The entertainment world has lost a range of stars in 2025, including Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, The Vivienne, D'Angelo, Michelle Trachtenberg, David Lynch, Patricia Routledge, Roberta Flack and Ozzy Osbourne The Vivienne/ David Lynch/ D’Angelo/ Patricia Routledge/ Brian Wilson/ Diane Keaton/ Michelle Trachtenberg/ Ozzy Osbourne Robert Redford (Roberta Flack?) As the year draws to a close, many of us will be celebrating and looking forward to what lies ahead in 2026. However, for others, this time of the year also means pausing for reflection, and remembering those who are no longer with us. Over the last 12 months, we’ve lost many famous faces, including Hollywood legends Diane Keaton and Robert Redford , British acting greats like Dame Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales and legendary musicians including Brian Wilson , Ozzy Osbourne , Roberta Flack and D’Angelo . With that in mind, we’re paying tribute to the celebrities and public figures who died in 2025... January Wayne Osmond Wayne Osmond, a founding member and guitarist for The Osmonds , died on 1 January in Salt Lake City. As well as singing and playing guitar in the family band, Wayne was a singer and guitarist for the family band, Wayne also co-wrote some of their best-known songs, including Crazy Horses, Let Me In and Down By The Lazy River. Paying tribute on X , his brother Donny Osmond said: “Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.” Jeff Baena The filmmaker Jeff Baena died in January at the age of 47. Best known for his collaborations with his wife Aubrey Plaza , he directed Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and co-wrote I Heart Huckabees with David O. Russell. “His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us,” Jeff’s family wrote in a tribute originally published by the Miami Herald . “He embraced independent filmmaking because of his unalterable distaste for institutional guardrails on creativity.” The Vivienne Drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne died at their home in Chester, aged just 32. The performer, real name James Lee Williams, appeared on the first series of Drag Race UK and later returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 7 as the only contestant from a franchise outside of the US. “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne – an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” RuPaul shared in an Instagram post dedicated to the Welsh-born performer. Peter Yarrow Peter Yarrow was part of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. The guitarist and singer co-wrote the group’s most enduring song, Puff The Magic Dragon, and was a civil rights and anti-war activist. Over the course of his career, Peter and his bandmates released three Top 30 singles and won five Grammys. “Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest,” his daughter Bethany said in a statement . Sam Moore Sam Moore was best known as one half of the R&B duo Sam & Dave. He died in January , after more than six decades of making music. Best known for their 1968 songs Hold On, I’m Comin and Soul Man, Sam & Dave were Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, as well as being part of the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Tony Slattery British comedian Tony Slattery was best known for his work on the 1980s improvisational comedy Whose Line Is It Anyway. Outside of his comedy work, he had serious roles in films such as The Crying Game, Peter’s Friends and How To Get Ahead In Advertising. He also earned an Olivier Award nomination for his performance as Gordon in Tim Firth’s 1995 play, Neville’s Island. Linda Nolan Linda Nolan died in January , two decades after first being diagnosed with cancer . Best known as part of the 1970s band The Nolans, alongside her sisters, they became the first Irish act to sell more than a million records worldwide, and went on to sell 30 million records. After the group disbanded in the 80s, Linda appeared in a West End production of Blood Brothers, was a Daily Mirror columnist and wrote a best-selling memoir about her career and health struggles. “Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room,” her sister, Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan, wrote on Instagram . “Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her,” Coleen added. Jeannot Szwarc Jeannot Szwarc was a prolific film and TV director whose career spanned over six decades before his retirement. The director is best known for making Jaws 2, 1984’s Supergirl film and Santa Claus: The Movie starring Dudley Moore. In addition to his film career, Jeannott had most recently directed episodes of shows including The Practice, Heroes and Grey’s Anatomy. Donald Pelmear Donald Pelmears was a prolific English stage actor who spent more than four decades performing, appearing as Thomas in A Man For All Seasons. Aside from his work on stage, Donald also appeared in numerous British TV shows throughout his career, most notably playing Professor Joseph Rubeish in the 1974 Doctor Who serial The Time Warrior. Paul Danan Paul Danan rose to fame at the age of 19, playing tearaway Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks for four years. In addition to his acting career, Paul also became known for his regular reality TV appearances, taking part in Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, as well as competing on Celebrity Coach Trip and Celebrity Big Brother. David Lynch David Lynch was one of the most iconic figureheads in postwar cinema. He made his debut with the experimental 1977 film Eraserhead, which launched him as one of the most exciting directors of the era. Blue Velvet then launched him into the mainstream in 1986, while his TV whodunnit Twin Peaks cemented his status as a creative icon. The four-time Oscar nominee’s other work includes The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway. His style even became immortalised as an adjective in the Oxford dictionary , with a “Lynchian” style being described as blurring “surreal or sinister elements with the mundane”. Dame Joan Plowright Dame Joan Plowright is one of the most iconic actors to ever come out of Britain. Her career spanned 60 years, and included an Oscar nomination for the 1991 film Enchanted April, as well as a Tony Award for her role in A Taste Of Honey. Although committed to the stage, and closely associated with The National Theatre, she made numerous on-screen appearances throughout her career, with some of her notable credits including 1960’s The Entertainer, Equus, alongside Richard Burton, and the live-action adaptation of 101 Dalmatians. Dame Joan’s most recent appearance was in the 2018 BBC documentary Nothing Like A Dame, in which a new generation fell in love with her shrewd wit. In 1961, she wed Lawrence Olivier, with whom she was married until his death in 1989. She retired from acting in 2014 after being declared legally blind. Lynn Ban Bling Empire: New York star and Singaporean jewellery designer Lynn Ban died in January, following a skiing accident weeks earlier, on Christmas Eve. She became a cult figure thanks to her long-running role as a cast member of the Netflix reality show Bling Empire and its spinoff, Bling Empire: New York. As a designer, her work had been worn by the likes of Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Billie Eilish. Garth Hudson Eric “Garth” Hudson was a musician best known for playing keyboards and saxophone for The Band, and was the last surviving member of the 60s and 70s rock group. Garth was also the organist with the Hawks, who backed Bob Dylan on his tumultuous first tour, before he joined The Band in the late 1960s. “He played brilliantly, in a more complex way than anybody we had ever jammed with,” The Band’s guitarist and songwriter Robbie Roberts wrote in his 2016 memoir . “Most of us had just picked up our instruments as kids and plowed ahead, but Garth was classically trained and could find musical avenues on the keyboard we didn’t know existed. It impressed us deeply.” Marianne Faithfull Marianne Faithfull was a singer-songwriter and actor, who became  one of the most famous faces of 1960s Swinging London. As a singer, she had four top 10 singles in 1965, including As Tears Go By, while her acting career included performing in Chekov on stage with Glenda Jackson, playing Ophelia in the 1969 adaptation of Hamlet and portraying Empress Maria Theresa in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. In 1979, she released the Grammy-winning Broken English, which is often cited as her best work . February Lee Joo-Sil Lee Joo-Sil is best known for playing Hwang Jun-ho’s mother in the second season of Squid Game. The South Koren actor died at the age of 81 , from stomach cancer. Her career started on stage in 1965 before she moved on-screen for the last 30 years of her career. Some of her on-screen work included 1993’s The Uninvited, playing Seok-woo’s mum in Train To Busan, as well as 2020’s The Uncanny Counter. P.H. Moriarty P.H. Moriarty Character actor P.H. Moriarty became known with his iconic “bad guy” roles, which included playing Razors in The Long Good Friday and Hatchet Harry in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Born Paul Moriarty, he also played Gurney Halleck in the Sci Fi Channel’s 2000 miniseries adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, and its 2003 sequel. His final film role was in 2021’s Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins, before his death at the age of 86 . Irv Gotti Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. – known professionally as Irv Gotti or DJ Irv – was one of the pioneers of 1990s hip-hop, and died in February at the age of 54. Best known as the founder of the record label Murder Inc., the writer/producer’s signature sound shaped the music industry in the 1990s and 2000s. He was considered instrumental in the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti and DMX, with his hits including Jennifer Lopez’s Ain’t It Funny, Ashanti’s Always On Time and Foolish and Fat Joe’s song What’s Luv?. In a joint statement, his three children, Angie, Sonny and JJ remembered him as “an incredible man” and “a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike”. Tony Roberts Frequent Woody Allen collaborator Tony Roberts appeared in six of the director’s films, most notably playing Alvy’s best friend in Annie Hall. Tony also worked with Sidney Lumet, appearing inSerpico and Just Tell Me What You Want. He made his Broadway debut in 1962 and was nominated twice for a Tony Award, for How Now, Dow Jones and Play It Again, Sam. Peter “Navy” Tuiasosopo The actor and former professional American footballer is known for his role as E. Honda in 1994’s Street Fighter. Due to his large stature, he often played guards and authority figures. Peter also appeared