In 2023, the world lost several beloved celebrities, but they all left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
WATCH: Dame Edna interrupts King Charles and Camilla at 2013 Royal Variety Performance.
Read on to see which stars we bid farewell to this year…..
Glynis Johns
The beloved British actor and star of the 1964 film, Mary Poppins, died at an assisted living home of natural causes on January 4. She was 100 years old at the time.
Johns is also well-known for her roles in Miranda, Mad About Men, and the 1973 Tony Award-winning musical, A Little Night Music.
Her manager, Mitch Clem, shared a statement to The Guardian that read: “My heart is heavy today with the passing of my beloved client Glynis Johns. Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.”
“She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.
“She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”
Laura Lynch
A founding member of the iconic country music group, the Dixie Chicks (now known as The Chicks), Laura Lynch, died on December 22 in a car crash in Texas.
Lynch was just 65. The Texas Department of Public Safety revealed that Lynch was driving near Cornudas, Texas, when a pickup truck travelling in the opposite direction had crossed into her lane and struck her vehicle head on. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lynch founded the Dixie Chicks in 1988 with Robin Lynn Macy and two sisters, Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire. She was in the original lineup of the band in which she played bass and sang, releasing only two albums as member of the group.
The Chicks posted a heartfelt message to Instagram after hearing of the news: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks,” they wrote.
“We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Laura was a bright light… her infectious energy and humour gave a spark to the early days of our band.
“Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”
Bill Granger
Chef, restauranteur and writer Bill Granger passed away on 25 December 2023 aged 54, in a London hospital.
Bill is credited for raising the profile of Australian informal dining, he wrote 14 cookbooks, made 5 TV series, and ran a successful global restaurant business. Most recently he was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023.
Colin Burgess
AC/DC’s original drummer Colin Burgess has died aged 77.
The iconic rock band announced the news to social media on December 17.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin,” they wrote.
His cause of death has not been revealed.
Jeff Foskett
The Beach Boys’ longtime vocalist and guitar player passed away on December 11 at the age of 67. He had been battling anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Foskett’s death was announced by his family on Instagram early December 14.
“There was truly no one like him and there will never be,” they wrote.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support received from Jeff’s beloved friends and fans.
“We love reading about every show, every tour memory and every laugh he provided to the world. We are deeply touched knowing Jeff has played such a pivotal role in so many of your lives, as he did ours.”
Andre Braugher
The beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine star passed away on December 11th at the age of 61 following a “brief illness” according to his loved ones.
Also known for his roles on Homicide: Life on the Street, Men of a Certain Age, Thief, and Law and Order: SVU, the Emmy award-winning actor is survived by his wife Ami Brabson whom he married in 1991 and sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley.
Days after the sad news was announced, a representative for the late actor confirmed his death was caused by lung cancer, a disease he reportedly had only been “recently” diagnosed with.
Denny Laine
The singer and co-founder of Moody Blues and member of Paul McCartney and Wings, has died aged 79, after a lengthy battle with interstitial lung disease.
His wife, Elizabeth Hines posted to Instagram on December 12 informing the world of his passing.
Shane MacGowan
The frontman of the Irish punk band The Pogues died on November 30th after a long health battle, he was 65.
Best known for the hit single ‘Fairytale of New York‘, Shane is survived by his fellow band members who have all taken to social media to share tributes.
Peter ‘Spider’ Stacy wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shared a snap of Shane onstage with the caption: “O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done…”
Shane’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke was the one to break the sad news of her husband’s passing in an emotional and loving tribute.
“Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese,” she penned.
Frances Sternhagen
On November 27th, veteran actress Frances Sternhagen passed away at the age of 93.
Best known for her roles on the iconic TV series Cheers and Sex and the City, her acting career was highly recognised.
She played the memorable role of Bunny MacDougal on Sex and the City while also having a seven-episode arc on Cheers.
Sternhagen also appeared on the hit 90s medical drama ER. She retired from acting close to 10 years ago, finishing her acting career with a role in the 2014 romantic comedy And So It Goes.
She was married to fellow actor Thomas Carlin. The two married in 1956 and were together until he died in 1991.
They had six children together.
John Carlin, Sternhagen’s son, announced the news of his mother’s passing to Instagram, writing that “she died peacefully at her home, a month and a half shy of her 94th birthday.”
“I will post more soon, but for now I just want to give thanks for the remarkable gift of an artist and human being that was Frances Sternhagen. She was beloved by many. I’m very lucky I was able to call her my mom, my friend, my song and dance partner,” he wrote.
Cal Wilson
On October 11th, friends and family of beloved comedian Cal Wilson confirmed the sad news of her passing with a statement shared on her social media accounts.
“Vale Cal Wilson. We are devastated to share the news that Cal Wilson, the much-loved stand-up comedian, writer, and actor died today, surrounded by family and friends in hospital after a short illness,” her loved ones penned.
“Cal was loved by her family friends, fans, and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.”
