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2017 was a tough year, as we said goodbye to some of our best known and well-loved figures – from Sir Bruce Forsyth and Keith Chegwin to John Hurt and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
And the losses continued into 2018 with famous names from Stephen Hawking to Ken Dodd, and Jim Bowen to Cyrille Regis sadly passing away.
Fans shared their memories and fellow stars paid tribute as they remembered those we have lost.
Here’s a look at all of the celebrities we’ve lost in 2018 so far who have inspired generations.
JUNE
Sophie Gradon
(Image: ITV/PA)
The 32-year-old model and former Love Island contestant passed away on June 21.
The former reality star, who hailed from Newcastle, was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009 and was also a former Miss Newcastle.
Sophie’s boyfriend Aaron Armstrong wrote “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always”.
She made history on Love Island as one half of the show’s first same-sex couple after she coupled up with Katie Salmon.
Love Island’s Sophie Gradon dead at 32 as boyfriend pays tribute
Peter Thomson
(Image: REUTERS)
Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson died on June 20 at the age of 88.
The legendary Australian had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and died at his home in Melbourne, Golf Australia said.
Thomson won his first Open Championship title in 1954 – becoming the only player in the 20th or 21st century to win the tournament three years in succession.
He also enjoyed impressive victories in 1958 and 1965 and was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Big Van Vader
WWE legend Big Van Vader died on June 18 at the age of 63, according to his Twitter account.
Real name Leon White, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2016 with doctors giving him two years to live.
His Twitter account tweeted: “It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm.”
A second post, added: “Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time.”
Leslie Grantham
(Image: Daily Mirror)
EastEnders star Leslie Grantham died on June 15 aged 71 following a battle with cancer.
The actor was most famous for portraying iconic character ‘Dirty’ Den Watts on the long-running BBC soap.
Leslie also hosted game show Fort Boyard on Channel 5 and penned children’s book called Jack Bates And The Wizard’s Spell.
Errol Pickford
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Former Royal Ballet principal dancer Errol Pickford died on Wednesday June 13, aged 51.
Born in Perth, Australia in 1966 he originally trained as a gymnast before moving to the UK and practicing ballet at the Hammond School and The Royal Ballet School.
He joined The Royal Ballet in 1984 and quickly excelled, becoming a soloist in 1986, first soloist in 1989 and principle in 1991.
He had a version of Romeo and Juliet created especially for him by celebrated dancer and choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, and made history by becoming the first ever Western dancer to partner Bolshoi ballerina Nina Ananiahvii at the Armenia Gala in London’s Covent Garden. The performance was even broadcast on TV.
Jackson Odell
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Jackson Odell, star of The Goldbergs, died on June 8 aged 20
Jackson starred in several hit TV shows including iCarly, Arrested Development and Modern Family. He was also a talented songwriter, penning a number of tracks for the movie ‘Forever My Girl’ including the the song ‘Wings of an Angel’, performed by Lauren Alaina.
Eunice Gayson
(Image: Hulton Archive)
Eunice Gayson, the first ever Bond girl, died on June 8 aged 90.
She was originally offered the part of Miss Moneypenny in Dr No, but the role eventually went to Lois Maxwell while Eunice became the super spy’s love interest for the first two James Bond films. She later starred in a number of Hammer Horror films, and appeared on TV shows including The Saint and The Avengers.
Anthony Bourdain
Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain died on June 8, aged 61.
CNN, who he worked for, confirmed the news in a statement and revealed the cause of death as suicide.
Bourdain had been in France working on an episode of his award-winning series Parts Unknown.
His close friend, French chef Eric Ripert is reported to have found Bourdain unresponsive in his Strasbourg hotel room.
Bourdain first shot to fame with the release of his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Alan O’Neill
(Image: WireImage)
Sons of Anarchy star Alan O’Neill has died at the age of 47.
The Irish-born actor is most famous for his role as Hugh in Sons of Anarchy, but his career dates back to the 1990s.
He also played Keith McGrath in Fair City and starred in UK crime drama Inspector George Gently in 2009.
Alan had also been cast in an upcoming movie called Charlie Lives.
