The war dominates every front page. But the losses that have nothing to do with bombs deserve a moment of accounting. Three months into 2026, the list of departed public figures is staggering in both volume and range [1].

Robert Duvall, the quiet colossus of American cinema -- Tom Hagen, Boo Radley, Augustus McCrae -- died in January at 94. Catherine O'Hara, who made Moira Rose immortal and gave Kevin McCallister the mother he deserved, followed on January 30 at 71 [2]. Chuck Norris, whose career outlasted every joke made about it, died on March 10 at 85. James Van Der Beek, Dawson Leery to a generation that grew up on the WB, was 48 [3].

The losses extend beyond Hollywood. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who marched with King and ran for president twice, died February 17 at 84 [4]. Neil Sedaka, who wrote "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and meant it, was 86. Willie Colon, the Grammy-nominated architect of urban salsa who made Fania Records the Motown of Latin music, died February 21 at 75 [5]. Eric Dane, McSteamy to Grey's Anatomy viewers, was 52.

Each name carries a world of work. Each absence is felt in a different room. The war will end eventually. These seats will stay empty.

In a year that has made death feel industrial, the individual losses are worth naming, one by one.

-- Maya Calloway, New York