It always feels a little surreal when you wake up, scroll through your phone, and realize the world is suddenly missing a voice you grew up with. Today is one of those days.
Honestly, the news cycle moves so fast that sometimes we don't even get a second to process the legacy of the people who shaped our culture. If you've been searching for the latest on celebs that died today, you've likely seen a mix of sports icons, cult classic actors, and those "oh, I know that face" character actors who finally took their final bow. This January 18, 2026, has been particularly heavy for the hockey world and the film industry.
It's not just about a name on a screen. It's about the memories they left behind.
The Passing of Phil Goyette: A True Hockey Pioneer
If you know anything about the "Golden Era" of the NHL, the name Phil Goyette carries a lot of weight. We lost him today at 92.
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He wasn't just some guy on skates; the man won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens between 1957 and 1960. Think about that for a second. Winning one is a career highlight. Winning four in a row? That’s legendary. He was the definition of "gentlemanly conduct" on the ice, snagging the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1970 while playing for the Blues.
Later on, he made history again as the very first coach of the New York Islanders. Sure, their first season was rough—they went 6-40—but he laid the groundwork for a franchise. Seeing the Canadiens release an official statement this morning really hit home for fans in Montreal. He lived a full life, but his absence leaves a massive hole in the history of the sport.
Roger Allers and the Voices of Our Childhood
News also broke today regarding Roger Allers. If that name doesn't immediately ring a bell, his work definitely will.
He’s the man who co-directed The Lion King.
Yeah. That one.
Allers was 76. Beyond the pride lands, he was a massive part of the Disney Renaissance, working on the screenplays for Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. When we talk about celebs that died today, Roger Allers is someone whose influence is literally tattooed on the childhoods of millions. He understood how to tell a story that made you cry over a cartoon lion, which is a rare kind of magic.
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Ralph Towner: The Quiet Exit of a Jazz Giant
Then there's Ralph Towner. He was 85.
For the jazz nerds out there, this one is a gut-punch. Towner was a multi-instrumentalist who basically redefined what the acoustic guitar could do in a modern jazz setting. He founded the band Oregon, and if you've ever listened to ECM Records, you've heard his fingerprints all over that "North Sea" jazz sound. He wasn't a tabloid fixture, but in the world of music composition, he was a titan.
A Rough Month for Hollywood and Beyond
It’s been a staggeringly difficult start to 2026. Just days ago, we lost John Forté, the Grammy-nominated producer and rapper known for his work with the Fugees. He was only 50.
And we’re still reeling from the news about Kianna Underwood. The former All That and Little Bill star was only 33 when she was killed in a hit-and-run in Brooklyn on January 16. It's those kinds of sudden, tragic headlines that make the "celebs that died today" searches so frequent lately.
Then you have the loss of T.K. Carter at 69. Whether you loved him in John Carpenter’s The Thing or remembered him from Punky Brewster, he was one of those actors who just made everything he was in better. He had this energy that felt authentic, like he wasn't trying too hard to "act." He just was.
Why This List Feels So Long Right Now
People often ask if more celebrities are dying or if we're just noticing it more. Honestly, it's a bit of both. We are currently in a window where the stars of the 60s and 70s are reaching their 80s and 90s. At the same time, social media makes every loss feel immediate.
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When we look at the list of celebs that died today, we see a cross-section of society:
- Sports legends like Phil Goyette who represent a bygone era of "sportsmanship."
- Creative directors like Roger Allers who used technology and art to move us.
- Musicians like Ralph Towner who pushed the boundaries of sound.
What We Can Learn From These Legacies
It's easy to get caught up in the "who's next" of it all, but there's actually some value in looking at how these people lived. Phil Goyette didn't just play hockey; he was respected for his integrity. Roger Allers didn't just draw; he told stories that taught us about grief and responsibility.
If you’re looking for a way to honor these figures, here are a few actual steps you can take:
- Watch the work: Put on The Lion King tonight or find a clip of T.K. Carter in The Thing. Seeing them in their prime is the best tribute.
- Listen to the deep cuts: Check out Ralph Towner’s Diary album. It’s hauntingly beautiful and shows why he was so revered.
- Check the sources: In an age of celebrity death hoaxes, always verify through outlets like the Associated Press or the Hollywood Reporter.
Losing these icons is a reminder that the art they leave behind is the only thing that's actually permanent. We lost some greats today, but luckily, they left us plenty to remember them by.