DURING 2023 the world has sadly said goodbye to some much-loved celebrities.
The Sun takes time to honour and pay tribute to the stars who have passed away so far.
Which celebrities died in 2023?
Lil Tay
On August 9 it was announced that teenage rapper Lil Tay and her brother had died.
The viral 14-year-old’s death was described as a “sudden passing” as the post asked for privacy to grieve the losses.
Lil Tay, whose real name was Claire Hope, rose to fame on social media as she bragged about her wealth and posed in expensive cars.
Jamie Reid
83
The punk artist behind the Sex Pistols, Jamie Reid, died aged 76 on August 9.
On August 9, it was revealed teenage rapper Li Tay had died, along with her brother.
He created the controversial artwork for the band’s God Save the Queen single in 1977.
Released in Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee year, it showed the record’s title plastered over her eyes and mouth.
Doreen Mantle
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Actress Doreen Mantle died aged 97 on August 9.
The actress was best known for her performance as Jean Warboys in the BBC comedy series One Foot In The Grave.
She also starred in the detective series Father Brown and played Joy Fishwick in Coronation Street.
In a statement, her agent said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client and much-loved stage, screen, and radio actress Doreen Mantle, aged 97.
“She died peacefully at home. She is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren and one brother.”
DJ Casper
83
Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper died at the age of 58 on August 7.
The iconic songwriter – real name Willie Perry Jr – revealed he had been diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016.
Perry’s wife, Kim, confirmed that he tragically lost his battle with the disease
John Gosling
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John Gosling, the keyboard player for The Kinks, died at the age of 75 on August 4.
Bandmates and fans have shared emotional tributes to Gosling after the band announced his death on its social media pages.
It said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of John Gosling.
“We are sending our condolences to John’s wife and family.”
Lead singer Ray Davies said: “Condolences to his wife Theresa and family. Rest in Peace dearest John.”
Sinéad O’Connor
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Sinéad O’Connor passed away aged 56 on July 26.
Her death comes just 18 months after the heartbreaking loss of her 17-year-old son Shane O’Connor.
Sinéad rose to fame for her singing career, best known for her smash hit Nothing Compares 2 U.
George Alagiah
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Legendary BBC newsreader George Alagiah died after a battle with bowel cancer on July 24.
The TV star, who was aged 67 at the time of his death, was diagnosed with the disease in 2014.
His agent confirmed that he had passed away peacefully on July 24, saying: “George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today.”
Chris Bart-Williams
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Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest player Chris Bart-Williams died at the age of 49 on July 24.
The football star was best known for his work in the Premier League, but had been based in the US in recent years after retiring in 2006.
In the States, he coached and started his own college soccer recruiting agency called CBW Soccer Elite.
Trevor Francis
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Football legend Trevor Francis died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Marbella.
Francis, who passed away aged 69 on July 24, was England’s first-ever £1million player.
He started his career as a child with Plymouth before joining Birmingham City and, later, Nottingham Forest.
Vince Hill
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Singer Vince Hill’s family confirmed his passing on July 22, in a statement on Twitter.
They revealed that the star, known for songs like The Rivers Run Dry and his cover of Edelweiss, had ”passed peacefully” at his home aged 89.
Tony Bennett
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Iconic singer Tony Bennett passed away at the age of 96.
The legendary performer won 20 Grammy Awards and sold over 50million records worldwide during his eight-decade-long career.
Bennett, who had become known in recent years for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, died in his hometown of New York City.
Brian Taber
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Legendary Australian cricketer Brian Taber died at the age of 83 on July 21.
Taber, who was raised in Wollongong, represented his country on 16 occasions between 1966 and 1970.
After retiring from playing he moved into coaching and managed the Australia Under-19s.
Jane Birkin
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Actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin died at the age of 76 on July 16.
The star, who was the inspiration for the famous Hermès bag, was found at her home in Paris by her caretaker.
Birkin was a successful actress and singer and was well known for her steamy duet with French singer Serge Gainsbourg, “Je t’aime… moi non plus”.
Nick Koster
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Rugby player Nick Koster passed away at just 34 years old on July 12.
The sportsman was born in South Africa but played for UK teams Bath and Bristol.
He is survived by his wife Jeannie and their two young children.
Coco Lee
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Chinese-American singer-songwriter Coco Lee died in hospital after taking her own life at home, it was announced on July 5.
The star was best known her work on the 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
She sang A Love Before Time for the film’s soundtrack.
Coco was married to Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman based in Hong Kong.
