Over the past 12 months, we have lost stars from the big screen, small screen and stage, with illnesses taking some far too soon.
Here, we remember their legacies.
Sarah Harding
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding died aged 39 on September 5, just over a year after going public with her advanced breast cancer diagnosis.
Her mother Marie confirmed her death, writing on Instagram: ‘It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. She slipped away peacefully this morning. I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead.’
Harding spent 10 years as part of Girls Aloud, who were formed on Popstars: The Rivals, and had hits with songs including The Promise, Sound of the Underground, Call The Shots and Biology. The band became the biggest selling girl band of the 21st century in the UK.
Harding was also an actress, and appeared on a number of reality TV shows, winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
Larry King
American broadcasting legend Larry King died aged 87 on January 23, after spending a month in hospital with Covid-19. While he recovered from the virus, he died from sepsis as a complication.
King was one of the biggest stars in television and radio for six decades, with shows including Larry King Live and Larry King Now.
In the months leading up to his death, King suffered the loss of two of his five children, who died from a heart attack and lung cancer respectively.
He is survived by his sons Larry Jr, Chance and Cannon.
Nikki Grahame
Big Brother legend Nikki Grahame died on April 9 aged 38, from complications from anorexia nervosa.
The reality star had battled the eating disorder throughout her life, and had relapsed in March 2021. She entered hospital in March, and had been due to enter a private facility for treatment the week after her death.
Grahame became one of the UK’s most beloved reality TV stars ever when she competed on the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006.
Her tantrums in the house, including her infamous ‘Who is she?’ rant, and her romance with winner Pete Bennett, endeared her to the public, and she returned for Ultimate Big Brother in 2010.
Charlie Watts
Rolling Stones legend Charlie Watts died aged 80 on August 24, weeks after electing to sit out the band’s North American tour dates following a heart procedure.
Sir Elton John was among those paying tribute, calling Watts ‘the ultimate drummer’, ‘the most stylish of men’ and ‘such brilliant company’.
Watts had been the drummer for the Stones since 1963, spending 58 years with the group, and was often regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock.
He was also known for his style, and was regarded as one of the best dressed men in music.
Sean Lock
British comedian Sean Lock died aged 58 on August 16, after a private battle with lung cancer.
Lock was one of the most beloved comedians on UK television thanks to his appearances on panel shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, his surreal style and his deadpan delivery.
He also starred in the cult sitcom 15 Storeys High.
Lock’s close friend Bill Bailey was among those leading the tributes, tweeting: ‘It’s heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock , he was a true original, a wonderful comic.’
Christopher Plummer
Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe winner Christopher Plummer died on February 5 aged 91, two weeks after hitting his head in a fall.
A critically acclaimed actor of stage and screen, Plummer was best known for playing Captain Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, for his Oscar-winning performance in Beginners, and for roles in films like Knives Out, A Beautiful Mind and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
In 2018, he became the oldest ever nominee for best supporting actor at the Oscars, after he reshot all of the scenes previously filmed by Kevin Spacey as J Paul Getty in eight days for All The Money In The World, after Spacey was dropped from the film.
DMX
Hip-hop legend DMX died of multiple organ failure on April 9, a week after being hospitalised for a cocaine-induced heart attack. He was 50 years old.
The rapper, real name Earl Simmons, was considered one of the superstars of rap thanks to songs including Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, X Gon’ Give Ut To Ya and Party Up (Up In Here), and was the first artist to debut at number one with an album five times in a row in the US.
DMX was also an actor, featuring in movies including Exit Wounds, Belly and Romeo Must Die.
He was laid to rest in a funeral live streamed on the BET Network, and a celebration of his life was held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre.
Helen McCrory
Actress Helen McCrory died on April 16 aged 52, following a private battle with breast cancer.
Her husband Damian Lewis confirmed the news, tweeting: ‘I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family. She died as she lived. Fearlessly.
‘God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.’
McCrory was best known for playing Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as her role as Clair Dowar in Skyfall.
She is survived by her husband Damian and their children Manon and Gulliver.
Gerry Marsden
Musician and legendary Liverpudlian Gerry Marsden died aged 78 on January 3, after being diagnosed with a blood infection in his heart.
Marsden was best known as the frontman of Gerry and the Pacemakers, Liverpool’s second most successful band after The Beatles, and for their song You’ll Never Walk Alone.
In 2003, Marsden was made an MBE for his services supporting the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, including producing a charity version of Ferry Cross The Mersey, and six years later, was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
Willie Garson
Actor Willie Garson, best known for playing Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City, died on September 21 aged 57, after fighting pancreatic cancer.