Peter Stringfellow
(Image: PA)
Peter Stringfellow died on June 7, aged 77, after a battle with cancer.
The nightclub mogul, who had wanted to keep his illness private, died after spending time in hospital, a spokesman said.
“It’s very sad news. He passed away in the early hours of this morning. It was kept very private, he didn’t want to tell. He wanted to keep it a secret,” his publicist said.
The iconic nightclub owner’s name was put on the map after the Beatles played at his venue in April 1963.
Kate Spade
Iconic handbag designer Kate Spade died on June 5 at the age of 55 in a suspected suicide, say police.
Sources said the mother-of-one left a note but the contents are unclear. Kate was mum to daughter Frances Beatrix, 13 and was married to Andy Spade.
Her tragic death has shaken the fashion world to the core, as professionally Spade seemed to be going from strength to strength. She was a firm favourite with royals and the Hollywood elite.
MAY
Jerry Maren
The Wizard Of Oz’s ‘oldest Munchkin’ Jerry Maren died on May 24 at the age of 98.
The American actor, who starred opposite Judy Garland in the 1939 classic, died after years of suffering from dementia.
His major appearance in the film comes when he hands Judy Garland’s Dorothy an oversized lollipop, and producers picked him to stand in the middle of the Munchkin trio. He had caught their attention with his singing and dancing talent, and fame soon followed.
Glynn Edwards
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Minder actor Glynn Edwards died on May 23, aged 87.
The actor – who also starred in Zulu alongside Michael Caine – was best known for his role as Dave ‘the barman’ Harris who owned the Winchester Club in ITV’s Minder.
Philip Roth
Pulitzer-prize winning writer Philip Roth passed away on May 22 aged 85.
The writer died from congestive heart failure, his close friend Judith Thurman told The New York Times.
Roth was both hailed and derided for laying bare the neuroses and obsessions that haunted the modern Jewish-American experience.
Hugh Dane
Hugh Dane, star of The Office, Bridesmaids and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, died on May 16 at the age of 75.
Paying tribute to him with a clip of Hank and Dwight in The Office, co-star Rainn Wilson tweeted: “RIP Hugh Dane, aka Hank the security guard. He was one of the greats. So kind, funny, talented. We will all miss him. Donations can be made in his name to innercityculturalcenter.org.”
Hugh had been acting for nearly 30 years of his life, starting out in 1990 with a small role in the TV series Hunter.
Ray Wilson
(Image: mirrorpix Daily Mirror)
England World Cup winner Ray Wilson died on May 15 aged 83.
The outstanding left back, who spent most of his career with Huddersfield Town and Everton, is most famous for being part of the successful 1966 national side under Sir Alf Ramsey.
Jlloyd Samuel
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash on May 15, aged 37.
Samuel’s Range Rover was involved in a crash with a van in High Legh, Cheshire, after he had dropped his children off at school.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association confirmed the devastating news on their official Facebook page.
Tom Wolfe
(Image: Redferns)
Author and journalist Tom Wolfe died on Monday May 14 at the age of 87.
Agent Lynn Nesbit confirmed the pioneer of journalism died from an infection in a Manhattan hospital.
Famous for his psychedelic novel Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, the author will be remembered for his literary flair.
Margot Kidder
(Image: Rex)
Superman actress Margot Kidder died on Sunday May 13, aged 69.
The actress who played Lois Lane in the 1978 hit film Superman passed away in her home, TMZ reported.
Margot starred opposite Christopher Reeve in 1978’s Superman and also in the 3 sequels.
The star was still working up to her death, starring in “The Vagina Monologues” on Broadway. She was married three times and leaves a daughter.
Joe Tilley
The UK reality TV star who shot to fame on Jungletown was found dead at the foot of the Fin del Mundo’s waterfall, End of the World, in Colombia.
The search team have suggested he fell to his death.
He starred in a Viceland television documentary called Jungletown – which featured American entrepreneur Ondi Timoner and hundreds of young people trying to build the world’s “most sustainable modern town” deep in the Panamanian jungle.
Dame Tessa Jowell
Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell died after a year-long cancer battle aged 70.
The former Blair minister succumbed to a gliobastoma multiforme brain tumour that was diagnosed last May.