Antwun Echols
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Antwun Echols, former boxing middleweight, died aged 52.
Echols, also known as “Kid Dynamite”, fought for a world title in 1999 and 2000 but lost to Bernard Hopkins both times.
Jo Lindner
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Bodybuiler and YouTube star Jo Lindner died at the age of 30.
The fitness influencer, known online as Joesthetics, passed away just months after celebrating his 30th birthday.
His girlfriend, social media star Nicha – who goes by the name Imma Peaches – has suggested he died after suffering an aneurysm.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
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Actor Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, died aged 19 in July.
Leandro was also an actor and features in projects like A Star is Born and Cabaret Maxime.
His mother was The Godfather star Robert’s daughter Drena and his father was artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Lawrence Turman
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Oscar-nominated producer Lawrence Turman died at the start of July, aged 96.
He was known for films such as The Graduate, American History X, The River Wild, and Mass Appeal.
Dilano van’t Hoff
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Dilano van’t Hoff tragically died after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium.
The young Dutchman, who was in his second season in FRECA, passed away at the start of July aged just 18.
Alan Arkin
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Little Miss Sunshine actor Alan Arkin died in June 2023 at the age of 89.
He was most famous for his roles in hit movies such as Wait Until Dark and Going In Style.
The icon received an Academy Award for his role as Edwin Hoover in Little Miss Sunshine, which also starred Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, and Steve Carell.
He also received a Tony Award in 1963 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as David Kolowitz in Enter Laughing.
Julian Sands
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British actor Julian Sands went missing in January 2023 while hiking in California.
His body was then found in June.
Julian, who was 65 when he died, found fame after featuring in the period drama A Room With A View, in which he starred opposite Helena Bonham Carter.
He later moved to the horror genre, featuring in films such as Warlock and Arachnophobia.
Malcolm Mowbray
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British filmmaker Malcolm Mowbray died on June 23 at the age of 74.
He is best known for his 1984 hit A Private Function which starred Maggie Smith and Michael Palin.
The film won six Baftas, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Film.
Malcom’s other titles included The Revengers’ Comedies, Meeting Spencer, and The Boyfriend School.
Glenda Jackson
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Double Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson died aged 87 in June 2023.
The actress-turned former Labour MP peacefully passed away at her home in London after a brief illness, her agent confirmed.
Glenda won the Oscar for best actress in 1970 for Women In Love, and again three years later for A Touch Of Class.
She went on to win a Tony Award in 2018.
Anna Shay
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Netflix star Anna Shay died in June 2023 at the age of 62.
Her cause of death was confirmed as a stroke.
The star was best known for featuring in Bling Empire, the reality show that follows a group of wealthy Asian and Asian Americans living in Los Angeles.
Anna was the daughter of late billionaire Edward Shay.
Treat Williams
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Everwood and Hair star Treat Williams died at age 71 after he was involved in a motorcycle accident in Vermont.
The iconic star’s film career began in the mid-1970s when he made his debut in Deadly Hero.
In 1979, he landed the role of George Berger in Hair, a part which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination.
During his career, Williams appeared in several Steven Spielberg films, including 1941 and Heart of Dixie.
Mike Batayeh
83
Actor and comedian Mike Batayeh died at the age of 52.
The death of the star, who was best known for his work in the iconic drama series Breaking Bad, was confirmed on June 9, 2023.
Mike’s family told TMZ that the star passed away on June 1 in his sleep of a “heart attack” while at his home in Michigan.
Tina Turner
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Iconic singer Tina Turner, recognised as the Queen of rock ‘n’ roll, has died at age 83 after a glittering career that spanned five decades.
The talented star, who rose to prominence during the 1960s as the lead singer of the St. Louis duo Ike & Tina Turner, died on May 24, 2023.
Roger Davies, Tina Turner’s manager of 30 years, paid tribute to the star, saying: “Tina was a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent.”
Sheldon Reynolds
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Earth, Wind & Fire vocalist and lead guitarist Sheldon Reynolds died on May 24.
The musician also played with the Commodores.
Considered a young prodigy at age 12, Sheldon began his musical career immediately after graduating from the University of Cincinnati.
He embarked on his first tour with singer Millie Jackson and later joined the R&B band Sun, with whom he recorded three albums.
Ray Stevenson
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Irish actor Ray Stevenson passed away at the age of 58 on May 21.
The Thor star was set to appear in the upcoming Star Wars Ahsoka series.
