100 days of coronavirus: How celebrities battled the pandemic

John Prine: The gifted singer-songwriter, best known for songs such as 'Angel from Montgomery', 'Sam Stone', 'Hello in There', died April 7 at the age of 73 from complications from the coronavirus. The Grammy-winning American singer, who had been 'The Mark Twain of American songwriting' by Rolling Stone magazine, had been hospitalised for coronavirus and was in "critical" condition in the days leading up to his death.

Allen Garfield: The actor, best known for appearing in the 1970s films such as ‘The Conversation’ and ‘Nashville’, died April 7 in Los Angeles. He was 80. His sister, Lois Goorwitz, said the cause was complications from COVID-19.

Lee Fierro: The 'Jaws' actor passed away at age 91 due to health complications caused by coronavirus on April 5. News of her death was confirmed by her friends to the local news portal Martha's Vineyard Times. She was best known for slapping Chief Brody in the film after her son dies of a shark attack.

Jay Benedict: The actor on ‘Aliens’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ also succumbed to coronavirus complications aged 68. The actor died on April 4, leaving behind two sons and a grieving friend in Pierce Brosnan, who posted an emotion tribute to Benedict, writing: “My dearest friend Jay Benedict, brother in this life, has passed on, slipped the mortal coils this day... we were friends for so many years, forty years and change…”

Patricia Bosworth: The veteran actress who once starred alongside Audrey Hepburn and later wrote biographies on several stars including Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, died due to coronavirus aged 86. Bosworth’s stepdaughter, Fia Hatsav, told The New York Times that pneumonia brought on by the virus was the cause of death.

Adam Schlesinger: The Fountains of Wayne singer who gave us the 2003 hit, ‘Stacy’s Mom’, died on April 1 from COVID-19. The Grammy-winning singer also had three Emmys to his credit, including for ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’. He was also nominated for an Oscar for writing ‘That Thing You Do’ from the 1996 Tom Hanks movie of the same name.

Ellis Marsalis: The jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan that includes famed performer sons Wynton and Branford, died after battling pneumonia brought on by the coronavirus. He was 85. Ellis Marsalis III confirmed that his father’s death was sparked by the virus that is causing the global pandemic.

Andrew Jack: The ‘Star Wars’ actor is the latest celebrity who died as a result of the coronavirus. He was 76. Jack appeared in ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi’ as General Ematt, as well as ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens’. He was also dialect coach to Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr.

Joe Diffie: The Grammy award-winning country music singer died from complications arising from coronavirus. His death came just two days after he had announced on March 27 that he had tested positive for the virus and was receiving medical care. He was 61 at the time. The singer had a string of hits in the 90s, including ‘Pickup Man’, ‘John Deere Green’ and ‘Honky Tonk Attitude’.

Alan Merrill: On the same day as news of Diffe’s death broke, fans also learned that musician Alan Merrill, the co-writer and singer of the original version of ‘I Love Rock 'n' Roll’, also died of complications from coronavirus, at the age of 69. The news was shared by his daughter, Laura Merrill, on her Facebook page. “I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out…,” said Laura in her Facebook post. Singer Joan Jett also paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “I can still remember watching the Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.”

Terrence McNally: The four-time Tony Award-winning playwright died on March 24 after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was 81 years old. The writer was best known for the plays, ‘Lips Together, Teeth Apart’, ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune’ and more. “Heartbroken over the loss of Terrence McNally, a giant in our world, who straddled plays and musicals deftly,” Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted upon learning of the news.

Manu Dibango: The veteran Afro jazz star died on March 24 after contracting COVID-19, passing away at a hospital in France, according to his Facebook page. He was 86. Originally from Cameroon, the musician shot to fame after moving to Paris in the 70s with the song, ‘Soul Makossa’. His music infused African rhythms, while presenting a global sound that appealed to the masses.