In the weeks prior to his death, Garson – also known for playing Mozzie in White Collar – had reprised his iconic role for the Sex and the City reboot And Just Like That…
Sarah Jessica Parker was among those leading the tributes, writing on Instagram: ‘I will miss everything about you. And replay our last moments together. I will re-read every text from your final days and put to pen our last calls. Your absence a crater that I will fill with blessing of these memories and all the ones that are still in recesses yet to surface.’
Garson is survived by his son Nathen, who he adopted aged seven in 2009.
James Michael Tyler
Friends star James Michael Tyler died on October 24 aged 59, three years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
He only revealed his illness in June, shortly after he made a remote appearance on Friends: The Reunion.
The actor was best known for playing Central Perk employee Gunther on the long-running sitcom.
His Friends co-stars paid tribute following the news, with Jennifer Aniston saying the show ‘would not have been the same’ without him.
Halyna Hutchins
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died aged on October 21 at the age of 42, after being fatally wounded on the set of Western movie Rust.
A prop gun discharged by lead actor Alec Baldwin shot the Ukrainian cinematographer, and she died from her injuries.
Hutchins’ death has sparked calls for a review of safety on film and television sets, particularly surrounding the use of prop guns after it emerged the revolver discharged by Baldwin contained a live round.
Hutchins was a rising star in the movie industry and had previously worked on films including Archenemy and Darlin’.
She is survived by her husband Matthew and their nine-year-old son Andros.
Michael K Williams
Actor Michael K Williams died aged 54 on September 6, with his death later being ruled an accidental overdose from a fatal combination of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Having starred in some of television’s most critically acclaimed series, Williams was best known for playing Omar Little on The Wire and Albert ‘Chalky’ White on Boardwalk Empire.
He also received acclaim for his performances in Lovecraft Country, When They See Us and The Night Of.
Ed Asner
American actor Ed Asner died aged 91 on August 29 at his home in Los Angeles.
Asner had a glittering career in television, becoming the most honoured male performer in Primetime Emmy history with his performance as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Lou Grant.
He was also known for voicing the grumpy old man Carl Fredricksen in the beloved Pixar movie Up, and was the president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Norm Macdonald
Comedian Norm Macdonald died on September 14 aged 61, after privately fighting leukaemia for nearly a decade.
He was best known for being the former anchor of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, as we;ll as being a writer on Roseanne.
Following his death, Macdonald was also remembered as a legendary talk show guest, with his ‘moth joke’ on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien going viral.
His friend Adam Sandler led the tributes, tweeting: ‘Every one of us loved Norm. Some of the hardest laughs of my life with this man. Most fearless funny original guy we knew. An incredible dad. A great friend. A legend. Love u pal.’
Lionel Blair
Legendary entertainer Lionel Blair died aged 92 on November 4.
Born in Canada but raised in Britain, Blair was a fixture on British telly from the late 1960s as a dancer and entertainer, before presenting Name That Tune and appearing on Give Us A Clue.
In recent years, he became known by a younger generation thanks to his time on Celebrity Big Brother and his appearance on Ricky Gervais’s Extra.
Blair’s management said: ‘He got to a very ripe old age, he was loved by his family, and I think he died in their company, which is lovely.’
Paul Ritter
Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter died aged 54 on April 5, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He died with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side.
Ritter was best known for playing family patriarch Martin Goodman in the Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, alongside Tamsin Greig, Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal.
In his TV career, Ritter also starred in Henry IV, Part II as part of Sam Mendes’ The Hollow Crown series, in the BBC drama The Game, and shows including No Offence, Chernobyl, The Trial of Christine Keeler, Plebs, Cold Feet and Vera.
On the big screen, Ritter appeared in 2009’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as Eldred Worple, a wizard introduced to Harry at Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party.
Other film roles included Quantum of Solace, Hannibal Rising, Son of Rambow and Suite Francaise, while he recently filmed the upcoming war drama Operation Mincemeat with Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald and Matthew Macfayden.
Cloris Leachman
Legendary American actress and comedian Cloris Leachman died on January 27 at the age of 94, after suffering a stroke.
Alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus, she is the most awarded performer in Emmys history, and the most nominated, and won an Oscar for her role in The Last Picture Show – widely considered to be the one of the best films ever made.
Leachman also starred in three Mel Brooks films including Young Frankenstein and the TV shows The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Malcolm In The Middle.
