60 celebrities we lost in 2016
IT all started with the death of David Bowie, followed by famous voices, celebrated style icons and familiar faces from the screen, making it seem hardly a week went by in 2016 without news of another passing.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News . Followed categories will be added to My News.
- IT’S SAFE TO PARTY IN MELBOURNE LIKE IT’S 2017
- 2016: BEST PLACES TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE
- WHAT’S THE WEATHER GOING TO BE ON NEW YEAR’S?
- CROWNING GLORY WILL LIGHT UP CITY SKYLINE
MOST of us know exactly where we were and what we were doing when we learned a beloved public figure had died.
A half-century ago, our parents and grandparents learned about American President John F. Kennedy’s death on November 22, 1963, when the devastating news was delivered on televisions around the world.
Almost 20 years ago, we were going about our weekend business when we heard on radio and television that Princess Diana had been killed in a car accident in Paris.
And this year, many of us may have been taking a quick Facebook break when we discovered the shocking deaths of legendary musicians David Bowie and Prince.
Minutes after the news breaks, our social media feeds are filled with videos of the late musicians’ classic performances, and heartfelt posts and tweets about how deeply saddened we are by the loss.
But most of us never met these people.
We know little more about them than what we see at the theatre, hear at their concerts, or read in publicist-orchestrated interviews. So, why are we so saddened?
Psychologist Deborah Carr says it’s not surprising that so many people feel at least a short-term spell of sadness or emptiness when a favourite artist, writer, or political leader dies.
“These feelings can actually be good for us,” she writes in Psychology Today magazine.
“Collective mourning, such as attending a candlelight vigil, or weighing in on a friend’s heartbroken Facebook commentary about Alan Rickman’s touching portrayals, helps connect us to others in meaningful ways.
“Discovering a shared fondness for a particular film or song brings us closer to others, because our cultural tastes often reflect our values and world views.
“Collective mourning reminds us that we’re part of a particular generation, whether Baby Boomers, Gen X, or Millennials, and helps us to celebrate the cultural touchstones that define us.”
This year, we seemed to have many more reasons to mourn the loss of iconic figures.
Famous voices, celebrated style icons, familiar faces from the screen, household names across the spectrum — it seemed hardly a week went by in 2016 without news of another celebrity death.
From almost the start — with David Bowie’s shock death on January 10 — the year saw the loss of dozens of artists people either grew up with or who were found by a modern legion of fans.
Social media lit up like never before with tributes farewelling the Starman Bowie, 69, an icon for both his fashion and endless music catalogue, celebrated from Changes to China Girl.
Just months later on April 21 music lovers were again left reeling following the death of legendary Prince, 57, whose hits Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Kiss and 1999 remain as immediately memorable as when they were first released.
And as if 2016 was a year when final call was to be made on some of the most world’s most famous names from an earlier generation, millions mourned the loss of boxing great Muhammad Ali, 74, who died June 3 and stopped to reflect on perhaps a last signpost to the conventional Cold War with the end of controversial White House nemesis, Cuba’s Fidel Castro, 90, in November.
Here we remember 60 of the world’s most famous people we farewelled this year.
Otis Clay, 73, died January 8
The R&B and soul singer got his start in gospel and was best known for hit, That’s How It Is (When You’re In Love). Clay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. He died from a heart attack aged 73.
David Bowie, 69, died January 10
David Robert Jones, known to the world as David Bowie, spent more than five decades in the musical spotlight. With 11 number one albums and a catalogue of hit songs, Bowie was one of the world’s best-selling artists. Famous for his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust and for hit songs from Space Oddity to Starman. The singer-songwriter was a master of reinvention with his many looks, costumes, hairstyles inspiring a generation of performers. He garnered widespread popularity while rebelling against social conventions — Bowie famously turned down Queen’s honours throughout his career. The musical legend had just finished recording his 25th studio album at the time of his death after a private battle with cancer aged 69.
Alan Rickman, 74, January 15
His eminent career spanned more than three decades across stage and screen, but at aged 18 Alan Rickman said drama school “wasn’t considered the sensible thing to do.” Fast forward 50 years and Rickman’s portfolio of work earnt him a bevy of honours including BAFTA, Golden Globe and Emmy Awards and was twice nominated for Best Actor at the Tony Awards. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Rickman was probably best known for his villainous roles as Severus Snape in Harry Potter and Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Rickman made Empire magazine’s list of the 100 sexiest people no less than three times. The well-loved actor died a few weeks shy of his 70th birthday after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Devastated fans erected a memorial for Rickman under the sign for Platform 9 ¾ at London’s Kings Cross Station.