He began his career appearing on TV shows in the 1990s then landed action roles in Hollywood films starting in the 2000s.
George Logan
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Hinge and Bracket star George Logan died on May 21.
The legendary entertainer played Dr Evadne Hinge alongside co-star Patrick Fyffe as Dame Hilda Bracket.
Cult British entertainer and Benidorm actor Bobby Crush confirmed George’s death in a tribute posted to his social media.
Bobby, who was a pal of George, wrote: “RIP George Logan, also known as “Dr. Evadne Hinge” of “Hinge and Bracket”. We appeared in panto together in this glorious production of at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in 1989… I’m saddened by news of his passing today.”
Martin Amis
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British author Martin Amis died on May 19.
The novelist, 73. had been battling oesophageal cancer.
Andy Rourke
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Andrew Michael Rourke was best known as the bassist for the English rock band, the Smiths.
Born in Manchester on January 17, 1964, Andy joined the band due to his friendship with Johnny Marr, who formed The Smiths with lead singer Morrissey in 1982.
Rourke died on May 19 at the age of 59, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Brian Booth
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Former Australia Test captain Brian Booth died May 19 at the age of 89.
He played 29 Tests in his career between 1961 and 1966.
Arturo Gravalos
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Spanish cyclist Arturo Gravalos died on May 19 from a brain tumour at the age of 25.
Gravalos finished second in Spain’s U23 national road race in 2019.
Len Goodman
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Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman died aged 78 after a battle with bone cancer.
The ex-dancer had been in a hospice in Kent before he tragically passed away on April 22.
Kate Saunders
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Only Fools and Horses star Kate Saunders died aged 62 on April 21, 2023.
The actress-turned-novelist played policewoman Sandra in the hit sitcom.
Peter Martin
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Royle Family star Peter Martin died aged 82 on April 19, 2023.
The beloved actor played the Royles’ neighbour Joe Carroll for 14 years before joining Emmerdale between 2001 and 2007.
The star also featured in Coronation Street and Chucklevision.
Moonbin
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K-Pop star MoonBin, part of the South Korean boy band Astro, died on April 19, 2023 at the age of 25.
The Astro singer was found dead in his apartment in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul by his manager, according to South Korean media outlets.
Mark Sheeham
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The Script’s Mark Sheehan died in hospital on April 13, 2023.
The Dublin based rock group said Mark passed away after a short illness.
Mark was co-founder of The Script back in 2001, but worked in music for years before with pal Danny O’Donoghue.
Paul Cattermole
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S Club 7 heart-throb Paul Cattermole sadly passed away on April 7 at the age of 46.
The band was planning a reunion tour later in 2023, which Paul had agreed to be part of.
It is unknown what the cause of death was but his former bandmates have spoken out about their devastation upon hearing the tragic news.
Nigel Lawson
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Former Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson died at the age of 91 on April 3, 2023.
He was known for being the Chancellor from 1983 to 1989.
He was also the father of TV chef Nigella Lawson.
Bushwhacker Butch
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WWE legend Bushwhacker Butch died at the age of 78 on April 2.
The WWE Hall of Famer’s former partner, Bushwhacker Luke, shared the tragic news.
Butch, real name Bob Miller, passed away after being hospitalised with an illness, according to Luke.
Paul O’Grady
TV legend Paul O’Grady tragically died aged 67 on March 29, 2023.
The much-loved star’s husband revealed that Paul passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully”.
His husband Andre Portasio said: “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Tony Knapp
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Southampton legend Tony Knapp passed away aged 86 on March 22, 2023.
Knapp made 260 appearances for Southampton between 1961-67, scoring twice, and also played for Leicester, Coventry, Tranmere, and the Los Angeles Wolves.
Willie Bell
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Leeds legend Willie Bell died at the age of 85, on March 21, 2023.
The Scot played 260 times for the Yorkshire side between 1960 and 1967.
Lance Reddick
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Actor Lance Reddick died at age of 60 on March 17, 2023.
Authorities confirmed The Wire star’s body was found at his home in Los Angeles.
A cause of death has not been determined, however, sources told TMZ Lance’s passing appeared natural.
Paul Grant
83
Paul Grant, who starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill in sci-fi classic Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, was found by police collapsed outside King’s Cross station.
The 4ft 4in star, who also appeared in Harry Potter, was rushed to hospital but doctors declared him brain dead.
Dad-of-three Paul’s family told The Sun his life support machine was tragically switched off on March 16, 2023.
