The famous faces we lost in 2022 and the legacies they leave behind-Rachael O'Connor and Lucy Norris-Entertainment – Metro

The world lost some greats in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

As 2022 comes to a close, we naturally reflect on how things have changed in the past 12 months, and who is no longer with us.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II, of course, dominated headlines in September and saw Britain enter a period of mourning.

This year proved particularly heartbreaking in the entertainment industry, as the world bade farewell to some absolute icons, and some far too soon.

Veteran actor Bernard Cribbins, rock legend Meat Loaf, Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane and Grease actress Olivia Newton-John were among some of the celebrities we mourned this year.

Dame Deborah James, after saving countless lives through her campaign to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, died from the disease at just 40 years of age.

Here we remember the celebrities lost in 2022 and the legacies they left behind,

Terry Hall

Terry Hall’s death was announced by The Specials on December 19 (Picture: Getty Images)

Lead singer of The Specials, Terry Hall died aged 63 following a brief undisclosed illness.

The star’s death was announced on social media via the reggae band’s Twitter account.

It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.

‘Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.’

The Specials rose to fame in the UK in 1979 when BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel played their debut single Gangsters on his show.

They then went on to release their debut album, aptly titled The Specials, which contained the hits A Message to You, Rudy and Too Much Too Young.

Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss

The much-loved DJ was a regular fixture on The Ellen Show in the US (Picture: Getty Images)

Aged 40, The Ellen Show DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss died after taking his own life on December 13.

The star began working with Ellen DeGeneres on her day-time chat show in 2014 and remained with the host until her segment ended in 2022.

As well as producing, Boss tried his hand at acting and starred in the films Step Up and Magic Mike XXL.

His death was announced in a statement made by his wife Allison Holker who wrote: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. Stephen lit up every room he stepped into.

‘He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.’

The famous face is survived by his wife as well as children Weslie, 14, Maddox, six and Zaia, three.

Ruth Madoc

Ruth played Gladys Pugh in Hi-de-Hi! from 1980 to 1988 (Picture: Shutterstock)

Ruth Madoc died aged 79 after her agent confirmed the news just days after she was taken to hospital after falling ill.

The Hi-de-Hi! actress was pronounced dead on December 9 following surgery for a fall.

News of her death was released in a statement to the PA news agency that read: ‘Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday, December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which had led her to have to withdraw from panto in Torquay.

‘From film work such as Fiddler On The Roof and Under Milk Wood with Richard Burton and her iconic TV performance as Gladys Pugh in Hi De Hi! and more recently in Little Britain and on stage with Calendar Girls (the play and the musical), plus recent acclaim in short films Skinny Fat and Cardiff, she was truly a national treasure and was looking forward to getting back on the road in 2023 with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.’

Kirstie Alley

Cheers actress Kirstie died in December (Picture: WireImage)

Iconic actress Kirstie Alley died at the age of 71 on 6 December after a battle with cancer, leading to an outpouring of support from fans.

The star was best-known for her roles in TV series including Cheers and Scream Queens, as well as the film Look Who’s Talking alongside John Travolta.

Alley’s death was announced by her children William “True” Stevenson and Lillie Price Stevenson, who confirmed their ‘incredible, fierce and loving mother’ had died.

Her Cheers co-star Kelsey Grammar and Rhea Perlman led the tributes to the mother-of-two, with Grammar saying he ‘loved her.’

Perlman said she had ‘never met anyone remotely like’ Alley, adding that she would miss her ‘very, very much’.

Her death came shortly after she had appeared on the US version of The Masked Singer, with the Fox programme later paying tribute to her.

Christine McVie

Fleetwood Mac star Christine received an outpouring of love following her death in November (Picture: Shutterstock)

Fleetwood Mac singer Christine McVie died on November 30 at the age of 79, with her family confirming the news ‘with a heavy heart.’

The musician, best known for songs including Everywhere, Don’t Stop and Little Lies, died in hospital following a short illness.

Her Fleetwood Mac bandmates, including Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood, shared a heart-wrenching statement as the news broke, describing her as ‘ truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure.’

They added: ‘Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.’

And in a personal tribute, Nicks reflected on losing her ‘best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975.’