Dan Haggerty, 74, January 15
Best known for his portrayal of the rugged, nature-loving woodsman Grizzly Adams in the widely popular 1970s film, Haggerty’s life bore strong parallels with his character. After escaping military school several times, Haggerty began work at a ranch in California which trained animals for film and used this experience to secure work in Hollywood. His break came in the title role of the 1974 American classic, The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, which spawned two television series. Haggerty died from cancer of the spine aged 74.
Glenn Frey, 67, January 18
Co-founder and lead guitarist of American rock band The Eagles, Glenn Frey’s death shook the music world with his bandmate and friend Don Henley crediting Frey as “the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan.” The Hotel California rocker had 24 Top 40 singles on the Billboard charts and received six Grammy Awards and five AMAs as a member of The Eagles. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and remains the highest-selling American band of all time. After the group disbanded in 1980, Frey embarked on a successful solo career and even dabbled into acting with guest appearances in several television series including Miami Vice. The 67 year old died following complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.
Abe Vigoda, 94, January 26
Born in Brooklyn, Vigoda’s break into Hollywood came late in life when he was cast as mobster Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather. Following the success of the 1972 film, Vigoda went on to play NYPD detective Phil Fish in the long running sitcom Barney Miller. In 1984, People magazine mistakenly referred to the actor as dead. In good humour, Vigoda went on to pose for Vanity Fair sitting in a coffin holding the infamous issue of People. The 94 year old died in his sleep at his daughter’s home in New Jersey.
Maurice White, 74, February 4
Singer-songwriter and producer Maurice White shot to fame when he founded the pioneering disco-funk group Earth, Wind & Fire in 1969. The soul and R&B group became the soundtrack of the 70s with a stream of hits including September and That’s the way of the world. The band joined musical royalty in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2000 with White later inducted individually into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Vanity, 57, February 15
Denis Matthews, better known by her stage name Vanity, went from 80s sex-vixen to devout Evangelist. Widely considered Prince’s protégé, the lead singer of the funk band Vanity 6 had a long history of cocaine addiction before a near-death experience led her to abandon her wild ways and become a born-again Christian.
George Gaynes, 98, February 15
Born in Finland, Gaynes moved to America after serving in World War II and became a popular character actor. Most widely known for starring in Punky Brewster, cult classic Tootsie and the successful Police Academy movies, he was also a regular on daytime television. Gaynes died at his home in Washington aged 98.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, 93, February 16
Egyptian diplomat, Boutros Boutros-Ghali became the first African to hold the position of UN secretary-general during his one term in office in the late 90s. His controversial tenure as UN chief was marked by war in the former Yugoslavia and was criticised for failure to act during the Rwandan genocides. Boutros-Ghali became the only UN Secretary-General not to be elected to a second term in office. The secretary-general died aged 93.
Harper Lee, 89, February 19
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s novel fast became a classic of modern American literature. Loosely based on her observations from her own childhood and hometown in Alabama, Lee’s coming-of-age tale of racism and inequality in America’s deep-south still endures today. Lee was a lifelong friend of famed writer Truman Capote and was an ongoing contributor to his work In Cold Blood. In 2015, after more than five decades of near silence, Lee published Go Set a Watchman after its controversial and unexpected discovery. Intensely private, Lee made next to no public appearances or interviews after Mockingbird was published and died in her sleep in her home town of Monroeville aged 89.
Sonny James, 87, February 22
Born James Hugh Loden but better known as Sonny James, the singer songwriter was a darling of country music in the 1950s with hits like Young Love. James’ good-nature earnt him the nickname Southern Gentleman and his love song ballads regularly topped of the music charts, recording 16 number-one singles in a row. James spent more time in the number nne chart position than any other artist in country music The singer co-hosted the first ever Country Music Association awards in 1967 and 40 years later was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. James passed away in his home in Nashville age 87.
Tony Burton, 78, February 25
Growing up in Michigan, Tony Burton was twice named light heavyweight boxing champion and had a brief career as a professional boxer. It seems only fitting then that his most recognisable acting role was a boxing coach in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.
Famous for playing Apollo Creed’s trainer in the Rocky movies, Burton found his way to acting after a prison stint for a robbery in California. Along with Sylvester Stallone, Burton was the only other actor to appear in all films in the series.