Director Mel Brooks said: ‘Such sad news – Cloris was insanely talented. She could make you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat.
‘[She was] always such a pleasure to have on set. Every time I hear a horse whinny I will forever think of Cloris’ unforgettable Frau Blucher. She is irreplaceable, and will be greatly missed.’
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson died on January 28 aged 96 following seven decades in entertainment.
The actress won an honorary Oscar, three Primetime Emmys, a Tony, a Peabody and a Screen Actors Guild Award in her career, and was best known for her work in films including Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and The Help.
She was also known for playing Ophelia Harkness in How To Get Away With Murder opposite Viola Davis.
In 2016, Tyson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2018, she became the first African-American woman to receive an honorary Academy Award.
Dustin Diamond
Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond died aged 44 on February 1, a month after being diagnosed with stage four small cell carcinoma of the lungs.
The actor was best known for playing Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers on the 80s and 90s hit teen show Saved By The Bell and its resulting spin-off specials and films.
He went on to appear on a number of reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris on Saved By The Bell, tweeted: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.’
Tanya Roberts
Actress Tanya Roberts died aged 65 on January 4, after a urinary tract infection developed into sepsis.
There was much confusion surrounding her death, as her partner Lance O’Brien incorrectly and prematurely announced that she had died on Sunday January 3 after he told her agent she had ‘said goodbye’ to the star and that she had ‘faded away’.
The moment he was told by the hospital that she was still alive was captured on camera during an interview for Inside Edition, but Roberts died later on Monday night.
Roberts was best known for her roles in the James Bond movie A View To Kill, and the television series Charlie’s Angels and That ‘70s Show.
Johnny Briggs
Coronation Street legend Johnny Briggs died on February 28 at the age of 85, following a long illness.
Briggs played the soap’s womaniser Mike Baldwin for more than 30 years, and had many memorable storylines, including an affair with Deidre Barlow and a feud with her husband Ken.
William Roache, who plays Ken, called Briggs a ‘strong character who will be greatly missed’, and said: ‘Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow were arch enemies for many years, but as an actor, Johnny was impeccable, always good, and I was so fortunate to have worked with him for so many year.’
Briggs won a lifetime achievement award at the British Soap Awards in 2006, and collected an MBE in the New Year’s Honour in 2007, the year after he left Corrie.
Trevor Peacock
English actor Trevor Peacock died aged 89 on March 8, over a decade after being diagnosed with dementia.
In 2018, it was reported he was in the advanced stage of the disease and was living in a nursing home.
While he made his name with his Shakespearean roles in the theatre, including the title role in Ttus Andronicus and Feste in Twelfth Night, Peacock was best known for playing Jim Trott in The Vicar of Dibley.
Dawn French, who played Geraldine Granger on the comedy, said: ‘Trev was the funniest, twinkliest, cleverest, warmest, cheekiest chap ever. He was so easy to love.
‘We all loved him so much. I miss him already. My thoughts are with his beautiful family.’
John Challis
Actor John Challis died peacefully in his sleep aged 79 on August 16, after a battle with cancer.
Challis established his acting career in the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in the 1960s, and continued acting on the stage throughout his career.
However, to most he will be best known as Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the beloved sitcom Only Fools and Horses, as well as playing Monty in Benidorm.
His Only Fools co-star Sir David Jason said: ‘He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many’, adding Boycie ‘was a character so well loved by the many fans of that show so I am pleased that he witnessed the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981.’
Jessica Walter
American actress Jessica Walter died in her sleep on March 24 at the age of 80.
The star was best known for playing Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, a role for which she received an Emmy nomination, and for providing the voice of Malory Archer in the animated series Archer.
She also received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Play Misty For Me.
Walter died just over a year after her husband, Friends star Ron Leibman, passed away aged 82.
Una Stubbs
Una Stubbs died at her home in Edinburgh on August 12 after several months of ill health. She ws 84 years old.
Stubbs was best known for playing Rita Rawlins in Till Death Do Us Part and In Sickness and In Health, Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge, and Mrs Hudson in Sherlock, as well as Miss Bat in kids’ TV series The Worst Witch.
She also starred alongside Cliff Richard in the film Summer Holiday.
Sir Cliff Richard said of the actress: ‘She was the most exciting person to be with, she was funny, she could really do just about anything – act, dance, she could even sing.
‘Anyway, she has left us and all I want to say is I personally will miss her greatly and I know that our industry on the whole will also miss her greatly. Her talent, her joy, everything that she was will remain with us all. While we remember her, she will still be with us.’