Beside handwritten lyrics to Hallelujah, by Haim, handwritten, she added: ‘See you on the other side my love. Don’t forget me. Always, Stevie.’

The singer-songwriter, who also penned some of the band’s biggest hits, was among the members inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

She left Fleetwood Mac a short time later, following the death of her father, but returned in 2014 for a reunion tour.

Irene Cara

Oscar-winning musician Irene Cara died in November (Picture: WireImage)

Fame star Irene Cara died on 26 November at the age of 63, with her publicist breaking the shock news on social media.

Cara is best-known for co-writing What A Feeling, the theme tune to classic movie Flashdance, for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

She also played the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 blockbuster Fame and again recorded its title song.

The actress and musician was beloved by her fans, with her publicist and friend paying tribute to her ‘beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.’

Tributes have poured in for the singer, with Fame star Lee Curreri, who played Bruno Martelli, sharing a black-and-white photo of her on Instagram, with a caption consisting of a sole red heart emoji.

Cara was born in The Bronx in New York City, the youngest of five children, and started her performing career on Spanish-language TV before appearing on TV, in films and on stage, as well as enjoying a successful music career.

Aaron Carter

I Want Candy star Aaron was just 34 when he died (Picture: Getty Images)

Fans were devastated when musician Aaron Carter died on 5 November at the young age of 34.

Carter, who is the younger brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, had been open about addiction issues in the past, and lived with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and manic depression.

Brother Nick and twin sister Angel started a children’s mental health fundraiser in his memory following his shock death.

Speaking about his ‘baby brother’ following his death, Nick said his ‘heart has been broken,’ and despite a ‘complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded.’

‘I have always held onto the hope, that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed.

‘Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss. But the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here.’

Carter rose to fame when he released his debut album at the age of nine, going on to become a Nickelodeon regular.

Along with older brother Nick, and B.J., Leslie and Angel, they appeared on the series House of Carters in 2006, and Carter also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2009.

The I Want Candy singer’s cause of death is yet to be determined.

Takeoff

Rapper Takeoff was the victim of gun violence when he lost his life in a shooting in November (Picture: Getty Images)

There was shock, anger and sadness at the death of rapper Takeoff in November.

The musician, real name Kirshnick Khari Ball, was shot and killed at the age of 28, while attending a private party in Houston, where he is believed to have been an innocent bystander when violence kicked off.

A police investigation is currently underway to determine how the music star was killed after apparently being struck by a stray bullet.

Takeoff was a member of celebrated rap group Migos alongside bandmates Offset and Quavo, who were devastated by his loss.

Offset in particular has been open about still being in ‘a dark place’ since his close friend’s tragic death, having previously said he had been left ‘shattered.’

Migos are one of the most successful rap groups of the past 10 years with songs including  Bad and Bougee, MotorSport, Stir Fry and Walk It Talk It.

They have collaborated with artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B – who is married to Offset – and Travis Scott.

Leslie Phillips

Carry On comedic actor and the voice of the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter, Phillips died after a long illness (Picture: PA)

The entertainment world lost legendary actor Leslie Phillips on November 7 this year after a battle with a long illness.

Having carved out an incredible career over a whopping eight decades in showbusiness, it was confirmed by his family that the actor died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ at the age of 98.

The veteran actor was best-known for his roles in the iconic Carry On films, as well as voicing The Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter film franchise.

His wife, Zara Carr, shared the news about  ‘national treasure’ Phillips and declared the public had ‘lost a truly great showman.’

Speaking to The Sun at the time, she said: ‘He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went.’

Over the course of his career, Phillips starred in over 200 movies and TV shows as well as radio programmes, including 17 years starring opposite Ronnie Barker and Jon Pertwee on BBC Radio show The Navy Lark.

He made his acting debut on the West End at the tender age of 14 and went on to star in various Shakespeare theatre productions around the world.

His services to the entertainment industry led him to receive two honours from the late Queen Elizabeth II: an OBE in 1998, followed by a CBE a decade later.

Robbie Coltrane

Fans were devastated when Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane died at the age of 72 (Picture: Shutterstock)

Beloved actor Robbie Coltrane died on October 14 at the age of 72, devastating his legions of fans.