George Kennedy, 91, February 28
It was his portrayal of chain-gang convict, Dragline, in Cool Hand Luke that earnt the ex-army captain an Oscar and cemented his career in Hollywood. Kennedy went on to appear as the Police Captain in the Naked Gun movies and as a corrupt oil tycoon in long-running television series Dallas. Kennedy was married four times to three women and at the time of his death, was the oldest living Oscar winner in the Best Supporting Actor category.
Paul Couch, 51, March 5
Geelong Cats great Paul Couch was a much-loved icon of the game and his sudden death at just 51 years old rocked the AFL world. Known for his big grin and mateship, Couch was a popular winner of the Brownlow Medal 1989. The Geelong champion played in four grand finals, totalling 259 games for the team and was twice-named an All-Australian. Couch died after suffering a fatal heart attack while cycling with friends on Victoria’s surf coast.
Nancy Reagan, 94, March 8
An actor in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Nancy Reagan brought glamour, style and some controversy to the White House during her time as First Lady. Labelled ‘A Model First Lady’, her youthful flair and penchant for spending made her regular fodder for the press photographers. But it was her advocacy for drug awareness and education programs that won her favour with the American public. She championed the cause with her ‘Just Say No’ campaign which she continued to promote after leaving the White House. Following her husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimers in 1994, the former First Lady withdrew from the public spotlight and became his primary caregiver for the next decade until his death. Nancy Reagan died at the age of 94, of congestive heart failure.
George Martin, 90, March 8
The British music producer nicknamed the ‘Fifth Beatle’ for his extensive involvement with the iconic band, was responsible for more than 30 number one singles in the UK alone. With a career spanning more than six decades covering music, film and television, Martin received a knighthood for his services to the music industry in 1996.
Jon English, 66, March 9
British-born Australian performer, Jon English was a mainstay of the stage and screen in the 70s and 80s. He topped the charts with hit singles Words Are Not Enough and Handbags and Gladrags and won a Logie for his performance in the TV series Against the wind. English also made his mark in theatre, starring in acclaimed productions of Hairspray, Pirates of Penzance and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Sylvia Anderson, 88, March 15
The British film producer and voice actor is probably best known for creating the popular television series, The Thunderbirds. Along with her director husband, Anderson was responsible for the characters, costumes and storylines behind the long-running series. Anderson leant her voice to the character of Lady Penelope, an aristocrat fashionista that doubled as an undercover agent.
Frank Sinatra Jr, 72, March 16
Singer-songwriter and son of Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr began performing at local clubs and venue in his late teens before forging a successful career in television. At age 19, Sinatra Jnr was kidnapped in Lake Tahoe, but was released two days later after his father paid the kidnappers nearly $250,000 in ransom.
Joe Santos, 84, March 18
Best known for playing Lt. Dennis Becker in The Rockford Files, the actor from Brooklyn became a regular face as a police officer in a several television series and films. Santos also appeared in several episodes of the long-running acclaimed television series The Sopranos. Santos died following a heart attack in March, aged 84.
Garry Shandling, 66, March 24
Comedian and star of The Larry Sanders Show¸ Garry Shandling was a mainstay on the stand-up comedy scene from the 1980s until his death in March. His first foray into television, It’s Gary Shandling’s Show, earned him four Emmy nominations and critical acclaim. But it was the Larry Sanders Show that propelled him to stardom with the sitcom receiving 56 Emmy nominations and three wins. Shandling was a regular awards show host, presenting the Emmys and Grammys on numerous occasions. Shandling died in his home in Los Angeles aged 66 from a suspected blood clot in his heart.
Patty Duke, 69, March 29
Former child star, Patty Duke won an Oscar for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker at the tender age of 16. Following her win, Duke starred in her own sitcom The Patty Duke Show in which she played identical cousins. Duke’s enduring acting career spanned more than four decades and garnered several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. In 1987, Duke revealed in her autobiography that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, becoming one of the first public figures to speak out about personal experience of mental health. Her advocacy for mental health issues continued until her death in March, aged 69.
Ronnie Corbett, 85, March 31
British comedian and star of the The Two Ronnies, Ronnie Corbett was one of the UK’s most-loved comedians. Along with his longstanding colleague and friend, Ronnie Barker, Corbett entertained audiences for more than 16 years on the popular sketch comedy show. After the show’s conclusion in 1987, the pint-sized comedian continued to be a regular face on British television with guest appearances at variety shows, game shows and comedy sketches. Corbett was awarded an OBE and later a CBE for his services to entertainment and charity. The comedian died a year after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, aged 85.