Mark Blum: The Off Broadway star, who was also known for his film roles, including ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, died on March 25 in New York, aged 69. The actor passed away due to complications related to COVID-19 after being diagnosed with the disease, his wife Janet Zarish told the Los Angeles Times. Singer Madonna paid tribute to her former co-star on Instagram. “I Want to Acknowledge the Passing of a remarkable Human, fellow actor and friend Mark Blum, who succumbed to Coronavirus. This is really tragic and my heart goes out to him, his family and his loved ones. I remember him as funny warm, loving .and professional when we made Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985!”

Ken Shimura: The veteran Japanese comedian who was known for being inspired by the Jerry Lewis style of comedy died earlier this week, days after being hospitalised for coronavirus. According to Japan Times, Shimura died on March 29. The 70-year-old comic was admitted to the hospital on March 20 for symptoms of fever and severe pneumonia and was declared coronavirus positive on March 23.

Pink: The American singer has confirmed she and her three-year-old son Jameson have recovered after showing signs of the coronavirus. In a lengthy Instagram post, the ‘What About Us’ singer wrote on April 4: “Two weeks ago my three-year old son, Jameson, and I are were showing symptoms of COVID-19. Fortunately, our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive. My family was already sheltering at home and we continued to do so for the last two weeks following the instruction of our doctor. Just a few days ago we were re-tested and are now thankfully negative.”

Purab Kohli: The ‘Rock On!!’ actor, who is currently in London, shared that he and his family might have been infected by the coronavirus, according to his general physician on April 7. Kohli took to Instagram to share the health update with his fans and followers. “Hey guys, we’ve just had a flu and given our symptoms our GP says we were down with COVID-19. Pretty similar to a regular flu with a stronger cough and a feeling of breathlessness. Inaya got it first and very mild. A cough and a cold for two days.”

Kanika Kapoor: Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor finally tested negative for the coronavirus earlier this week after being hospitalised on March 20. She was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow. Many have accused the singer of concealing her travel history and infecting others. Kapoor has also criticised by the hospital administration for her ‘starry behaviour’.

Zoa and Shaza Morani: Daughters to Bollywood producer Kari Morani and small-time actors and models themselves, the two stars are currently undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Mumbai. In a recent interview with media outlets, Zoa stated she has been experiencing flu like symptoms.

Sara Bareilles: The American singer-songwriter and actress took to her Instagram story earlier this week to inform her fans she had tested positive for the coronavirus but has recovered since. “I had it, just so you know. I’m fully recovered, just so you know. I am just thinking about all the people walking through this really tricky time and sending a lot of love and just being really grateful for every easy breath and every day I get to be walking around.”

Ali Wentworth: The actress and comedian announced on April 1 that she tested positive for COVID-19. “I’ve never been sicker. High fever. Horrific body aches. Heavy chest. I’m quarantined from my family. This is pure misery. #stayhome," she wrote on Instagram. No update has been given since.

Gary Holt: The Slayer and Exodus guitarist announced March 31 that he tested positive for coronavirus. ““So, I finally received my test results back and positive it was,” Holt said on Instagram. “[My wife] Lisa’s came back negative, and it’s been long enough since my symptoms that I am officially in the clear to do the only things I’m allowed, like buy my own groceries! I feel great, made it through the tougher moments, and my health feels 100 percent normal. Thanks to everyone who had wished us well. Now it’s time to start working on some new Exodus riffs while I’m still basically stuck in my house!”

Jackson Browne: The 71-year-old musician told Rolling Stone that he had mild symptoms including “a small cough and a temperature” and was recuperating at home in Los Angeles on March 23. “I feel lucky that I’m not really badly affected,” he said. “I guess I’ve got a really strong immune system. There’s so much we don’t know.”

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: The Hollywood star and his wife returned to Los Angeles after being treated for the coronavirus last month. “Hey, folks... We’re home now and, like the rest of America, we carry on with sheltering in place and social distancing. Many, many thanks to everyone in Australia who looked after us. Their care and guidance made possible our return to the USA. And many thanks to all of you who reached out with well wishes. Rita and I so appreciate it. Hanx,” Hanks tweeted. The couple continue to urge fans and followers to stay home and self-isolate.

