David Johansen, co-founder of influential glam rock & proto-punk outfit New York Dolls, has passed away. Outside of his time in the aforementioned outfit, the 75-year-old would later reinvent himself as Buster Poindexter and try his hand at acting, landing roles in ‘Scrooged‘, ‘Oz‘ and more. A statement released today, March 01st, by his representatives announced his passing, offering:
“David Johansen died at home in New York City on Friday afternoon holding hands with his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, surrounded by music, flowers, and love. He was 75 years old and died of natural causes after nearly a decade of illness.”
Johansen‘s death follows last month’s reveal that he was suffering stage 4 cancer that had progressed to his brain — a condition which he was first diagnosed with back in 2020. A 2024 fall also saw him break his back in two places, severely limiting his mobility in the final months of his life. Fundraising was launched to help with medical bills via Sweet Relief, where the following update was also just shared regarding his passing:
“David Johansen passed away peacefully at home, holding the hands of his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, in the sunlight surrounded by music and flowers.
After a decade of profoundly compromised health he died of natural causes at the age of 75.
David and his family were deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support they’ve experienced recently as the result of having gone public with their challenges. He was thankful that he had a chance to be in touch with so many friends and family before he passed.
He knew he was ecstatically loved.
There will be several events celebrating David’s life and artistry, details to follow.”