The star, known for roles in Cracker and National Treasure, became a hero to generations of children for playing the role o Rubeus Hagrid in the eight Harry Potter films.

Coltrane’s death was announced in October by his agent, who said he had helped bring ‘joy to children and adults alike all over the world’ in the famous role.

Social media, naturally, lit up with tributes from lifelong fans of the series following the news of his death, as well as from his Harry Potter co-stars.

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, said he was ‘heartbroken to hear Robbie is gone,’ saying ‘no one else on this planet could [have] played Hagrid.’

He continued: ‘Just as Hagrid was in the books and films Robbie was in life- warm, compassionate and hilarious.

‘A giant hearted man who was still looking out for us even decades later. Sending love to his family. See you on the other side Bobser.’

Titular star Daniel Radcliffe said  Coltrane was ‘one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set.

‘I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.’

Hermione actor Emma wrote: ‘Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and as an adult.’

The star had been dealing with health problems for a number of years, including osteoarthritis, which he spoke about openly; he is understood to have died from organ failure.

Angela Lansbury

Murder She Wrote icon Dame Angela died just days before her 97th birthday (Picture: Getty Images)

Dame Angela Lansbury died on October 11 at the age of 96, days shy of her 97th birthday.

The acclaimed actress had an incredible career, having been considered one of the last surviving actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and in her later years was revered for her starring role in Murder, She Wrote.

Dame Angela made her mark in several countries, having been born in London before moving to New York and later Hollywood. She then moved her family to Ireland after her teenage children began dabbling in drugs and her daughter fell in with the Charles Manson cult.

Her children Anthony, Deirdre and David announced her death on the day it happened, confirming she had ‘died peacefully in her sleep at home.’

Tributes flooded in for the actress from fans, friends and fellow celebrities, many sharing stories they had of working with or meeting her.

The star had roles in everything from 1944’s Gaslight to Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Nanny McPhee, and Disney’s original Beauty and the Beast.

She will make her final film appearance in Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Bill Turnbull

Bill Turnbull died five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer (Picture: PA)

Acclaimed broadcaster Bill Turnbull died on August 31, five years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The journalist, best-known for his roles on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM, was 66 when he died from the disease, and was praised for saving lives after sharing his diagnosis.

Turnbull’s death was announced live on air by his BBC Breakfast co-stars Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, who paid a moving tribute to him despite being rocked by the news.

Becoming audibly emotional as she shared the announcement on BBC Breakfast on the day, Munchetty said: ‘‘His energy was amazing, he came into this programme and threw everything at it, every single day … I’m sure you will miss him, we certainly will too.’

Turnbull’s career began at Scotland’s Radio Clyde in 1978 before he joined the BBC as a reporter for the Today programme in 1986. He became a reporter for BBC’s Breakfast Time two years later.

He is survived by his wife Sarah, whom he married in 1988, as well as two sons and a daughter.

Bernard Cribbins

Doctor Who star Bernard died months after his beloved wife Gill (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

Veteran actor Bernard Cribbins died on July 28 at the age of 93 following a decades-long glittering acting career, and after losing his wife of 66 years, Gill, a year previously.

Cribbins, adored by fans all over the world for his role as Wilf in Doctor Who, had just finished filming new episodes with David Tennant and Catherine Tate weeks before his death.

The actor, singer and children’s entertainer was also acclaimed for his iconic roles in The Railway Children, the Carry On films, and Fawlty Towers, as well as narrating The Wombles and the 1960s track Right Said Fred.

Cribbins was remembered as a ‘legend’ by both the public and those who had worked with him, with Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies beginning his tribute by stating plainly: ‘I love this man. I love him’

His agent announced the sad news of his death with their own tribute, writing: ‘Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question.

‘He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.’

Coolio

Gangsta’s Paradise musician Coolio died while visiting a friend (Picture: Redferns)

Rapper Coolio died suddenly on September 28 at the age of 59.

The star, real name Leon Ivey Jr, was best known for his hit song Gangsta’s Paradise, and considered a legend among his circle, with the likes of Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg leading tributes as the news broke.

MC Hammer labeled him ‘the nicest dude,’ while Michelle Pfeiffer said she was ‘heartbroken’ to hear of the rapper’s death while hailing him as ‘gifted’. 