in the 1991 football film Necessary Roughness as Manuman, starred as Willie Dumaine in 12 Rounds alongside John Cena and played two different characters in New Girl. Biff Wiff Gary Crotty – known professionally as Biff Wiff – had a career spanning decades, and is best known for his appearances on I Think You Should Leave Now. He had a long and varied career, which included starring in Moonlighting, Night Court, Roseanne, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. More recently, he played a minor role in the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once, and in 2023, portrayed a supporting character in Self Reliance. Rick Buckler Rick Buckler was most famous as the drummer in The Jam, who rose to fame in the late 1970s. The Jam had 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1982, with their biggest hits including Going Underground and A Town Called Malice. “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing,” his bandmate Paul Weller wrote on Facebook following Rick’s death at the age of 69. Paul recalled: “I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking. To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record. What a journey!” Gene Hackman Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, both died in February . Gene was considered one of the most respected actors of all time, starring in films like The French Connection, playing Lex Luthor in 1978’s Superman and Wes Anderson’s The French Connection. Chris Jasper Chris Jasper was a member of the soul group The Isley Brothers, acting as a vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist. He also contributed to many of their hits, including Between The Sheets and For The Love Of You. After the band parted ways, he formed Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin Isley in 1984, releasing 17 albums in total. In 2014, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. Following his death at 73 , the Isley Brothers paid tribute to Chris, saying: “Chris Jasper wasn’t just a musician – he was a musical genius, a lyricist, an extended member of the Isley family, a pioneer, and a key part of the sound that shaped generations.” Robert John Singer Robert John, best known for his signature high-pitched vocals and his 1979 hit Sad Eyes, died in February 2025 at the age of 79. Roberts’ first hit the charts in the late 1960s with If You Don’t Want My Love, before going on to achieve success with a cover of The Tokens’ classic The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Roberta Flack Killing Me Softly With His Song singer Roberta Flack died at the age of 88, after a 50-year career in the music industry. The soul singer landed her first hit single when she was in her 30s, after her recording of Ewan MacColl’s The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was used to soundtrack 1971’s Play Misty For Me. “The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart,” Steve Wonder said during her memorial service . Michelle Tratchenberg Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor Michelle Trachtenberg died suddenly in February 2025 , aged just 39 shocked. Michelle first rose to fame as a child actor, starring in a number of Nickelodeon projects including the film Harriet the Spy. Her other credits included EuroTrip, Ice Princess and playing Emma in Weeds. She is still most well-known for playing Buffy’s little sister Dawn in the 90s supernatural show, as well as playing Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Chris Hughes Quizzer Chris Hughes was a resident expert on the gameshow Eggheads for over two decades, appearing on the original line-up when the show first aired in 2003 until 2023. Before becoming one of the country’s leading quizzers, he worked as a train driver and railway worker. He won Mastermind and International Mastermind in 1983 and was crowned Brain of Britain in 2005. “Chris joined the show at the very start in 2003 and over the next 20 years gave us not only brilliant answers but very many laughs and happy memories,” an Eggheads spokesperson wrote on Facebook in tribute. David Johansen Singer and musician David Johansen was best known for being the frontman of the seminal punk band New York Dolls. After the group disbanded in 1976, David started a solo career, which led to him supporting The Who on tour. He also worked in film and television, playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in 1988’s Scrooged opposite Bill Murray. He also appeared in Let It Ride, Mr. Nanny and the TV series, Oz. March Angie Stone Hip-hop pioneer Angie Stone died in a road accident in March 2025, at the age of 63. Her girl band Sequence signed with Sugar Hill Records in the 1970s, and their 1979 hit Funk You Up went on to be sampled by the likes of Dr. Dre and En Vogue. Angie’s 1990s solo work defined neo-soul and earned her three Grammy nominations. She also penned songs for artists such as D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq, and appeared in films throughout the 2000s, including The Fighting Temptations and The Hot Chick. Joey Molland Muscian Joey Molland was the last surviving core member of rock band Badfinger . The band is most famous for penning Without You, the song covered by Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. In addition to his work with Badfinger, he had a close relationship with The Beatles, playing on John Lennon’s Imagine, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and Ringo Starr’s It Don’t Come Easy. Kathryn Apanowicz British actor Kathryn Apanowicz first came to fame playing the role of caterer Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders during the late 1980s. She also played Rose Butchins in the BBC medical drama Angels, while in the 2000s, she became better known for her role as a TV presenter, working on ITV’s daytime show Live Talk and BBC Radio Leeds. Kathryn was the partner of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley until his death in 2005. Writing on social media, her friend Carol Vorderman paid tribute : “Now, she will be with him again, at his side, where she was always at her happiest. Rest in peace my friend,” she said. Pamela Bach Former Baywatch star Pamela Bach was married to her co-star David Hasselhoff until 2006, after the pair met on the set of the TV series Knight Rider. Pamela was best known for playing cafe owner Kaye Morgan in the popular lifeguard series Baywatch, alongside David Her other acting credits included Cheers, The Fall Guy, T.J. Hooker and Superboy. In 2011, she finished ninth on 2011’s Celebrity Big Brother. Brian James Brian James was the founding guitarist of the trailblazing British punk band The Damned. He wrote the first British punk single, New Rose, and performed lead vocals on their pioneering debut 1977 album, Damned Damned Damned. After leaving the group in the early 80s, Brian collaborated with Iggy Pop as a member of his touring band. His The Damned bandmate Captain Sensible paid tribute to the guitarist on social media , remembering him as “a lovely bloke that I feel so lucky to have met all those years ago and for some reason chose me to help in his quest for the music revolution that became known as punk”. Simon Fisher-Becker Simon Fisher-Becker had a long career on stage and screen, but is best known for playing the Fat Friar in the Harry Potter franchise. He also played Dorium Maldovar in three episodes of Doctor Who. “Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was kind, gracious and interested in everyone. My condolences go to his husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews and his legion of fans,” his manager Kim Barry said in a statement. Stedman Pearson Stedman Pearson from the British pop group Five Star died in March, at the age of 60. The band, which he performed in alongside his siblings Deniece, Lorraine, Doris and Delroy, were often considered the British equivalent to the Jackson Five. In a statement , his family said: “He was a gentleman to the very end – in every way and an amazing son, brother and uncle. “May the memories and love he gave to us and the world be our greatest comfort. He will be deeply missed.” Five Star released their debut album Luxury of Life in 1985, had six top 10 songs in the UK including System Addict, Can’t Wait Another Minute and Rain or Shine. They won a Brit Award in 1987 for Best British Group. Bruce Glover Character actor Bruce Glover was best known for portraying the assassin Mr. Wint in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Bruce’s other acting credits include playing Duffy in Chinatown, appearing as the deputy in Walking Tall and its sequels and Doty in Hard Times. A prolific on-stage actor, Bruce also appeared in hundreds of plays, starring on Broadway opposite Bette Davis in Tennessee Williams’ The Night Of The Iguana in 1961 and with Anne Bancroft in Mother Courage And Her Children in 1963. He was also the father of the American actor Crispin Glover. Émilie Dequenne Belgian actor Émilie Dequenne died in March at the age of 43, having been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. Émilie launched her career at the age of 17, appearing in Rosetta by the Dardenne brothers, which earning her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2021, Émilie also won the César for Best Supporting Actress for Love Affair(s), directed by Emmanuel Mouret. She also starred in the TV shows The Missing, This Is Our Land and Close. George Foreman Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman was one of the most iconic names in the sport, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title on two occasions, 21 years apart. George famously lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974, but boasted 76 wins, 68 of them knockouts, before retiring in 1997. After his retirement, he agreed to put his name to a best-selling grill, which sold more than 100 million units. His earnings from the grill more than doubled those made by his 20 year boxing career. “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected - a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name - for his family,” George’s family said in a statement after his death at the age of 76. Richard Chamberlain Richard Chamberlain was best known for playing the title role in Dr Kildare and later earned the nickname “king of the miniseries”. He played the lead in the original version of Shōgun, which earned him a Golden Globe, as did his performance in The Thorn Birds. In addition to his TV work, Richard also had a prolific film career, playing Tchaikovsky in The Music Lovers, and appeared in The Towering Inferno and The Three Musketeers. April Val Kilmer Val Kilmer, who played Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone‘s The Doors and Doc Holliday in Tombstone, died in March at 65. The US actor became a pop culture icon in the 80s and 90s thanks