Jacqueline Gold
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Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold tragically died aged 62 on March 16, just weeks after the death of her dad.
Jacqueline was the daughter of West Ham United chairman David Gold, who passed away in January 2023.
She died after a seven-year battle with breast cancer.
Tom Petrie
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One of the greatest news editors in Fleet Street history, Tom Petrie died aged 84 on March 10, 2023.
For more than a decade Tom ran The Sun’s news desk, masterminding some of the paper’s most iconic, headline-grabbing stories.
He died at a care home in Hemel Hempstead, Herts, following a long illness.
Mystic Meg
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Mystic Meg was an astrologer known for bringing The Sun readers their daily horoscope.
She sadly died on March 9, leaving millions of fans devastated.
From 1994 to 2000 Mystic Meg appeared weekly on The National Lottery Live in Mystic Meg Predicts – a 45-second reading during which Meg attempted to predict facts about the future winner.
Steve Mackey
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Pulp bassist Steve Mackey died aged 56 with his fellow bandmates paying tribute to their “beloved friend”.
Mackey passed away on March 2, 2023 after a three-month health battle in hospital, the band revealed on social media.
Baroness Betty Boothroyd
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Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first female Commons Speaker, died aged 93 on February 27, 2023.
The “inspiring” peer was first elected to parliament as the Labour MP for West Bromwich in 1973.
She then made history in 1992 after being elected the first female Commons Speaker, a role she held until 2000.
John Motson
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Legendary football commentator John Motson “died peacefully in his sleep” aged 77 on February 23.
The BBC pundit, affectionately known as Motty, celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
The commentator, who came out of retirement to join talkSPORT, was famed for his signature sheepskin coat and covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
Amancio Amaro
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Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro died aged 83 on February 21, 2023.
Nick named El Brujo, meaning The Magician, Amancio played for Real Madrid between 1962 and 1976, winning nine LaLiga titles and a European Cup.
Barbara Bosson
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Beloved actress Barbara Bosson passed away aged 83 on February 18.
She was best known for playing anxious divorcee Fay Furillo on iconic show, Hills Street Blues from 1981 to 1985
Colin Dobson
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Former footballer Colin Dobson died aged 82 on February 16.
The inside-forward had spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield and Brighton, before joining Bristol Rovers as a player-coach.
He also played twice for England U23’s.
Raquel Welch
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Hollywood actress and sex symbol Raquel Welch died at the age of 82.
The star passed away on February 15, after suffering from a brief illness, her family told TMZ.
The actress rose to fame in 1966 for her break-out roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C.
Burt Bacharach
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Composer and Oscar winner Burt Bacharach died aged 94 of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on February 8.
He was celebrated as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, known for a string of blockbuster hits including Walk On By and Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.
Paco Rabanne
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On February 3 fashion legend Paco Rabanne died at the age of 88.
The Spanish designer – best known for his metallic ensembles and perfumes – passed away in Portsall, France.
Charlie Thomas
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Singer Charlie Thomas died at the age of 85 on January 31, after battling liver cancer.
He was part of The Drifters for over 60 years and the lead singer on tunes such as the hit Sweets For My Sweet.
Lisa Loring
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The original Wednesday Addams actress Lisa Loring died on January 28, aged 64, after she suffered a “massive stroke.”
The tragic news of her death was shared by her good friend Laure Jacobson who said the actress was taken off life support after she “suffered a massive stroke brought on by smoking and high blood pressure”.
Cindy Williams
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Actress Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on Laverne & Shirley, passed away after a health battle on January 25.
The iconic TV star who worked alongside Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the Happy Days spin-off died aged 75.
Cindy, who is survived by her two children Zak and Emily Hudson, passed away after suffering from a brief illness.
Duncan Pugh
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Australian bobsledder Duncan Pugh tragically passed away aged 48 on January 25.
The Olympian died this past weekend after suffering a sudden brain aneurysm in his hometown of Perth.
Anthony ‘Top’ Topham
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Founding guitarist of The Yardbirds Anthony “Top” Topham died on January 23,at the age of 75 after a battle with dementia.
Topham helped form the pioneering rhythm and blues band in London in May 1963.
He left before The Yardbird’s commercial breakthrough and was succeeded as lead guitarist by Eric Clapton, then Jeff Beck and finally Jimmy Page.
Lloyd Morrisett
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The co-creator of famed children’s television show Sesame Street Lloyd Morrisett died aged 93 on January 23.
He was a co-founder of the Children’s Television Workshop – later rebranded as Sesame Workshop – which confirmed the news of his passing in a tweet.
