Each year, we are faced with a new set of possibilities and opportunities. But we are also faced with many challenges, hardships, and grief.
WATCH: Betty White on the difficulties of dating at 94
Grieving the death of a celebrity is something that brings us together in a bittersweet way. Being in the public eye, celebrities have the capability to shape so many of our lives.
Whether it was watching Shane Warne’s ‘Ball of the Century’, or learning all about family values with Danny Tanner on Full House, many of our poignant moments are marked with famous faces.
Though their deaths come with grief, we should take comfort in the knowledge that their legacies will live on for years to come.
Here are some of the most notable figures who have passed in 2022.
Betty White | 17th January 1922 to 31st December 2021
On New Year’s Day in Australia, the country woke up to the news that beloved American comedian Betty White had passed away.
Just 17 days away from her 100th birthday, The The Golden Girls star sadly died after suffering a stroke, according to her death certificate.
“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” Betty’s agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told PEOPLE. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”
Sidney Poitier | 20th February 1927 to 6th January 2022
Groundbreaking Bahamian-American actor, film director, and ambassador Sidney Poitier sadly passed of natural causes in January 2022 at 94 years old.
He will be remembered as the first black man to receive an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field.
“To us Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father, and a man who always put family first,” Sidney’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Bob Saget | 17th May 1956 to 10th January 2022
It was confirmed that American actor and comedian Bob Saget was found dead in an Orlando hotel room on January 10th 2022.
As well as sharing individual tributes, Bob’s former Full House cast mates and lifelong friends issued a joint statement.
“Thirty-five years ago, we came together as a TV family, but we became a real family. And now we grieve as a family. Bob made us laugh until we cried. Now our tears flow in sadness, but also with gratitude for all the beautiful memories of our sweet, kind, hilarious, cherished Bob.
“He was a brother to us guys, a father to us girls and a friend to all of us. Bob, we love you dearly. We ask in Bob’s honor, hug the people you love. No one gave better hugs than Bob.
~ John, Dave, Candace, Jodie, Lori, Andrea, Scott, Jeff, Ashley and Mary-Kate.”
Shane Warne | 13th September 1969 to 4th March 2022
On 5th March, Australians awoke to the devastating news that legendary cricketer Shane Warne had died aged 52.
After being found unresponsive in his villa in Thailand, the ‘Spin King’ was unable to be revived by medical staff.
Following the news, a mass of celebrity tributes flew in for the sportsman, including one from his ex-partner Elizabeth Hurley.
“I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever,” she wrote on Instagram. “RIP my beloved Lionheart.”
Queen Elizabeth II | 21st April 1926 to 8th September 2022
Queen Elizabeth II’s death was confirmed on September 8 2022.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the Palace’s official statement read.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Tributes came thick and fast for Her Majesty who was honoured with a royal funeral on 19th September.
Angela Lansbury | 16th October 1925 to 11th October 2022
Angela Lansbury, best known for her role as Jessica Fletcher in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, died in October aged 96, just five days before her 97th birthday.
A statement from her family read: “The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1.30am, Tuesday 11 October 2022.
“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.”
Leslie Jordan | 29th April 1955 to 24th October 2022
Leslie Jordan sadly died in a single-car crash in Hollywood on the 24th of October 2022. He was 67.
The Emmy-winning actor was best known for his comedy chops and his roles in Will & Grace, Boston Legal and American Horror Story. He also rose to social media fame during the pandemic.
“The world is definitely a much-darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” a representative for Jordan told the New York Post.
