Photos : Celebrity deaths: Here are all the famous people who died in 2024
Glynis Johns was a British actress whose career spanned seven decades. She passed away on 4 January 2024 at the age of 100.
Peter B. Crombie was an American film and television actor. He was known for Se7en, My Dog Skip and Rising Sun. He died on 10 January at the age of 71.
David Soul was an American and British actor and singer. He was mostly known for playing Detective Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson in the American television series Starsky & Hutch. He died on 4 January 2024.
Anne Avril Nightingale CBE was an English radio and television broadcaster. She was the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and the first female presenter for BBC Television's The Old Grey Whistle Test. She died on 11 January at the age of 83.
The actor, who played Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives on and off for five decades, died at age 98 on 12 January.
Alec Musser was an American actor and fitness model. Musser was best known for appearances in the shows I Wanna Be a Soap Star and All My Children. He died on 12 January 2024.
Norman Frederick Jewison was a Canadian filmmaker known for socially conscious films. He died on 20 January at the age of 97.
Carl Weathers was an American actor, director and football linebacker. He was known for portraying boxer Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films. He died on 1 February at the age of 76.
Jonathan James Irwin was an English television presenter, writer, lecturer, businessman and property expert. He was best known for presenting the Channel 4 lifestyle programme A Place in the Sun. He died on 2 February 2024 at the age of 50 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Michael Jayston, was an English actor. He played Nicholas II of Russia in the film Nicholas and Alexandra. He died on 5 February 2024 at the age of 88.
Cecilia Gentili was an Argentine-American advocate for the rights of transgender people and sex workers. Born in Argentina, she moved to New York City where she died this year on 6 February.
Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot was a Kenyan long-distance runner and the marathon world record holder when he died on 11 February at the age of 24. He died in a traffic collision.
Stephen Richard Wright MBE was an English disc jockey, radio personality, and occasional television presenter. He was at BBC for 40 years. He died on 13 February. His cause of death remains unknown.
Ian Frederick Stephen Amey, who went by the stage name Tich, was an English pop-rock guitarist, who was a member of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. He died on 15 February 2024 at the age of 79.
Anne Langham Whitfield was an American actress on old-time radio, television, stage, and film. She died on 15 February at the age of 85.
Ewen MacIntosh, who played oddball character Keith Bishop in The Office, died at the age of 50 on 21 February.
Kenneth Alexander Mitchell was a Canadian actor. He was known for his roles in Star Trek: Discovery. He died on 24 February at the age of 49.
Stuart Adrian Organ was a British actor, best known for his role as teacher Peter Robson on the television series Grange Hill. He died on 15 February 2024.
Robin Windsor, a former Strictly Come Dancing professional, was paired with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden during his time on the BBC dance competition. He was 44 years old when he died on February 20.
Nathaniel Charles Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild, OM, GBE, CVO, was a British peer, investment banker and member of the Rothschild banking family. He died on 26 February at the age of 87.
The singer, whose track Dance You Outta My Head went viral on TikTok, died 28 February following a battle with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer in soft tissue and bones. She was only 31.
The actor and comedian was best known for playing a fictional version of himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm. He died on 27 February after suffering a heart attack at the age of 76.
Thomas Kingston was a financier, hostage negotiator in Iraq and the husband of Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin. He died on 1 March after suffering traumatic head injury.
Apfel was a fasion legend who was known for her eccentric style and giant round-framed glasses. She died on March 1, per her official Instagram account. She was 102.
Toriyama, who created the Dragon Ball comics, died after suffering a blood clot on March 8 at the age of 68.
Eric Carmen was a musician and former lead vocalist of The Raspberries and singer of All by Myself. It was announced that he died on 12 March at the age of 74.
Paul Chase's wife Tina Malone announced on March 13 that her husband had passed away without revealing the cause of death. They have welcomed one daughter since their marriage in 2013.
Controversial personality O.J. Simpson passed away on 10 April 2024.
Meg Bennett was known for acting and writing on The Young and the Restless. She passed away on 11 April 2024. Her death was announced by her family tend days later. She died after battling cancer.
Former Labour Minister Frank Field passed away at 81. His death was announced by his family. According to a statement, Field died following a ‘period of illness’.
On April 24, one of the founding members of the Moody Blues, passed away. Mike Pinder, the keyboardist of the group, was 82 years old when he died. His bandmate John Lodge announced the tragic news:
‘Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family.'
'Michael’s family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully.'