Kristofer Hivju: The ‘Game of Thrones’ actor announced to the world on March 17 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Since, no update has been forthcoming from the Norwegian actor’s social media account. Fans would remember him as playing Tormund on the fantasy epic. In his only Instagram post on his condition, Hivju wrote: “Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus. My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health - I only have mild symptoms of a cold. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1.5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading.”

Idris Elba: The ‘Luther’ star confirmed last month that both him and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba (who also tested positive for the virus) were doing fine. In a Twitter post, the ‘Cats’ actor wrote: “Hoping everyone is coping with this $@@!! Currently still quarantine.. Sab and I still feel ok so far with no changes. Dr told us that after quarantine we will be immune for a certain time since our antibodies fought this. At some point we’d like to go home to London. Bsafe.” Elba is one of several people who stated he was asymptomatic during his battle with the virus.

Olga Kurylenko: The former Bond girl recovered from the coronavirus last month, even celebrating Mother’s Day with her son on March 21. I have completely recovered. To recapitulate: For one week I felt pretty bad and was mostly in bed, sleeping, with high fever and strong headache. The second week, the fever was gone but some light cough appeared and I felt very tired. By the end of the second week I felt totally fine. Cough is almost gone although I still cough in the mornings but then it completely goes away for the day! I’m fine! And now I’m just enjoying this time to reflect on many things and spend my time with my son.” The actress also later updated that she had no idea how she picked up the virus.

Daniel Dae Kim: The ‘Lost’ star also used social media to update fans about his health late last month, where the actor informed fans that he had almost recovered and was one of the lucky 80 per cent of the population that did not have to be hospitalized after having been tested positive for the coronavirus. He concluded his message by saying: “Thank you again for all the kind words of support. Please be safe and healthy, everyone. Love and prayers to those who are sick.”

Debi Mazar: The ‘Younger’ actress also updated fans of her health on March 27, along with posting a picture of herself soaking up some sunshine with her pet dog. In her update, Mazar wrote: “I had 10 days straight of fever & horrible symptoms I’m 3 days now with no fever! Lungs are feeling lighter. I woke up and smelled the coffee..finally! My taste & smell are starting to return. minimally but it’s a start [sic].” She further added: “God spared me from the hospital this time. I came close to going with breathing issues, but it’s the last place I want to be. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, who are working so hard right now.”

Andy Cohen: The talk show host revealed to the world last month that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, but has announced that he has now recovered. The 51-year-old TV host spent nearly two weeks in isolation before being given the all-clear and finally uniting with his 13-month-old son, Ben.

Placido Domingo: The Spanish opera singer was hospitalized on March 29 following a Facebook update where the 79-year-old wrote he and his family were in self-isolation. However, as the disgraced singer’s condition deteriorated, he was taken to a hospital in the Mexican resort of Acapulco. According to a spokesperson, the singer was ‘stable’ and is recovering. Domingo last month apologised after several women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein: The disgraced Hollywood mogul tested positive for the novel coronavirus on March 22. Weinstein, 68, is in prison in northern New York state after being sentenced to 23 years in jail for rape and sexual assault. The fallen film producer's diagnosis was first reported by the local paper the Niagara Gazette.

David Bryan: The Bon Jovi keyboardist announced March 21 that he tested positive for COVID-19 after feeling sick for a week. In his last update on April 1, Bryan stated he was on day 17, feeling better, while his wife Lexi was not showing any symptoms.

Indira Varma: Another ‘Game of Thrones’ star, best known for playing Ellaria Sand on the fantasy HBO series, said she has also tested positive for coronavirus. “I’m in bed with it and it’s not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to your fellow people," the 46-year-old British actress said on Instagram.