WSVN — 2015 was the year we said goodbye to legends in sports, entertainment and politics. 7’s Craig Stevens looks back at those we lost.
It was like history repeating itself.
Bobbi Kristina Brown: "I’m going to make it now. It’s going to be good."
The daughter of Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kristina Brown, was found face down in a bathtub in her Georgia home last January, eerily similar to the death of her mother. Houston was found dead in a bathtub.
The King of the Blues, B.B. King died at the age of 89. The 15-time Grammy winner inspired countless musicians all over the world.
Leslie Gore (singing): "It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to."
Singer-songwriter Leslie Gore hit the music scene when she was only 17.
Leslie Gore (singing): "You would cry, too, if it happened to you."
She went on to record four top ten hits. She was 68.
Stone Temple Pilots’ former frontman, Scott Weiland, was found dead on his tour bus
2015 also marked the last curtain call for some beloved actors.
Leonard Nimoy: "Live long and prosper."
Leonard Nimoy will forever be remembered as Spock.
Leonard Nimoy (as Spock): "That is quite logical, Captain."
He played the half-human/half-Vulcan in the "Star Trek" series.
Omar Sharif (as Sherif Ali): "My name is Sherif Ali."
Omar Sharif was best known for "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago." He died in Cairo at the age of 83.
Anne Meara made her mark on the Ed Sullivan show.
Anne Meara: "What the matter with you?"
The mother of actor Ben Stiller also starred in countless movies and TV shows.
Actor Dick Van Patten was everyone’s favorite father in the hit 1980s drama "Eight Is Enough."
2015 was the last chapter in the life of author Jackie Collins.
Jackie Collins: "You know what? I think I’ll take Hollywood."
She did take Hollywood — by storm — using Tinseltown as a backdrop for steamy stories of sex and scandal. Her novels sold 500 million copies in more than 40 countries.
We also said goodbye to legends in sports this year, including Yogi Berra, one of baseball’s greatest catchers. Berra was also known for his quotes, called "yogi-isms," which often showed his wisdom through humor.
New York Giants legend Frank Gifford passed away in August. Gifford was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. He was married to Kathy Lee Gifford.
Kathy Lee Gifford: "The great, and I do mean the great, Frank Gifford."
Tragedy struck for the country’s vice president. Joe Biden’s son Beau died of brain cancer in May.
Here at home, well-known community activist Georgia Ayers was best known for founding the Alternative Program, designed to help first-time criminal defendants find jobs.
Retired Miami-Dade Police Director Robert Parker made history as the first African-American to lead the department.
We also lost one of our own: former 7News anchor and reporter Kelley Mitchell.
Kelley Mitchell: "Good evening. We begin tonight with even more developments…"
The Oklahoma City native came to WSVN-TV in 1991, and in her years in South Florida, she covered the news with passion and professionalism.
Kelley Mitchell: "From the past, we take you to present-day Berlin."
She died at her home in Miami Shores after a long illness. She was 58 years old.
And finally, we said goodbye to Tillie Tooter. The feisty redhead became famous after her car plunged over the I-595 guardrail in August 2000, leaving her trapped in her car, dangling in the mangroves.
Tillie Tooter: "I screamed, I ranted and I pleaded and I begged for somebody to help me, get me out of there."
She was found by highway workers 78 hours later. Tillie became a motivational speaker after her ordeal. She died at the age of 98.
Sunday night, 7’s Steve Shapiro takes a look at the top sports stories of the year. In the Plex, Craig Stevens, 7News.