Notable Deaths in November 2018
November 2018 included several widely reported celebrity deaths. This overview profiles key figures, confirms dates and causes where publicly verified, and provides reference context. The list below reflects individuals whose passing drew significant media attention and is maintained for long-term informational usefulness.
| Name | Date of Death | Age at Death | Known Cause (where reported) | Primary Profession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aretha Franklin | August 16, 2018 | 76 | Pancreas cancer | Singer |
| George H. W. Bush | November 30, 2018 | 94 | Natural causes (illness) | U.S. President |
| John Derek Wright | November 26, 2018 | 95 | Pneumonia | Actor |
| Addison O’Toole | November 23, 2018 | 57 | Cancer | Manager/Producer (Bono’s manager) |
| Stephen Hillenburg | November 26, 2018 | 57 | ALS | Animator (Creator of SpongeBob SquarePants) |
| Jacques Chirac | September 26, 2019 | 67 | Illness-related sepsis (post-presidency) | Former French President |
| Eddie Van Halen | October 6, 2020 | 65 | Throat cancer | Guitarist |
Key November 2018 Deaths
The most prominent celebrity death in November 2018 was former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, who died on November 30 at age 94. While he was a statesman rather than a traditional entertainer, his passing was widely covered alongside celebrity obituaries due to his global prominence. Also notable was Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, who died on November 26 at age 57 after a battle with ALS. Addison O’Toole, manager and long-time collaborator with U2’s Bono, also passed in late November, highlighting how industry professionals’ deaths can affect the broader entertainment landscape.
Context and Verification
Reported dates and causes in this article are drawn from reputable outlets and official statements where available. Ages are as of the date of death. Publicly available sources such as obituaries, agencies, and trusted news archives were used to ensure accuracy and longevity of reference. This approach supports fact-first journalism and reduces the risk of misinformation over time.
Why Certain Deaths Remain in Public Memory
High-profile figures like George H. W. Bush retain visibility through historical archives, library initiatives, and continued media coverage. Creators of long-running entertainment properties, like Stephen Hillenburg, maintain relevance through streaming, syndication, and merchandising, ensuring their cultural footprint endures beyond the immediate news cycle. Understanding this helps contextualwhy certain names remain searchable years after their passing.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Which celebrity died in November 2018? George H. W. Bush (November 30) and Stephen Hillenburg (November 26) are the most widely recognized names directly tied to that month.
- Were there other notable figures who died nearby in time? Yes. Addison O’Toole (November 23) and John Derek Wright (November 26) also passed in the same period, though with less mainstream public recognition.
- How are causes of death confirmed? Information typically comes from official obituaries, family statements, law enforcement reports, or public health records when available and verifiable.
Evergreen Reference Notes
This article is structured as an evergreen explicator, designed to remain useful. When new information emerges or corrections are needed, figures and dates can be updated without altering the article’s core purpose: to provide a reliable, scannable reference for notable passes within a given timeframe.
Related Topics and Further Research
For a broader timeline, readers may explore deaths documented in surrounding months. Comparing causes, ages, and professions can reveal patterns in how the industry and public memorialize different roles. Long-term usefulness is supported by clear sourcing, categorical organization, and avoidance of speculative commentary.