This week, a rather morbid search term has begun trending on Google: ‘Celebrity deaths 2021’. As we come to the end of the year, it appears many are looking to remember their favourite famous faces who died over the last 12 months.
It’s perhaps not surprising after the recent news of bell hooks and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s passing, and it certainly feels poignant to share tributes to those lost in the final week of the year. With that in mind, we’ve collated touching moments shared in the wake of those celebrities we lost this year.
Sarah Harding
Legendary Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding died aged 39 on September 5 this year, just over a year after going public with her advanced breast cancer diagnosis. The star was remembered by her bandmates, with Kimberley Walsh writing ‘Your fire burned so bright and you loved, lived and laughed so hard.’
Nikki Grahame
One of the UK’s most beloved reality stars, Nikki Grahame died on April 9 aged 38, from complications from anorexia nervosa. The reality star had battled the eating disorder throughout her life, and had relapsed in March 2021. She was remembered by many for her appearances on Big Brother, with many fellow castmates and TV stars paying tribute to her.
Charlie Watts
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died aged 80 on August 24, weeks after a heart procedure. One of rock’s greatest drummers, he was also regarded as one of the best dressed men in music.
Sean Lock
One of the most beloved comedians in the UK, Sean Lock died aged 58 on August 16 after a private battle with lung cancer. Videos of his appearances on various panel shows subsequently went viral, his memory perhaps best continued with comedy.
Christopher Plummer
EGOT winner Christopher Plummer died on February 5 aged 91, two weeks after hitting his head in a fall. Best known for his role as Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music, he was remembered by Dame Julie Andrews as a ‘cherished friend.’
Larry King
In January, the US talk show host died aged 87, weeks after contracting covid. His immediate cause of death was sepsis, not coronavirus, but his passing marked a poignant moment in how we continue to combat the virus. The broadcaster’s career spanned six decades and as a result tributes poured in from stars from Hollywood - and beyond.
Cicely Tyson
The pioneering actor had a 60-year career earning three Emmys and a Tony award. Known as much for her work as her commitment to activism, Cicely often spoke on race and gender issues across her long life. Her most-lauded performances came in historical works, like the 1972 movie Sounder (in which she played a Louisiana sharecropper's wife). Aged 96, no cause of death was given. She inspired countless other actors, and former president Barack Obama.
Captain Sir Tom Moore
In February, the national treasure who raised more than £32million for the NHS in 2020 died aged 100, after contracting covid. After walking 100 laps of his garden with his Zimmer frame for the NHS, Tom was knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle. His legacy is remembered in the creation of The Caption Tom Foundation, set up ‘to inspire hope where it is needed most.’
Willie Garson
After reprising his role as Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City remake And Just Like That… Willie Garson died in September aged 57, after fighting pancreatic cancer. He was remembered by co-stars and fans, dubbed ‘a source of light’ by Cynthia Nixon.
James Michael Tyler
Friends star James Michael Tyler also reunited with his 90s co-stars prior to his passing earlier this year, remembering his time as Gunther during Friends: The Reunion. He died on October 24 aged 59, three years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Michael K. Williams
Esteemed actor best known for playing Omar Little in The Wire, Michael K. Williams died aged 54 on September 6 after an accidental overdose. Most recently, he received critical praise for his performance in When They See Us. He was remembered across the industry for his 'gentle' and 'kind' nature.
Helen McCroy
Best known for playing Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, Helen McCrory died on April 16 aged 52, following a private battle with breast cancer. Her husband of 14 years, Damian Lewis, wrote a touching tribute to her in the Sunday Times, with the prolific star remembered by countless fans and celebrities.
bell hooks
Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her pen name bell hooks, died aged 69 earlier this month. The author, professor and activist published more than 30 books in her lifetime, covering topics including race, feminism, capitalism and intersectionality. Her work is among the most influential of our time, with her legacy thus remembered by many in the wake of her death.
Other celebrities and notary people who died this year include American author Joan Didion, Liverpool legend Gerry Marsden (of Gerry And The Pacemakers), Arrested Development star Jessica Walter, rapper DMX, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, cinematographer Hayla Hutchins, entertainer Lionel Blair, Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter, legendary comedian Cloris Leechman, Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond, Bond girl Tanya Roberts, Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs, The Only Way Is Essex veteran Mick Norcoss and actor Una Stubbs.
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