Dame Tessa’s frontbench career lasted almost 20 years and she has been hailed as an “inspiration” with “unflinching tenacity.”
Former prime minister Tony Blair led emotional tributes saying: “There was no-one like Tessa and no-one better. I will miss her more than I can say.”
Cathy Godbold
(Image: Facebook)
Cathy Godbold, the Australian actress who starred in hit soap Home and Away, lost her battle with brain cancer on May 4 at the age of 43 – more than ten years after she was first diagnosed.
Cathy played Meg in the soap during the 1990s and nobody can forget the iconic scene that saw her lose her battle with Leukaemia while she watched the sun rise for the last time in her boyfriend Blake Dean’s arms.
Despite her real-life terminal diagnosis, Cathy was upbeat in her final weeks, according to a close friend.
APRIL
Michael Martin
(Image: BBC)
Former House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin died on April 29 after a short illness, aged 72.
Michael Martin – latterly Lord Martin of Springburn after the Glasgow constituency he represented from 1979 to 2005 – was Speaker from 2000 to 2009.
In October that year, the former Labour MP joined his predecessor as speaker, Baroness Boothroyd, on the crossbenches.
Michael Anderson
(Image: MGM)
Film director Michael Anderson died on April 25 aged 98.
The British star was best known for his work on World War Two epic The Dam Busters and classic sci-fi movie Logan’s Run.
Before his death, Anderson was the oldest living person to have received a best director nomination at the Oscars for Around the World in 80 days.
Verne Troyer
Actor Verne Troyer, star of Austin Powers, died aged 49 on April 21.
There was a statement on his Instagram page making reference to “depression and suicide.”
“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues,” the statement read.
“You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.
“Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.”
Avicii
(Image: WireImage)
Swedish DJ Avicii has died in Muscat, Oman on April 20 at the age of 28.
A representative for Avicii announced the news in a statement: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th.
“The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”
Avicii was behind best-selling EDM hits including Levels, Hey Brother and Wake Me Up with Aloe Blacc.
Dale Winton
TV presented Dale Winton died aged 62 on April 18 2018.
His long-term agent Jan Kennedy said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.
“While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time of grief.”
Bruno Sammartino
Legendary WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Bruno Sammartino died, aged 82, on April 18 2018.
Sammartino, who held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship title for more than 11 years, passed away at his home in Pittsburgh.
WWE wrote on their website: “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino passed away at age 82.
“WWE extends its condolences to Sammartino’s family, friends and fans.”
Bruno Sammartino dead: WWE Hall of Fame legend passes away, aged 82
Barbara Bush
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Former US first lady Barbara Bush died on April 17, aged 92.
Mrs Bush had reportedly been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, and had been in and out of hospital.
The wife of former president George HW Bush, 93, and mother of ex-president George W Bush, 71, was being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas.
She died surrounded by her family after deciding not to return to hospital following a series of recent hospitalisations.
Harry Anderson
Actor Harry Anderson died on April 16, at the age of 65.
The sad news of his death was announced by his son, Dashiell Anderson, who told TMZ that he had died of natural causes.
Harry starred in TV horror movie It as the adult Richie Tozer – but will perhaps be best remembered for his recurring role as con man Harry ‘The Hat’ Gittes in sitcom Cheers.
Pamela Gidley
The Twin Peaks actress died peacefully at her home in New Hampshire on April 16.
Former child model Gidley first starred in a skateboarding movie Thrashin before finding fame with Twin Peaks.
R. Lee Ermey
The actor R. Lee Ermey, best known for his starring role in the film ‘Full Metal Jacket’, died on April 15 aged 74.
His manager Bill Rogin confirmed the death on Sunday night in a tweet saying: “It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (“The Gunny”) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia.
“He will be greatly missed by all of us.
“Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.”
Alex Beckett
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Alex Beckett died aged 36 . The Welsh actor was best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC’s award-winning Twenty Twelve and W1A.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, before graduating in 2003. He starred in one episode of Emmerdale as PC Tony Read in 2006 and also appeared in The Bill in 2008. Alex was also a star of the stage – appearing in multiple productions over his career.