Her agency Token Artists also released a statement of their own, revealing that Cal had passed away peacefully “surrounded by family and friends after a short illness at Royal Alfred Hospital in Sydney.”
“Cal’s generosity, talent, and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years. Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans, and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.”
She was 53 years old.
Michael Gambon
Irish-English actor Michael Gambon passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on September 27th. He was 83.
His family released a statement to confirm his passing, revealing he died in hospital following a bout of pneumonia.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
He was best known for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the third until the eighth Harry Potter films, but his acting career spanned more than 60 years.
Shortly after news broke of his passing, his Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe shared a tribute of his own.
“Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job,” he told Entertainment Tonight.
“He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it.”
Harry Potter author JK Rowling also shared a tribute, taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her condolences: “Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him. My deepest condolences go to Michaels family and everyone who loved him.”
David McCallum
Beloved NCIS star David McCallum passed away peacefully in September from natural causes. He was 90 years old.
The veteran actor was best known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS as well as the character of Illya Kuryakin in the iconic British spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E which aired in the 1960s.
David’s son Peter issued a statement confirming the sad news of his death to People.
“He always put family before himself. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren and had a unique bond with each of them.”
NCIS Executive Producers Steven D. Binder and David North also issued a statement, sharing their fond memories of working alongside the proud Scotsman.
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” they said.
Charlie Newling
The Bachelorette star Charlie Newling, from Ali Oetjen‘s 2018 season, has passed away on September 9, aged 36.
His car was found at the bottom of a Dover Heights cliff on Saturday evening, and his death is not being deemed as suspicious by police.
He is survived by his partner Kristal Taylor and two children, a 13-year-old son and 2-month-old daughter.
Steve Harwell
Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell has sadly passed away aged 56 due to liver failure.
What a legacy Steve has left behind, with fans around the world screaming his song All Star when it was released in 1999 to this day and beyond.
Steve Harwell will be remembered by his friends and family, who were there with him till the very end when he “passed peacefully and comfortably.”
His manager, Robert Hayes, described his passion for the music industry, “He loved the fans and loved to perform … Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
Ron Cephas Jones
This is Us actor Ron Cephas Jones passed away aged 66 on August 19th.
“Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue,” an official statement from his representative read.
“Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness, and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him,” the statement continued.
“Ron’s inner-beauty and soul were evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award-winning performance on This is Us. He is survived by his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones.”
Sir Michael Parkinson
The beloved British broadcaster died on August 16th after a “brief illness” according to his family who also revealed that he had passed away “peacefully” and “in the company of his family.”
Over his incredible career it is estimated that he interviewed over 2,000 of some of the world’s biggest names.
DJ Casper
DJ Casper who sang the iconic party song Cha Cha Slide has sadly passed away at age 58 on Monday, 7th August U.S time. Diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 22, he didn’t let that stop him creating a fitness exercise routine track in 1988 for his personal trainer nephew.
Which transformed into the worldwide hit we know today! His legacy will always live on as we “slide to the left, slide to the right, criss cross, criss cross, cha cha real smooth.”
Family of Euphoria actor Angus Cloud revealed that the 25-year-old had tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 31st.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways,” they wrote in an official statement announcing the sad news.
“The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend.”
“Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
“We hope the world remembers him for his humour, laughter, and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
Sinéad O’Connor
Irish-born singer Sinéad O’Connor passed away at the age of 56 in late July.
Her family issued a brief statement to announce the sad news, reflecting on the extraordinary life, music, and activism she was known for.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the statement read.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
She is survived by three children and will now rest in peace alongside her 17-year-old son Shane who passed away 18 months prior.
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett sadly passed away on July 21, aged 96.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was a renowned and awarded American singer of traditional pop standards, big band and jazz, with 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards to his name.
A timeless crooner and musical icon, Tony Bennett’s velvety voice enchanted generations, transcending eras and genres. His jazz-inspired ballads and vivacious stage presence earned him adoration worldwide. Most recently, his work with Lady Gaga introduced him to a new generation of fans. In 2016 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and performed his last shows in August 2021.
Jane Birkin
British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin died aged 76 in mid-July in France.
If you don’t recognise her name, you may recognise the luxury handbag created by Hermès which was inspired by and named after her.
“[The] most Parisian of the English has left us,” said Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo as news of Jane’s passing became public knowledge.
“We will never forget her songs, her laughs, and her incomparable accent which always accompanied us.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also shared in his condolences, tweeting: “Because she embodied freedom because she sang the most beautiful words of our language, Jane Birkin was a French icon.”
“A complete artist, her voice was as sweet as her engagements were fiery. She bequeaths us tunes and images that will never leave us.”
TRIGGER WARNING: The below paragraph contains content pertaining to sexual assault and child sex crimes that may be triggering for some readers.
****
****
****
Rolf Harris
Disgraced former entertainer and convicted pedophile Rolf Harris died aged 93 in May, 2023.
