Celebrity deaths in 2019: Famous faces lost this year from Luke Perry to Keith Flint

Learning of the death of one of your childhood heroes is always a sad experience, and it seems 2018 was a year when we had to say goodbye to too many of them.

No matter your area of interest, we all would have keenly felt the loss of someone from the celebrity world last year – from political big-hitters like George H.W. Bush and Paddy Ashdown; to sporting stars Cyrille Regis and Eric Bristow; and icons of stage and screen from Stan Lee to June Whitfield, all will be greatly missed.

And the losses have continued into 2019, with the sad news that we have already lost such much-loved people such as WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Albert Finney, and England goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks.

Here’s a look at those we’ve lost in 2019, who have and will continue to inspire generations for years to come.

APRIL

Ken Kercheval

Dallas’ Cliff Barnes died at the age of 83, believed to have passed away on April 21.

Ken Kercheval was best known for playing JR Ewing’s arch-rival opposite Larry Hagman in the hit US TV drama.

A spokeswoman at the Frist Funeral Home in the actor’s hometown of Clinton, Indiana, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kercheval starred in 14 series of Dallas and even returned for the 2012 reboot.

Billy McNeill

Billy McNeill passed away on April 22, aged 79 after a long battle with dementia.

Lisbon Lion McNeill was the first British man to lift the European Cup as captain and he skippered the Hoops in their 1967 European Cup triumph where they beat Inter Milan in the final.

In a statement, Celtic said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill. He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones.”

Ray Boddington

Ray Boddington, the iconic frontman of Manchester band Piccadilly Rats, died on April 18, aged 77.

The singer, who was struck by a tram in Manchester city centre, died in hospital surrounded by his family.

Ray, who was well known as a busker in his hometown, had previously appeared on The X Factor and Judge Rinder.

Bradley Welsh

Bradley Welsh, who starred in  Trainspotting 2, died on April 17, aged 42.

Welsh, a former professional boxer and reformed football hooligan turned charity worker, appeared on an episode of Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men back in 2008.

The dad, who leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter, played gangland kingpin Doyle in T2 and is friends with author of the novel,  Irvine Welsh.

Georgia Engel

Georgia Engel, star of Everybody Loves Raymond, died on April 12, aged 70.

Engel – who was known for her sweet-sounding speaking voice – was nominated for five Emmys during her career.

She first rose to fame on The Mary Tyler Moore show playing Georgette Franklin, the wife of anchorman Ted Baker.

In later years Engel had roles in The Office, Two and a Half Men and the movie Grown Ups 2, as well as returning to the stage in several shows on Broadway.

Tommy Smith

Former Liverpool captain Tommy Smith died on April 11, aged 74.

Affectionately known as ‘The Anfield Iron’ club legend Smith, who had been battling dementia,  spent 18 years as a player with the Reds and is one of the most influential figures in the club’s history.

The tough tackling midfielder captained his boyhood club and made 638 appearances in total – the eighth in the all-time list at Anfield.

Ian Cognito

Stand up comic Ian Cognito died on April 11, after ‘having a heart attack’ on stage.

The comedian was performing at the Lone Wolf Comedy Club in Bicester when he fell ill, with the audience initially believing his silence was part of his act.

Fellow comedians rushed to pay tribute to the “lovable lunatic”, who was affectionately known as Cogs. Hailing from Walthamstow, the comic’s age is unknown.

Mya-Lecia Naylor

CBBC star Mya-Lecia Naylor died on April 7 at the age of 16.

Mya-Lecia, who starred in CBBC shows Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, was a model, actress and singer.

She also appeared in BBC show Absolutely Fabulous as Jane in 2004.

The sad news was confirmed by her representatives A&J Management.

Sandy Ratcliff

Former EastEnders star Sandy Ratcliff died on April 7, at the age of 70.

The actress, who was one of the original EastEnders cast members and played Sue Osman from 1985 until 1989, passed away in a care home in Stamford Hill, North London.

Sandy starred in the first ever episode of the popular BBC soap in 1985 as cafe owner Ali Osman’s long-suffering wife.

