The most shocking celebrity deaths of 2013 included a lot of talented people, from beloved actors like Cory Monteith and James Gandolfini to singers like Mindy McCready --as well as some seriously entertaining reality stars.

It's always tragic to see so much talent and life extinguished, especially at relatively young ages. But fans can take comfort in the fact that many of their favorite stars leave behind a rich legacy and their work, which we can continue to enjoy even though they are no longer with us.

As 2013 draws to a close, we fondly look back at and memorialize some of the celebrities that we've lost this year.

  • Cory Monteith

    The singer and actor, 31, was beloved as Finn Hudson on 'Glee' and adored by his onscreen and real-life love Lea Michele. But he was not without his demons, as he checked into rehab in the spring to treat his addiction issues once again. He died of an overdose a few months later and was discovered in a Vancouver hotel room on July 13, 2013, devastating fans and the TV community. His 'Glee' character was killed off to coincide with Monteith's death.

    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
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  • James Gandolfini

    The actor, who so embodied his role of Tony Soprano on 'The Sopranos' that is was often difficult for fans to separate the two, died of a heart attack while on vacation in Italy on June 19, 2013. He was just 51 and discovered by his young son. Gandolfini's portrayal of a conflicted mob boss was one of the best TV characterizations ever, since he infused the character with humanness and empathy -- and that signature style of speech. He is survived by two children and his legacy.

    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
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  • Gia Allemand

    The former contestant on 'The Bachelor' died by her own hand on Aug. 14, 2013. The gorgeous reality star, 29, reportedly had a blow up with her boyfriend, NBA star Ryan Anderson, and then hung herself with a vacuum cleaner cord while on the phone with her mother. She was admitted to the hospital and eventually removed from life support. Her devastated mom later claimed that her daughter's violent bouts of PMS factored into her decision to take her own life.

    Joe Corrigan, Getty Images
    Joe Corrigan, Getty Images
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  • Kidd Kraddick

    The DJ and host of a super popular, syndicated morning radio show died on July 27, 2013 at the age of 53. He passed away due to a brain aneurysm while at a charity golf event that was taking place to raise money for his Kidd's Kids Charity. Talk about going out doing something you love. His voice is sorely missed.

    KiddNation.com
    KiddNation.com
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  • Lee Thompson Young

    The actor, who starred as detective Barry Frost on the cop show 'Rizzoli and Isles,' had quietly battled depression for years, but his suicide still shocked friends and authorities. He left no note and didn't seem to be particularly down at the time of his death. At 29, he committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot on Aug. 19, 2013, and was found after someone checked on him when he didn't show up for work. It was later revealed that he had been diagnosed as bipolar and was on medication to treat the issue.

    Peter Kramer
    Peter Kramer
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  • Mindy McCready

    McCready, a country star in the '00s, had been dealing with major mental health and legal issues for the past few years. She shot herself on Feb. 17, 2013, at the age of 37. She was found dead on the front porch of her home, the same spot where her boyfriend shot himself a month prior. She also shot their dog. McCready, who was rumored to have been involved with MLB pitcher Roger Clemens years ago, left behind two sons. Her story is a true American tragedy.

    Brad Barket, Getty Images
    Brad Barket, Getty Images
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  • Lisa Robin Kelly

    The 'That '70s Show' star, who played Laurie on the sitcom, died on Aug. 14, 2013, at the tender age of 43. She passed away in her sleep. She was being treated for alcoholism, something that had developed into an issue for her in recent years. However, foul play has since been ruled out as a cause of death, although it was initially suspected as a possible factor in her passing.

    Fox
    Fox
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  • Chris Kelly

    The Kris Kross rapper, 34, was a mega star in the early '90s as one-half of the backwards-dressing teen duo. He died on May 1, 2013 in Atlanta and was found unresponsive in his home. Kelly, who was 'Mac Daddy' when active in the duo, had an extensive history of drug abuse, which was believed to have lead to his death. That's Kelly on the left in the image.

    Twitter
    Twitter
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  • Shain Gandee

    Gandee was a cast member on MTV's reality series 'Buckwild,' which followed natives in somewhat rural West Virginia as they used the state's resources to combat boredom. Gandee, 21, and a relative and friend went off-roading and died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. They were found dead on April 1, 2013, after their vehicle and its exhaust pipe were submerged in mud. The show has since been canceled.

    MTV
    MTV
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  • Paul Walker

    Actor Paul Walker tragically died in a fiery, single-car, two-person accident in Los Angeles on Nov. 30. He was attending a charity event when the Porsche in which he was a passenger spun out of control, killing the driver and the 'Fast and Furious' actor, who was just 40. He leaves behind a teenage daughter.

    Stuart C. Wilson, Getty Images
    Stuart C. Wilson, Getty Images
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