Merle Haggard, 79, April 6
Singer-songwriter and country music legend, Merle Haggard and his band The Stranglers were recognised for their unique rough-edged style vastly different to the polished Nashville sounds of the same era. After a troubled youth landed him in jail, Haggard turned his life around to become one of country music’s most successful artists, with 38 number-one hits to his name. Haggard received numerous awards from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and received a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2006. He died from complications from pneumonia aged 79.
Bruce Mansfield, 71 April 17
A veteran of Australian radio and television, Bruce Mansfield’s voice first graced the airwaves when he was just 16 and remained a staple until his death 55 years later. Throughout his career, Mansfield worked as a newsreader, radio presenter even voiced the long-running dating show Perfect Match in the late 80s. Mansfield returned to radio to co-host 3AW’s Nightline program in 2001. Mansfield died after a long battle with prostate cancer, aged 71.
Doris Roberts, 90, April 18
Best known for her role as the meddling mother in the long-running sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, Doris Roberts’ award-winning career spanned more than six decades. Her hilarious portrayal of Marie Barone earned her four Emmy Awards and much of her fame. Along with her success on the silver screen, Roberts began her career on Broadway, reprising her stage acting in the last decade. Roberts died in her sleep due to a stroke aged 90.
Prince, 57, April 21
Born Prince Rogers Nelson, the award-winning singer, songwriter and actor became an international superstar in 1982 after his breakthrough album 1999. In his lifetime, the Purple Rain singer won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. He sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time. His unique sound mixed funk, R&B and pop and his innovation fuelled an illustrious career spanning several decades. The visionary performer also became a style icon, known for his flamboyant stage costume complete with flowing jackets, ruffled sleeves and platform shoes. Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and received a BET Lifetime Achievement award in 2010. The icon was found dead at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
Lonnie Mack, 74, April 21
Legendary blues musician Lonnie Mack was dubbed a pioneer of “rock guitar soloing” by Rolling Stones magazine and inspired a generation of guitarists including Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. The Blue-eyed soul singer was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2005 and the International Guitar Hall of Fame in 2001. Mack died of natural causes near his home in Tennessee aged 74.
Billy Paul, 81, April 24
The Grammy award winning jazz and soul specialist best known for his number-one hit Me and Mrs. Jones was one of the many artists associated with the Philadelphia soul sound. In addition to receiving the Grammy for Me and Mrs. Jones, Paul was a recipient of an American Music Award. Paul died from pancreatic cancer in his hometown of New Jersey aged 81.
Reg Grundy, 92, May 6
The self-made Australian media mogul’s legacy of TV credits include such global hits as
Neighbours, Prisoner and Wheel Of Fortune. Awarded an OBE for his contribution to TV and media in 1983, Grundy became synonymous for producing local Australian drama and game shows. Known as RG to his mates, the TV pioneer got his start in Sydney radio as a boxing and sports commentator before creating Wheel of Fortune which he went on to host with great success. Such was his eminence in Australian culture, “Reg Grundies”, or “Grundies”, became rhyming slang for “undies”. Grundy was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the New Years’ Honours of 1983 and was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2008. The TV icon rejected the limelight and only eve gave one television interview in his lifetime, appearing on A Current Affair with Tracy Grimshaw. Grundy died in his adopted home of Bermuda aged 92.
Alan Young, 96, May 19
Best known for his starring role in the comedy series Mister Ed, Alan Young spent five years playing young architect, Wilbur Post alongside a talking horse. Young lent his voice to several Disney classics before starring in his self-titled television and radio show The Alan Young Show. Young died in California aged 96.
Burt Kwouk, 85, May 24
He was the Cato to Clouseau, playing the bumbling French inspector’s long-suffering manservant in Pink Panther. Kwouk played opposite Peter Seller in seven films in the popular series and continued the role after Seller’s death. On the big screen Kwouk also appeared in three James Bond films including Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice as well as a long-running career in television. In 2011, Kwouk was awarded an OBE for his services to drama. Kwouk died aged 85 after a battle with cancer.