Patrizio Billio
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Former Crystal Palace and AC Milan player Patrizio Billio passed away aged 48 on January 23.
The midfielder arrived at Selhurst Park in the late 1990s and played for Scottish clubs Dundee and Aberdeen in the early 2000s.
He retired in 2010 and returned to AC Milan to coach their academy side in Kuwait.
David Crosby
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David Crosby, founding member of the influential rock groups The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died aged 81 on January 18.
His former music partner, Graham Nash shared a tribute on social media, saying: “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.”
Jay Briscoe
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Wrestling star Jay Briscoe passed away at the age of 38 on January 17.
Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling promotions owner Tony Khan confirmed the passing of Briscoe, real name Jamin Pugh,.
Jay reportedly died in a car accident in Delaware, US.
Renee Geyer
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Soul singer Renee Geyer died at the age of 69 on January 17.
The Australian musician, who shot to fame in the 1970s, died after suffering complications following hip surgery.
Gina Lollobrigida
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Italian icon Gina Lollobrigida – once dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world” – died aged 95 on January 16.
The movie star was one of the most popular leading ladies in the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s.
She was an icon who enjoyed a glowing film career before becoming a distinguished photographer and even entering politics.
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley died at 54 after suffering cardiac arrest at her home.
She was the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley.
Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla Presley, confirmed the news in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.”
Jeff Beck
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Rock legend Jeff Beck died at the age of 78 on January 10.
The Hi Ho Silver Lining star passed away in hospital following a battle with meningitis, his management said.
Jeff shot to fame in the 1960s with The Yardbirds playing alongside a young Jimmy Page, later of Led Zeppelin, before carving out a career of his own.
David Duckham
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Former England rugby star David Duckham died aged 76 on January 10.
Duckham played for local club Coventry between 1967 and 1979, making almost 200 appearances.
Wyllie Longmore
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Coronation Street and Love Actually star Wyllie Longmore died on January 6, aged 82 after a battle with cancer.
The actor was best known for playing Dr McKinnon on the ITV soap in the 1990s.
He also starred alongside Hugh Grant in Love Actually as the Prime Minister’s associate.
Tom Sizemore
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Despite a much-publicised life of drugs and partying, Sizemore carved an impressive acting career.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Sizemore’s early breakout performance was in the war film, Born on the Fourth of July.
Starring in action films became his go-to and included roles in Blue Steel (1990), Passenger 57 (1992), True Romance (1993), Natural Born Killers (1994), Heat (1995) and The Relic (1997).
But it was his role in Stephen Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998) that cemented Sizemore as a Hollywood acting elite.
Sadly, he passed on March 2023 suffered a brain aneurysm which later caused a stroke.
Gianluca Vialli
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Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli died on January 6, at the age of 58 following a battle with cancer.
Vialli, who enjoyed a glittering career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea and earned 59 caps for Italy, was diagnosed in 2017.
The Italian was given the all-clear in 2020 but sadly his pancreatic cancer returned a year later in 2021.
David Gold
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold died aged 86 on January 4.
David passed away following a short illness with his fiancée Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side.
David – worth over £500million – was raised on Green Street in East London, just yards from the Boleyn Ground and was a lifelong Hammers fan.
Fay Weldon
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Screenwriter Fay Weldon died aged 91 on January 4.
She was the writer for ITV’s Upstairs Downstairs and the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
She also wrote more than 30 novels including The Life and Loves of a She-Devil and Praxis.
Michel Ferte
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Former Formula 3 driver and Le Mans runner-up Michel Ferte died on January 4.
The Frenchman famously won the F3’s Monaco Grand Prix in 1983 following his brother, Alain’s, back-to-back victories in 1981 and 1982.
He then followed this up by claiming victory in the 1983 French F3 Championship after coming second the year prior.
Kelly Monteith
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Comedian Kelly Monteith died aged 80 on January 3.
The comedy legend was best known as one of the first to be given his own BBC series – and the self-titled show ran from 1979 to 1984.
Alan Rankine
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Scottish musician and founding member of The Associates Alan Rankine died at the age of 64 on January 3.
The producer, best known for playing keyboard and guitar in the indie rock band, passed away “peacefully at home” after spending Christmas with his family.
Ken Block
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Rally car driving champ and former Top Gear star Ken Block died on January 2, at the age of 55 after a snowmobile crash.
Ken’s team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying “he will be incredibly missed.”
The team said in a statement: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”