Obituaries: Remembering the celebrities and famous figures we lost in 2018

John McCain - August 25 Senator, war hero and presidential candidate John McCain passed away on Saturday, August 25 at the age of 81. An official statement from his office said the leader died at 4:28 p.m. local time. John suffered from a malignant brain tumor, called a glioblastoma, for which he had been treated since his 2017 diagnosis. Just a day prior, his family announced that, “with his usual strength of will", John decided to stop treatment for his devastating stage-four brain cancer. “John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.” Upon death, the decorated war veteran was immediately commemorated by both family and celebrity friends alike. His wife Cindy candidly wrote: “My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the place he loved best.” Meanwhile, John's daughter The View star Meghan McCain remembered him in a heartfelt letter, which began by saying: “In the thirty-three years we shared together, he raised me, taught me, corrected me, comforted me, encouraged me, and supported me in all things. He taught me how to live. His love and his care, ever present, always unfailing, took me from a girl to a woman — and he showed me what it is to be a man.” Proving how beloved he was, politicians from varying parties, including: Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Sarah Palin, publicly paid their respects to the author of six books on social media. Celebrities such as Khloé Kardashian, Whoopi Goldberg, Sheryl Crow, Michael Strahan and more honored the hero on Twitter. John, who divorced from his first wife Carol, in 1980, is survived by his wife Cindy and seven children. His mother Roberta, 106, is also still living. Photo: Getty Images

Charlotte Rae - August 5 The actress best known to the world as Mrs. Garrett passed away at the age of 92. Charlotte, who first captured the hearts of many as housekeeper Edna Garrett on Diff'rent Strokes and then The Facts of Life died peacefully in her L.A. home. Her son Larry Strauss shared that she was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. Her co-stars were quick to share their condolences on social media. Kim Fields, who starred with her on The Facts of Life wrote on Twitter: "You all already know my heart is heavy yet.... sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears... and yeah, smiles.... #charlotterae #ripcharlotterae." Larry Wilmore shared: "My first tv gig a millennium of moons ago was on The Facts of Life. She was just the best and nicest lady. ... RIP Ms. Rae." Charlotte, who was born in Milwaukee, also had roles in Car 54, Where Are You? and as Woody Allen's mother in Bananas. Photo: Getty Images

Annabelle Neilson - July News of the Ladies of London star's passing broke on July 16. The 49-year-old, who called Kate Moss, Alexander McQueen and Naomi Campbell close friends, was found in her Chelsea apartment. The Daily Mail reports that her death is not being treated as suspicious. The socialite, whose grandmother was a second cousin of the Queen Mother, was recently seen with Kate, Poppy Delevingne and fashion designer Alice Temperley at her ex-boyfriend Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill's wedding. Photo: Getty Images

Tab Hunter - July 8 The 1950s Hollywood heartthrob passed away on Sunday, July 8, just a few days shy of his 87th birthday. Allan Glaser, Tab’s romantic partner of over three decades, confirmed the sad news to THR, citing a blood clot which caused a heart attack. A Facebook page linked to the star also announced his passing, stating: "SAD NEWS: Tab passed away tonight three days shy of his 87th birthday. Please honor his memory by saying a prayer on his behalf. He would have liked that." Remembered for his work on over 40 films, the star lit up the screen in Battle Cry (1955), The Girl He Left Behind (1956), Burning Hills (1956) and, most notably, Damn Yankees! (1958). A feature documentary about the actor and singer, which shared the same title as his autobiography Tab Hunter Confidential, was produced by Allan in 2015. Pictured left: Tab in 2018, Pictured right: Tab with Debbie Reynolds at the 1953 premiere of Little Boy Lost. Photo: Getty Images

Denis Akiyama - June 28 Prolific actor Denis Akiyama has passed away at the age of 66. Denis died on Thursday, June 28 in his hometown of Toronto after battling a "very rare and aggressive cancer," his son, Kintaro Akiyama, told The Hollywood Reporter. "He went peacefully into the light on the morning of the full moon," he said. With four decades worth of film, television, stage and anime credits, some of Denis' work includes: hutning down Keanu Reeves in Johnny Mnemonic, playing in Miss Saigon on Broadway and, more recently, the 2015 comedy film Pixels. "My dad was an actor and consequently a relentless entertainer," his son continued. "He shared his love and guidance with the world, which had a lasting impact on me throughout my formative years. I was lucky enough to work with him professionally on a picture, [2003's] Eloise at the Plaza, in which we played a father and son. That film eternalized a wonderful and magical bond that was both real and fictionalized. His grace and wisdom will remain and continue to guide me and the rest of the world through life.” In addition to his son, he is also survived by his wife, Danielle; daughter, Miya; and brother, Barry. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Photo: Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images