John Quarmby

John Quarmby died on April 5, aged 89.

He was best known for playing Mr Carnegie the health inspector in the classic Fawlty Towers episode Basil The Rat.

Comedy legend John Cleese led tributes to his TV co-star on Twitter.

He wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of John Quarmby who played the health inspector in Basil the Rat episode

“Lovely chap. I shall never forget the expression on his face when he saw the rat sitting in the biscuit tin.”

MARCH

Her’s

Liverpool band Her’s were killed in a car crash while touring the United States on March 27.

Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laadig, were travelling to a gig in Santa Ana, California, on Wednesday, when they were involved in a fatal accident.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the band’s label Heist Or Hit wrote: “We are all heartbroken. Their energy, vibrancy and talent came to define our label.”

Ranking Roger

Musician Roger Charlery, better known as Ranking Roger of the Beat and General Public, died on March 26 at the age of 56.

News of his death was announced to fans with a statement on Instagram which read: “He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.”

In January this year it was revealed that Charlery had suffered a stroke over the summer and was diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer.

Scott Walker

The Walker Brothers star Scott Walker died at the age of 76.

The sad news was announced by independent record label 4AD, who say they were honoured to have worked with the star for 15 years.

Scott, who was born Noel Scott Engel, starred in the American pop trio, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside John Walker and Gary Leeds.

His cause of death has not been announced.

Sharing the sad news, the label said on its website: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker. Scott was 76 years old and is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly.

Justin Carter

Up-and-coming country music star Justin Carter died on March 17 aged 35 after accidentally shooting himself.

The singer discharged a gun by mistake while filming a music video.

Carter was being touted as the ‘next Garth Brooks’ by his management, and was a father to two daughters.

Mike Thalassitis

Reality TV star Mike Thalassitis was found dead on March 16, aged 26.

The Love Island star’s body was found in woods near his Essex home.

Mike was a former League Two footballer who found fame on the ITV2 dating show in 2017.

His behaviour on the show saw him land the nickname ‘Muggy Mike’ as well as a reputation as a reality villain.

Pat Laffan

Irish actor Pat Laffan died on March 14, aged 79

Laffan was best known for his role as milkman Pat Mustard in Father Ted, and it was the show’s creator who broke the news of his passing on Twitter, telling his followers: “Just heard the sad news that Pat Laffan who played Pat Mustard in Father Ted has died. Rest in peace, Pat, a pleasure to work with you”.

The news was confirmed in a statement by Mr Laffan’s agent Lisa Richards.

Charlie Whiting

F1 race director Charlie Whiting died on March 14 aged 66 from a pulmonary embolism.

A popular figure in Formula 1, Whiting had been in the role since 1997 and played a pivotal part in improving the motorsport’s safety.

Magenta Devine

TV presenter Magenta Devine died on March 6, aged 61, after a short illness.

The host of BBC Two’s Rough Guides to the World and Channel 4’s Network 7, Magenta – real name Kim Taylor – had been receiving treatment in hospital for an illness shortly before her death.

She was known for her distinctive choppy bob hairstyle, and the trademark dark shades she always wore.

Her other presenting credits include Young, Gifted And Broke from 1999 to 2001.

Luke Perry

Luke Perry died on March 4, aged 52, after suffering a massive stroke.

He was rushed to hospital after suffering the stroke while at his Sherman Oaks, CA home, but never recovered.

Luke was best known for playing Dylan McKay in the teen show Beverly Hills, 90210 and was currently starring as Archie’s father Fred Andrews in Riverdale.

Keith Flint

The Prodigy’s Keith Flint died at the age of 49 on March 4.

The singer, famous for his single Firestarter, was found dead at his home in Essex, with his best friend Liam Howlett revealing In an Instagram post that he took his own life.

Howlett wrote: “The news is true , I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend.
I’m shell shocked , f**kin angry , confused and heart broken ….. r.i.p brother Liam #theprodigy .”

The Prodigy found huge fame after emerging from the underground rave scene in the early 1990s.