to roles in Top Gun, Willow and Heat. The actor had a long battle with throat cancer and released a documentary about his life in 2021, in which his son provided his voice. Although he no longer had the ability to speak, fans were able to say goodbye to the actor in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being and how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun,” Tom Cruise said of Val during a CinemaCon tribute to his Top Gun co-star. Michael Hurley Known as the Godfather of Underground Folk , Michael Hurley came up in the music scene around the same time as Bob Dylan, but admitted he didn’t share the same career ambitions. “I didn’t enjoy the process of applying for gigs, that determination to penetrate things, all this trouble you had to go through,” he told the Guardian in 2021 . “I preferred playing parties. Little gatherings. Drinking with friends, hopping across the river.” “The ‘godfather of freak folk’ was for a prolific half-century the purveyor of an eccentric genius and compassionate wit … There is no other. Friends, family and the music community deeply mourn his loss,” a statement from his family read after his death at the age of 83. Clem Burke Clem Burke was the drummer in Blondie from 1975 until his death at 70, playing on the band’s most iconic songs, including Heart Of Glass, Atomic and The Tide Is High. In his long career, he also played with Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and Eurythmics, and was also heavily involved in the psychology of drumming, putting together studies about the subject. “Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” his bandmates said in a tribute posted on Facebook . “His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable,” wrote singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. “Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” his bandmates added. Nicky Katt Actor Nicky Katt was most well-known for playing villains and tough guys. He started his career as a child, with small roles in Gremlins and The ’Burbs before becoming a regular in Richard Linklater’s films. Nicky also had small roles in Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia and The Dark Knight, as well as appearing in Joel Schumacher’s A Time to Kill and Batman & Robin. He appeared in Waking Life, SubUrbia, School Of Rock and Dazed And Confused. Ted Kotcheff Canadian filmmaker Ted Kotcheff is best known as the director of First Blood and Weekend At Bernie’s. He also made The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, starring Richard Dreyfuss, which is considered one of the best Canadian films ever made . Ted went on to spend 13 seasons as an executive producer on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Jean Marsh Jean Marsh was a mainstay of British television for decades, and is best known for co-creating Upstairs Downstairs alongside Dame Eileen Atkins. Alongside co-writing the 70s series, Jean played the parlour maid Rose Buck, and also appeared in House Of Elliott, various episodes of Doctor Who and children’s TV show The Ghost Hunter. She also had significant on-screen credits, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, The Eagle Has Landed, Return To Oz and Willow. Patrick Adiarte Patrick Adiarte as Ho-Jon in M*A*S*H Filipino-born Patrick Adiarte came to fame starring in the stage and film versions of The King And I. He later joined the first season of M*A*S*H, playing Ho-Jon, the orphaned Korean houseboy who helped Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre for seven episodes. Damien Thomas Damien Thomas British actor Damien is best known for his role as Father Martin Alvito in the 1980 miniseries Shōgun, and his work as Richard Mason in the 1983 BBC production of Jane Eyre. To horror fans, Damien is perhaps best known for his role as the vampire Count Karnstein opposite Peter Cushing in the Hammer Films horror classic Twins Of Evil. His other film credits include Henry VIII and His Six Wives, Ray Harryhausen’s Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger and, more recently, 2010’s Never Let Me Go and 2016’s The Limehouse Golem. Pope Francis Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was the leader of the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first non-European Pope since Syrian-born Gregory III, who died in 741 AD. Before joining the church, he worked as a nightclub bouncer and chemist. Pope Francis was considered something of a moderate in his stance, believing in social reform and same-sex relationships, though not gay marriage or abortion. Will Hutchins Will Hutchins had a long and varied career as an actor. His most notable role was starring in the TV Western Sugarfoot, playing the frontier lawyer Tom Brewster, which aired from 1957 to 1961. He also appeared opposite Elvis Presley in two different movies, playing cop Tracy Richards in 1966′s Spinout and Tom in Clambake. Lar Park Lincoln Lar Park Lincoln, who died in April, aged 63, is best known for playing the conniving Linda Fairgate on Knots Landing and Tina Shepard in Friday The 13th Part VII: The New Blood. “Over her 45-year career, Lar left an unforgettable mark on Hollywood through her dynamic performances and dedication to mentoring aspiring actors,” the statement from The Actors Audition Studios, a Dallas-based company she founded, read after her passing. Jiggly Caliente Drag performer Jiggy Caliente found fame on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and died in April aged 44. The performer – whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo – also appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season six, and was a judge on the Filipino version of the reality TV show. On Instagram , RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage paid tribute, recalling: “The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. “You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high… I love you so much honey.” Priscilla Pointer Priscilla Pointer died in late April at the age of 100. She was best known for playing Mrs Snell, the mum of her real-life daughter Amy Irvine’s character in the 70s adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie. She had a long career on stage and screen, often playing maternal figures. She played Diane Keaton’s mum in 1977’s Looking For Mr. Goodbar, Kyle MacLachlan’s mother in Blue Velvet and Rebecca Barnes Wentworth, the mother of Victoria Principal’s character, in Dallas. May Charles ‘Charley’ Scalies Jr. Charles Scalies Jr. was an American actor best known for playing Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, the loyal docker and union member, on the second season of HBO’s The Wire. He also appeared as Coach Molinaro in season five of The Sopranos. Kirk Medas Kirk Medas Reality TV star Kirk Medas was best known for appearing in the Jersey Shore spin-off Floribama Shore. He died in early May, at the age of 33. Kirk joined the cast of the MTV show for its first season in 2017, appearing in all four seasons. Kirk also appeared on a special edition of Fear Factor, where the Floribama Shore cast competed against Jersey Shore: Family Vacation cast members, and had a role in the comedy series Everybody Hates Kyle in 2022. James Foley James Foley, the film director behind two of the Fifty Shades Of Grey films, died aged 71 in March. After Sam Taylor-Johnson left the film franchise after Fifty Shades Of Grey, James directed Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. He also directed three Madonna music videos, Papa Don’t Preach, Live To Tell and True Blue, in the 1980s, reuniting with the superstar again on the film Who’s That Girl, in which she played a woman falsely accused of murder. James’ other film credits include Glengarry Glen Ross, Fear, Perfect Stranger and The Corruptor, as well as episodes of popular TV shows like House Of Cards, Twin Peaks and Hannibal. Robert Benton Robert Benton was the Oscar-winning writer and director behind Kramer Vs. Kramer, the film which gave Meryl Streep her first Academy Award win. His first screen credit was for co-writing 1967′s Bonnie and Clyde with David Newman, and he was also one of the four writers on Richard Donner’s Superman. In the early 80s, he reunited with Meryl Streep for Still Of The Night, before winning his third Oscar for writing the Sally Field drama Places In The Heart. He later penned Paul Newman-led Nobody’s Fool and John Cusack’s The Ice Harvest. Terrance ‘Sabu’ Brunk Terrance Brunk, who was better known to wrestling fans by the stage name “Sabu”, pioneered the so-called hardcore style that became a touchstone of wrestling in the 1990s. Outside of the WWE, Sabu wrestled for top promotions around the world, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, AAA and CMLL, as well as multiple independent promotions. Lorna Raver Although Lorna Raver was a prolific screen and audiobook actress, she is perhaps best remembered for playing the woman who plants a curse on Alison Lohman’s bank executive character in Sam Raimi’s Drag Me To Hell. She regularly worked with David E. Kelley, appearing in the 1997 pilot of The Practice and playing judges in Ally McBeal and Boston Legal. Lorna also made multiple appearances on American television, having small roles in ER, Gilmore Girls, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy. George Wendt George Wendt became a household name for playing the beer-guzzling Norm in the sitcom Cheers . He was only supposed to have a small role in the iconic comedy, but soon became one of the famous characters in American television. He then reprised this character in an episode of St Elsewhere and the Cheers spin-offs The Tortellis and Frasier. Outside of playing Norm, he had his own sitcom, called The George Wendt Show, appeared in Spice World and had a prolific Broadway career. Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina Iconic Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina died the same week the Cannes Film Festival was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece Chronicle Of The Years of Fire, which remains the only Arab and African film to win the Palme d’Or. He competed for the Palme d’Or four times over his career, with his other contenders including The Winds Of The Aures, which won the Best First Film prize in 1967, as well as Sandstorm in 1982 and Last Image in 1986. Aside from his own career as a filmmaker, Mohammed ran Algeria’s news service, the l’Office des Actualités Algériennes (OAA), and was also head of the Algerian National Office for Commerce and the Film Industry between 1981 and 1984. Alan Yentob Alan Yentob was a former BBC controller, creative director and broadcaster. He became a household name with his many documentaries, interviewing some of the biggest names in film, TV, music and art. He was the presenter of documentaries like Omnibus, Arena and Imagine, where he interviewed the likes of Maya Angelou, David Bowie and Orson Welles. In 1988, he became the controller of BBC Two in 1988, overseeing the channel at its most influential, and was key in the launch of shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and The Late Show. Alan then became BBC One Controller between 1993 and 1997, before a stint as an overall director of programmes. Michael Sumler Michael Sumler, better known to fans as “Chicago Mike” was a long-time member of Kool and the Gang, joining the band in 1971 and touring with them in the 2000s. After starting as a hypeman for the disco funk band’s shows due to his energetic presence, Mike ended up joining the group as an official member, becoming a backing vocalist. “Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace,” the band said in a statement following the news of his death. Presley Chweneyagae South African acting icon Presley Chweneyagae died in May aged just 40. Presley landed his big international break after starring in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which earned the country its first Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. After the success of Tsotsi, he had a thriving career on stage and screen, with his subsequent credits including More Than Just a Game, State Of Violence and Africa United. Presley was also a talented writer and director, co-writing the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom. Ed Gale Ed Gale Ed Gale is best known as the physical performer behind the possessed doll Chucky in the horror films Child’s Play, Child’s Play 2 and Bride of Chucky. He was also the suit performer for Howard the Duck, while Chip Zien voiced the character, and had roles in Spaceballs, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown and O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Peter Kwong Peter Kwong is best known for playing one of the three martial arts warlocks in John Carpenter‘s 1986 classic Big Trouble In Little China. He started his career in shows like Wonder Woman, The A-Team and Miami Vice. He had roles in Never Too Young To Die alongside John Stanis and The Golden Child with Eddie Murphy. In addition to his acting work, Peter had an active career in Hollywood behind the scenes, serving on the SAG National Board of Directors and the AFTRA National Board of Directors. Devin Harjes Devin Harjes was best known for playing boxing legend Jack Dempsey on Boardwalk Empire, though he has numerous additional television credits. As well as Boardwalk Empire, Devin had a small role in Daredevil, playing Oscar, a nurse at Rikers Island. He also played a bank guard called Clyde in Gotham and made appearances in Elementary, Blue Bloods and Orange Is The New Black. Prentis Hancock Prentis Hancock Prentis Hancock is best known for his role in the first series of Space: 1999 as Paul Morrow, and appeared in numerous Doctor Who stories throughout the 1970s, playing different characters opposite Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker. A regular face on British television, his other appearances include Z-Cars, Colditz, The New Avengers, Minder and The Professionals. Loretta Swit Loretta Swit was known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H. This role earned her an Emmy nomination for every season of the show, which ran between 1972 and 1983, eventually winning two Emmys and earning four Golden Globe nominations for her role of a US army nurse in the Korean war. Her other TV appearances include The Muppet Show, Mission: Impossible and Murder, She Wrote. Renée Victor Renée Victor was the voice of Abuelita in Disney’s animated film Coco, and played Lupita on Weeds, appearing numerous times throughout the comedy/drama. Before embarking on her acting career, she toured with her husband as Ray & Renee, with the two eventually becoming known as the Latin Sonny and Cher. Her transition to screen included playing Florina Lopez in ER and appearing in The Doctor with William Hurt and A Night in Old Mexico, with Robert Duvall. Valerie Mahaffey Emmy-winning actress Valerie Maheffey was a recognisable face on American television for decades, before her death at the age of 71 in late May 2025. In 1992, Valerie won an Emmy for her portrayal of Eve in the dark comedy Northern Exposure, having previously won a daytime Emmy for her role in the soap opera, The Doctors. She had a memorable role in Desperate Housewives, as Orson’s manipulative ex-wife Alma. More recently, she played teacher Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a spin-off of the Big Bang Theory. Sam Gardiner Race Across The World viewers will recognise Sam Gardiner for competing on the second season, which aired in 2020, alongside his mum, Jo. The pair finished in fourth place overall, withdrawing before the final after running out of money during the race. His mum announced in June that Sam had died in a car accident, aged just 24. “Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special,” she said. June Jonathan Joss Jonathan Joss is best known for playing Chief Ken Hotate in Parks And Recreation, and also voiced John Redcorn in seasons two through 13 of the animated series King Of The Hill. He had been set to return for the revival of the animated show before his death in June 2025. The actor was tragically shot dead by a neighbour in what was reported at the time as a homophobic hate crime. Jay Wynne Jay Wynne was a prolific weather presenter in the UK, appearing across the BBC’s channels during his on-screen career. He died in early June at the age of 56, following a long illness, though his death was not made public until September. Edmund White Novelist and memoirist Edmund White was present during the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which kick-started a movement, and he went on to become one of the leading LGBTQ+ writers. He confidently wrote about the experience of gay men, co-authoring a unique pre-AIDS sex guide called The Joy Of Gay Sex, in a time when the information was hard to find. He also published the bestselling Boy’s Own Story, an autobiographical novel about a young man’s coming out story. Clifton Jones Clifton Jones Jamaican-born Clifton Jones’ most prominent role was playing David Kano in the first season of the 1970s science fiction TV show Space: 1999. In a career spanning over three decades, Clifton had roles on shows like Dixon Of Dock Green, Z-Cars and The Professionals. He also appeared in two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and voiced Blackavar in the animated adaptation of Watership Down. Pik-Sen Lim The British Film Institute has described Pik-Sen Lim as “the most familiar Chinese actor on British television screens in the 1970s and 80s”. She played Chung Su-Lee on the ITV sitcom Mind Your Language, Tsai Adams on the military drama Spearhead and appeared as the killer cleaner in Johnny English Reborn. She also played Captain Chin Lee in Doctor Who in 1971’s The Mind Of Evil. Pike-Sen is also the narrator of the Dark Souls series of video games and recently played The Queen in nine episodes of Vampire Academy. Arthur Hamilton Oscar-nominated songwriter Arthur Hamilton was the man behind the American standard Cry Me A River, which has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Cocker and Michael Bublé. He received his Oscar nomination for Till Love Touches Your Life, from the Leslie Caron Western, Madron. Sly Stone Sly Stone was a game-changing funk and disco musician who lit up dancefloors for generations. He and his band Sly And The Family Stone, pioneered a unique sound, mixing rock, soul, psychedelia and gospel. The group’s hits include three US number ones – Everyday People, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) and Family Affair. Their 1971 album, There’s A Riot Goin In, is regarded by many as one of best records of the 20th century . Harris Yulin Harris Yulin appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows before his death in June at the age of 87 . Some of Harris’ most notable roles included playing a chief detective in Scarface, Judge Stephen Wexler in Ghostbusters II, Wyatt Earp in Doc and Rubin Carter’s lawyer in the 1999 film The Hurricane. His TV credits were also extensive and varied, including playing the Director Of the National Security Agency in the second season of 24, Quentin Travers in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Buddy Dieker in Ozark. Terry Louise Fisher Terry Louise Fisher Terry Louise Fisher was a three-time Emmy-winning writer and producer known for co-creating LA Law. The show made a number of actors household names, including Harry Hamlin, Blair Underwood and Richard Dysart. She also wrote and produced Cagney & Lacey, which earned her an Emmy, having worked in the L.A. district attorney’s office before finding fame as a writer, which informed many of her scripts. Brian Wilson The founding member of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, is considered one of the best musical minds of his generation. Brian wrote some of the most defining pop songs of all time, including Surfin’ USA, California Girls, I Get Around, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows. Joanna Bacon Joanna Bacon was a British actor best known for her role in Love Actually, where she played the mum of Martine McCutcheon’s character, Natalie. She also played Jackie, the mother of Martin Freeman’s character, in Breeders and appeared in five episodes of BBC One’s one-season mystery Moonflower Murders, alongside Lesley Manville. Kim Woodburn Kim Woodburn Kim Woodburn was a 60-year-old Kent cleaner when an independent production company asked her to front the reality TV show How Clean Is Your House alongside journalist Aggie MacKenzie. The duo appeared in How Clean Is My House between 2003 and 2009, after which she made headline-making appearances on reality shows including I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Big Brother. Joe Marinelli US actor Joe Marinelli was perhaps best known for playing director Donny Spagnoli on drama series The Morning Show, but he got his big break years earlier, guest starring in an episode of legal drama L.A Law. He went on to star in cop shows NYPD Blue and Lethal Weapon as well as taking on roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Desperate Housewives, Numb3rs, and Victorious. Mick Ralphs Guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs will be best remembered for his time in the classic British rock band Mott The Hoople. He later left the band to form Bad Company, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame after Mick’s death, in November 2025. A statement after his death read: “He is survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children and his beloved bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke.” Bobby Sherman The former shaggy-haired teen idol Bobby