Joe Jackson – June 27 Joe Jackson, father of a generation of pop star Jacksons, and who created the careers of the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 89, as first reported by TMZ. Mr Jackson, who was recently hospitalised, had been battling the disease "for some time" and reports from last week suggested he was nearing the end. His final years were plagued with ill health – he suffered a series of strokes in 2013 and was hospitalised for another stroke in 2015. He also suffered three heart attacks.He was also hospitalised earlier this year following a car crash in Las Vegas. Joe fathered 11 kids, ten with his estranged wife Katherine, including Michael, Jermaine, Janet, and Tito. His death comes just days after the family remembered Michael, whose nine-year death anniversary was on June 25. Photo: Getty Images

Neal Boyd - June 10 America's Got Talent alum Neal Body has passed away at the age of 42. According to the Scott County Coroner Scott Amick, the season 3 winner’s cause of death was heart failure, kidney failure and liver disease – as a result of his weight. The AGT family released a statement on Twitter that read: “We are saddened to hear one of our AGT family members, Neal Boyd, has passed away. Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time." After winning the reality competition series in 2008, Neal released his first album, My American Dream in 2009. Neal’s follow-up album, My Christmas Wish was released in 2013. In early 2017, Neal and his mother were involved in a serious car crash, that left him with shattered bones and a long road to recovery. The Missouri native planned on releasing his first wave “uplifting,” new album In the Middle of it All in 2019. Photo: Getty Images

Jackson Odell - June 8 Jackson Odell, who was most recognized for his role as Ari Caldwell on ABC's comedy The Goldbergs, has tragically passed away at the age of 20. According to TMZ, the songwriter and actor was reportedly found unresponsive in a sober living home on Friday, June 8 in the San Fernando Valley. Over the years, the talent also booked roles on hit shows like Modern Family, iCarly and The Fosters. He was also known for his music, with several of his songs being featured on the Forever My Girl soundtrack. Photo: Getty Images

Eunice Gayson - June 8 The Bond family is mourning the loss of the very first Bond girl. Eunice, who starred in the 1962 Dr. No film, passed at the age of 90. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced the news in a statement on the 007 Twitter account: “We are so sad to learn that Eunice Gayson, our very first ‘Bond girl’ who played Sylvia Trench in Dr. No and From Russia with Love has passed away. Our sincere thoughts are with her family.” Her official Twitter account also shared the news writing, “We are very sad to learn that our dear Eunice passed away on June 8th. An amazing lady who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be very much missed.” Photo: Getty Images

Anthony Bourdain - June 8 Chef, TV star and author Anthony Bourdain died in Paris at the age of 61. A statement from CNN, the network which airs Anthony's show, Parts Unknown, confirmed the tragic news and cited the cause of death as suicide. "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," read the statement. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time." The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255. Photo: Getty Images

Alan O'Neill - June 6 Irish-born Sons of Anarchy star Alan O'Neill, also known in his home country for his role in TV's Fair City, died at the age of 47 in Los Angeles. His agent Annette Walsh released a statement which read: "I'll personally miss knowing Alan isn't sharing the planet with us any longer, despite the miles between L.A. and Dublin, Alan was only ever a phone call away." TMZ reported that actor suffered a chronic heart problems, and his death is not being treated as suspicious. Photo: Getty Images

Kate Spade - June 5 American designer Kate Spade, who took her signature handbags, launched in the 1990s, and parlayed the business into a global accessories and apparel brand, died on June 5 at the age of 55, as first reported by TMZ. According to the news outlet, the fashion mogul's body was discovered by housekeeping staff at her Park Avenue apartment in New York City. Law enforcement officials confirmed her death as an 'apparent suicide'. Kate married entrepreneur Andy Spade in 1994 and the couple have a daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade, who was born in 2005. Photo: Getty Images

