While several huge stars -- Elizabeth Taylor and Amy Winehouse among them -- died in 2011, a slew of other wildly talented but perhaps lesser-known celebs passed away as well. Here are just a few.
So many people pass away every year, including in the entertainment industry, that it's hard to remember just who died, beyond the few very famous people. Turner Classic Movies has a nice montage that helps us remember the talents we've lost in 2011.
Comedian Patrice O'Neal passed away Tuesday at the age of 41 due to complications from a stroke he had suffered in October.
To celebrate the life of a very funny man who brought laughter to many, check out this hilarious riff O'Neal did on "white people music" -- specifically the Radiohead song 'Creep' -- during a radio interview.
Influential rapper Heavy D died yesterday at the age of 44. According to reports, the rapper was climbing stairs at his condominium when he experienced trouble breathing. He was immediately rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he was pronounced dead 90 minutes later. Cause of death is pending an autopsy.
CBS is reporting that '60 Minutes' commentator/loveable curmudgeon Andy Rooney has passed away at the age of 92 following complications from minor surgery.
The news comes only a little over a month since Rooney announced his retirement from the popular CBS news magazine.