Yahoo News Celebrities who died in 2023: Sinéad O'Connor to Matthew Perry
Tragically, 2023 saw a fair few celebrity deaths, including the sad loss of much-loved household names such as Matthew Perry, Andre Braugher, Sinéad O'Connor Paul O'Grady, Len Goodman, Barry Humphries (aka Dame Edna Everage), Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, and Tony Bennett.
Dedicated fans all over the world have no-doubt grieved each star, who we feel we know so well after seeing them on our screens or hearing their voices, often for decades. But while news of a celebrity dying (both young and old) is never welcomed, it's a reminder for us to celebrate the impact they made while here and their legacy left behind, whether in the world of TV, radio, film, comedy, literature, or politics. We're grateful for it all.
From Tina Turner, who will be remembered by different generations across the globe for making her mark in the world of rock 'n' roll and for speaking out against domestic abuse, to Paul Cattermole from the iconic pop group S Club 7, and those loved for a particular role they had or song they composed, whether it be in Little Miss Sunshine or the lyrics of I Say A Little Prayer, each of their contributions were special in their own way.
So, if you feel like paying homage to the greats, here's a look at of some of the celebrities we sadly lost in 2023.
Lee Sun-kyun
The actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role as Park Dong-ik in the movie Parasite, sadly died last year, aged 48.
In a message shared by South Korea's emergency office on 27 December, it was confirmed the actor was found unconscious in a car. He had been under investigation over illegal drug use, according to reports.
At the time, his agency, Hodu & U Entertainment, shared a statement urging people to refrain from spreading false information. “The funeral will take place privately with family members and close friends in attendance,” the statement confirmed.
Fans shared touching tributes on social media, discussing how they’d been impacted by the actor’s performances and the legacy he leaves behind.
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Andre Braugher
Actor Andre Braugher died on 11 December after being diagnosed with lung cancer, his publicist told the BBC.
He was known to millions as Captain Raymond Holt, but his role in award-winning comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine was just one of his many achievements.
Braugher, 61, was nominated for an Emmy 11 times throughout his illustrious career, and he worked alongside a long list of Hollywood stars, with Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington included in that number.
Among the moving tributes shared to the star online was a heartfelt message of thanks written by his friend and fellow actor, Terry Crews. "You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man,” the tribute read.
Shane MacGowan
The legendary musician, best known as the frontman of the folk-punk band The Pogues, died from pneumonia on 30 November. He was 65 when he passed away peacefully in his sleep, with his loved ones by his side.
His wife, journalist and writer Victoria Mary Clarke penned a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on Instagram. "There's no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world,” she wrote.
"Thank you for your presence in this world, you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music. You will live in my heart forever... You meant the world to me.”
Matthew Perry
US actor Matthew Perry sadly died on 28 October aged 54.
He starred in multiple TV and film projects but was best known for his charismatic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the award-winning sitcom, Friends, which ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004.
Perry also appeared on the big-screen, appearing in films including The Whole Ten Yards and Fools Rush In.
In 2022, he released his book, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir in which he wrote candidly about his struggles with alcoholism and painkiller addiction.
Perry "felt like he was beating" his addiction issues at the time of his death, his stepfather Keith Morrison has said. The actor died from the "acute effects of ketamine", according to a post-mortem examination. It's understood he was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.
The Friends’ cast shared heartfelt tributes to Perry after his death was announced. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” wrote the group in a joint statement. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
Sir Michael Gambon
Actor Sir Michael Gambon passed away 'peacefully in hospital' on 25 September. Gambon, who was 82 at the time of his passing, was best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise.
A statement issued on behalf of the family read: "We are devestated 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."
As well as starring in one of the biggest film franchises of all time, Gambon was an esteemed actor who received three Olivier Awards and four Baftas over a career that spanned six decades.
He was knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama in 1999.
Angus Cloud
Euphoria star Angus Cloud tragically passed away on Monday 31 July, aged just 25. Shortly after his death was announced, his family released a statement to TMZ, which partly read: "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."
Almost two months on from his passing, the actor's cause of death was confirmed by the Alameda County Coroner to E! Online. They stated it was a result of a "lethal combination of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and more."
The Coroner also noted that his death was being ruled as an accidental overdose.