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim, the composer behind some of the biggest musicals including Sweeney Todd, died in November at the age of 91.
News of his death was confirmed by his lawyer and friend F. Richard Pappas, who told the New York Times the composer’s death was ‘sudden’, with it later being ruled as cardiovascular disease.
Sondheim had celebrated Thanksgiving with a dinner with friends the day before dying in the early hours of the following morning at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut.
The legendary composer was born in New York in 1930 and was tutored by Oscar Hammerstein, writing his first musical at the age of 15.
He is survived by husband Jeffrey Romley, who he married in 2017, as well as his half brother, Walter Sondheim.
Sir Antony Sher
Sir Antony Sher, an actor widely regarded as one of the UK’s best contemporary classical stars, died at the age of 72 following a battle with cancer.
The Royal Shakespeare Company said in a statement at the time: ‘We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Greg [Doran, his husband], and with Antony’s family and their friends at this devastating time.
‘Antony had a long association with the RSC and a hugely celebrated career on stage and screen.
‘Antony’s last production with the Company was in the two-hander Kunene and The King, written by his friend and fellow South African actor, writer and activist, John Kani.’
It added: ‘Antony was deeply loved and hugely admired by so many colleagues. He was a ground-breaking role model for many young actors, and it is impossible to comprehend that he is no longer with us.
‘We will ensure friends far and wide have the chance to share tributes and memories in the days to come.’
Famous faces we lost in 2021
JANUARY
Actor best known for playing villain Alan Bradley in Coronation Street. Died aged 92 on January 1 after fighting Alzheimer’s disease.
Irish singer-songwriter and member of Bagatelle, and Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entrant with the song Somewhere In Europe in 1990. Died ‘suddenly but peacefully’ aged 65 on January 1.
Actor, rapper and motivational speaker. Real name Dearon Thompson, best known for playing Malik McGrath in ER. Died aged 55 on January 7 after suffering heart attack.
American soap star, known for his roles in General Hospital, Sunset Beach and Passions. Died aged 86 on January 9 after suffering a heart attack.
English character actor, best known for his work on The Benny Hill Show. Died aged 81 on January 9.
Magician and entertainer, best known as one half of the duo Siegfried & Roy. Died on January 11 aged 81 after battling pancreatic cancer, seven months after the death of his best friend Roy Horn.
Famed record producer, known for developing the ‘Wall of Sound’, and convicted murder. Was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the 2003 murder of Lana Clarkson. Died aged 81 on January 16 in prison from complications of Covid-19.
Croatin actress, best known for playing Delenn in Babylon 5 and Danielle Rousseau in Lost. Died aged 65 on January 20.
French stunt performer, who performed stunts on six James Bond films including For Your Eyes Only, A View To Kill and Licence to Kill. Died aged 90 on January 20 after contracting Covid-19.
Country singer-songwriter and younger brother of Dolly Parton. Died aged 67 from cancer on January 21.
Australian singer and actress, played Padmé Amidala's mother Jobal Naberrie in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Died aged 76 on January 23 after battling mesothelioma.
Korean actress and model who starred in the series Golden Rainbow, Make A Wish and School 2017. Died by suicide aged 26 on January 25.
Korean rapper, real name Jung Hun-cheol. Died on January 25 aged 29, after his body was found in a flowerbed outside an apartment complex. Foul play and homicide ruled out.
Scottish musician, singer, producer and DJ and transgender icon. Died aged 34 on January 30 after a fall.
FEBRUARY
Irish actress best known for playing one half of bickering couple Mary and John O’Leary on Father Ted. Died aged 69 on February 8.
American singer and member of The Supremes, one of the best-selling girl bands of all time. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Diana Ross and Florence Ballard in 1988. Died aged 76 from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on February 8.
Bollywood actor, best known for his role in Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Died aged 58 on February 9 after suffering heart attack.
American publisher who produced pornographic magazines including Hustler and was famed for many legal battles involving free speech and the regulation of pornography. Died from heart failure aged 78 on February 10, 43 years after being left partially paralysed in a shooting.
English actor best known for playing Billy Williams in Coronation Street. Died on February 11 aged 93.
: American radio host and conservative commentator, best known as the host of The Rush Limbaugh Show. Known for his controversial comments on race, LGBTQ+ people and HIV/AIDS. Died aged 70 on February 17 from complications from lung cancer.
American actor who starred on soaps including General Hospital and Guiding Light. Best known for playing Krystle Carrington’s first husband Mark Jennings on Dynasty. Died on February 23 at the age of 79 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Stage, film and television actor, who worked on shows including Doctor Who, Fortunes of War and The Crown, and played Norman Cousins in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Died aged 80 on February 24 following a long illness.