Alan Bean - May 26 Astronaut Alan Bean passed away at 86-years-old on Saturday, May 26. His family confirmed the sad news, saying he was surrounded by all of his loved ones at the time. Alan was the fourth man to ever walk on the moon when he traveled into space in November of 1969, acting as the pilot on the Apollo 12 mission (which was the second ever craft to land on the moon). He was behind crew members Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Pete Conrad. The public figure's wife of 40 years, Leslie, gave a sweet public statement, saying: “Alan was the strongest and kindest man I ever knew. He was the love of my life and I miss him dearly." Shortly after the news broke, NASA released their own statement on Twitter to honor Alan, who did so much for their organization. They tweeted: “We’re saddened by the passing of astronaut Alan Bean. The fourth person to walk on the Moon, he spent 10-plus hours on the lunar surface during Apollo 12. Bean was spacecraft commander of Skylab Mission II & devoted his retirement to painting." Photo: Getty Images

Margot Kidder – May 13 The woman known for playing Superman’s love interest Lois Lane died at the age of 69. “The actress and activist passed away on Sun., May 13, 2018,” the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in her hometown of Livingston, Montana said in a statement. Margot gained fame when she starred opposite Christopher Reeve in Superman in 1978. The actress found follow up success – appearing in three of the film’s sequels from 1980 – 1987. Before becoming a movie star, the Canadian-born actress appeared on television series McQueen, Banacek and Mod Squad. In 1996, Margot, who suffered from bipolar disorder, became homeless. After her story moved fans across the world, she received help and became an advocate for mental health – and got back into the world of acting. Margot was married three times and is survived by her daughter Maggie McGuane. Photo: Getty Images

Judith and Gerson Leiber — April 28 Renowned handbag designer Judith Leiber, 97, and her husband, artist Gerson Leiber, 96, passed away hours apart at their Springs, New York home on Saturday, April 28. After 72 years of marriage, the pair were buried together the following Monday. According to the New York Times, both died from heart attacks. The couple’s biographer and spokesman Jeffrey Sussman revealed to the publication that Gerson told Judith on Friday night, “Sweetie, it’s time for both of us to go.” The famous duo met during World War II while Gerson served as an Army Signal Corps sergeant in Budapest, Judith’s hometown. Judith was a true trailblazer. She started out studying at an artisan guild and working with her city’s top handbag manufactures. The designer then began to sell her own bags to US soldiers after the war, which is how she encountered her future husband, who became a well-respected artist, on the street for the first time. In recent years the couple had mounted joint exhibitions of their work on Long Island and in Manhattan. Judith's collection of purses were red carpet staples with stars such as Beyonce, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively and more showing them off. Photo: Getty Images

Pamela Gidley - April 16 Hollywood actress Pamela Gidley, best known for her role in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me died "peacefully" at home at the age of 52. Her family requested donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers. Star friends and colleagues paid tribute to Pamela, with Avengers star Josh Brolin writing on Instagram: "My co-star in Thrashin and my girlfriend twice in a lifetime. Amazing and innocent memories of her: a spitfire, and a truly funny person she was. I remember being in bed (I was 17) and hearing the radio come on saying that the Challenger had just exploded. These milestones in your life: amazing people to grace us with their spirit, their presence. She will have forever affected mine. Thank you for the gift of you, Pam. Rest in Peace beautiful girl." Actor Jonathan Lipnicki added: "Just found out that Pamela Gidley who played my mom in The Little Vampire passed away. She was lovely and I'm gutted. Love to her family." The actress is survived by her two brothers, Glenn and Daniel, and four nieces and nephews. Photo: WENN

Verne Troyer - April 21 Verne Troyer, the actor who played the unforgettable role of Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, passed away at the age of 49. Sad news of his death was announced via social media on April 21 after he had been admitted to hospital earlier in the month. The actor, who was 2ft 8in tall, found fame starring opposite Mike Myers in hit spy spoof franchise. A statement was posted on Facebook by his family to confirm his loss. "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the statement read. "Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday." "Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much," the statement continued, referring to the actor's battle with alcohol addiction. "During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately." Photo: Getty Images

Avicii (Tim Bergling) — April 20 The Swedish DJ/producer was found dead at age 28 in Muscat, Oman. The Wake Me Up hitmaker’s publicist released a statement that read: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii.” She added, "He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given." The family then released an additional statement implying that Tim committed suicide. In a letter translated from Swedish, it read: “When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most — music. He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.” In 2016, Avicii announced that he was retiring from touring. “I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist,” he penned in a letter to fans. The producer suffered from health problems for several years and had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014. Days before his death, Avicii tweeted his thanks for receiving a Billboard Music Awards nomination, writing, "Thanks for the nomination!  @billboard #BBMAS." Photo: Getty Images

