Remembering those we lost in 2025

Elliot Gonzalez
2 days ago
20 min read

May they rest in peace.

In 2024, we lost many great names, including Dame Maggie Smith, Dave Myers, Richard Lewis, Liam Payne and Timothy West and 2025 began with the incredibly sad passing of Drag Race star, The Vivienne - James Lee Williams.

Over the last twelve months, we've also had to say goodbye to many television greats, including Brian Murphy, Diane Keaton, Dame Jilly Cooper, John Stapleton, Kim Woodburn, Ozzy Osbourne, Dame Patricia Routledge, Patrick Murray, Pauline Collins, Prunella Scales, Ricky Hatton, Tchéky Karyo and others.

As well as a special mention to someone who meant a lot to me, Sylvia Young OBE, who sadly passed in 2025, aged 85.

Here's a reminder and tribute to just some (if anyone is missing, please know it isn't intentional) of the great names, known for their telly work, who we sadly lost in 2025...

JANUARY

The year began with the incredibly sad and sudden passing of Drag Race UK's first-ever winner, The Vivienne - James Lee Williams, who was aged 32.

The news broke via his manager on Sunday 5th January, who described James as "an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person." Going on to say how "Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

Tributes poured in from the likes of Michelle Visage, Rylan, Lorraine Kelly, Ariana Grande and of course RuPaul who said he "joined the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne - an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."

On Tuesday 14th January, tributes were made by the likes of Sir Stephen Fry and Josie as the news broke that their Whose Line is it Anyway? co-star, the actor and comedian Tony Slattery, had sadly passed away, aged 65.

Sir Stephen Fry described him as "the gentlest, sweetest soul" and "a screamingly funny deeply talented wit and clown". Whilst Josie Lawrence recalled "Memories of just laughing a lot. Being silly and laughing. He was talented kind funny and beautiful. Sending love and condolences to wonderful Mark. Rest in peace now Tony."

Throughout his career, Tony Slattery had starred in a number of films including The Crying Game, Peter's Friends and How to Get Ahead in Advertising as well as television series such as Coronation Street, The Royal, Robin Hood and Kingdom.

There was more sad news on Wednesday 15th January, when we learnt that Linda Nolan had passed away aged 65, 20 years after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer that eventually spread to her brain.

A statement from her agent, Dermot McNamara included "Beyond her incredible career, Linda dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20m for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others. Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy."

"She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments."

Throughout her career, she appeared in many television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 where she lasted 22 days.

Also on Wednesday 15th January, we lost the brillant Diane Langton, who was best-known for playing one of Del's many girlfriends in Only Fools & Horses and more recently she was adored by soap fans as Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks, a role she played for 18 years.

On Thursday 16th January, news broke that former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan, who played Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001, had sadly passed away at the age of 46.

Throughout his career, he took part in a number of reality shows, most notably Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.

Also on Thursday 16th January, came the devastating news that the incredible filmmaker David Lynch, had sadly passed away, just days before his 79th birthday. Amongst his extensive work in film, he created the hit TV show Twin Peaks, leaving behind an incredible catalogue of work.

On Wednesday 22nd January, the very sad news broke that Vislor Antilly (Anti), known to most as Brandy, Ricky Gervais' loyal four-legged sidekick in the Netflix smash hit After Life had passed away peacefully at her home in Oxfordshire at the age of 13.

Anti was personally cast by Ricky Gervais, and speaking about her passing, he said, "This is such sad news. Anti was a beautiful soul. We hit it off straight away, and she helped make After Life my favourite filming experience of all time. I’m so glad that I told her a hundred times a day that she was a very good girl."

And as the wildfires in Los Angeles dominated headlines in January, amongst the many lives that were sadly lost in this tragedy, was British child star Rory Callum Sykes, who lost his life at the age of 32, after his mother was sadly unable to save him.

In January we also said goodbye to the first ever winner Bob Says Opportunity Knocks 1987, Kerry Wilson, who died aged 56, actor Tony Mathews who after starring in shows such as The Bill, Inspector Morse and Poirot sadly passed away at the age of 81, dancer Leon Heywood, who passed at the age of 45 after reaching the semi-finals of Sky's Got To Dance in 2011, General Hospital star Leslie Charleson who died aged 79, Doctor Who actor Christopher Benjamin who passed away at the age of 90 and Dame Joan Plowright who died aged 95, following an incredible career in film and television.