Timmy Matley
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Irish singer Timmy Matley passed away on April 11 aged 36, following a two year battle with skin cancer.
Matley found fame as a member of the five piece singing group, The Overtones in 2010.
Eric Bristow
Darts legend Eric Bristow died at the age of 60 on 5 April .
Known as the Crafty Cockney, Bristow was a five-time BDO world champion.
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn led the tributes to Bristow, saying: “Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport.
“He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play.”
Ray Wilkins
(Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Manchester United legend Ray Wilkins died on April 4 aged 61 .
Midfielder Wilkins helped United lift the FA Cup in 1982 during a 160 game spell at Old Trafford and earned 84 England caps.
He also had a standout career at Stamford Bridge where he won the Player of the Year award in 1976 and 1977 before becoming assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea for their 2009/10 Premier League winning campaign.
MARCH
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
(Image: Camera Press Digital)
Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela died at the age of 81.
The news came less than three months after Winnie was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a kidney infection.
She was married to former South African President Nelson for 38 years, including the 27 years he served in jail.
During his lengthy incarceration, Winnie campaigned tirelessly for his release and for the rights of black South Africans, suffering years of detention, banishment and arrest by the white authorities.
Blamed for the killing of activist Stompie Seipei, who was found near her Soweto home with his throat cut, she was convicted in 1991 of kidnapping and assaulting the 14-year-old because he was suspected of being an informer.
Winnie and Mandela separated in 1992 and he sacked her from his cabinet in 1995 due to allegations of corruption.
Despite their divorce in 1993 and Nelson’s second marriage in 1998, they remained close until his death.
Bill Maynard
(Image: PA)
Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard died at the age of 89, shortly after breaking his hip in a fall off his mobility scooter, his family confirmed.
Bill, real name Walter Williams, was best known for playing Greengrass in Heartbeat.
Jacqueline Reddin, who is also an actress, told the Press Association: “He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz.”
Bill Maynard dead: Heartbeat’s Greengrass’ family pay tribute to ‘larger than life’ star who died in hospital after falling off mobility scooter
DuShon Monique Brown
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Actress DuShon Monique Brown, who starred in American dramas including Prison Break and Chicago Fire, died at the age of 49.
Just a few days previously, the actress had checked herself in to hospital after suffering chest pains. She was given tests and later released.
It’s thought she died of a suspected heart attack.
Jim Bowen
Broadcaster and comedian Jim Bowen died on March 14, aged 80, his wife Phyllis confirmed.
She announced the sad news to BBC Radio Lancashire.
Jim was best known as the host of darts show Bullseye, joining as presenter in 1981 and working there until the programme ended in 1995.
Professor Stephen Hawking
(Image: PA)
Acclaimed scientist and author Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14 aged 76 .
Heralded as one of the smartest minds to grace the world, his book a Brief History Of Time became one of the best selling books in the field of astrophysics.
Suffering from ALS, Hawking was confined to a wheelchair and had to use a voice simulator to talk.
He made appearances in many TV shows including The Big Bang Theory and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Craig Mack
(Image: WireImage)
Hip hop star Craig Mack died on March 12 aged 41 .
The rapper was best known for his hit 1994 track Flava In Your Ear, the remix of which featured a young Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes early on in their careers.
Hubert de Givenchy
(Image: Picture Post)
French fashion phenomenon Hubert de Givenchy died on March 10 aged 91
The legendary clothing designer founded the House of Givenchy in 1952 and created outfits for the likes of US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn – including Hepburn’s iconic dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Sir Ken Dodd
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Sir Ken Dodd died at the age of 90 on March 11.
The comedy legend had recently been forced to cancel all dates on an upcoming tour as he recovered from a serious infection.
Doddy, famous for his long stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital.
He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, on Friday at their house, which was also the one he was born in.
He died two days later on Mother’s Day
Trevor Baylis
(Image: TMS)
Trevor Baylis died on March 5 at the age of 80
Baylis was known for inventing a radio that could be powered by winding a crank for several seconds, instead of using batteries or mains electricity.
In 2015 Baylis was appointed CBE for services to intellectual property, and was previously awarded the OBE for his radio design.