As well as music, Coolio had enjoyed a stellar career on TV, having made guest appearances in the likes of Charmed and starred on Celebrity Big Brother and Ultimate Celebrity Big Brother.

Coolio died of a cardiac arrest while visiting a friend at their house, his manager confirmed.

Anne Heche 

Anne Heche’s death was ruled an accident after she crashed her car into a house (Picture: AP)

Actress Anne Heche died aged 53 after her car crashed into a house in Los Angeles in August. The collision caused the building to catch fire while the star was stuck inside the vehicle.

It was reported that it took firefighters 45 minutes to remove the My Friend Dahmer actress from the burning wreck in which she ultimately died following smoke inhalation and severe burns. 

Heche found fame as a teenager on the soap opera Another World in 1987 and later in 1991 won an Emmy Award for her performance in the drama. 

She is survived by her sons Atlas, 13 – who she shared with former husband and Men In Trees co-star James Tupper – and Homer, 20, who she delivered during her marriage to cameraman Coleman ‘Coley’ Laffoon. 

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was most known for her role as Sandy in Grease (Picture: Getty Images)

Hollywood icon and Grease star Olivia Newton-John tragically died aged 73 following a battle with breast cancer. 

Her husband John Easterling released a statement confirming the news that the Sandy actress had ‘passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California’ on August 8. 

He said of his late wife at the time: ‘Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,’ and asked that in lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be made to her foundation in her memory. 

Following Newton-John’s death her Grease co-star and fellow actor John Travolta led the outpouring of celebrity grief: ‘My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better.

‘‘Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.

‘We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!’

Dame Deborah James 

Dame Deborah James was a campaigner and documented her cancer battle online (Picture: Instagram @bowelbabe)

BBC podcast presenter and campaigner known as ‘Bowel Babes’, Dame Deborah James died aged 40 on June 28 this year.

The cancer activist had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in December 2016 and was told that she had little chance of living beyond five years.

Shortly before her death, the Dame moved into end-of-life hospice care and during the final months of her life she launched the Bowelbabe fund for Cancer Research UK – raising more than £6million.

Dame James is survived by her husband Sebastien Bowen and their two children, Hugo and Eloise.

Nichelle Nichols 

The actress’s role in Star Trek led her to work with NASA (Picture: AP, File)

Aged 89, Nichelle Nichols – who shot to fame for her role in Star Trek – died of heart failure in Silver City, New Mexico on July 30. 

The death of the icon that paved the way for Black actors in Hollywood was announced on Instagram by her son Kyle Johnson. 

He wrote: ‘Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration.’ 

Nichols’ stellar career as Star Trek lieutenant  Nyota Uhura reportedly pushed NASA to expand their efforts to recruit women.

Kate Mulgrew, who portrayed Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, praised Nichols for paving the way for female actresses.

The actress wrote: ‘She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again. May she Rest In Peace.’

James Caan

James Caan acted in classics such as The Godfather (Picture: FilmMagic)

The Godfather legend James Caan died following a heart attack aged 82 on July 6.

 Appearing in a plethora of box office hits such as Elf, El Dorado, The Rain People and A Bridge Too Far, the actor died at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Following the news of his death, celebrity tributes poured in including a message from Bulletproof and That’s My Boy co-star Adam Sandler who wrote: ‘James Caan. Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him.’

Caan was married four times and had five children, including Ocean’s Eleven and Entourage star Scott Caan, 46.

June Brown 

June Brown was in Eastenders for 35 years before leaving in 2020 (Picture: PA)

Famed for her role as Eastenders’s Dot Cotton, June Brown died aged 95. 

The actress’s death in her Surrey home was reported by the BBC after they released a statement that read: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. 

‘There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten…’

Brown’s run on the popular soap opera began in 1985 and lasted 35 years before she left behind her chain-smoking alter ego in 2020.

Tom Parker 

Tom Parker was a member of The Wanted music group (Picture: WireImage)

The Wanted band member Tom Parker, 33, sadly died on March 30, two years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

He tragically lost his battle with a stage four glioblastoma brain tumour, leaving behind his wife Kelsey and two young children. 