Barbara Bush - April 17 The Bush matriarch has passed away at the age of 92. The office of George H.W. Bush released a statement: "A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92." It continued: “She is survived by her husband of 73 years, President George H. W. Bush; five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and her brother Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Pauline “Robin” Bush, and her siblings Martha Rafferty and James R. Pierce.” On Monday, her granddaughter, and son George's daughter, Jenna Bush Hager gave a tearful update on her ailing health. “We are grateful for her, she’s the best grandma anybody could ever have,” she said on NBC's Today. “Barbara and I talked to her last night, she’s in great spirits. She’s a fighter, she’s an enforcer and she reminded me not to believe everything that you read. So we’re grateful for her. For everybody’s prayers and thoughts and just know the world is better because she’s in it.” As for the legacy she will leave behind, Barbara is only the second woman (along with Abigail Adams) to have both husband and son become presidents. During her husband's tenure, she was a big advocate for literarcy and women's rights. Photo: Getty Images

Winnie Mandela - April 2 Winnie Mandela, an anti-apartheid campaigner known as 'the Mother of the Nation' in South Africa, died at the age of 81. The former wife of Nelson Mandela passed away after a long illness; her family released a statement confirming the news, which read,"It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Nectar MiIlpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday 2nd of April 2018. She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones." After speaking about her achievements, including supporting Nelson during his imprisonment and fighting against Apartheid, the statement concluded: "The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman." The activist was married to Nelson Mandela from 1958 until they separated in 1992, two years after his 1990 release from prison. A powerful symbol of the anti-Apartheid movement, she was also a controversial figure who in 2004 received a three year, six month suspended sentence for fraud. Photo: Getty Images

Stephen Hawking - March 14 Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76. The world-renowned British physicist died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, March 14. In a statement, his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said: "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever." At the age of 22, he was only given a few years to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease. Stephen was best known for his work with black holes and relativity, and authored a number of acclaimed science books, including A Brief History Of Time – one of the most complex books to achieve mass appeal. Photo: Getty Images

Hubert de Givenchy - March 10 Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the iconic fashion house in 1952 and famed for dressing Audrey Hepburn in her most fashionable roles, including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Sabrina, died on March 10 at the age of 91. The French couturier is credited with creating the baby doll dress and balloon coat, and his client list was an impressive one, including not just Ms Hepburn but also such fellow icons as Jacqueline Kennedy and Grace Kelly. Luxury corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which acquired the Givenchy fashion brand in 1989, paid tribute to Hubert, calling the designer “a major personality of the world of French haute couture and a gentleman who symbolized Parisian chic and elegance for more than half a century”. Givenchy retired from the label he founded in 1995. Photos: Getty Images, WENN

John Boyd - February 20 Scottish milliner John Boyd died on February 20 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of iconic women who have worn his label's elegant creations. Credited with help making Princess Diana a fashion icon in the 1980s, the royal hatmaker's creations have spanned generations, and are just as adored by Diana's daughter-in-law Kate Middleton. In total, Mr Boyd's career, which included making hats for names ranging from Princess Anne to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, lasted three quarters of a century. "He will be greatly missed although the business will continue in his name," read a message on his London-based atelier's website. Photos: Getty Images

Sridevi Kapoor - February 24 Widely regarded as Bollywood's first female superstar, died suddenly at the age of 54. The Indian actress was reported to have passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while attending a family wedding in Dubai on Saturday. However, a Dubai forensic report has now ascertained that she died of accidental drowning. No additional details have been announced. Sridevi featured in almost 300 films in her five decade-long career, including Mr India, Sadma and Chandni. She was considered one of the very few Indian female star capable of huge box office success without the support of a male hero. Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan, Sridevi started acting at the age of four and appeared in several Tamil-language films in the 1960s and 1970s, before eventually dropping out of school to pursue her film career. She debuted as a lead actress in a Bollywood film in 1978, soon becoming one of India's biggest film stars. Sridevi is survived by her husband – producer Boney Kapoor – and daughters Jhanvi and Khushi. News of her death has rocked the Bollywood community, with fellow film stars, leading politicians and sports figures publically paying tribute. "I have no words," actress Priyanka Chopra wrote. "Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi. A dark day. RIP." Leading actor Akshay Kumar tweeted: "A dream for many, had the good fortune of sharing screen space with her long ago and witnessed her continued grace over the years." Fellow Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit added: "The world has lost a very talented person who left behind a huge legacy in film." Photo: Getty Images