In a statement, his family wrote: “This is to confirm that Rolf Harris recently died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest.”
“They ask that you respect their privacy. No further comment will be made.”
Prior to his death, Rolf was receiving round-the-clock care for neck cancer.
Once one of Australia’s biggest television stars, Rolf was found guilty of indecent assault against numerous girls and young women between 1968 and 1986 in 2014.
He was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. He was released on parole in 2017.
Jock Zonfrillo
Beloved MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo passed away on April 30, 2023. His family shared the news via his official Instagram on May 1 and wrote, “With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.”
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky.”
Jock was 46 years old.
RELATED: “Jock was so kind:” Heartfelt tributes come pouring in for Jock Zonfrillo
Tim Bachman
Tim Bachman, the co-founding guitarist and vocalist of rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, passed away on April 28, 2023.
“My Dad passed this afternoon. Thank you everyone for the kind words,” his son Paxton shared on Facebook.
Tim, who with his band was behind the hit songs You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet and Takin’ Care of Business, was 71 years old.
Jerry Springer
Popular talk show host and politician Jerry Springer died on April 27, 2023. TMZ reported that Jerry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer months ago but his health took a turn for the worst the week of his death. Jerry, who hosted The Jerry Springer Show for almost 30 years, was 79 years old.
Len Goodman
Len Goodman, the head judge on popular UK show Strictly Come Dancing, passed away on April 22, 2023. Len’s manager Jackie Gill confirmed the 78 year old died of bone cancer.
Barry Humphries
Barry Humphries, the Australian comedian best known for playing Dame Edna, passed away on April 22, 2023. Barry passed away, aged 89, after he suffered complications following a hip replacement.
Maxine Klibingaitis
Maxine Klibingaitis, the Australian actress best known for her roles in Partners In Crime and Neighbours, passed away on April 18, 2023. She was 58 years old.
Mark Sheehan
Mark Sheehan died on April 14, 2023, due to illness. Mark was co-founder and guitarist of the popular band The Script. He was 46.
Dame Mary Quant
Dame Mary Quant passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023. The acclaimed fashion designer, who invented the iconic mini skirt, was 93 years old.
Lasse Wellander
Lasse Wellander, the guitarist for iconic band ABBA, passed away on April 7, 2023. His ABBA band mates paid a touching tribute to Lasse, who was 70 years old, via social media.
“We mourn his tragic and premature death and remember the kind words, the sense of humour, the smiling face, the musical brilliance of the man who played such an integral role in the ABBA story. He will be deeply missed.”
John Olsen
John Olsen, the acclaimed Australian artist, died surrounded by his family and friends on April 11, 2023. He was 95 years old.
Paul Cattermole
Paul Cattermole, member of the pop group S Club 7, died unexpectedly on April 6, 2023. He was 46 years old.
Doug Mulray
Doug Mulray passed away on March 30, 2023. The Australian comedian, television and radio presenter – regularly called Uncle Doug – was 71.
Peter Hardy
Peter Hardy, beloved Aussie actor, tragically drowned while swimming at a Perth beach on March 16, 2023. Peter, best known for his role in McLeod’s Daughters, was 66.
Bobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell, the accomplished singer/songwriter, passed away on March 14, 2023. The 71-year-old, best known for his song Open Your Eyes, died after a lengthy battle with an undisclosed illness.
Jeff Watson
Australian journalist Jeff Watson died on February 22, 2023. Jeff, best known for hosting Beyond 2000 and Getaway, was 80 years old.
Richard Belzer
Richard Belzer, star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, died on February 19, 2023. The actor was 78 years old.
Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch, the iconic Golden Globe-winning actress, died on February 16, 2023. Best known for the films One Million Years BC, The Three Musketeers and Legally Blonde, Raquel was 82 years old.
Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach died at age 94 on February 8, 2023. The acclaimed songwriter, best known for the songs Say a Little Prayer and What the World Needs Now Is Love, won six Grammys and three Oscars during his incredible career.
Annie Wersching
Annie Wersching passed away on January 29, 2023. The actress, who appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise, Supernatural, Angel, Charmed, Hawaii Five-O and The Vampire Diaries, died after a battle with cancer at age 45.
Tom Verlaine
Tom Verlaine, member of the band Television, died on January 28, 2023. The singer/songwriter/guitarist was 73 years old.
Renée Geyer
Renée Geyer, the Australian singer, passed away on January 17, 2023, due to complications following hip surgery. She was 69.
Gina Lollobrigida
Gina Lollobrigida, an actress from the glamourous ‘Golden Age’ of cinema, died on January 16, 2023. Gina, best known for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Trapeze and Never So Few, was 95 years old.
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley, musician and daughter of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, passed away on January 12, 2023, after suffering a cardiac arrest. Lisa was 54. Her mother Priscilla said in a touching tribute, “Our hearts are broken. Lisa, we all love you.”