FEBRUARY

Andrew Previn

The German-American composer died in his Manhattan home on February 28 aged 89.

He won his first Oscar in his 20s, the first for best scoring of a musical picture for Gigi in 1958 and Porgy & Bess in 1959.

He is best known in the UK for his role as ‘Andrew Preview’ in Morcambe and Wise.

Andy Anderson

The Cure drummer Andy Anderson died on February 26, aged 68, after losing his battle with cancer.

His death was announced by former bandmate Lol Tolhurt, who said: “Andy Anderson was a true gentleman and a great musician with a wicked sense of humor which he kept until the end, a testament to his beautiful spirit on the last journey.”

Anderson revealed he had been diagnosed with the terminal disease just earlier this month, via a Facebook post.

Lisa Sheridan

Actress Lisa Sheridan, who appeared in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The 4400, died on February 25, aged 44.

Her manager confirmed the news, saying: “She passed away Monday morning, at home, in her apartment in New Orleans. We are waiting for a coroners report on cause of death.”

Friends such as Baywatch actress Donna D’Errico and filmmaker Michael Dunaway took to social media to pay tribute to the star.

Sheridan’s body of work, mostly on US television, also included Invasion, Journeyman and The Mentalist, among others.

Mark Hollis

Talk Talk singer Mark Hollis died on February 25 after a short illness, at the age of 64.

Hollis was the founder, lead songwriter, singer and creative mastermind behind the 80s new wave band – who produced such classic tracks as It’s My Life, Life’s What You Make It, Today and Such A Shame.

His longtime manager Keith Aspden confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “I can’t tell you how much Mark influenced and changed my perceptions on art and music.

“I’m grateful for the time I spent with him and for the gentle beauty he shared with us.”

Katherine Helmond

Actress Katherine Helmond died on February 23 aged 89 following complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

The Hollywood star was most famous for her roles in sitcoms Who’s the Boss and Everybody Loves Raymond.

During her decades-long career she also appeared in True Blood and Soap, as well as the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Brody Stevens

Comedian Brody Stevens died on February 22 aged 48.

As well as his career in stand-up comedy, Brody also appeared in movies with roles in The Hangover and Due Date.

In a statement from his reps, Brody was described as “an inspiring voice who was a friend to many in the comedy community.”

Peter Tork

Monkees singer Peter Tork died on February 21, aged 77.

The sad news was confirmed by his sister Anne Thorkelson, though she did not clarify the star’s cause of death, reports the Washington Post.

He had been diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma, in 2009.

Peter was a singer, bass player and keyboard player for the Monkees, a four-piece band who found fame in the 1960s.

Vinny Vella

The Sopranos and Casino actor Vinny Vella has died, aged 72, after a battle with liver cancer.

A statement from his rep said: “We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one is more saddened than himself.

“Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen.”

He was well known for his smaller roles in Donnie Brasco, Mambo Cafe, Kissing Jessica Stein and Find Me Guilty, and also played opposite Robert De Niro in Analyze That.

Karl Lagerfeld

Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld died on February 19, aged 85, after a cancer battle.

The iconic designer, who was the creative director of Chanel, is believed to have been unwell for two weeks before his death in a Paris hospital.

According to sources close to him, Lagerfeld was rushed to hospital on Monday while suffering from pancreatic cancer.

“He hadn’t gone on about his illness, but battled it very bravely,” said one insider. “Karl was very proud of his fitness and healthy living, so the pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock.”

Eric Harrison

Former Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison died on February 13, aged 81.

Harrison, credited with the development of United’s fabled ‘Class of ’92’, was diagnosed with dementia four years ago.

He appeared for Halifax, Hartlepool, Barrow and Southport during his playing career, before he became United’s youth team manager in 1981.

Harrison’s first major finds were Norman Whiteside and Mark Hughes, both of whom appeared in United’s 1981-82 FA Youth Cup Final loss to Watford; Northern Ireland international Whiteside would go on to score key goals in the senior side’s FA Cup success the following year.

But greatest successes came following the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986, with the Scot revamping the club’s scouting network.

Gordon Banks

England’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks died on February 12 at the age of 81.