Sherman was known for his songs Little Woman, La La La (If I Had You), Easy Come, Easy Go, and Julie, Do Ya Love Me, and became a household name after appearing on the 1960s US TV show Here Come the Brides. Stepping out of the spotlight in the 1980s, Bobby trained as a paramedic and worked as a medical training officer at the Los Angeles Police Academy. After being diagnosed with stage four cancer, his wife Brigette Poublon Sherman announced his death in June, saying: “Bobby left this world holding my hand – just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage.” Rick Hurst Dukes Of Hazzard fans were saddened to hear about Rick Hurst’s death over the summer. He played beloved character Deputy Cletus Hogg for five seasons on the long-running 1980s action comedy show, with a fan page remembering “his gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing and kind-hearted spirit”. Rick also appeared in Amanda’s – the ill-fated US reboot of Fawlty Towers – as well as Steel Magnolias, In The Line Of Fire and Karate Kid III. Maureen Hingert Sri Lankan beauty queen, actor, dancer and model Maureen Hingert died at the age of 88 in June. In 1955, after winning a national pageant in her home country, she went on to become a runner-up in Miss Universe, with many lauding her for raising the country’s profile. Hollywood then came calling, and she later starred in films including The King And I, Gun Fever and Gunmen From Laredo. Kenneth Colley Character actor Kenneth Colley had a 60-year career on the screen with roles as varied as Star Wars’ Admiral Piett, Jesus in Monty Python’s controversial The Life Of Brian and Hitler in the TV movie Dance Of The Seven Veils. He also worked extensively with renowned director Ken Russell between the 1970s and 90s appearing in films including The Music Lovers, The Devils, The Rainbow and Lisztomania. Kenneth’s agent confirmed that the British actor had died at his Ashford home in Kent at the age of 87, following complications from Covid and pneumonia. Frank Barrie Stage actor and Eastenders star Frank Barrie died earlier this year at the age of 88. Frank played Dot Cotton’s love interest Edward Bishop in EastEnders from 2010 to 2011, and had a long stage career prior to hitting Albert Square. His Shakespearean roles covered Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and The Merchant Of Venice, while he was also a member of Sir Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre Company at the Old Vic. July Sophia Hutchins Caitlyn Jenner’s close friend and manager of almost 10 years, Sophia Hutchins died aged 29 in July. The socialite was involved in a life-ending accident when her ATV (all-terrain vehicle) collided with another car. Sophia regularly appeared in Caitlyn’s documentary series I Am Cait, as well as Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Sylvia Young With alumni including Amy Winehouse, Daniel Kaluuya, Billie Piper, Keeley Hawes and Ashley Walters, Sylvia Young’s theatre school is well-known for creating pop culture stars. Sylvia died over the summer at the age of 85, with her family saying in a statement: “Our mum was a true visionary. She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.” Her eponymous school was founded in 1972, and she was made an OBE in 2005 for her services to the arts, later receiving a special Olivier award in 2022 for “giving countless students the opportunity to study performing arts”. Michael Madsen Michael Madsen was most recognisable for his roles in Quentin Tarantino movies like Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He also appeared in a range of movies including WarGames, Thelma & Louise, Free Willy, The Doors, Sin City and the James Bond film Die Another Day. In addition to his acting work, Michael was a contestant on the ninth season of Celebrity Big Brother back in 2012, and that same year, appeared in the music video for Justin Bieber’s single As Long As You Love Me. Julian McMahon Australian actor Julian McMahon cut his teeth on the homegrown soap Home And Away before landing his big breakthrough as plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck. Julian also played Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom in two films, and had roles in Charmed, FBI: Most Wanted, Profiler, Premonition and Red. Young Noble Rapper Young Noble died by suicide in July, aged 47. Born Rufus Lee Cooper III, Young Noble was a member of Tupac’s hip-hop group Outlawz, and became known for his collaborations with the late rapper. He also released five solo albums, with the most recent being Outlaw University, released in 2023. Diogo Jota Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota died in a car crash along with his brother, fellow sportsman André Silva, in Spain. The son of a crane operator and a car factory worker, Diogo started playing football aged nine, and scored over 100 times as a talented forward throughout his 300 appearances. He won the Premier League title, the FA Cup and the League Cup with Liverpool, who were his club from 2020 until his death. Diogo is survived by his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three children, Dinis, Duarte and Laura. Mark Snow Mark Snow was widely known for creating The X-Files theme, as well as composing the score for all nine seasons of the show and its revival. A 15-time Emmy nominee, his CV also included Smallville, Blue Bloods, Ghost Whisperer, One Tree Hill and Starsky & Hutch. James Carter Cathcart James Carter Cathcart voiced some of the best-loved Pokémon characters in more than 700 episodes of the anime series’ English dubs. Among the characters he played were Gary, Meowth, Team Rocket member James, and he also lent his voice to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Writing about his death, his wife Martha wrote: “Thanks to all of Jimmy’s fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you!” Connie Francis Once the world’s biggest-selling female artist, Connie Francis recently enjoyed a resurgence after her 1962 song Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok in early 2025. Connie died aged 87 in July, after being diagnosed with pneumonia while in hospital being treated for pelvic pain. Starting her prolific career in 1957 with Who’s Sorry Now, 10 years later she had racked up 35 top 40 hits in the US, and sold 35 million records worldwide. After a hiatus due to several personal tragedies, Connie made a comeback in the 1990s and was performing well into her 70s. Alan Bergman Alan Bergman made up one half of a hugely successful songwriting team, alongside his wife Marilyn, who died in 2022. Over the course of their career, the duo won four Emmys, three Oscars and two Grammys for their songwriting, which included collaborations with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones and Barbra Streisand. Robbie Pardlo Robbie Pardlo was part of the R&B group City High, who broke the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic with their Grammy-nominated hit What Would You Do? back in 2001. He died in July, with his brother Gregory saying: “Even with his body covered in tattoos and the streetwise tough guy persona he cultivated, my little brother will always be a sweet, goofy kid in my eyes.” Malcolm-Jamal Warner The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner died from drowning in July 2025, aged 54. An award-winning actor, musician and poet, he was also known for his roles in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between The Lines, Suits and The Resident. Dan Ziskie Dan Ziskie was an actor best known for his appearances in Treme and House Of Cards, where he had a recurring role as the Vice President of the United States. He died from cardiovascular disease at the age of 80, with his family writing that he “was a man of remarkable talent and a keen observer of life.” “He was as vibrant and multifaceted as the characters he portrayed on stage and screen,” they said. Alfie Wise Well-known for his work with friend and contemporary Burt Reynolds, actor Alfie Wise appeared in films like Smokey And The Bandit, Hooper, Starting Over and Heat. His last role before retiring from acting was in the 2000 CBBC series Miami 7, and he later became a real estate agent. Alfie died aged 82, with his agents paying tribute to his “humour, positive attitude and charming personality”. Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath star and self-professed “Prince Of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne died of a cardiac arrest aged 76, just weeks after performing a farewell concert in his native Birmingham. An icon of British heavy metal, he inspired a generation of musicians including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses with his distinctive image and pioneering rock sound. Ozzy also became a reality TV star in the 2000s along with his wife and manager Sharon, when MTV launched the fly-on-the-wall show The Osbournes. In a statement announcing his death, the Osbournes wrote that Ozzy died “surrounded by love”. Hulk Hogan One of the most widely-recognised figures from the world of wrestling, Hulk Hogan – whose real name was Terry Bollea – was also a controversial figure in US pop culture. WIth his distinctive moustache and bandanas, in-ring theatrics, and “Hulkmania” routine, Hogan brought WWE to the mainstream as well as dabbling in films like Rocky III. He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2005, but had his status revoked after racist comments he’d made were released. Hogan had his status restored in 2020, after he became a key celebrity figure in Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. The wrestler died over the summer at the age of 71, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. Jeffrey Louis Starr Former child actor Jeffrey Louis Starr was known for his roles as catcher Mike Engelberg in sports comedy films The Bad News Bears In Breaking Training and The Bad News Bears Go To Japan. Jeffrey’s family remembered how he “lived an amazing life and shared his light with countless people”. Alon Aboutboul Israeli actor and director Alon Abutbul died aged 60 at the end of July. Alon starred in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, Rambo III and Body Of Lies as well as US crime drama series Snowfall. He is survived by his wife, Shir Bilia, and their four children. Jeannie Seely Country icon Jeannie Seely is credited with changing the game for women in the genre, thanks to her frank songs and bold fashion choices. Known as “Miss Country Soul” Jeannie broke through with her Grammy-winning song Don’t Touch Me and followed it with other hits like A Wanderin’ Man” and I’ll Love You More (Than You’ll Need). She died aged 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection, with contemporary Dolly Parton paying tribute to one of her “dearest friends”. “We had many wonderful laughs together, cried