Muhammad Ali, 74, June 3
Born Cassius Clay, but later known to the world as Muhammad Ali, the titan of boxing became one of the greatest and most charismatic sportsman of all time. In 1999, Ali was crowned Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated, winning the World Heavyweight Boxing championship three times as well as an Olympic gold medal. But his life outside of the ring that drew just as much attention as his sporting glory. Both lauded and criticised for his outspoken political and social views, Ali’s refusal to be drafted to the Vietnam War and conversion to Islam in 1975 made him a divisive figure in the 60s and 70s. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony in 2005. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the late 80s but remained a public figure despite his declining health. Ali died after long battle with the disease aged 74.
Anton Yelchin, 27, June 18
Russian born American actor, Anton Yelchin was critically acclaimed for his roles in several art house films including Like Crazy and Alpha Dog. But it was his roles in Hollywood blockbusters Star Trek and Terminator that earnt the young actor widespread popularity. Yelchin died after being hit by his own car at his home in California aged just 27.
Lady Susan Renouf, 74, July 15
Regarded as Melbourne’s first socialite, Lady Susan Renouf first came to Australia’s attention as the beautiful young wife of politician Andrew Peacock in the 1960s. They quickly became fodder for the media who likened the glamorous couple to Australian royalty. No stranger to scandal, Lady Renouf was a regular feature of society pages with three public marriages and subsequent divorces. The socialite was known for her keen sense of humour and lent her hand to various charities. Lady Renouf died on her 74th birthday after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Garry Marshall, 81, July 19
Garry Marshall earnt his stripes as the creator of wildly acclaimed television series, Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley before moving to the big screen to direct cult classic Pretty Woman. The writer and director began his career as a joke writer for the Late Show with Jack Paar before several acting appearances various films and television series. In 1997 he was inducted into the Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame. Marshall died aged 81 of complications from pneumonia following a stroke.
Michu Meszaros, 76, July 19
The Hungarian actor, circus performer and stuntman is best remembered playing Alf in the popular 80s sitcom of the same name. At just 84 centimetres tall, Meszaros wore the full-bodied costume for the role of the furry alien. Before landing the role Meszaros was a member of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as the smallest man in the world and performed for presidents Reagan and Carter. The actor died aged 76 after suffering a stroke.
Kenny Baker, 81, August 13
The English born actor and singer was best known for playing R2D2 in the Star Wars franchise, despite initially turning down the role. Before his break into Hollywood Baker joined a theatrical troupe of dwarfs and midgets and later became a circus performer. Baker played the robot character in six of the sci-fi blockbusters as well as appearing in Flash Gordon and The Elephant Man. The 81 year old died after a long battle with illness.
Gene Wilder, 83, August 28
An icon of comedy, Gene Wilder made his name starring in Mel Stuart’s adaptation of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The charismatic funnyman earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Producers, an Oscar nomination for his Young Frankenstein screenplay and an Emmy for his final acting performance, guest-starring in Will & Grace in 2003. Away from the screen, Wilder starred on stage. Debuting on Broadway in 1962’s The Complaisant Lover; he starred in six plays over four decades. Wilder died at home from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, aged 83.
Arnold Palmer, 87, September 25
Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Arnold Palmer was a titan of the sport. In a career that spanned more than six decades, he won 62 PGA Tour titles and was awarded the tour’s Lifetime Achievement award in 1998. Nicknamed The King, Palmer was one of golf’s most popular stars and was widely credited with altering the perception that golf was only a pastime for the upper-class. Palmer was one of the original inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Palmer died while awaiting heart surgery aged 87.
Max Walker, 68, September 28
As a Test cricketer, a best-selling author, a footballer and a beloved television icon, Max Walker left an immeasurable mark on Australian culture over the course of his life. Born in Hobart, Walker relocated to play for the Melbourne Football Club, with whom he amassed 85 games. In 1972, he made his Test cricket debut for Australia and would go on to take 138 wickets in 34 Tests. After retiring, Walker would take up architecture and helm Channel Nine’s The Sunday Footy Show and Nine’s Wide Wold of Sports program. Walker died from myeloma after a three-year battle, aged 68.
Ross Higgins, 86, October 7
A beloved actor and comedian, Ross Higgins rose to prominence playing the ludicrous, politically incorrect Ted Bullpit on Kingswood Country. In addition to his career on screen, he had a long and vast career of voiceover work. In an Australian record, Higgins served as the voice behind Mortein’s animated Louie the Fly advertisement campaign for over fifty years. Higgins died in hospital after an extended battle with illness aged 86.
