Celebrity deaths 2023 – all the stars who have passed away
SINCE 2023 began, 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?
Tina Turner
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
British author Martin Amis died on May 19.
The novelist, 73. had been battling oesophageal cancer.
Andy Rourke
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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
56
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.”
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘752905198150451’);
fbq(‘track’, “PageView”);
Celebrity deaths 2023 – all the stars who have passed away