American actress, best known for her roles in Precious and Chi-raq. Died aged 48 on February 27 from complications from Covid-19.
MARCH
American actor, best known for his roles on the soaps All My Children and Guiding Light. Died in his sleep on March 2 aged 87.
: Jamaican singer-songwriter, real name Neville O’Riley Livingston. One of the original members of The Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Died aged 73 on March 2 of complications from an earlier stroke.
Actress best known for playing Elizabeth Bellamy in Upstairs, Downstairs. Suffered from and later recovered from manic depression, which led to an obsession with Tony Blair’s press secretary Alastair Campbell. Died aged 75 on March 3 after suffering from a brain tumour.
Former head writer of Spitting Image and star of the comedy classic This Is Spinal Tap. Died aged 79 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on March 4.
Swedish singer and frontman of death metal band Entombed. Died on March 7 aged 49 after battling bile duct cancer.
American actor best known for playing Manolito ‘Mano’ Montoya on The High Chaparral. Died on March 14 of natural causes aged 87.
Australian singer, known for fronting a number of bands including Doug Parkinson in Focus. Had a hit with a cover of The Beatles’ Dear Prudence. Died aged 74 on March 15.
American musician, who achieved success with his debut studio album Dan Sartain vs the Serpientes in 2005. Died on March 20 aged 39.
Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe winning actor, best known for roles in Ship of Fools, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, A Touch of Class and Fun With Dick and Jane. Most recently starred on the sitcom The Goldbergs. Died aged 87 on March 23 from complications from bypass surgery.
Poet and actor, also known as muMs the Schemer. Best known for playing Arnold ‘Poet’ Jackson on Oz. Died aged 52 on March 24.
APRIL
Former child star, best known for playing Rusty in The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. Died on April 1 aged 77 after suffering a stroke.
Singer best known for his covers of Everybody’s Free and When Doves Cry in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. Died in car accident on April 1, aged 38.
American actor, best known for playing Jambi the Genie on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and for his work with Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira. Died on April 3 aged 66, after suffering from alcoholism and heart disease.
American character actor, best known for roles on Twin Peaks, Dolly! and Wizards and Warriors. Died aged 72 following a long illness on April 6.
Irish songwriter who composed Johnny Logan’s What’s Another Year, which won the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest. Died on 9 April aged 78 after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
American actor, best known for playing Johnny Soprano in The Sopranos and Fred Goldman in The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. Died aged 66 on April 11 from cancer.
French-born British actor who starred in TV shows including Yes Minister, Doctor Who and Fawlty Towers. Best known for playing Sergeant François Chevalier in six of The Pink Panther films opposite Peter Sellers. Died aged 94 on April 12.
Italian actor and stuntman who played Cousin Itt on The Addams Family and an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Also provided the voice of Mortimer Goth in The Sims 2. Died on April 16 from pancreatic cancer aged 84.
Rapper signed to Bad Boys Records, best known for his hit 2000 single Whoa! Sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal possession in relation to a hotel robbery. Died from kidney failure aged 52 on April 17.
Burlesque star and actress known as ‘The Queen of Exotic Dancers’. Died aged 93 following a short illness on April 20.
Former lead singer of the Bay City Rollers, known for the hits Shang-a-Lang and Bye Bye Baby. Died aged 64 on April 20 from a combination of natural causes.
Rapper and lead vocalist of Digital Underground. Produced 2Pac’s debut album 2Pacalypse Now. Real name Gregory Jacobs, also known as his alter ego Humpty Hump. Died from an accidental drug overdose on April 22 at the age of 57.
Australian singer and former member of the The Bad Seeds. Died aged 61 on April 27.
Former drummer for Judas Priest. Died aged 73 on April 29.
MAY
Oscar winning actress, best known for her performance in Moonstruck. Also starred in films including Sinatra and Steel Magnolias. Died aged 89 on May 1 under hospice care.
R&B and swing singer, best known for his songs Lawdy Miss Clawdy and Personality, the latter of which earned him the nickname ‘Mr Personality’ Died from diabetes complications on May 3 aged 88.
English singer and model, who had hits with Each Time You Break My Heart and I Promised Myself. Best known for his appearance in the 1985 Launderette ads for Levi’s. Was a protege of Madonna. Died aged 59 on May 4 after fighting bone marrow cancer.