The Young and Restless actor Marla Adams passed away on April 25 at the age of 85. She was known for playing Dina Abbott Mergeron. The news of her death came only two weeks after Meg Bennett's unfortunate passing.
Rugby legend Rob Burrow passed away on June 2 at the age of 41. The rugby star suffered from motor neurone disease.
Colin Gibb, singer of pop group Black Lace, passed away on 2 June at the age of 70—just days after he officially retired. The Agadoo singer's wife announced the news on Facebook writing, 'I love you Colin, spent 22 years living your Agadoo dream, we were due to retire to Spain on Thursday, you were so happy, so looking forward to our new life, now you're gone.'
On 6 June, it was announced that Eastenders' star Nicholas Ball passed away at the age of 78. His agent said he died after a ‘short illness'.
Donald Sutherland's son Kiefer announced the sad news that the long-time actor had passed away on 20 June. He said:
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away."
His agency announced that he died after a ‘long illness’ however it is unkonwn exactly what cause his death.
American actress famous for her role in The Shining passed away at the age of 75 on 11 July. Her partner announced her death saying:
'My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.'
On July 13, Shannen Doherty passed away at the age of 53 after years of struggling with breast cancer.
At the age of 94, comedy icon Bob Newhart passed away on 18 July after a ‘series of short illnesses’.
Cricket legend Graham Thorpe passed away on 4 August 2024. The sad news of his death was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Initially the cause of death remained a mystery, but the weeks following his death brought to light some tragic details. On 13 August an inquest disclosed that he suffered ‘traumatic injuries’ after being hit by a train. His wife Amanda confirmed that he did take his own life. She said:
"He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”
She also revealed that two years ago, in 2022, Thorpe tried to take his own life as well.
On 14 August, Hollywood lost once of its prized actresses Gena Rowlands. Her death was confirmed by her son, Nick Cassavetes, who also revealed that much like her character in The Notebook, she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Alain Delon passed away on 18 August, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts. Specifically those of his children Anthony, Anouchka, and Alain-Fabien, and also his close friends including fellow actress Brigitte Bardot. In an letter paying hommage to Delon, she said that he has left a voice that ‘no one can fill’, and that she lost ‘a friend, an alter ego, and an accomplice.’
Former England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson passed away on 26 August 2024 at the age of 76. The Swede was suffering from pancreatic cancer and was told in January 2024 that he had a year to live in the ‘best case’ scenario.
On 28 August, Dawson Creek's Obi Ndefo lost his life at the age of 51. the actor's death was announced by his older sister, Nkem Ndefo who said:
"Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace."
The actor, who was also in Stargate SG-1, was suffering from an eating disorder called orthorexia. Her sister said in another post:
“As his family, we share this news to bring attention to orthorexia’s severity and in the hopes that those suffering from this devastating disease receive the compassionate care they deserve.”
According to WebMD, orthorexia is an obsessive fixation on eating healthy, which can ‘damage overall wellbeing.’ While it is not an official diagnosis, some experts believe it is similar to bulimia and anorexia.
Unfortunately, this was not the first of the actor's struggle with his health. In 2019, he was hit by a car which resulted in him losing both his legs. It was a hit-and-run accident, and the driver was drunk.
Teen idol in the 60s, James Darren left his mark on Hollywood before passing away on 2 September. He was 88 years old when he died and his son Jim Morte revealed that was being treated in the cardiac unit.
The actor is most famously known for his roles in Gidget and T.J. Hooker.
On 6 September, Liverpool lost a legend as the death of Ron Yeats was announced. He passed away at the age of 86. The club said in a statement:
Months before his death, it was revealed that the football star had Alzhiemer's disease.
'Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of legendary former captain Ron Yeats. In the words of Bill Shankly, a 'colossus' in club history.'
'The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron's wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time.'
In January it was announced he had been living with Alzheimer's disease.
Ben Thapa came into the spotlight when he was part of the band G4 on The X Factor in 2005. The opera singer passed away on 8 September at the young age of 42 due to kidney failure.
Prior to his death, Thapa had had an emergency nephrostomy operation, a procedure in which urine is drained from the kidney. He also posted on social media that he was getting dialysis.
On 9 September, it was announced that James Earl Jones had passed away at the age of 93. He was most famous for being the voice of Darth Vadar in the Star Wars saga.
French-Italian singer Caterina Valenta passed away on 9 September at the age of 93. She's most famously known for her song Bongo Cha Cha Cha, which was released in 1954 and is still widely listened to and used on TikTok.
