Yahoo News Celebrity deaths in 2023 from Matthew Perry to Lisa Marie Presley
The stars we lost in 2023 including Julian Sands and Michael Parkinson AKA Parky
Matthew Perry, Lisa Marie Presley and Tina Turner were among some of the biggest stars we have lost in 2023, sparking an outpouring of love from their friends and family as well as of course their biggest fans. There was Julian Sands, Sir Bobby Charlton and more stars too.
Tributes have flooded social media, from messages of love to people sharing their fondest memories of the stars. The results, which were pulled from hundreds of millions of searches on Yahoo UK in the past 12 months, reveal the celebrities we have lost.
Matthew Perry
The world was in mourning when it was announced that Matthew Perry was found dead aged 54 in a jacuzzi at his home in Los Angeles in October 2023. Tragically, Perry posted a jacuzzi photo just days before his death.
Tributes from his Friends co-stars led the way alongside the heartwarming messages from fellow celebrities, famous exes and fans. Offscreen the Friends stars had a close bond. Most recently, Jennifer Aniston revealed she had spoken to Perry on the day he had died. She told Variety: "He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that’s all I know. I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy."
The Friends actor knew everyone would remember him for starring as the charming and witty Chandler Bing but that's not necessarily how Perry wanted to be remembered. In his memoir, he shared his hopes of being remembered for how he helped people. Perry was passionate about helping people who were addicted to alcohol and drugs, including setting up Perry House in Malibu which provided support to men struggling with addiction.
Sinead O'Connor
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor was found dead aged 56 in July 2023, leaving many devastated. Her family shared the news in a statement which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad."
It added: "Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time." She died just 18 months after her teenage son Shane died aged 17 following his release from hospital where he had been on suicide watch.
The musician left behind a huge legacy including 10 studio albums. She found worldwide fame with her cover of Prince's Nothing Compares 2 U in 1990. Also at age 20, she got great recognition for her debut Grammy-nominated album The Lion and the Cobra hitting the shelves.
Julian Sands
Julian Sands was confirmed dead aged 65 in June after his remains were discovered by a walker and formally identified. The British actor went missing on a hike in January grabbing the attention of many headlines all over the world.
Once found, his family said in a statement: "We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian. We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer."
Sands had gone on a hike during bad weather in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains, in California. Sadly at the end of January, his brother Nick Sands said: "I have come to terms with the fact he's gone and for me that's how I've dealt with it."
Tina Turner
Superstar Tina Turner died aged 83 in May, having made a huge mark on the music industry in her lifetime with her powerful vocals. The singing sensation won an impressive eight Grammy Awards. Showbiz legends paid tribute to the star including Naomi Campbell and The Rolling Stones' Sir Mick Jagger.
A post on her Instagram first confirmed the news: "With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow... Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music."
The What's Love Got To Do With It hitmaker had battled a number of health conditions towards the end of her life including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.
Paul O'Grady
Presenter Paul O'Grady – who rocketed to fame with his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage — died "suddenly and peacefully" at the age of 67 in March.
His husband Andre Portasio shared the news on social media: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. 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."
With a huge love of dogs, he worked tirelessly with Battersea Dogs Home - including alongside the Queen Camilla. In a statement, she said: "I am deeply saddened to have learned of the death of Paul O'Grady, with whom she worked closely to support the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and whose warm heart and infectious humour lit up the lives of so many."
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley died aged 54 in January. It sent shockwaves around the world as only two days Presley made an appearance at the star-studded Golden Globes which is attended by the great and the good of the showbiz world. It was ruled she died after the cardiac arrest was caused by a "small bowel obstruction", according to the Los Angeles medical examiner's office.
The only child of Elvis Presley followed her rock n' roll father into the music world and the rest is history. During her life, she was famously married four times including to Keough, pop star Michael Jackson, actor Nicolas Cage and musician Michael Lockwood.
Barry Humphries
Australian Barry Humphries sadly died aged 89 in April. Best known for bringing to the life character Dame Edna Everage, Humphries was a showbiz legend with a decade spanning seven decades across theatre to film.
Close friend King Charles had spoken to Humphries hours before he died. At the times the news broke, Buckingham Palace said His Majesty was "writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak". Among the tributes, a statement from his family.
It read: "He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit. With over 70 years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be.
"His audiences were precious to him, and he never took them for granted. Although he may be best remembered for his work in theatre, he was a painter, author, poet, and a collector and lover of art in all its forms.
"He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives. The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on."
Roger Whittaker
In September, Durham Town hitmaker Roger Whittaker died aged 87. His career spanned six decades and the singer impressively sold nearly 50m records.
His family and Sony music said: "It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved Roger Whittaker passed away on the 13th. September 2023 he left us in peace in the presence of his family. During this difficult time we would like to thank everyone for their support and compassion. Roger was an iconic artist, a wonderful husband and father.
"He touched so many hearts with his music during his lifetime and will always live on in our memories. The family requests privacy as we go through this time of grief and we thank you for your understanding. Roger will be greatly missed, his legacy will forever live on in our hearts and in his art."
Raquel Welch
Bedazzled star Raquel Welch died aged 82 after a brief illness. Her rep, Stephen LaManna, shared a statement breaking the news to the world: "The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs. Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and her daughter, Tahnee Welch."
She had a remarkable career in Hollywood which saw her star in 30 films and 50 television series. Her breakthrough role emerged in 1966 when she starred in Fantastic Voyage. It was in the 1960s she became a global sex symbol thanks to her role as the bikini-wearing cavewoman in One Million Years B.C.
Sir Bobby Charlton
The football great Sir Bobby Charlton had died aged 86 in October, with tributes from all the world being sent for the late star. His family announced the news. Charlton was knighted for his services to football in 1994 and had great success over his career including being a starring role in England's 1966 World Cup winning team squad.
Among the tributes, David Beckham wrote: "It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United. I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966."
Charlton had been battling with dementia when he died. His diagnosis was made public in November 2020. Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby Charlton's family, and all those who loved him, following the tragic news that he has died with dementia."
Dickie Davies
World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies died at the grand age of 94. Best known for presenting the ITV sports show, he covered everything from darts to boxing throughout his career.
His former colleague Jim Rosenthal shared the news on social media with the words: "With huge sadness, we announce Dickie Davies passed away this morning. So proud of his 20 years of World of Sport, 3 Olympic Games and a brilliant career on the telly. He is survived by a loving wife, two adoring sons, four grandkids and two beloved dogs."
Jeff Beck
As one of the biggest rock guitarists of all time, Jeff Beck's death at the age of 78 at the start of 2023 shook the showbiz world. He first was propelled into the limelight when he replaced Eric Clapton in Yardbirds. Later he would go onto form the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart.
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing," read the statement on his profile on X, formerly known as Twitter. "After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."
Michael Parkinson
Fondly known as Parky, Sir Michael Parkinson sadly died aged 88 in August following a short illness. One of the best interviewers of our time, he spoke to the world's biggest stars and had a TV career that spanned seven decades. He was a joy and enjoyed more than 30 years on his long-running chat show.
Of course many of the greats he interviewed including Elton John paid tribute to TV legend Parky. His family said in a statement: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."
Shane MacGowan
By late November, The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan died aged 65. He had found fame with the band in the early 80s and their song Fairytale of NewYork was at the centre of controversy.
His wife Victoria Mary Clarke confirmed to The New York Times that her husband died of pneumonia. She also broke the news to his fans on Instagram: "I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it. 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.
"I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much."