over certain things together and she will be missed,” she wrote. August Jonathan Kaplan Five time Emmy-nominated director Jonathan Kaplan studied film under Martin Scorsese in New York, which ultimately led to a recommendation that scored him his first feature film – Night Call Nurses. Jonathan’s 1988 film The Accused landed Jodie Foster the Oscar for Best Actress, while his later feature Love Field earned Michelle Pfeiffer a nomination. The director also earned a handful of Emmy nods for his work directing and producing medical drama series ER. He died at the age of 77 from advanced liver cancer. Kelley Mack Kelley Mack’s most prolific role was as Addy in the ninth season of the dystopian thriller The Walking Dead. She also appeared in the US dramas 9-1-1 and Chicago Med, as well as the 2025 film Universal, in which she acted alongside The Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas. In addition to her acting career, Kelley was also involved in film production, screenwriting and cinematography. She died in August at the age of 33, months after beginning treatment for a rare form of cancer. Loni Anderson Loni Anderson was a three-time Golden Globe nominee and two-time Emmy nominee due to her performance as Jennifer Marlowe in the radio-centric sitcom WKRP In Cincinnati. She also played Jayne Mansfield in a TV movie about the actor, and also appeared in shows like Easy Street, Nurses and the TV spin-off of Clueless. Terry Reid Rock singer and guitarist Terry Reid was known for his impressive musical abilities and powerful singing voice, earning him the nickname “Superlungs” by his peers. After beginning his career in the early 60s, he turned down offers to front the groups Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, and he went on to release six studio albums in his lifetime. His work has been covered by everyone from Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Hollies to Marianne Faithfull and Jack White. Jon Miyahara Fans of the cult sitcom Superstore will best know Jon Miyahara for his performance as the silent character Brett Kobashigawa. Jon appeared in the first four seasons of the popular US show, with a running joke being that while he didn’t speak, he was one of the staff’s best salesmen and had an air of authority over many of his colleagues. Before he was cast in Superstore, he also made several appearances in the popular YouTube series Elders React. Jon died in August, two days before what would have been his 84th birthday. Fred Emery Fred Emery was a celebrated investigative journalist and TV personality, who most would remember for his work on the BBC’s flagship Panorama show between 1977 and 1992. As part of his on-screen career, he interviewed Margaret Thatcher, and fronted segments on everything from the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal. Ray Brooks Many will remember Ray Brooks as the narrator of the popular 1970s children’s series Mr Benn, as well as lending his voice to a similar series, King Rollo. His earlier acting credits included the British sitcom Taxi!, comedy films like The Knack… And How to Get It and Carry On Abroad and the drama Cathy Come Home. Ray later starred in the series Big Deal and Growing Pains, before joining the cast of EastEnders in the mid-2000s, as the villainous Joe Macer. Bobby Whitlock Singer-songwriter Bobby Whitlock’s career took off in the early 1970s as a member of the rock band Derek And The Dominos alongside Eric Clapton. He went on to release four solo albums, and performed as a musician on albums by everyone from former Beatles musician George Harrison and The Rolling Stones, to Eric Clapton, his former bandmate. After taking a step back from music in the late 70s, he made a return in 1999, releasing an additional 10 albums between then and 2013, often alongside his wife CoCo Carmel. David Ketchum Comedian and actor David Ketchum racked up a string of impressive on-screen credits between the early 1960s and late 1990s. Some of his most notable work included playing Agent 13 in Get Smart, reprising the role in several reboots and revivals, as well as Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore’s popular series. He also acted in Bless the Beasts & Children and Camp Runamuck, and was a regular in I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster. David also released the comedy album The Long-Playing Tongue Of Dave Ketchum in 1962. Ann McManus Screenwriter Ann McManus will be best remembered as the creator of the BBC schools drama Waterloo Road. Ann also contributed to popular shows like the ITV dramas Footballers’ Wives and Bad Girls, as well as the long-running soap Coronation Street, and was the co-founder of the production company Shed Productions, whose other projects included Rock Rivals and Hope Springs. Terence Stamp Veteran British actor Terence Stamp had a career that spanned seven decades, with some of his most popular roles including General Zod in Superman, Finis Valorum in the Star Wars movie The Phantom Menace, a criminal known simply as Wilson in The Limey and the title role in Billy Budd. Billy Budd was Terence’s screen debut, earning him nominations at the Oscars and Baftas, as well as a win for Most Promising Male Newcomer at the Golden Globes. He also played Bernadette Bassenger in Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, and had completed work on reprising the role in an upcoming sequel prior to his death at the age of 87. Jerry Adler Jerry Adler was a prolific screen actor and theatrical producer, perhaps most notably playing “Hesh” in The Sopranos and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife. His additional TV work included playing the superintendent Mr. Wicker on Mad About You, Sam Stewart in Raising Dad, Moshe Pfefferman in Transparent and one-off appearances in Broad City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing. In 2019, he performed his final role in the Netflix comedy Living With Yourself. Floyd Levine Melrose Place fans might remember Floyd Levine for his recurring role as Artie Zeitlin in the mid-1990s. Some of Floyd’s other work included Cagney & Lacey, Crazy Like A Fox, the miniseries adaptation of the novel Valley Of The Dolls and the popular mystery series Murder, She Wrote, in which he appeared in two episodes. September Graham Greene Graham Greene’s career began in the early 1980s, with his breakthrough performance following in 1990 when he was cast as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s Dancing With Wolves. This performance earned Graham an Oscar nomination, and he went on to appear in a variety of projects like the third Die Hard movie, the Stephen King adaptation The Green Mile and the drama Transamerica. Meanwhile, Twilight fans will also know him for playing Harry Clearwater in the second movie, New Moon. Rolling Ray Social media influencer Rolling Ray first surged to popularity in 2019, and became known for coining phrases like “it’s giving” and “purr”, racking up hundreds of thousands of followers over the years. Ray had a form of spinal muscular atrophy and died of natural causes two days before what would have been his 29th birthday. Among those to pay tribute included the Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, who said he would “ truly be missed”. Rick Davies Rick Davies will be best remembered as the founder and longest-serving member of the hit group Supertramp, writing and co-writing some of the group’s biggest hits including Bloody Well Right, Breakfast In America and Give A Little Bit. Initially sharing vocal duties with Roger Hodgson, he took over as the group’s sole singer in the early 1980s. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, dying of complications from the disease 10 years later, at the age of 81. Roger Hodgson’s daughter Heidi paid tribute at the time , remembering “laying under the soundboard, listening to the magic that happened when he and dad played together”. Paula Shaw Paula Shaw Paula Shaw was a lifelong member of the Actors’ Studio, appearing in movies like The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas and the TV series Three’s Company and The X-Files. Fans of the horror genre might also remember Paula for her performance as Pamela Voorhees in the crossover movie Freddy vs. Jason. Towards the end of her career, she starred in a string of seasonal projects for the Hallmark channel. Pat Crowley Pat Crowley began her acting career in the early 1950s, scooping the Golden Globe for New Star Of The Year off the back of her performances in the films Forever Female and Money From Home. After several big-screen roles, Pat made several TV appearances, in shows as varied as Please Don’t Eat The Daisies, Joe Forrester, Generations and Dynasty. She also appeared in memorable episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 , Frasier, Charmed and Friends, before her final movie role in 2012’s Mont Reve. Marilyn Knowlden Marilyn Knowlden began her acting career as a child performer in the early 1930s, and was aged just four when she racked up appearances in movies like Husband’s Holiday, Once A Lady, Call Her Savage, Imitation Of Life and adaptations of Little Women, David Copperfield and Les Misérables. She retired from screen acting in 1940, and shared her experiences of Hollywood’s “golden era” in her 2011 memoir Little Girl In Big Pictures. In September, she died at the age of 99, at the assisted-living facility where she had been living in her final years. Robert Redford One of the most prolific actors of his generation, Robert Redford was the definition of a screen legend thanks to his work in All The President’s Men, The Way We Were, The Sting and The Great Gatsby. As his career progressed, he made a move into directing, winning an Oscar for helming Ordinary People in 1980, and founded the Sundance institute, which has organised the film festival of the same name for the last 47 years. His final acting credits included Indecent Proposal, Disney’s remake of Pete’s Dragon, several Marvel movies (in which he appeared as Alexander Pierce) and The Old Man & The Gun, which he said at the time would be his final major on-screen role . Lee Weaver Character actor Lee Weaver was known for his work in the TV series The Bill Cosby Show, Easy Street and the police dramas Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. He also made appearances in The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and Netflix’s Grace And Frankie, which marked his final on-screen role in 2020. Claudia Cardinale Italian performer Claudia Cardinale became a household name in the 1960s thanks to movie roles in The Leopard, The Pink Panther and Federico Fellini’s 8½. Over the course of her career, she was awarded Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in Claretta, and in 2010, won the Golden Orange prize for her work in the Turkish film Signora