Sir Roger Bannister
(Image: PA)
Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, died on March 3.
A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger’s family said: “Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them.
“He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends.”
Bannister, aided by Sir Christopher Chataway and Chris Brasher as pacemakers, achieved the feat by running three minutes 59.4 seconds at the Iffley Road track on May 6, 1954.
Bannister, who also won a Commonwealth and European Championship gold medal that year, went on to become a leading neurologist.
Davide Astori
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Fiorentina announced on March 3 that their captain, Davide Astori , had died at the age of 31.
The Italian international, with 14 caps to his name, was found dead at the La di Moret hotel in Udine, ahead of the Viola’s meeting with Udinese on Sunday.
Astori, who started his career at AC Milan, enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A.
He spent six years with Cagliari, making 174 appearances for the Sardinians during a six-year spell.
Patrick Doyle
(Image: Redferns)
Talented drummer Patrick Doyle died on March 3, according to his record label.
Indie star Patrick, who had been a member of bands Veronica Falls, Boys Forever, The Royal We and Sexy Kids, most recently released music under his band Boys Forever with record label Amour Foo, who confirmed the news online.
Taking to Twitter, the label’s official account stated: “I’ll remember you. Goodbye Patrick X,” along with a photo of the musician.
David Ogden Stiers
(Image: B3972)
M*A*S*H actor David Ogden Stiers passed away on March 3, aged 75, after a battle with bladder cancer.
The actor, best known for his role as Major Charles Winchester on the classic TV show, joined in season six and went on to receive two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and 1982.
In 1984 he earned another Emmy nomination for his supporting role as William Milligan Sloane in the NBC miniseries The First Olympics: Athens 1896.
After finishing on M*A*S*H in 1983, he went on to appear in a number of other TV shows including Murder, She wrote, Frasier, Matlock, Touched by an Angel, Star Trek: The Next Generation and North and South.
FEBRUARY
Emma Chambers
Comedy actress Emma Chambers passed away on February 24 from natural causes.
Best known for her role as lovable but dim Alice in The Vicar Of Dibley, she played the part across the show’s five series and special mini episodes for Comic Relief.
Chambers also starred on the big screen in romantic comedy Notting Hill.
Eddy Amoo
(Image: Publicity pic)
Singer Eddy Amoo died on February 23 aged 74 . Amoo was a member of the pioneering 70s UK soul band The Real Thing alongside his brother Chris Amoo and friends Dave Smith and Ray Lake.
The group were famous for hits like You To Me Are Everything, Feel the Force and Can’t Get By Without You.
Billy Graham
(Image: REUTERS)
Reverend Billy Graham, the American evangelist who became one of the world’s most influential preachers, died on February 21 aged 99.
The Southern Baptist minister counselled every US president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and had a close relationship with the Queen.
Reg E Cathey
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Actor Reg E Cathey died on February 9 aged 59 following a battle with lung cancer.
With a distinctively deep voice, Cathey appeared in a variety of critically acclaimed TV shows. His most notable roles include BBQ restaurateur Freddy Hayes in Netflix’s House of Cards , political advisor Norman Wilson in HBO’s The Wire and prison boss Martin Querns in jail drama Oz.
Reg also starred in a number of Hollywood movies, including Se7en and The Mask early on in his career, and portrayed Franklin Richards in 2015 superhero film Fantastic Four
John Gavin
(Image: Moviepix)
Flim actor John Gavin died on February 9 aged 86 following a long battle with leukaemia.
In 1960 Gavin starred as Julius Caesar in the Stanley Kubrick classic Spartacus, and later went on to be cast in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho as Sam Loomis, lover of Janet Leigh’s character Marion Crane.
John also came close to playing James Bond , signing up to star as the super spy in Diamonds Are Forever after George Lazenby left the role. However, studio executives then replaced him with Sean Connery .
John Mahoney
Frasier star John Mahoney passed away on February 4 at the age of 77.
The Blackpool-born star played the beloved dad Martin Crane in the hit US sitcom for its full 11-year run. He also worked as a voice actor and performed on Broadway. He passed away in hospice care in Chicago.
