We lost more than just our respect for Britney Spears (and her exhausted vagina) this year. We also lost some great performers — actors, musicians, reptile wranglers. Here now, a look back at some of the mighty who took their final bow in 2006.

Steve Irwin
February 22, 1962 – September 4, 2006

Ed Bradley
June 22, 1941 – November 9, 2006

Jack Palance
February 18, 1919 – November 10, 2006

Jared Leto
December 26, 1971 – October 6, 2006

Robert Altman
February 20, 1925 – November 20, 2006

Syd Barrett
January 6, 1946 – July 7, 2006

Chris Penn
October 10, 1965 – January 24, 2006

“Grandpa” Al Lewis
April 30, 1923 – February 3, 2006

Don Knotts
July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006

Related post: 2005 In Memoriam