Laurie Dwyer, 77, October 17
Like his father Leo, ‘Twinkle Toes’ Laurie Dwyer spent his football career at North Melbourne. Debuting at only 17, he took runners-up in the club best and fairest in his maiden season. Despite fighting illness throughout his career, the resilient Dwyer would persevere to win best and fairest in 1961 and 1967. Finishing in the top three of the Brownlow Medal thrice, Dwyer also claimed a night premiership in 1967 and captained North Melbourne to a preliminary final in 1970. Dwyer died aged 77.
Pete Burns, 57, October 23
Founder of pop group Dead Or Alive, singer Pete Burns shot to fame with the 1985 hit You Spin Me Round (Like a Record). A rebellious teenager, Burns dropped out of his Liverpool boys’ school at the age of 14 and began working in a record shop in Liverpool. He formed the popular band in 1985 and became known for his androgynous style and often appeared in drag. The band had seven Top 40 singles and Burns remained the spotlight in his later life, appearing in several reality television shows. Burns died following a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 57.
Janet Reno, 78, November 7
A pioneering figure for women in politics, Janet Reno became the first female US Attorney General. Following her nomination by President Clinton in 1993, Reno went on to become the second-longest serving Attorney General in history. But even before her tenure in Clinton’s administration, Reno was breaking ground. During her attendance at Harvard Law School Reno was one of only 16 women in a class of 500. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1995, Reno died aged 78 after a long battle with the disease.
Leonard Cohen, 82, November 7
Leonard Cohen’s influential career as revered singer-songwriter, musician and poet spanned more than five decades. Famous for his haunting tenor and moving prose, the artist was widely regarded as a visionary and ‘songwriter’s songwriter.’ His anthem Hallelujah earnt him worldwide acclaim and has been covered more than 300 times in various languages. The I’m your man singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was recognised in his home country of Canada with a Companion of the Order — the nation’s highest civilian honour. Cohen put his musical career on hold in 1996 to become ordained as a Buddhist monk. The singer launched a worldwide tour in 2005 after discovering his long-time manager had robbed him of more than $5 million. Cohen went on to release three albums in the last four years of his life. The singer died in his sleep at his home in California, aged 82.
Robert Vaughan, 83, November 11
American actor Robert Vaughan forged a career playing suave spies, detectives, officers and generals in an illustrious catalogue of film and television spanning five decades. Best known for his portrayal of Napoleon Solo in the 1960s spy fiction, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, Vaughan was also recognisable as the tough General Hunt Stockwell in the A-team. But it was his role as war veteran Chester A. Gwynn in The Young Philadelphians which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1960. Vaughan died after a long-battle with leukaemia, aged 83.
Hugh McDonald, 62, November 18
Rising to fame in 1981 after joining iconic Australian folk-rock band, Redgum, musician Hugh McDonald wrote many of the group’s hits including The Diamantina Drover. McDonald was a versatile band member, playing fiddle before taking over as lead vocalist from John Schumann. The group tackled domestic politics and culture and were outspoken in their views. After the group disbanded in 1990, McDonald continued to tour Melbourne and travelled overseas regularly to perform for Australian troops. McDonald died after a battle with prostate cancer aged 62.
Peter Sumner, 74, November 22
Australian actor Peter Sumner is probably best known for an acting role that went uncredited. With just a handful of lines to memorise, Sumner was Australia’s only link to the original Star Wars, in which he played Lieutenant Pol Treidum, an officer on the Death Star. Back home, Sumner appeared in Australian classics Ned Kelly and Bush Christmas as well several episodes of Play School like many homegrown actors before him. The school teacher-turned actor died aged 74 after a long illness.
Florence Henderson, 82, November 24
Actor Florence Henderson was best known for her role as the kindly matriarch Carol Brady, the much-loved Mom in The Brady Bunch. With a career spanning more than six decades, Henderson began her acting career on Broadway, starring in several long-running productions including Oklahoma! and Fanny in which she played the title role. But it was her role in the widely popular 70s sitcom that made her one of the most recognisable faces on television. After the show ended in 1974, Henderson went on to star in a bevy of television shows and hosting roles including her own talk show The Florence Henderson Show. Henderson died aged 82 from heart failure.