Dennis Edwards
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Dennis Edwards , former lead singer of legendary soul music group The Temptations, died on February 2 aged 74.
The Grammy winner passed away in hospital just one day before his 75th birthday following complications from meningitis. Edwards lent his vocals to the band’s biggest hits, including Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone and I Can’t Get Next To You.
JANUARY
Mark E. Smith
(Image: Redferns)
Mark E. Smith , frontman of avant-garde band The Fall, died on January 24 aged 60.
Smith founded the iconic post-punk group in 1976 after he attended a concert by the Sex Pistols. The musician had been the only constant member of the band, with a line-up that has changed numerous times over its 40-year history.
Jack Ketchum
American actor and horror writer Jack Ketchum died on January 24 at the age of 71 from cancer.
Born Dallas Mayr but working under a pseudonym, Ketchum’s novels won him a slew of awards, with many of his books being adapted into films.
As well as a writing career spanning decades, Jack appeared in a handful of films based on his work. He played Teddy Panik in 2006’s The Lost, Carnival in 2007’s The Girl Next Door and twice as Dallas Mayr in Red and Offspring.
Connie Sawyer
The American star dubbed Hollywood’s hardest working actress, passed away in her retirement home at the age of 105 on January 23.
A glittering career that spanned six decades, she appeared in fan favourites such as ER, Seinfeld and Will & Grace, as well as many more.
She starred alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra, Meg Ryan and Sophie Tucker and got her first film role at the age of 49.
Jimmy Armfield
England football star Jimmy Armfield died on January 22 after a long battle against cancer.
The former Blackpool great – who played 43 times for his country – was 82.
He played 627 games overall between 1954 and 1971, and later managed Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers after retiring from playing.
Howard Lew Lewis
The comedian Howard Lew Lewis died aged 76 on January 20 in Edinburgh, displaying early signs of dementia.
Lewis starred in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, Brush Strokes and Blackadder.
Actors Tony Robinson and Chris Rankin both took to social media to share their sadness at his passing.
Fredo Santana
(Image: Instagram/Fredo Santana)
American rapper Fredo Santana, real name Derrick Coleman, died on January 20 at the age of 27.
The star was a cousin of rapper Chief Keef. His debut album Trappin Ain’t Dead was released in 2013 and featured a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Fredo also appeared in Drake’s video for Hold On, We’re Going Home, playing a man who kidnapped Drake’s girlfriend.
Simon Shelton Barnes
The actor who played Tinky Winky, the handbag-carrying Teletubbie in the BBC children’s series, died on January 17, just four days after his 52nd birthday.
The uncle of Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack once said that being in the Teletubbies was “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television”.
As well as his work on Teletubbies, Simon played the terrifying Dark Knight in the 1990s CBB C show Incredible Games.
Jessica Falkholt
Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt died on January 17 aged 29. Her death came three weeks after the devastating Boxing Day crash which killed her family.
The Home and Away actress died six days after her life support was withdrawn.
The close-knit Falkholt family were thought to be driving home to Sydney along the Princes Highway after a short festive break when their car was involved in the devastating head-on collsion.
Jessica appeared as Hope Morrison in the Aussie soap Home and Away in 2016.
The up and coming actress also starred in the upcoming supernatural thriller Harmony, set to be released in 2018.
Moya O’Sullivan
Neighbours star Moya O’Sullivan died aged 91 on January 16.
Best known for playing Marlene Kratz, she was dubbed ‘Australia’s favourite mum and grandmother’.
A popular figure, a tribute in The Sydney Morning Herald read: “Much loved by all, especially by her brother Peter, sister-in-law Kaaren, aunt to Mark, Cait and Bridget, great aunt to Phoebe and Ursela, grandmother to Harriet and James.
“Also Andrew and Sarah. Bless her eternal soul.”
Ed Doolan
(Image: Publicity picture)
Legendary BBC radio presenter Ed Doolan died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 16. The star had been battling vascular dementia since 2013.
Ed started his career in radio at BRMB (now Free Radio Birmingham) in 1974 before moving to BBC West Midlands in 1982.
He was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting and charity and was also the recipient of a Sony Gold Award.