Other notable deaths in January, include English actors Charles Kay aged 94 and Donald Pelmear at the grand old age of 100, child actor Christian Juttner, who died aged 60 and starred in Return From Witch Mountain and I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin actor Francisco San Martin who passed away at the age of 39, Flog It! antiques expert Michael Baggott who died aged 51, The Voice US contestant Ryan Whyte Maloney who died at 44, voice actor John Erwin who many will recognise as the voice of He-Man and Reggie Mantle and singer, Australian journalist and TV show host Simon Townsend, Wayne Osmond who voiced the cartoon version of himself in The Osmonds and died aged 73, and actress Marianne Faithfull, who sadly passed away at the age of 78.

FEBRUARY

February began with the sad death of Brian Murphy, who was best-known for starring in 70s sitcoms, Man About the House and George & Mildred as well as Last of the Summer Wine and many other popular shows. He passed away on Sunday 2nd February at the age of 92.

Also passing away on Sunday 2nd February, at the age of 80, was Lee Joo-sil who played Park Mal-soon in Squid Game, the mother of Hwang Jun-ho and stepmother of Hwang In-ho.

On Tuesday 18th February, the comedy world was remembering Still Game actor Jimmy Martin who died at the age of 93, having played Eric in the hit BBC sitcom across 47 episodes, between 2002 and 2018.

On Tuesday 25th February, came the sad news that Irish radio and television broadcaster and actor, Henry Kelly, best known for hosting Going For Gold, had sadly passed at the age of 78.

The following day, on Wednesday 26th February, the tragically sad news broke that Michelle Trachtenberg had at the age of just 39, sadly passed away. She began her career as a child and was best known for playing Dawn Summers in the hugely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In February we also said goodbye to screenwriter Nigel McCrery at the age of 71, who was the writer and creator behind two huge television dramas, Silent Witness and New Tricks. We also said goobye to a number of great actors, including Peter Navy Tuiasosopo who played Big Bob in New Girl and passed away at the age of 61, Maya Woolfe who played Uli in Auf, Wiedersehen, Pet and sadly died at the age of 72, Lee Joo-sill who having played Hwang Jun-Ho's mom in Squid Game passed at the age of 80 and Lynne Marie Stewart who played Charlie Kelly's mother Bonnie in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia sadly died aged 78.

Other notable deaths in February, included Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu who passed aged 48, P. H. Moriarty who died at the age of 86, Julian Holloway who died at the age of 80 having starred in a number of hit television shows throughout his career including Uncle George in My Uncle Silas, Peter Jason who starred in HBO's Deadwood passed away aged 80, John Lawlor who was best known for starring in The Facts Of Life and Phyllis sadly died aged 83 and Steve Hodson who starred as Steve Ross in Follyfoot and passed away at the age of 77.

MARCH

In March we bid a sad farewell to Eddie Jordan, who died on Thursday 20th March, aged 76 of prostate cancer, following a long career in Formula 1 and sports broadcasting.

In March we also said goodbye to Spitting Image producer Bill Dare aged 64, professional boxer George Foreman aged 76, voice actor George Lowe aged 67, actor Kathryn Apanowicz who died at the age of 64 and was best known for playing Nurse Rose Butchins in Angels as well as Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders, Baywatch actor Pamela Bach who sadly passed away aged 61, Simon Fisher-Becker who played Dorium Maldovar in Doctor Who and died at the age of 63.

Other notable deaths in March, included Belgian actor Émilie Dequenne at just 43, Little House on the Prairie star Jack Lilley at 91, former Britain's Got Talent contestant Chantel Bellew who tragically died a month after her 34th birthday, American actor Richard Chamberlain who passed away at 90, author, presenter and palaeontologist Richard Fortey who died aged 79 and Mark Dobies who passed away at the age of 65 and was best known for playing district attorney and serial killer Daniel Colson in American soap opera One Life to Live.

APRIL

April began with the sad passing of stage and screen actor Val Kilmer on Tuesday 1st, aged 65, who, alongside his many celebrated movie roles, appeared on several television shows throughout his career, including Entourage, Life's Too Short, Psych, The Spoils of Babylon and as himself on Saturday Night Live.

Then on Friday 11th April, the last surviving main cast member of the hit sitcom Are You Being Served?, Mike Berry, passed away at the age of 82.

A few days later, on Sunday 13th April, we learnt of the sad passing of Jean Marsh at 90, who was best known for co-creating and starring in Upstairs, Downstairs as Rose Buck, for which she won an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama and was nominated four times.

She later co-created The House of Eliott with Dame Eileen Atkins and, in 2012, was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama.