The star documented his cancer journey in a film and via social media, telling his fans that it had been brought ‘under control’ in November 2021.

Despite ongoing rigorous treatment, Parker made regular efforts to join bandmates Jay, Max, Siva and Nathan on their UK tour earlier this year. 

Announcing her loss on Instagram, Parker’s wife Kelsey penned: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.

‘Our hearts are broken.

‘Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.

‘Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout. He fought until the very end.’

Taylor Hawkins 

The Foo Fighters drummer was found dead in his hotel room (Picture: Getty Images)

Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins died aged 50 while on tour with the band during their Colombia leg. 

His body was found in his hotel room on March 25 after which the band confirmed his death via a post on social media.

They informed fans: ‘The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.

‘His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.

‘Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.’

The band – which Hawkins was part of for nearly two decades – later invited an impressive line-up of celebrity guests to pay tribute to the late drummer at Wembley Stadium in London. 

Shane Warne

Spin-bowler Warne died suddenly while on holiday with friends in Thailand (Picture: EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Cricket legend Shane Warne died on March 4, 2022, at the age of 52.

The Australian’s sudden death led to an outpouring of love from around the world, with celebrities and the public paying tribute to the father-of-three.

His former Fiancée, actress Liz Hurley, said it felt as though ‘the sun has gone behind a cloud forever, while close friend, Coldplay staar Chris Martin, performed a piano solo for the private family funeral.

He also provided a video message and acoustic performance for his state memorial service.

Warne died suddenly while on holiday with friends in Thailand from a suspected heart attack.

Jamal Edwards

Stars of the music world credited Jamal Edwards for giving them a career (Picture: WireImage)

Entrepreneur and friend to music’s brightest stars, Jamal Edwards died of cardiac arrest aged 31 on February 20 of this year.

The SBTV founder collapsed at the home of his mother, Loose Women panelist Brenda Edwards in West London.

Setting up his platform in 2006, Edwards helped launch the careers of some of the UK’s biggest acts, including Ed Sheeran, Dave and Jessie J.

Before his untimely death he gave his time to an ambassadorship for the Prince’s Trust and in 2015, was made an MBE for his services to music through SBTV.

Mum Brenda, speaking at the inquest of his death wich found he died from cardiac arrest after consumption of alcohol and cocaine, said: ‘Jamal helped so many, working tirelessly to give a platform to people. His charitable work stretched near and far, from working at homeless shelters to giving back to his roots in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

‘We are so proud of everything Jamal achieved over the course of his 31 years and how he impacted others’ lives. We miss him so much.’

Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf enjoyed a career that spanned six decades (Picture: BACKGRID)

The Grammy winner and Bat Out of Hell star died aged 74 after enjoying a career that spanned six decades.

Born Marvin Lee Aday, the American rock singer and actor died on January 20 with his wife Deborah by his side.

A statement posted on Facebook alerted fans to his death and paid tribute to his massively successful career: ‘His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including Fight Club, Focus, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World. Bat Out of Hell remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.

While his cause of death was not announced at the time, reports suggested he had died after contracting Covid-19.

Meat Loaf left behind his wife and daughters Pear and Amanda.

Bob Saget 

The Full House actor died suddenly in an Orlando hotel room (Picture: Getty Images)

Comedian and Full House actor Bob Saget was found dead in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida on January 9. He was 65.

News of his sudden death was confirmed by Orange County Sheriff’s Office that ruled out drugs or foul play. 

They said: ‘Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. 

‘The man was identified as Robert Saget & pronounced deceased on scene.’

His death shocked Hollywood and famous faces rushed to share their heartbreak via tribute messages and pictures led by Jim Carrey. 

The Grinch actor penned to his late friend: ‘Beautiful Bob Saget passed away today at 65. He had a big, big heart and a wonderfully warped comic mind. He gave the world a lot of joy and lived his life for goodness’ sake.’

Saget is survived by wife Kelly Rizzo and daughters Aubrey, Lara and Jennifer.

MORE : Neville Staple ‘didn’t realise how serious’ The Specials bandmate Terry Hall’s illness was before death as Boy George and Frank Turner join tributes

MORE : The Specials announce death of lead singer Terry Hall aged 63 after brief illness

Entertainment – MetroRead More