Peter Wyngarde
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Actor Peter Wyngarde died on January 15 at the age of 90
The star was best known for his role as sleuth Jason King in Department S and its spin-off Jason King.
He also starred in the 1980 Flash Gordon movie as metal-masked villain General Klytus.
Peter also starred in the very first British gay drama, South, which aired on ITV in 1959 and was met with a backlash of furious homophobic abuse from the public and media at the time.
Dolores O’Riordan
Cranberries star Dolores O’Riordan died on January 15 aged 46.
As the lead singer of Irish rock band The Cranberries, she rose to international fame in the 1990s with their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
She also released two solo albums, and appeared as a judge on the Irish version of reality singing competition show The Voice.
Cyrille Regis
(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography)
West Brom and Coventry legend Cyrille Regis died on January 14 aged 59 after suffering a heart attack.
The former striker was a pioneer for black footballers in the late 1970s. Regis won five caps for England and was awarded an MBE in 2008.
Cyrille Regis in his own words: Late football star on racism, his England debut and life as the underdog
Hugh Wilson
(Image: Copyright (c) 2014 Shutterstock. No use without permission.)
Hugh Wilson died on January 14 at the age of 74.
The director was well known for making films such as Police Academy and The First Wives Club.
He also created the acclaimed sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati and won awards for his work, including an Emmy in 1988 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series.
Keith Jackson
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Keith Jackson, the voice of American college football, died on January 12 aged 89.
The legendary broadcaster spent 56 years covering the sport before his final game in 2006.
Jackson served on American channel ABC Sports, and became synonymous with his trademark line “Whoa, Nellie.”
Bella Emberg
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Blunderwoman comedy star Bella Emberg died on January 12 at the age of 80.
She found fame in the 1980s, most notably alongside Russ Abbot, with whom she shared a comedy partnership.
Emberg also starred in TV shows as diverse as The Lily Savage Show and Doctor Who.
Last summer she spoke exclusively to the Daily Mirror about her career in a fascinating interview.
Doreen Tracey
(Image: Getty)
Doreen Tracey, one of the original Disney Mouseketeers, died on January 10 at the age of 74.
The performer had battled cancer for two years, but sadly developed pneumonia as a complication.
At the age of 12, Doreen became one of the child stars of The Mickey Mouse Club, the popular TV show which aired between 1955 and 1959.
Eddie Clarke
(Image: Redferns)
Heavy metal star ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke died on January 10 aged 67 following a battle with pneumonia.
Guitarist Clarke was one of the founding members of Motorhead and the last surviving member of the band’s original line-up.
Tommy Lawrence
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence died on January 9 aged 77.
Known as “The Flying Pig” by Reds fans, the Scot made 390 appearances for the Reds over 14 years in the first team.
Lawrence hit the headlines in 2015 when he was stopped by a reporter in the street and asked for his memories of the 1967 derby match between Liverpool and Everton, with the interviewer unaware that he had played in that very match.
Jerry Van Dyke
(Image: Getty)
Comedian Jerry Van Dyke died on January 5 at the age of 86.
Jerry made his television debut on The Dick Van Dyke show, later appearing on The Judy Garland Show and Coach, with his final TV role being for The Middle in 2015.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, three children, and older brother Dick Van Dyke.
John Young
(Image: SSPL via Getty Images)
Astronaut John Young, the ninth man to walk on the Moon, died on January 5 aged 87.
The former U.S Navy Test pilot became one of only 12 people ever to set foot on the surface of the Moon on a mission in 1972.
Young is one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of the US space program.
He flew into space twice as part of the mid-1960s Gemini program, twice on the Apollo lunar missions and twice on space shuttles in the 1980s.
Jon Paul Steuer
(Image: trekonlinegame/Twitter)
Star Trek actor Jon Paul Steuer died on January 1 aged 33.
With an acting career that began at the age of 3, Steur eventually landed the role of Alexander Rozhenko, son of Lieutenant Worf, on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1990.
Later on, he starred in TV series Grace Under Fire as Quentin Kelly
Steur went on to become a musician and restaurateur under the name Jonny P Jewels.
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