Enrica. She continued to work until the 2020s, playing crime matriarch Catarina Bastiani in Netflix’s French miniseries Rogue City. Announcing the news of her death at the age of 87, her agent said: “She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste.” October Jane Goodall The world’s most famous primatologist, Jane Goodall was known for her work in the fields of conservation and animal rights, and was particularly known for her expertise with chimpanzees. She died from natural causes at the age of 91, with Prince Harry, Al Gore, Justin Trudeau and Leonardo DiCaprio among those to pay their respects. Towards the end of her life, Jane Goodall had recorded an episode of the Netflix series Famous Last Words, in which public figures sit down for interviews specifically intended to only be released posthumously, which was released two days after her death. Ed Williams Fans of the Naked Gun movies will recognise Ed Williams for his performance as Ted Olsen, originating the role in the short-lived TV series Police Squad!. His other notable credits included The Giant Of Thunder Mountain and Father Of The Bride. Ed died at his home in Los Angeles in September, at the age of 98. Dame Patricia Routledge To British comedy fans, Patricia Routledge will always be synonymous with her award-winning performance as Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, for which she received two Bafta nominations. Dame Patricia’s other on-screen work included Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Marjorie And Men, Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads series and the crime drama Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, which ran for four seasons in the late 1990s. Her spokesperson said following her death: “Even at 96 years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.” Dame Jilly Cooper Dame Jilly Cooper was best known as the creator of the romance novels known as the Rutshire Chronicles, which last year were adapted for television in the hit series Rivals . Several of her other works were also adapted for the screen including Riders, Octavia and The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous. Remembering her as the “ shining light in all of our lives”, Dame Jilly’s children said in a tribute: “We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.” John Lodge British musician John Lodge will be best remembered for his work as a vocalist and bass player in The Moody Blues, joining the band in the mid-1960s and helping form their signature sound on hits like Isn’t Life Strange and I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band). As part of The Moody Blues, John was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2018. John also enjoyed success as a solo artist, most recently releasing the album Days Of Future Passed in 2023. Diane Keaton A true screen legend, Diane Keaton was known for her numerous collaborations with the filmmakers Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers. Following her breakthrough performance in The Godfather, Diane won an Oscar for her performance in the title role of 1977’s Annie Hall, and went on to appear in a variety of projects including Play It Again, Sam, Reds, The First Wives Club, Father Of The Bride and Something’s Gotta Give. On the small screen, she was also nominated for an Emmy off the back of her performance as Amelia Earhart in a 1995 TV movie and more recently played a powerful nun in The Young Pope. Former collaborator Bette Midler said: “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was.” D’Angelo R&B superstar D’Angelo was a celebrated vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and music producer. A four-time Grammy winner, his most impactful solo hits included Brown Sugar, Lady and Untitled (How Does It Feel). He died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 51, with Beyoncé and former US leader Barack Obama leading the tributes at the time. “We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry,” Beyoncé said. “You were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever.” Penelope Milford Penelope Milford earned an Oscar nomination in the late 1970s off the back of her work in the war drama Coming Home, in which he starred alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voigt. Her additional work included the TV movie Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Story, the cult teen comedy Heathers and the Broadway musical Shenandoah, for which she received a Drama Desk nomination. Ace Frehley Guitarist Paul Daniel Frehley, known professionally as Ace, was a founding member of the rock group Kiss. As part of Kiss, Ace Frehley racked up 16 top 40 albums, a Grammy nomination and an induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014. Outside of Kiss, he also enjoyed solo success and was the frontman of the band Frehley’s Comet. Michael DeLano Those who loved the Ocean’s Eleven franchise will recognise Michael DeLano for his performance in the first and second films as casino manager Frank Walsh, the right-hand man of Andy García’s character. He also appeared in The A-Team, Wonder Woman and Hill Street Blues, in addition to his music career, under the moniker Key Larson. David Ball Electronic musician David Ball was best known as one half of the pioneering pop duo Soft Cell, whose version of Tainted Love became a huge hit in 1981. Outside of Soft Cell, David was a founding member of the group The Grid, and collaborated with artists including Kylie Minogue and Gavin Friday. Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond paid a lengthy tribute following the news of his former bandmate’s death at the age of 66, revealing they’d completed work on a new album just days earlier. “ I listened to the complete album for the first time yesterday. It makes me so sad as this would have been a great uplifting year for him and I can take solace that he heard this finished record and felt it was a great piece of work,” Marc wrote. “Dave’s music is better than ever – his tunes, his hooks unmistakably Soft Cell. Yet he always took it to a different level.” “Thank you Dave for being an immense part of my life and for the music you gave me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you,” Marc added. June Lockhart June Lockhart began her expansive Hollywood career in the 1930s and 40s, with films including Meet Me In St Louis and an early adaptation of A Christmas Carol. She later became known for playing mother characters in Lassie and Lost In Space, and continued to work long into her life, racking up two Emmy nods and a Tony nomination. Among her most recent roles were one-off appearances in Grey’s Anatomy and Cold Case, as well as a voice appearance in Netflix’s Lost In Space revival in 2021. Prunella Scales Best known for her work as the formidable Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, Prunella Scales died in late September, more than a decade after being diagnosed with vascular dementia. Outside of Fawlty Towers, she appeared in Marriage Lines and the TV movie A Question Of Attribution, for which she was nominated for a Bafta, as well as After Henry, Howards End, The Shell Seekers and a series of popular adverts for Tesco in the 1990s. She and her late husband Timothy West also fronted 10 seasons of the travel series Great Canal Journeys together, eventually stepping away from the project in 2019. Fawlty Towers co-star John Cleese remembered Prunella as a “ really wonderful comic actress” who was “absolutely perfect” as a scene partner. Maria Riva Two-time Emmy nominee Maria Riva was known for her performances in the likes of Studio One, Suspense and Robert Montgomery Presents in the 1950s, eventually racking up more than 500 teleplay appearances for CBS. Maria was also the daughter of screen icon Marlene Dietrich, publishing a well-received biography about her famous mother in the early 1990s. Tchéky Karyo Tchéky Karyo began his screen career in French cinema, and was nominated for the Most Promising Actor title at the César Awards in 1982, for his performance in Bob Swaim’s La Balance. He became known for his many collaborations with Luc Besson, as well as playing Vincent Van Gogh in the French-language fantasy movie Vincent And Me, a Russian minister in GoldenEye, Dr. Willy Rozenbaum in And The Band Played On and Georges Méliès in the miniseries From The Earth To The Moon. November Donna Godchaux Throughout the 1970s, Donna Godchaux made a name for herself as the singer in The Grateful Dead, in addition to her work with the Jerry Garcia Band and the Heart Of Gold Band. In her later years, she also formed the Donna Jean Godchaux Band, alongside members of the Zen Tricksters. Pauline Collins Pauline Collins was synonymous with the role of Shirley Valentine, a character she originated on stage, earning her both a Tony and Olivier win, before winning a Bafta for her performance in the film adaptation in 1989. She was also an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee for Shirley Valentine, having previously been nominated for a TV Bafta for Upstairs Downstairs, in which she played Sarah Moffat. You may have also seen Pauline as Queen Victoria in Doctor Who, Sue in Mount Pleasant or Mrs Gamp in Dickensian. Betty Harford US actor Betty Harford acted in five episodes of the anthology series The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, also appearing in Dynasty, The Paper Chase, Gunsmoke and The Twilight Zone. On the big screen, she appeared in The Wild And The Innocent and Inside Daisy Clover. Diane Ladd Diane Ladd was a three-time Oscar nominee, appearing in Wild At Heart, Rambling Rose and the title role in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. She went on to reprise the role in the TV spin-off Alice, earning her an additional three Emmy nominations, and she also appeared in movies like Chinatown, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Joy. Outside of her screen career, Diane was the mum of Oscar winner Laura Dern , who paid tribute to her mum following her death at the age of 89. “As an artist and human being, you were always loving, always dreaming, always creating, and ever in service for all,” the Big Little Lies star wrote on Instagram . “I love you, Mom.” Lee Tamahori New Zealand-born director began his film career with 1994’s Once Were Warriors, going on to helm the likes of Mulholland Falls, XXX: State Of The Union, The Devil’s Double, Along Came A Spider and a popular episode of The Sopranos. To James Bond fans, he’s perhaps most recognisable as the man behind 2002’s Die Another Day, the final film to star Pierce Brosnan as 007. Tatsuya Nakadai A prominent star from Japan’s golden era of cinema Tatsuya Nakadai’s on-screen work included Harakiri, Sanjuro and Ran, as well as the anti-war movie trilogy The Human Condition. His final on-screen appearance was in 2020, when he