On 16 September, former BBC presenter Chris Serle passed away at the age of 81. He worked in various programmes throughout his career, including In at the Deep End, and Points of View.
He has left behind his wife Ali, and five children.
On 27 September, the world lost a true icon. Dame Maggie Smith passed away at the age of 89. The actress, who is widely known for playing Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, and for her role as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, passed away peacefully. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced:
"It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith."
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27."
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."
For now, it is unknown why Maggie Smith was in the hospital and what the cause of her death was.
Maggie Smith had a series of health issues throughout her life, however she overcame them all. She had breast cancer in 2009 and made a full recovery.
She also suffered from an immune disorder called Graves disease at the age of 33. It is a disorder in which the thyroid glands produce too much of the hormone.
As treatment for the condition, Maggie Smith and to undergo not only radio therapy, but also optical surgery as the condition affected her eyes
On 29 September, English musician Martin Lee passed away at the age of 77. The man was part of pop group Brotherhood of Man, the 1976 winners of Eurovision.
It is reported that the singer died from heart failure, after a short illness. A statement from PA New Agency reads: ‘He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.’
As reported by Metro.co.uk, Lee started dating Stevens shortly after she joined the group in 1973. After six years, the two took tied the knot. Lee also leaves behind a daughter from his first marriage.
Madonna announced heartbreaking news on 6 October 2024. Her brother, Christopher Ciccone, had passed away at the age of 63 on 4 October. He was an artist and dancer himself.
She said in an Instagram post: "Its hard to explain our bond
But it grew out of an understanding that we were different and society was going to give us a hard time for not following the status quo."
On 9 October, former Sheffield United defender, George Baldock was found dead at the young age of 31. Baldock had recently started playing for Greek team Panathinaikos, but his time was cut tragically short.
He was discovered at the bottom of his pool and his cause of death has been reported as drowning. A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found by the pool as well. Police are still investigating his death, but for now foul-play has been ruled out.
On 16 October, the world lost a gem. Liam Payne passed away after tragically falling to his death from his hotel room in Bueno Aires, Argentina. According to the One Direction singer's autopsy, he died from multiple traumatic injuries which he sustained when he fell from the third floor balcony. Moreover, toxicology reports have shown there were cocktail of drugs in Payne's body.
The circumstances of his death have provoked many questions, and the authorities in Argentina are still investigating the tragedy.
Baywatch star Michael Newman passed away at the age of 67 on 20 October. According to his close friend, Matt Felker, the star had died from ‘heart complications’. He died with his family and friends by his side.
Newman had been diagnosed with Parkinson's diease in 2006, he was 50 years old at the time. He told People in August 2024:
‘This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom.’
‘My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the center of my life.’
‘I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends,” he went on. “I’m taking life seriously.’
On 21 October, Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno died at the age of 66. His label Conquest Music confirmed the sad news, stating:
'On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.'
They revealed that he had been struggling with ‘severe health restrictions in recent years' and he was even restricted to performing in a wheelchair.
British supermodel, Georgina Cooper, passed away at only 46 years old in late October. Her death was confirmed on 8 November by her agent Dean Goodman. The model had just gotten married in the summer of 2024, and was in Greece with her husband, Nigel.
In a statement to Mail Online, Goodman revealed that she had been struggling with her health before her untimely passing. He said:
“Georgina had been unwell during Covid and had developed some health problems and had been in and out of hospital."
“She had just married and was looking forward to her life. Everybody is devastated. She was a genuine superstar."
Her exact cause of death is currently unknown.
At the age of 90, legendary actor Timothy West passed away on 12 November. The man, who was known for his appearances in various TV shows including EastEnders, and Brass, leaves behind three children and his wife Prunella Scales.
His children shared the news in a statement:
“After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father, Timothy West, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. Tim was with friends and family at the end.”
"He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly."
In the years before his death, his wife of 60 years was diagnosed with dementia.
On 14 November, former Bee Gees drummer Dennis Bryon died at the age of 76. He was in the band from 1973 to 1981. Only four days after, another Bee Gees legend passed away.
Colin Peterson, the original drummer of Bee Gees, passed away on 18 November. He was 78 years old.
On 20 November, the former deputy Prime Minister passed away. The 86-year-old was battling Alzheimer's. He leaves behind his wife Pauline, and two sons—Johnathan and David. They announced his death saying:
"We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86."
“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.”
