2016 was one of the most devastating years for celebrity deaths and it saw the world say goodbye to a whole host of our favourite household names.
From actors, to musicians to broadcasters and sports stars we want to pay tribute to those celebrities we lost this year whose influence will live on our lives.
Here’s a look at just some of those leading lights who have inspired a generation.
David Bowie
The year got off to a terrible start when the death of music legend David Bowie was announced on January 8th. The 69-year-old passed away just three days after releasing is 25th studio album. Bowie had been battling cancer for over 18 months but kept his illness so quiet that even some of his close friends were unaware of his disease. With hits such as Heroes, Starman, and Space Oddity Bowie has left a lasting legacy for music lovers everywhere.
Alan Rickman
British actor Alan Rickman died on January 14th, also at the age of 69. This iconic actor famous for his roles in Harry Potter, Sense & Sensibility, Love Actually and Truly, Madly , Deeply was loved by all generations. Rickman had suffered a minor stroke in August 2015 which led to his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a battle which he eventually lost.
Sir Terry Wogan
This veteran Irish broadcaster died at the end of January aged 77. The much loved radio and television host passed away after a short battle with cancer, which he kept secret from everyone but his immediate family and close friends. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across Britain and Ireland and a special tribute was paid to him on this year’s Children In Need show, which he had a huge role in.
David Gest
Music producer David Gest also tragically passed away last April. The 62-year-old larger than life character passed away in a London hotel room having suffered a stroke. The man who was once married to Liza Minnelli was famous for his stints on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Celebrity Big Brother.
Prince
Another music legend to sadly pass away this year was Prince. The singer-songwriter died in tragic circumstances after a fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park recording studio and home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57-years-old at the time. The Purple Rain singer’s death prompted thousands of tributes from musicians and fans all around the world.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali the former heavyweight champion of the world turned political activist died after a 35 year long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Ali was 74 when he died and had been suffering with a respiratory illness which eventual led to septic shock. Tributes were paid to this ‘citizen of the world’ by the likes of Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, David Cameron and Michael Jordan.
Anton Yelchin
Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin was tragically killed in a car accident at his home in Los Angeles in June. Police believe that his jeep rolled down his driveway pinning him against a brick mailbox pillar and a fence, killing him within minutes. The Russian-born actor was only 27 when the devastating accident ocurred.
Gene Wilder
Film star Gene Wilder passed away at aged 83 in August following complications from his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Wilder had a long, illustrious film career but was best known for his role as Willy Wonka in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s childhood novel. He died in his home in Stamford, Connecticut.
Leonard Cohen
Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen passed away in November ending a music career which spanned five decades. The Hallelujah singer apparently died in his sleep after a fall during the night in his Los Angeles home. His funeral took place in his hometown of Montreal and thousands of people the world over paid tribute to the musician as a ‘legendary poet, songwriter and artist.’
Zsa Zsa Gabor
Hollywood actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor passed away in December after suffering a heart attack. The former Miss Hungary was an astonishing 99-years-old when she died. The actress was as famous for her glamour as she was for her revolving-door marriages, having wed an incredible 9 times over the course of her life!
George Michael
Christmas Day was tinged with sadness this year as music legend George Michael passed away suddenly at the age of 53. The singer/songwriter had an incredible career which saw him sell over 80 million records over a period of four decades. The global sensation who was an icon to the gay community was found dead in his Oxfordshire home by his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz. He is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Carrie Fisher
Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher was the last straw for most people when it came to celebrity deaths in 2016. Famed for her role as Princess Leia in the popular franchise she was also an author and a screenwriter. The 60-year-old suffered a heart attack while on board a flight to Los Angeles and sadly passed away a few days later. Tributes for the actress who was an advocate for mental health and feminism poured in. At the time of her death she was busy promoting her latest book ‘The Princess Diarist.’
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