Regarded as one of the game’s greatest in his position, Banks was named FIFA goalkeeper of the year six times and earned 73 caps for England.

Born in Sheffield, Banks made 628 appearances during a 15-year career in the Football League, playing for Chesterfield, Leicester City and Stoke.

Jan-Michael Vincent

Jan-Michael Vincent died at the age of 74 on February 10.

The star of Airwolf died of a heart attack.

Carmen Argenziano

Actor Carmen Argenziano, who appeared in Godfather II and Stargate SG-1, died on February 9, aged 75.

His acting agency Event Horizon Talent confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post.

They wrote: “It is with a heavy heart and more sadness than anyone can realize right now that I announce the passing of client Carmen Argenziano at the age of 75.

“His acting career began in the early 1970s and included a turn in The Godfather, Part II. “Carmen worked steadily over more than 40 years and was a staple character actor on our televisions throughout that time, including on series such as Cheers, Melrose Place, ER, CSI:NY and many others, while also lending his talents to films both tentpole and intimate.”

Cadet

Rapper Cadet – real name Blaine Cameron Johnson – died in a car accident on February 9 aged 28.

The UK musician was the cousin of rap star Krept, and collaborated with Deno on hit track ‘Advice’. He also featured on ‘Pumpy’ alongside Da Beatfreakz, AJ and Swarmz.

John Haynes

Motoring legend John Haynes – creator of the famous Haynes Manual car repair books – died on February 8, aged 80.

He was known across the world because of the extraordinary success of his books which were bought by a staggering 200 million people.

His family paid tribute Haynes saying he will be “missed enormously”.

The first Haynes Manual, for the Austin Healey Sprite, was published in 1966, and the first print run of 3,000 sold out in less than three months.

Albert Finney

Actor Albert Finney died on February 7 aged 82.

The British star was nominated for five Academy Awards during a career that spanned nearly 50 years.

Finney had notable roles in Erin Brockovich, Murder on the Orient Express, Annie and Scrooge, as well as appearing in spy thrillers The Bourne Ultimatum, The Bourne Legacy and Skyfall.

Kristoff St John

Young And The Restless star Kristoff St John died on February 3 at the age of 52.

Kristoff played Neil Winters on the soap since 1991 and won nine Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his role.

Detsl

Russian rapper Detsl died on February 3 aged 35 following a suspected heart attack.

The hip hop artist, real name Kirill Aleksandrovich Tolmatsky, passed away shortly after performing a gig in the city of Izhevsk.

Detsl was considered to be a pioneer of Russian hip hop and won various awards including the International Viewer’s Choice Award for MTV Russia at the VMAs in 2000.

Neal James

Actor and musician Neal James died on February 1 aged 55. He passed away from natural causes.

Known as ‘Banjo Man’, Neal was the star of TV show Call of the Wildman which ran between 2011 and 2014 on the Animal Planet documentary channel.

Clive Swift

Actor Clive Swift died on February 1 aged 82.

Swift was most well known for playing Richard Bucket, the long suffering husband of Hyacinth from hit 90s BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. He also had roles in Inspector Morse, Peak Practice, Heartbeat and Hustle, as well as two appearances in Doctor Who.

Jeremy Hardy

Comedian Jeremy Hardy died on Feb 1, aged 57, after battling cancer.

The Blackadder Goes Forth and Mock the Week star, who was a good friend of Jeremy Corbyn, won the coveted Perrier Award in 1988 and best live act at the ITV Comedy Awards in 1991.

JANUARY

Dick Miller

Actor Dick Miller died on January 30 aged 90. The star was most famous for his role in 1984 horror comedy Gremlins as Murray Futterman. Miller also appeared in The Terminator, The Burbs and Fame.

His debut role was in Roger Corman’s 1959 movie A Bucket of Blood, with his career spanning over 60 years and more than 100 screen appearances.

James Ingram

R&B singer James Ingram died on January 29 aged 66 following a battle with brain cancer.

