Notable people with New Jersey roots we lost in 2023

In 2023, New Jersey bid farewell to several prominent figures who left an indelible mark on the worlds of entertainment, politics, and literature.

Andre Braugher (1962-2023)

Renowned actor Andre Braugher, a Chicago native who called South Orange home, died on Dec. 11 after a brief illness. In 2019, Braugher graced the performing arts center in South Orange, starring in the play "Tell Them I’m Still Here."

Ron Cephas Jones (1957-2023)

American actor Ron Cephas Jones, known for his role as William Hill in "This Is Us," died on Aug. 19 due to a pulmonary issue. Born in Paterson, Jones earned acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his compelling performances.

Tony Bennett (1926-2023)

The iconic singer Tony Bennett, originally from Queens but a proud Jersey guy, passed away at the age of 96 on July 21. A member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Bennett’s legacy includes a memorable gig at the Piccadilly club in Paramus. He lived in Englewood from 1957 to 1971.

Gary Wright (1943-2023)

Musician and composer Gary Wright, known for hits like “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” succumbed to Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease on Sept. 4 at age 80. A Cresskill native, Wright’s musical contributions left an enduring impact.

Suzanne Shepherd (1934-2023)

Actress Suzanne Shepherd, born in Elizabeth, died on Nov. 17. She graced the screens in notable films like “Lolita” and “Goodfellas" and notably for New Jersey, as Carmela's mother in "The Sopranos."

Carol Higgins Clark (1956-2023)

Famed author and New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee Carol Higgins Clark lost her battle with appendix cancer on June 12. A product of Bergen County’s Immaculate Heart Academy, Clark’s literary contributions enriched the literary landscape.

Sheila Oliver (1952-2023)

Sheila Yvette Oliver, a trailblazing American politician, served as the second lieutenant governor of New Jersey from 2018 until her passing in August 2023. As the first Black woman in this role, she broke barriers and made history.

Tom Verlaine (1949-2023)

Punk-rock pioneer and a Denville native, guitarist Tom Verlaine, died at 73. His influence reverberated through the New York punk rock scene, particularly with the band Television.

Jacklyn Zeman (1953-2023)

Emmy-nominated actor Jacklyn Zeman, known for her role as Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Spencer on “General Hospital,” died on May 9. The Englewood native and Bergenfield alumna battled cancer with grace during her nearly 50-year career.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Famous people who died in 2023 with New Jersey roots