Just a week after Cloud passed, his mother, Lisa Cloud shared a heartfelt Facebook status shedding light on her son's final moments. There, she detailed how her son was still coming to terms with the untimely loss of his father, who had recently died from mesothelioma. Plus, insisting that "he did not intend to end his life."
Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad O'Connor - the musician just as famous for her music as she was for her activism - sadly died at the age of 56 on Wednesday 26 July. The singer-songwriter, whose iconic cover of Prince's 'Nothing Compares 2 U' catapulted her to musical stardom was a force to be reckoned with, and throughout her career was an advocate for women's rights, mental health, and the marginalisation of women in the music industry.
Sinéad's death was confirmed by her family, who released a brief statement to the Irish media that read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
The musician's death comes just 18 months after her beloved son, Shane, took his own life, which she recently addressed in an emotional Twitter post.
"Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves," she wrote.
Police have said that they are not treating Sinéad's death as suspicious.
Tony Bennett
The legendary pop and jazz singer sadly died on Friday 21 July aged 96 after a career spanning eight decades. Memorable songs include The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and I Left My Heart In San Francisco, while iconic collaborations include duets with Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra (a major influence on him).
A statement posted on his Twitter account read: "Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, 'Because of You', his first #1 hit.
"Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever."
Bennett sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award).
Alan Arkin
Award-winning actor Alan Arkin is best remembered for his roles in Little Miss Sunshine (in he played Edwin Hoover) and Catch-22 (the lead role of Yossarian), to name but a few.
After a career spanning seven decades, he died at the age of 89 on 29 June. His sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony said in a joint statement at the time, "Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man." A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed."
Glenda Jackson
Actor turned politician Glenda Jackson died at the age of 87 on 15 June after a "brief illness".
Her agent said in a statement, "Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side."
The star, also former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, won an Oscar for best actress in 1970 for her role starring in Women in Love.
Cormac McCarthy
Whether your favourite is The Road, No Country for Old Men, All the Pretty Horses, or any of the others he's penned, author Cormac McCarthy's novels will always live on.
Stephen King said he was "maybe the greatest American novelists of my time". McCarthy died on 13 June aged 89.
Sheldon Reynolds
Singer and guitarist Sheldon Reynolds, member of bands Earth, Wind & Fire (songs September and Boogie Wonderland may spring to mind), Commodores, and Sun, died on 23 May at the age of 63.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner, who really needs no introduction except for 'The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll', died peacefully in her home in Zurich at the age of 83, after a long illness.
"With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model," her publicist said in a statement.
Andy Rourke
The Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke died aged just 59 on 19 May.
Sharing the news on social media, fellow guitarist Johnny Marr wrote, "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
"Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time."
Jerry Springer
Talk show host Jerry Springer truly made his mark in daytime TV.
Dying peacefully at his family home in Chicago aged 79, his family said in a statement: "Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
"He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on."
Springer's family said he died from pancreatic cancer, passing away on 27 April.
Len Goodman
Memories of dancer turned TV sensation Len Goodman, loved for his role as head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, will forever be cherished. That includes his catchphrase 'It's a 10 from Len!'.
He died on 22 April, aged 78.
Barry Humphries
Comedian Barry Humphries, best known for writing and playing outlandish characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, entertained for decades both on-screen and on-stage.
He died on 22 April at the age of 89.
Kate Saunders
Award winning novelist Kate Sunders, who also appeared in Only Fools and Horses, passed away on 21 April at the age of 62.
She won the Costa Children's Book Award in 2014 for Five Children on the Western Front, while her Belfry Witches stories were adapted for children's TV.
Moonbin
The K-Pop star who went by the stage name of Moonbin sadly died on 19 April at just 25-years-old. He was a member of the South Korean boy group Astro.
Paul Cattermole
The loss of S Club star Paul Cattermole was a shock to everyone, including his fellow bandmates, as they had been excitedly preparing for a reunion tour.
The group's Hannah Spearritt (who previously dated Cattermole) subsequently stepped down from the tour, with the rest of the band (including Rachel Stevens and Jon Lee) due to perform under a new name.
Nigel Lawson
Thatcher-era Conservative chancellor and journalist Nigel Lawson, died aged 91 on 3 April.
His daughter, Nigella Lawson, thanked her fans for their "kind messages" at the time.
