They Felt Like Family — 25 Black TV Legends Who Are Gone

Remember the faces that made your favorite TV shows feel like home? In this video, we remember 25 Black TV stars you grew up watching who have passed away—and the unforgettable characters they left behind. From Sanford and Son, Good Times, and The Jeffersons to Family Matters, Martin, Moesha, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, these Black actors and actresses helped shape generations of television. They made us laugh, brought families together, and gave us moments we still remember decades later. Join Good Bye as we revisit the lives and legacies of beloved performers including Redd Foxx, Michelle Thomas, Sherman Hemsley, Gary Coleman, Bernie Mac, John Amos, Nichelle Nichols, Michael K. Williams, Isabel Sanford, John Witherspoon, Esther Rolle, and James Avery. Through classic Black sitcoms, family comedies, and unforgettable television dramas, this tribute looks back at their most memorable roles, their journeys beyond the screen, and why their work still matters today. Some became household names. Others played the neighbors, friends, and parents who made every episode feel familiar. 💬 Which actor brings back the most memories for you? Tell us their name and the first show you remember watching them in. Subscribe to Good Bye for more celebrity tributes, classic TV memories, and stories celebrating the stars we’ve lost. #BlackTVStars #ClassicTV #CelebrityTributes #BlackHollywood #TVLegends