Fidel Castro, 90, November 25
Revolutionary leader, dictator and polarising world figure, Fidel Castro governed Cuba for nearly five decades and was a central figure in the Cold War. Under his control, the country became a one-party state and brought the world the closest it has been to nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. Known for his green military fatigues and never without a cigar during his long fist-pounding speeches, the leader was revered by many and despised by many more. In 2006, he handed power to his brother, vice-president Raul Castro. News of Castro’s death was announced on Cuban television.
Peter Vaughan, 93, December 6
Although he attracted a cult following at close of his career for his portrayal of Master Aemon Targaryen in Game of Thrones, actor Peter Vaughan’s storeyed career spanned decades. Breaking out as the feared Harry Grout in Porridge, the Englishman also had a recurring role through 1977-1979 as Charlie Johnson in Citizen Smith. Vaughan died peacefully with family at the age of 93.
John Glenn, 95, December 8
A man who fit many lifetimes into his one, John Glenn came to prominence as the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. A decorated veteran, he then turned his attention to politics and won a seat in the United States Senate in 1974, representing Ohio. A politician passionate about the environment, he became the first elected Ohio senator to win four consecutive terms in office. Glenn died at in Ohio after a series of health issues.
Alan Thicke, 69, December 13
Alan Thicke was the definitive television dad for a generation raised on Growing Pains, the sitcom in which he portrayed the psychologist Jason Seaver. A talented musician and actor, Thicke also composed some of televisions most beloved theme songs including The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes. Thicke died following a heart attack aged 63.
Bernard Fox, 89, December 14
Bernard Fox made a career out of being a diverse, committed actor who starred across many genres. Best remembered as the womanising warlock Dr. Hubert Bombay in the comedy series Bewitched, Fox also had appeared in the romantic drama Titanic and action epic The Mummy. Fox died of heart failure, aged 89.
Zsa Zsa Gabor, 99, December 18
The Hungarian born American actor Zsa Zsa Gabor is probably best known for her dalliances off the screen with the socialite marrying nine times over the course of her glamorous life. The former-Miss Hungary’s film credits include Queen of Outer Space and Frankenstein’s Great Aunt Tillie as well as several guest appearances in television and film later in her career. Gabor created tabloid fodder with her many one-lines regarding her lavish Hollywood lifestyle and public affairs, once commenting: “I am a marvellous housekeeper: Every time I leave a man I keep his house.” Gabor died aged 99 after suffering a fatal heart attack.
George Michael, 53, December 25
A musical great known for both his chart-topping hits and his turbulent personal life, George Michael was a giant of popular culture. Michael, born Georgios Panayiotou, found fame as a teenager in the early 1980s after forming Wham! with school friend Andrew Ridgeley. Michael enjoyed immense popularity early in his career delivering a series of hits including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Freedom. As a solo artist he developed into a more serious singer and songwriter and was lauded by critics for his tremendous vocal range. The Careless Whisper singer sold more than 100 million albums globally, earned numerous Grammy and American Music Awards, and recorded duets with legends like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and Elton John. Health scares dogged the last decade of Michael’s life with the singer surviving a brush with death after suffering a dangerous bout of pneumonia in 2011. Michael died at his home in Oxfordshire on Christmas Day after suffering heart failure.
Carrie Fisher, 60, December 28
She played one of the most recognisable princesses in film history and remained a member of Hollywood royalty until her untimely death. Regaled actor Carrie Fisher was a legend of the silver screen and inspired a generation of leading ladies in her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars. Fisher was only 19 when she took on the role that would become synonymous with the Hollywood blockbuster. Her fame endured long after and her film credits included Austin Powers, The Blues Brothers and Charlie’s Angels. Fisher was also an accomplished author who detailed her experiences with addiction and mental illness in several best-selling books. The actor died following a heart attack aged 60.
Debbie Reynolds, 84, December 29
Reynolds was one of Hollywood’s leading actors in the 1950s and 1960s, continuing to act well into the 2000s. She rose to fame in Singin’ in the Rain’ and quickly become one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. Reynolds was just 17 when she took the female lead in what is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Reynold dazzled on both stage and screen. Nominated for a Tony award for her lead in Irene, Reynolds was awarded a SAG Lifetime Achievement award in 2015. Reynolds died after suffering a stroke just one day after the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher.
Brewery puts name on global sporting stage
It’s the little brewery that could. A South Gippsland craft brewer is putting its name on a motorsport event with a global audience of more than 100 million people.
West Gate Tunnel build set to close key Docklands route
Brace for more traffic pain linked to the West Gate Tunnel project with a key route in the Docklands set to close.