Actress and model, best known for her appearances in the Whitesnake videos Here I Go Again and Still of the Night, as well as her role in Bachelor Party. Died from heart disease on May 7 aged 59.
Actor, producer and director whose career spanned nearly 100 years. Best known for roles in Alfred Hitchcock projects like Saboteur and Spellbound, and for playing Dr Daniel Auschlander on St Elsewhere. Died in his sleep aged 106 on May 11.
American actor best known for playing Detective Frank Kamana on Hawaii Five-0. Died aged 88 on May 18.
American comedian who collaborated with Dave Chappelle and Eddie Murphy and wrote for Richard Pryor. Died aged 79 from a heart attack on May 19.
Actor best known for playing Billy Merchant in the US version of The Office. Campaigned for more acting roles for people in wheelchairs. Died aged 55 on May 19 from a ‘brief and unexpected illness’.
One third of the musical trio Rod, Jane and Freddy and former Rainbow cast member. Married to co-star Jane Tucker. Died on May 20 aged 71, five months after being diagnosed with cancer.
BBC Radio Newcastle presenter. Died aged 44 on May 21 after developing headaches after getting her first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Coroner found that Shaw suffered blood clots which led to her death.
Author and illustrator, best known for creating the beloved children’s picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Wrote over 70 books, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Died aged 91 from kidney failure on May 23.
Singer, best known as being one of real vocalists for Milli Vanilli. Died from Covid-19 aged 66 on May 24.
Actor and singer, best known as the voice of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and for singing the Oscar-winning Under The Sea. Died aged 74 from prostate cancer on May 24.
Screenwriter who worked on Dawson’s Creek. Died by suicide following an ongoing battle with Covid-19 on May 26, aged 50.
Actor, TV host and author, best known for playing the ship’s captain Merrill Stubing on The Love Boat, Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Joseph ‘Happy’ Haines on McHale’s Navy. Died aged 90 on May 29.
American singer best known for the singles Hooked On A Feeling and Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head. Died from lung cancer aged 78 on May 29.
JUNE
American actor and acting coach, known for roles in The Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants and Passenger 57. Father of actors Blake, Eric, Robyn, Lori and Jason. Died aged 74 on June 3 from cardiac complications.
Welsh actor, best known for playing Derek Conway on The Bill. Died aged 70 on June 7.
American actor, best known for playing Dr Joe Martin on the soap All My Children for 40 years. Won a Daytime Emmy for Lifetime Achievement in 2004. Died aged 93 on June 10.
Oscar and Golden Globe nominated actor who appeared in more than 160 films throughout a career spanning five decades. Best known for roles in Network, All The President’s Men, Deliverance and Toy Story 3. Died from natural causes aged 83 on June 13.
Actress best known for her roles in Gone Girl and A Cure For Wellness. Died on June 14, 10 days after being struck by a motorised scooter in a hit and run collision in Manhattan, aged 65.
Rapper and Blackalicious member, real name Timothy Jerome Parker. Died aged 50 from natural causes on June 18, a year and a half after receiving a kidney transplant.
Actress best known for roles in The Twilight Zone and Star Trek. Taught acting at the Stella Adler Academy, with Mark Ruffalo among her students. Died aged 93 on June 20.
American actor and Emmy award winner who played Dr Alan Quartermaine on the soap General Hospital for 30 years. Died from kidney failure aged 84 on June 29.
British musician and lead guitarist with Eric Burdon and The Animals. Converted to Sikhism in the 70s and began performing Indian music and teaching yoga. Died from cancer aged 76 on June 30.
JULY
Italian singer and presenter, best known for her songs A far l'amore comincia tu and Tanti auguri. Presented the Italian song contest Sanremo and programmes related to the Eurovision Song Contest. Died aged 78 on July 5.
American actor known for his role of Anthony Falconetti in the TV series Rich Man, Poor Man, and roles in films including Conan The Barbarian and Red Dawn. Died aged 88 on July.
American actress known for her roles in The Parent ‘Hood, Tap, Whitney and How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Died aged 64 from pancreatic cancer on July 6.
Actor and filmmaker best known for directing the 1969 satire Putney Swope. Father of actor Robert Downey Jr. Died aged 85 on July 7 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
English actor known for his roles in the Carry On films and the TV series Carry On Laughing. Died aged 81 on July 8, a year after relocating to Spain.
English-born television and radio presenter, also known as Jono. Had successful career in Australia fronting shows with Ian 'Dano' Rogerson. Died on July 9 aged 65 from prostate cancer.
