This article lists Black celebrities who died in 2023 across entertainment, sports, music, activism, and media. It includes publicly reported information such as profession, date of death, and notable contributions, based on verified news and historical records.
Quick Overview: Black Celebrities Who Died in 2023
| Name | Profession | Date of Death | Age |
| Fred White | Musician | Jan 1, 2023 | 67 |
| C. J. Harris | Singer | Jan 15, 2023 | 31 |
| Stanley Wilson Jr. | NFL player | Feb 1, 2023 | 40 |
| Trugoy the Dove | Rapper | Feb 12, 2023 | 54 |
| Lance Reddick | Actor | Mar 17, 2023 | 60 |
| Otis Redding III | Musician | Apr 18, 2023 | 59 |
| Jim Brown | NFL player, activist | May 18, 2023 | 87 |
| Clark Haggans | NFL player | Jun 19, 2023 | 46 |
| William Dilday | TV executive | Jul 27, 2023 | 85 |
| Magoo | Rapper | Aug 13, 2023 | 50 |
| Zoleka Mandela | Writer, activist | Sep 25, 2023 | 43 |
| Rudolph Isley | Singer | Oct 11, 2023 | 84 |
| Walter Davis | NBA player | Nov 2, 2023 | 69 |
| Keisha Nash Whitaker | Model, TV personality | Dec 2023 | 51 |
Detailed List
Fred White
- Born: January 13, 1955
- Died: January 1, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Fred White was an American drummer and songwriter best known as an early member of Earth, Wind & Fire. He contributed to the band’s formative sound and also performed on Donny Hathaway’s Live album. Earth, Wind & Fire later achieved international recognition and Hall of Fame induction. White died on January 1, 2023, in Los Angeles.
C. J. Harris
- Born: January 28, 1991
- Died: January 15, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: American Idol Season 13 finalist
- Cause of death: Heart attack
C. J. Harris was an American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence as a finalist on American Idol season 13. Known for blending soul, blues, and Southern rock influences, he later released original music and performed nationally. Harris died from a reported heart attack on January 15, 2023, at age 31.
Stanley Wilson Jr.
- Born: November 5, 1982
- Died: February 1, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: NFL defensive back (Detroit Lions)
- Cause of death: Not officially disclosed; posthumously diagnosed with CTE
Stanley Wilson Jr. was a former NFL defensive back drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2005. His professional career was limited by injuries, and his post-football life included legal and health challenges. He died on February 1, 2023, at a California state hospital, with posthumous findings indicating chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Trugoy the Dove
- Born: September 21, 1968
- Died: February 12, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Member of De La Soul
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Trugoy the Dove, born David Jolicoeur, was a founding member of the influential hip-hop group De La Soul. The group played a major role in shaping alternative hip-hop during the late 1980s and 1990s. Jolicoeur had publicly discussed health issues prior to his death on February 12, 2023.
Lance Reddick
- Born: June 7, 1962
- Died: March 17, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: The Wire, John Wick
- Cause of death: Heart disease
Lance Reddick was an American actor and musician known for roles in The Wire, Fringe, and the John Wick film series. He also contributed voice performances to video games and animation. Reddick died of heart disease on March 17, 2023, at age 60.
Otis Redding III
- Born: December 17, 1963
- Died: April 18, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Member of The Reddings; son of Otis Redding
- Cause of death: Cancer
Otis Redding III was a musician and the son of soul legend Otis Redding. He performed with the funk band The Reddings and later pursued solo projects. Beyond music, he was active in community service and philanthropy. He died from cancer on April 18, 2023.
Jim Brown
- Born: February 17, 1936
- Died: May 18, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: NFL Hall of Fame running back; activist
- Cause of death: Natural causes
Jim Brown was a Hall of Fame NFL running back, actor, and civil rights advocate. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, he also became a prominent cultural and political figure after retirement. Brown died of natural causes on May 18, 2023, at age 87.
Clark Haggans
- Born: January 10, 1977
- Died: June 19, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: NFL linebacker; Super Bowl XL champion
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Clark Haggans was a former NFL linebacker who played for multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he won Super Bowl XL. He also left a lasting legacy at Colorado State University. Haggans died on June 19, 2023, at age 46.
William Dilday
- Born: September 14, 1937
- Died: July 27, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: First Black U.S. commercial TV station general manager
- Cause of death: Complications following a fall
William Dilday Jr. was a pioneering television executive and the first Black general manager of a U.S. commercial television station. He played a key role in advancing diversity in broadcast media and helped establish the National Association of Black Journalists. Dilday died on July 27, 2023.
Magoo
- Born: July 12, 1973
- Died: August 13, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Hip-hop collaborations with Timbaland
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Magoo, born Melvin Barcliff, was a rapper associated with Virginia’s influential hip-hop scene. He collaborated closely with Timbaland and appeared on multiple successful releases in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Magoo died on August 13, 2023.
Zoleka Mandela
- Born: April 9, 1980
- Died: September 25, 2023
- Nationality: South African
- Known for: Writer, activist; granddaughter of Nelson Mandela
- Cause of death: Breast cancer
Zoleka Mandela was a South African writer and activist, and the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela. She openly documented her personal struggles and advocacy work, particularly around health and road safety. Mandela died from cancer on September 25, 2023, at age 43.
Rudolph Isley
- Born: April 1, 1939
- Died: October 11, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Founding member of The Isley Brothers
- Cause of death: Apparent heart attack
Rudolph “Rudy” Isley was a founding member of The Isley Brothers and contributed to the group’s early success. Later in life, he left the music industry to become a minister. Isley died from an apparent heart attack on October 11, 2023.
Walter Davis
- Born: September 9, 1954
- Died: November 2, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Phoenix Suns all-time leading scorer
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Walter Davis was a six-time NBA All-Star best known for his long tenure with the Phoenix Suns. He remains one of the franchise’s most significant players. Davis died on November 2, 2023, at age 69.
Keisha Nash Whitaker
- Born: March 8, 1972
- Died: 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Model; TV host (Who Are You Wearing?)
- Cause of death: Complications related to anorexia
Keisha Nash Whitaker was a former model and television personality, also known for hosting fashion-related programs. She was open about long-term health struggles and remained active in media for many years. Whitaker died in 2023 at age 51.
Editorial Notes
- Information compiled from major news outlets, entertainment publications, and official announcements
- Includes only publicly reported deaths in 2023
- Updated periodically for accuracy and corrections