Mark Sheehan
Guitarist from band The Script, Mark Sheehan, sadly passed away on 14 April at 46 after a short illness.
"Much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away today in hospital after a brief illness," the band’s statement read at the time.
More recently, in June, lead singer Danny O'Donoghue shared a video of a candle burning on Instagram, with the accompanying caption: "We need to be one big family right now, so we’re switching off our personal accounts for a while ahead of the shows."
Paul O'Grady
The nation's favourite, Paul O'Grady, will be remembered for his eclectic career consisting of comedy, TV and chat shows, as well as where it all started in the 1990s, with his alter ego Lily Savage.
"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," his husband Andre Portasio wrote at the time. "We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss. 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."
Both fans and dogs (for which he was known to love, shown through his animal welfare work and For the Love of Dogs TV show) lined the streets to mourn his loss.
Jacqueline Gold
We have businesswoman Jacqueline Gold to thank for the evolution of the Ann Summers retail chain, which embraced selling vibrators and lingerie galore on the high street.
She died at 62 on on 16 March after her lengthy struggle with breast cancer. Her sister, CEO of Ann Summers, said at the time, "Jacqueline courageously battled stage 4 breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey.
"In life she was a trailblazer, a visionary, and the most incredible woman, all of which makes this news that much harder to bear. As a family, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our wife, mum, sister and best friend."
Lance Reddick
Remembered for playing police officer Cedric Daniels in The Wire, among other roles in John Wick, Resident Evil, Fringe, and more, Lance Reddick died aged 60 on 17 March.
Mystic Meg
Horoscopes will never be the same. The real life Mystic Meg, astrologer Margaret Lake, became a household name when she predicted the winners on the National Lottery draw via a crystal ball. She then went on to provide phone-in horoscopes, and wrote regular columns in newspapers including The Sun.
After being admitted to hospital a month prior with the flu, she died aged 80 on 9 March.
Tom Sizemore
Actor Tom Sizemore, known for his roles in Saving Private Ryan, Fourth of July, Lock Up and Blue Steel, and more, died aged 61 after a brain aneurysm, which caused a stroke.
"It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore… passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank. His Brother Paul and twin boys, Jayden and Jagger, were at his side," his manager Charles Lago said at the time.
Baroness Betty Boothroyd
The first female speaker of the House of Commons Betty Boothroyd died aged 93 on 26 February.
The current speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, described her as an "inspirational woman and politician" who "struck by the rules", who will be remembered for her "good humour and charm".
Raquel Welch
Hollywood superstar Raquel Welch died on 15 February at the age of 82 after a "brief illness". She was thrown into the spotlight for her roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C, going on to win a Golden Globe for her performance in The Three Musketeers.
Hugh Hudson
Film director Hugh Hudson, who directed the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire (following the story of two British athletes in the Olympics), died aged 86.
"Hugh Hudson, 86, beloved husband and father, died at Charing Cross hospital on 10 February after a short illness," a statement released on behalf of his family said.
Burt Bacharach
We have Burt Bacharach in part to thank for endless top music hits including I Say A Little Prayer and Walk on By. The songwriter and composer died aged 94 on 8 February.
Paco Rabanne
If you're a fan of the perfume and fashion brand, you're likely a fan of the man behind it. Paco Rabanne died aged 88 on 3 February at his home in France.
Lisa Loring
If you don't instantly recognise her, just think of Wednesday Adams in the original The Addams Family. Lisa Loring played the character in the sitcom from 1964 to 1966, starting at just five-years-old.
She sadly died from a stroke at the age of 64 on 28 January. "She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands," her daughter Vanessa Foumberg told Variety.
David Crosby
Founding member of popular bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later named Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) died at 81 on 18 January. He is remembered as a pioneer of music genres folk rock and psychedelia.
Lisa Marie Presley
The child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, tragically died at the age of 54 after being rushed to hospital.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us," her mother, Priscilla, said in a statement. "She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known."
Lisa Marie was a singer and songwriter.
Jeff Beck
Legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck, who played with The Yardbirds and later formed the Jeff Beck Group, died aged 78 on 10 January from bacterial meningitis.
Julian Sands
The British actor Julian Sands was confirmed dead in June after sadly going missing on a hike in January. He'll be remembered for his roles in A Room With A View, the TV dramas 24 and Smallville, and appearances in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
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