American actor best known for playing Macintosh ‘Mac’ Robinson on the sitcom Night Court. Died aged 75 from cardiac arrest and organ failure due to septic shock and cancer on July 11.
Rapper and DJ, best known for his 1989 hit Just A Friend. Died aged 57 on July 16, after battling complications from Type 2 diabetes for over a year.
Guitarist and member of the glam metal group Cinderella. Died aged 58 on July 14.
Co-lead singer and violinist with the rock band Kansas. Died aged 71 from complications from acute pancreatitis on July 17.
Australian actor best known for playing Shane Parrish in Home and Away and Troy Miller in Neighbours. Won two Logie awards for most popular actor. Died by suicide on July 24 aged 45.
Emmy award winner, stand-up comedian and actor. Best known for his one-man shows on Broadway. Died aged 93 on July 24.
Former drummer and co-founder of metal band Slipknot, and guitarist for Murderdolls. Played with the band Sinsaenum at the time of his death. Previously voted as the world’s greatest metal drummer. Died in his sleep aged 46 on July 26, after battling acute transverse myelitis.
Actor who played Offier Long in the Spike Lee films Do The Right Thing and Jungle Fever. Son of The Godfather II star Danny Aiello. Died from pancreatic cancer aged 65 on July 26.
Rock musician and bassist with ZZ Top. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2004. Died aged 72 on July 28.
AUGUST
American actress, best known for her roles in In Like Flint and The St Valentine’s Day Massacre. Died on August 3 aged 82.
American comedian, best known as one of the founding members of the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know. Died aged 41 on August 7 after suffering fatal head trauma from a fall.
American actress, best known for playing Christine Sullivan on Night Court and for her roles in The Fall Guy and Hearts Afire. Died on August 7 aged 70 after a battle with cancer.
Strangers on a Train actress and daughter of Alfred Hitchcock. Died in her sleep aged 93 on August 9.
Children’s author and illustrator, best known for writing the beloved Worst Witch novels. Died aged 72 on August 18, after battling cancer.
Legendary Japanese actor and martial artist, best known to Western audiences for starring in Kill Bill. Died aged 82 on August 19 from complications from Covid-19.
Musician and one half of the duo The Everly Brothers, best known for songs including All I Have To Do Is Dream and Bye Bye Love. Died aged 84 at his home in Nashville on August 21.
Heavy metal star and singer with doom metal band Trouble. Died from complications from Covid-19 on August 22, aged 62.
Dynasty star best known for playing Dex Dexter on the soap. Also appeared on the soaps All My Children and As The World Turns. Died aged 76 on August 23, 10 days after being diagnosed with cancer.
Jamaican musician and trailblazer in dub music. Worked with artists including Bob Marley and The Wailers and Beastie Boys. Died on August 29 ahed 85.
Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee, best known for playing Kostas ‘Gus’ Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Died aged 94 on August 31.
SEPTEMBER
Legendary French New Wave actor, nicknamed Bébel by French fans. Known for his roles in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless and the action-adventure movie That Man From Rio. Died aged 88 on September 6.
American actor, also known as AJ Johnson. Best known for playing Ezal in the comedy Friday. Died aged 55 on September 6.
: Actor and comedian best known for playing Lt./Capt./Cmdt. Mauser in the second and third Police Academy films. Died aged 84 from natural causes on September 8.
Oscar and Bafta nominated film editor who worked on films including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Died aged 77 on September 9.
Cinematographer and frequent collaborator of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Died from congestive heart failure on September 20, aged 84.
One half of the Spanish duo Baccara, best known for their disco hit Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. Represented Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978. Died aged 69 on September 11.
British actor best known for playing Howard in Last of the Summer Wine. Died from kidney disease aged 90 on September 15, one month after the death of his wife of 54 years Diana Rush.
MGM musical star and veteran of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Starred in movies including A Date With Judy, Hit the Deck and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Died aged 92 on September 16.
American actor best known for playing Fireman Chet Kelly in the series Emergency! Died from complications from surgery aged 77 on September 17.
Labelle member, best known for the single Lady Marmalade and for her work with the Rolling Stones. Died unexpectedly aged 76 on September 20, two days after her final performance.
Founding member and bassist for Status Quo, who left as a full-time member in 1985. Died from complications from multiple sclerosis on September 26, aged 72.
TikTok star with over 1million followers on his account @gabenotbabe. Died in a car crash aged 19 on September 26.
Singer, songwriter and producer, best known for writing En Vogue’s hit Don’t Let Go (Love). Died in hospital aged 49 on September 27.