Best known for his 1980s hits like Baby Come To Me, a duet with Patti Austin, and Somewhere Out There, a duet with Linda Rondstadt, James won two Grammys during his career (for Yah Mo Be There and then for 100 Ways) and was nominated another 12 times.

Michel Legrand

French composer Michel Legrand died on January 26 aged 86.

The Academy Award winner earned 3 Oscars over the course of a career spanning more than 50 years. His first was in 1969 for The Windmills of Your Mind, which featured on the soundtrack to The Thomas Crown Affair. In 1971 he won Best Original Score for Summer of ’42, and again in 1983 for Yentl.

Windsor Davies

Actor Windsor Davies died on January 17 aged 88.

The star was most famous for his role in BBC sitcom It Ain’t Half Hot Mum as Battery Sergeant Major Williams, and he also spent a decade playing Oliver Smallbridge in ITV comedy Never the Twain.

Davies appeared in a number of films including Carry on Behind and Carry On England.

Carol Channing

Legendary Broadway actress Carol Channing died on January 15, aged 97.

The Hello, Dolly star died of natural causes, her publicist revealed in a statement.

B Harlan Boll told Broadway World : “It is with extreme heartache, that I have to announce the passing of an original Industry Pioneer, Legend and Icon – Miss Carol Channing.

“I admired her before I met her, and have loved her since the day she stepped … or fell rather … into my life. It is so very hard to see the final curtain lower on a woman who has been a daily part of my life for more than a third of it.”

Jo Andres

Steve Buscemi’s wife Jo Andres died aged 65.

The Reservoir Dogs star’s partner of 30 years passed away surrounded by friends and family in New York in early January.

The filmmaker’s cause of death has not been made public, but he “was spotted lifting a wicker casket out of the house,” on Wednesday, according to Radar Online.

Steve is said to have headed to the funeral home with a police escort in tow, with the website adding that “the company that handled the funeral arrangements caters toward those looking for natural burial.”

Firefighters from the New York Ladder Company he volunteered at during 9/11 were also spotted outside his house in Brooklyn that day.

Kevin Fret

Trap performer Kevin Fret died on January 10 aged 24 after being shot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Latin musician was a campaigner for gay rights, and made his breakthrough in 2018 with track Soy Asi.

Dianne Oxberry

BBC TV and radio presenter Dianne Oxberry died on January 10 aged 51 following a short illness. Dianne present the weather forecast on regional news programme North West Tonight for over 20 years.

She started her broadcasting career on Radio 1 in London as the station’s first dedicated weather presenter.

Darius Perkins

Neighbours star Darius Perkins died from cancer on Jan 2, aged 54.

The Australian actor played the original Scott Robinson in the long running soap when it launched in 1985, before being replaced by Jason Donovan.

Darius appeared in numerous Australian dramas including Home and Away, A Country Practice and The Sullivans.

Bob Einstein

Bob Einstein died on January 2 at the age of 76, after being diagnosed with cancer.

The Emmy Award winning star was best known for starring in US sitcoms Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development.

News of his death was announced by his brother Albert Brooks, who described Einstein as a “great brother, father and husband” and a “brilliantly funny man”.

Gene Okerlund

WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund passed away on January 2, aged 76.

Described by the WWE as “the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history”, the legendary microphone king from Sisseton, South Dakota appeared alongside the industry’s greatest stars in a career spanning decades.

He was forever immortalised by his work with Hulk Hogan, who would often begin interviews by saying: “Well let me tell you something Mean Gene…”

The former radio DJ even wrestled on the odd occasion – famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with former world champion Hogan in 1984 – and The Hulkster himself had the honour of inducting “Mean Gene” into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

Dean Ford

Dean Ford, the lead singer of pop band Marmalade, died on January 1 at the age of 72.

Scottish group Marmalade were best known for reaching number one in 1969 with a cover of The Beatles’ Ob-la-di Ob-la-da.

Their version – which saw them make history as the first ever Scottish group to top the UK chart – led to the band celebrating appearing on Top of the Pops by turning up in kilts.

The news was announced by his daughter on Facebook , who described her father as “an amazing man, a gentle soul and extremely talented musician”.