Treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come. He will forever be with us,” he continued.
Julie Andrews, his “Sound of Music” co-star, also wrote to honor him following the news of his death. “The world has lost a consummate actor today. And I have lost a cherished friend,” she said to USA Today. “I treasure the memories of our work together and all the humor and fun we shared through the years.”
Robert Downey Sr.
American actor and producer Robert Downey Jr. is known majorly for his role as the Marvel Cinematic Universe Avenger, Ironman. He is currently one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, and fans have his parents to thank for bringing him into the world.
The 56-year-old announced his father’s death on July 7 through Instagram as he wrote “RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021.” He then wrote a brief tribute to the 85-year-old actor and director and revealed the cause of death to his fans, who immediately replied with consolation.
“Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s. He was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout,” he said.
He continued, “According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years. Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Samuel E. Wright
The death of the iconic actor, Samuel E.Wright, saddened many fans, especially those that grew up watching Disney animations. The death of the 74-year-old was announced on the Facebook page of the town of Montgomery, New York, and the cause was revealed to be prostate cancer.
The legend was famous for voicing “Sebastian,” the crab in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” animation in 1989. He also scored some of the film’s soundtracks, including “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” which eventually became Oscar-nominated hits.
He had a lengthy stage career and even played the Mufasa part in the original cast of “The Lion King” on Broadway. He also co-founded the Hudson Valley Conservatory, a Performing Arts theater in New York.
In the Facebook post, the town praised Wright’s passion and character while he was alive. It wrote that he inspired Hudson Valley youth and provided “PURE JOY,” to those he interacted with. Also, that “He loved to entertain, he loved to make people smile and laugh and he loved to love.”
Cicely Tyson
The pioneering Hollywood actress was known majorly for her on-screen portrayal of strong African-American women. Cicely Tyson passed away very early in the year, and her manager announced the sad news.
However, no cause of death was revealed. Her career went on for over seven decades, and although she explored fashion modeling earlier in her life, acting was her major field. She was awarded two Emmys for her role in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” a 1974 civil rights-era movie.
MEGAShe was also known for breaking records throughout her career, as she was the first black woman to have a significant role in “East Side/West Side,” a 1960s TV drama. Also, In 2018, Tyson received the very first honorary Oscar Award by an African American woman.
She reportedly rejected stereotypical black women roles and accepted only realistic, strong, and positive ones. In the statement announcing her passing, her manager wrote, “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing.”