American actor known for his performances in the 1960s beach party movies and the Disney films Old Yeller and Swiss Family Robinson. Died aged 70 at his Las Vegas home on September 28.
OCTOBER
British actor best known for playing Tessek-Squid Head and the Mon Calamari Officer Captain Verrack in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Died aged 70 from liver cancer on October 6.
American actor best known for playing Zahir Arif on the HBO series Oz. Died aged 58 from cancer on October 10.
Disney legend who worked as an inker and final animation checker on Disney films including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dumbo, The Rescuers and Pinocchio. Died on October 10 aged 111.
Rising R&B singer. Died aged 22 following a ‘tragic accident’.
Co-founder of legendary Irish trad band The Chieftains and well known uillean pipes player. Composer for films including Gangs of New York and Braveheart. Died on October 12 ahed 83.
Actor and comedian, known for his role on Shameless and for being a semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing. Died from complications from Covid-19 aged 41 on October 12.- : American former child actor best known for starring alongside Halle Berry in Monster's Ball. Died aged 31 on October 13.
American actress known for starting her career aged 88. Starred in Black Panther and Jumanji: The Next Level. Died aged 95 on October 15.
English actress known for her voice work on shows including Terrahawks and The Adventures of Twizzle. Died aged 93 on October 16.
American actress, best known for her roles on Little House on the Prairie and The Andy Griffith Show. Died following a brief illness at the age of 95 on October 16.
Drummer who played with Elvis Presley’s TCB Band, as well as with musicians including Neil Diamond and Roy Orbison. Died aged 83 on October 16.
American actor, best known for playing Piney Winston on Sons of Anarchy and Col. Lynch on The A-Team. Died aged 80 at his home in Las Vegas.
British composer best known for his work on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Doctor Dolittle. Died aged 90 on October 19.
Member of the R&B funk band Switch with brother Bobby. Died aged 64 on October 21.
Swedish rapper, real name Nils Grönberg. Shot dead aged 19 in what police have described as an ‘execution-style killing’ on October 21.
Jay and The Americans frontman, known as ‘The Voice’. Had hits including Cara Mia and Come a Little Bit Closer. Died from pneumonia on October 22 aged 82.
Emmy winner best known for his roles as Tad Horvath in Girls and Henry Desmond on Bosom Buddies. Died from leukaemia aged 66 on October 22.
American actress, known for playing Kai Opaka on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Concetta in Addams Family Values. Died aged 77 from heart failure on October 28.
Indian cinema star, known as Appu, and host of the Kannada version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Died aged 49 from a heart attack on October 29.
Hong Kong actor, best known for starring in The Dragon from Russia and Drunken Master. Died aged 72 on October 31, two months after being diagnosed with cancer.
November
Canadian-born British actor and dancer. Died aged 92 on November 4.
Wallace and Gromit writer and co-creator of Doctor Who's K-9. Died aged 82.
Former UB40 star Astro, real name Terence Wilson, died aged 62 after a 'very short illness' on November 6.
: British bassist with 808 state, Barker died aged 53 on November 6.
American actor best known for starring in The Young and the Restless. Died aged 88 on November 9 after a brief illness.
American actor best known for starring in Scout's Guide to the Galaxy. Died aged 28 on November 21.
Viral video star best known for the ‘where we ‘bout to eat at’ video, died aged six on November 22.
Famed composer known for some of the biggest musicals including Sweeney Todd. Died suddenly aged 91 on November 26.
: Former child actress known for Beasts of the Southern Wild. Died aged 22 on November 27 after being shot inside a car.
American actor best known for playing Carmine Ragusa, also known as The Big Ragoo, on Laverne & Shirley. Died aged 69 on November 27.
December
British actor of South African origin, widely regarded as one of the UK’s best contemporary classical actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Died aged 72 on December 2 after battling cancer.
South African reality star known for The Real Housewives of Johannesburg. Died aged 30 on December 7 from breast cancer.
American musician known for being singer and guitarist in The Monkees. Died of natural causes on December 10 aged 78.
Musician, best known as a member of Five Man Electrical Band. Died aged 77 on December 10.
Mexican singer, died on December 12 aged 81.
Japanese actress best known for voicing the character of Anna on Frozen. Died suddenly aged 35 on December 18.
BBC Radio 1 DJ who was the first female presenter to have her own daily show on the station. Died aged 66 on December 25 following a short illness.
Oscar-nominated Canadian director best known for Dallas Buyers Club and Big Little Lies. Died aged 58 in Canada on December 25.
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