John Mahoney - February 5 John Mahoney, who played Martin Crane in the hit sitcom Frasier, passed away at the age of 77 while in hospice care in Chicago. Born in Blackpool, England, John was perhaps best known for playing the father of Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) on the long-running show, which aired for 11 seasons, from 1993 until 2004. John won a SAG award for the role, and was also nominated for two Emmys and two Golden Globes. The star moved to the US as a young man, and served three years in the Army. A late bloomer in show business, he only became a professional actor in his late thirties. After his death, tributes poured in for the star, with Peri Gilpin, who played Roz Doyle in Frasier, recalling how John had performed at her wedding, and reminding fans of some of his best-known performances. "Watch Moonstruck, Say Anything and/or Frasier or anything you can with him in it and raise a glass to John," she wrote on social media. "Remember him well." Photo: Getty Images

Edwin Jackson – February 4 On Super Bowl Sunday, Indianapolis Colts player Edwin Jackson was killed at the age of 26 after being hit by a suspected drunk driver. Edwin and another man, Jeffrey Monroe, 54, were standing next to their vehicle on the shoulder of I-70 in Indianapolis when the accident occurred. Jeffrey also lost his life in the tragedy. "We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson's passing," the Colts said in a statement. "Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time." Photo: Getty Images

Rasual Butler and Leah LaBelle - January 31 Former American Idol contestant Leah LaBelle and her husband, ex-NBA player Rasual Butler, died in a Los Angeles car crash on January 31. The pair were traveling in the early hours of the morning when Rasual lost control of the car and collided with the curb. Both Leah and Rasual were pronounced dead at the scene. Rasual was best known for his 14-year career with the NBA, during which he played for teams including Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls. The NBA released a statement which read: "The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. A pro's pro, Rasual enjoyed a long, successful career and was widely respected by his peers and coaches. We grieve with their loved ones during this difficult time." Leah appeared on American Idol back in 2004, finishing in 12th place, and was later signed to Epic Records. Stars paid tribute to the performer on social media, including Kelly Rowland, who tweeted: "Rest peacefully sweetest one. #LeahLaBelle." Photo: Getty Images

Mark E Smith – January 24 Mark E Smith, frontman of the British post-punk band The Fall, sadly passed away at the age of 60. The band's manager, Pam Van Damned, confirmed the sad news that Mark died at home. His former bandmate, Marc Riley, spoke about Mark on BBC 6 Music, telling listeners: "Aged 16 he really did teach me so much. The Fall were my favorite band when I joined and they were still my favorite band when I got kicked out." Photo: Getty Images

Joel Taylor - January 23 Joel Taylor, a driver and meteorologist on the Discovery channel show Storm Chasers, died suddenly at 38 while on a cruise ship off the coast of Puerto Rico on January 23. Discovery issued a statement on Facebook which read: "We are so saddened to hear about Joel’s passing. We will always remember him fondly as an incredible meteorologist and driver of 'The Dominator'. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time." The adventurer studied meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. He was laid to rest in Elk City on January 29. Photo: Facebook/Discovery

Simon Barnes - January 21 Tinky Winky actor Simon Barnes of Teletubbies fame died at the age of 52. The star's niece, Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack, announced the sad news on Instagram, sharing a black and white portrait of Simon which she captioned: "My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly. The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever. X." The dad-of-three, who was a ballet dancer, had previously spoken about his role as Tinky Winky, saying that the Teletubbies "were a bit like the Beatles". "I started my career as a ballet dancer and had just started working as a choreographer," he said. "I thought it was a bit of a risky move but it certainly paid off. We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kids and parents. I suppose we were a bit like the Beatles... of children's television." Photo: WENN

Dolores O'Riordan – January 15 The Cranberries lead singer Dolores O'Riordan died at the age of 46. The Irish musician's sudden death was confirmed by her publicist, who released a statement saying: "The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session... Family members are devastated to hear the news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time." Following the sad news, celebrities flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to the talented singer. James Corden reminisced about the time he met her as a teenager: "I once met Delores O'Riordan when I was 15. She was kind and lovely, I got her autograph on my train ticket and it made my day. She had the most amazing voice and presence. So sorry to hear that she’s passed away today x.” Duran Duran said that they were "crushed" following the star's sudden death. "We are crushed to hear the news about the passing of Dolores O'Riordan. Our thoughts go out to her family at this terrible time." Photo: Getty Images