played Makino Tadayuki in Takashi Koizumi’s The Pass: Last Days Of The Samurai. Over the course of his career, Tatsuya received some of Japan’s most prestigious honours, including a purple ribbon medal in 1996, awarded by the Emperor of Japan to those who have excelled in their field, as well as Japan’s Order Of Culture around 20 years later. Charlotte Bingham The author of more than 30 novels, mostly in the historical romance genre, Charlotte Bingham’s work also included writing for TV shows like the period drama Upstairs Downstairs, the sitcom No Honestly – co-written with her husband, and based on the first decade of their marriage – and the TV movie Riders, based on Jilly Cooper’s book of the same name. She died in November, at the age of 83. Andria Lawrence Andria Lawrence first made a name for herself in the 70s film On The Buses as “Turnaround Betty”, leading to roles in For the Love Of Ada and Man About The House. She later collaborated with Ken Loach in Cathy Come Home and appeared in Hammer Films’ Countess Dracula and an ad campaign Courage Tavern Keg Bitter. Sally Kirkland Once a member of Andy Warhol’s “Factory”, Sally Kirkland’s acting career reached new heights in the late 1980s when she was cast in the lead role of Anna, for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. She later won acclaim for her work in the TV movie The Haunted, leading to another Golden Globe nomination, and also appeared in Days Of Our Lives, Bruce Almighty, the TV adaptation of Valley Of The Dolls. In November, she died at the age of 84, following what her friends described as a “ challenging few months” relating to her health. Alice and Ellen Kessler The German-born Kessler twins first rose to international prominence when they competed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1959, before moving to Italy and reinventing themselves as a variety act. At the age of 89, the twins died together in Grunwald by assisted suicide, leaving their estate to a variety of charities including Doctors Without Borders and Unicef. Spencer Lofranco Former child actor Spencer Lofranco began his career in the 2013 romantic comedy At Middleton, before taking the lead in Jamesy Boy. He went on to star in 2016’s King Cobra and Gotti as the on-screen son of John Travolta. Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield Best known to music fans as “Mani”, Gary was best known for his work in two pioneering British acts, The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He died in November, as a result of breathing issues brought about by his long-held struggles with emphysema. Lead singer Ian Brown remembered Mani as “ the life and soul of any room he was in”, while Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillesspie recalled how the musician made him “feel like a million dollars”. Jimmy Cliff One of Jamaica’s most celebrated musicians, Jimmy Cliff was a reggae, ska and soul singer who held seven Grammy nominations and Jamaica’s Order Of Merit, the highest honour given for achievements in the fields of arts and science. Paying his respects, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that Jimm’s music “ lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today”. Poorstacy American singer Poorstacy died by suicide in November 2025 at the age of 26. Throughout his short career in music, the performer – whose legal name was Carlito Junior Milfort – had been lauded for his ability to fuse hip-hop beats with elements from punk and heavy metal music, and was featured on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack to Bill & Ted Face The Music. Sir Tom Stoppard Among playwright Sir Tom Stoppard’s most prolific works included the absurdist Hamlet reimagining Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties, Arcadia and the Olivier-winning Leopoldstadt.. He also worked behind the scenes in film and TV, adapting Anna Karenina for the big screen in 2012, and contributing to the scripts of Star Wars movie Revenge Of The Sith, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Sleepy Hollow and Shakespeare In Love. He died at the age of 88 in November, with King Charles among those paying tribute. “My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our greatest writers, Sir Tom Stoppard,” the monarch said. “A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history. We send our most heartfelt sympathy to his beloved family. Let us all take comfort in his immortal line: ‘Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else’.” December Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Mortal Kombat fans will know Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa for his work as the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung, one of many villainous roles he became synonymous with over the course of his career. Cary-Hiroyuki also appeared in the James Bond movie Licence To Kill, the war epic Pearl Harbour, the period drama Memoirs Of A Geisha and the Tekken films. More recently, he starred in Netflix’s Lost In Space revival and played Nobusuke Tagomi in The Man In The High Castle. Raul Malo Singer-songwriter Raul Malo was the frontman of the country music band The Mavericks, probably best known to British music fans for their 1998 hit Dance The Night Away. He announced in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, dying in December at the age of 60. Sophie Kinsella British author Sophie Kinsella was most famous for her Shopaholic best series, adapted for the big screen in 2009 as the film Confessions Of A Shopaholic. Her other works included the books Can You Keep A Secret?, Remember Me? and 2024’s What Does It Feel Like?. She disclosed last year that she had been diagnosed with the aggressive form of brain cancer glioblastoma , dying at her home in Dorset in December 2025 at the age of 55. Jeff Garcia If you were a fan of the cartoon series Jimmy Neutron, you’ll be familiar with Jeff Garcia as he voiced Sheen Estevez, as well as portraying Pip the Mouse in Barnyard and various characters in the Rio movies. Away from his voice acting work, Jeff was also a comedian. He died in December 2025 after a lengthy period of ill health. Peter Greene Peter Greene’s most notable film credits included Pulp Fiction and The Mask, in which he played the security guard Zed and the villainous Dorian Tyrell, respectively. He also appeared in the US remake of Life On Mars, had a recurring role in Chicago P.D. and most recently played Uncle Charlie in the John Wick spin-off The Continental. Stanley Baxter Comedian and impressionist Stanley Baxter rose to fame in the 1960s, fronting several of his own BBC shows across the decades. A multiple Bafta winner, the hugely influential comic died at the retirement home Denville Hall, where he’d been living since 2023, at the age of 99. Joanna Trollope The best-selling author Joanna Troloppe, also known by the pen name Caroline Harvey, published more than 30 novels in her lifetime. Announcing the writer’s death in December, her agent hailed her as “ one of our most cherished, acclaimed and widely enjoyed novelists” who will be “mourned by her children, grandchildren, family, her countless friends and – of course – her readers”. Rob Reiner The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner initially began his career by following in his father’s footsteps, winning an Emmy for his performance in the comedy All In The Family. He later achieved yet more success with his career as a director, helming projects as varied as the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, the family adventure The Princess Bride, the Stephen King adaptations Stand By Me and Misery and the legal drama A Few Good Men. The much-loved filmmaker and his wife, the photographer Michele Singer, were both found dead at their home in Los Angeles, for which their son Nick was later arrested and charged with murder Gil Gerard Gil Gerard was best known for playing the title role in sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. You might have also seen him in the film Airport ’77, or the TV series Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II, Drop Dead Diva or Transformers: Robots in Disguise, in which he voiced Megatronus. His final on-screen role was in 2019’s Space Captain And Callista. William Rush William Rush was best known playing schoolboy Josh Stevenson in four seasons of Waterloo Road between 2009 and 2013, becoming involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines of the time. He later appeared alongside his mum Debbie Rush in Coronation Street, competed on the talent search The X Factor and was later cast in the Australian miniseries Friday On My Mind as the musician George Young, which marked his final on-screen role. “As a family, our hearts are completely broken, and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss,” his mum wrote in December, following her son’s death at the age of 33. “Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all. Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy.” Lorraine Cheshire Lorraine Cheshire will be best remembered for her work in the British comedies Early Doors and Trollied, as well as the teen drama Waterloo Road. More recently, she appeared in the dramedy Ackley Bridge and starred in the BBC series In The Club. James Ransone James Ransone’s most recognisable role was as Ziggy Sobotka in the acclaimed crime drama The Wire, and he also starred in Rian Johnson’s Poker Face and the second It movie as Eddie Kaspbrak, the grown-up version of Jack Dylan Glazer’s character. In the past, he had been open about his past issues with his mental health and substance abuse, and took his own life in December, at the age of 46. Chris Rea Chris Rea was a British singer-songwriter best known for his festive hit Driving Home For Christmas which, earlier this year, was named as one of the UK’s favourite Christmas songs ever. Over the course of his career, Chris had several hits including 1978’s Fool (If You Think It’s Over), 1987’s Let’s Dance and 1988’s On The Beach, as well as the top 10 The Road To Hell, and released 25 studio albums, most recently in 2019. Brigitte Bardot French actor Brigitte Bardot rose the status of cinema icon in the 1960s, before retiring from performing in the mid-1970s to focus her attention on animal rights activism. In her later years, she became a polarising figure, and was fined on no fewer than six occasions for inciting racial hatred over comments she made about Muslims and residents of Réunion. Melanie Watson Melanie Watson will be a familiar face to viewers of the hit 80s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. She originated the character of Kathy Gordon in the third season, and continue to make appearances over the course of the series. In late December, it was announced that she had died at the age of 57, after being hospitalised days earlier.