In April also said goodbye to former Coronation Street actor Philip Lowrie, who passed away at the age of 88, as well as John Saint Ryan who passed away aged 72 and also starred in Coronation Street as Bet Gilroy's love interest Charlie Whelan, RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente who died aged 44, Julian Benson who was a judge on Dancing with the Stars in Ireland and Clodagh Rodgers who represented the UK at the Eurovision song contest in 1971 and passed away this year at the age of 78,

Other notable deaths in April, included American actors Jay North, who passed away aged 73 and Priscilla Pointer who passed away at the grand old age of 100, British actor Damien Thomas who died at 83, Cuban actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez, who died aged 78, M*A*S*H* actor Patrick Adiarte who died aged 82, former Australia's Next Top Model contestant Lucy Markovic, who at just 27 and former X Factor contestant Danny Dearden, who, after a long illness, passed away at just 34.

MAY

On Tuesday 20th May, the news broke that US sitcom legend George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson in NBC's Cheers, had sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep from cardiac arrest at the age of 76.

George starred in all 275 episodes of Cheers, which ran from 1982 to 93, earning himself six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

At the time of his passing, a statement read, "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever.

As well as starring in Cheers, George guest-starred in many TV shows, including Columbo, Frasier, The Simpsons and Family Guy, and even had his own sitcom, The George Wendt Show, which ran for one season in 1995.

On Saturday 24th May, BBC's long-serving arts broadcaster and documentary-maker Alan Yentob sadly passed away at the age of 78.

Alan joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and went on to have a distinguished career, holding several senior and influential positions, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; Director of Television; Head of Music and Arts; Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children’s, and Creative Director.

His commissions include Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News for You and the classic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, as well as launching CBBC and CBeebies.

And he made his name on the arts series Arena and also edited and presented the arts documentary series Imagine from 2003.

When news of his passing broke, the BBC's Director General, Tim Davie, said "Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy."

"For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. He believed profoundly in the BBC’s role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts - accessible to all."

"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture."

And two days later, on Monday 26th May, Sam Gardiner, who took part in the second series of Race Across the World with his mother Jo, tragically died in a car accident, aged just 24, after his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side.

His mother later released a statement, together with Sam's father Andrew, which read "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special.

"Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective" adding how taking part in Race Across The World "opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel."

In May we also said goodbye to Scottish actor, playwright and screenwriter Gawn Grainger, who sadly passed away at the age of 87, M*A*S*H actress Loretta Swit, who died aged 87 and Coronation Street and Doctor Who actor Michael McStay, who sadly passed at the age of 92.

Other notable deaths in May included Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, who passed away at the age of 79, British actor Prentis Hancock who died aged 83, Canadian-American actress Valerie Mahaffey, who died aged 71, American actor Charley Scalies who passed aged 84, Weeds actor Renée Victor, who died aged 86, American newscaster Stan Atkinson who passwed away aged 92 and Boardwalk Empire actor Devin Harjes, who died at 41.

JUNE

June saw the sad news break that Celebrity Big Brother icon Kim Woodburn, who rose to prominence on Channel 4's How Clean is Your House?, had sadly passed away on Monday 20th June at the age of 83.

In June we also said goodbye to Joanna Bacon, who most recently graced our screens in Breeders and sadly passed away at the age of 72, Harris Yulin, who at the age of 87 passed away following a long career in shows such as 24, Ozark and Billions, ITV's first female weather presenter Wincey Willis, who died aged 76, former EastEnders actors Frank Barrie who passed away 88 and Jonathan Joss who starred in Parks & Recreation and died at the age of 59.

Other notable deaths in June included legendary ITV News presenter Sandy Gall who passed away at 97, Dukes of Hazard star Rick Hurst, who died aged 79 and radio DJ and former Top of the Pops presenter Andy Peebles who passed away at the age of 76.

Plus Star Trek actor Peter-Henry Schroeder who passed away at 90, former Celebs Go Dating expert Eden Blackman, who died aged 57 and weather forecaster Jay Wynne, who also died aged 57, New Zealand actress Marise Wipani, who passed away aged 61, MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, who died aged 52, Mind Your Language actress Pik-Sen Lim who passed away aged 81, English actor Roland Curram who died aged 92, American actor Jack Betts who died aged 96, American chef and television host Anne Burrell who died aged 55, star of General Hospital, Chris Robinson who died aged 86 and Jamaican actor Clifton Jones who starred in Space: 1999, passed away at 87.

JULY

July saw the passing of the truly wonderful Sylvia Young OBE. The founder and principal of the Sylvia Young Theatre School died aged 85 on Wednesday 30th July.

I owe so much of the person I am today to the kind-hearted woman that was Sylvia Young. I will forever be grateful to Sylvia for that moment in 2001 when she saw something in me, a spark that she ignited, a light she let shine bright. I will never forget that day, and never forget the moment she invited me to join her prestigious school full-time. I was incredibly fortunate to attend from the ages of 12 to 16. A time I look back on incredibly fondly.

Sylvia shaped me as a person and allowed me to succeed in a career outside of acting, but still in the same industry. The approach she took to nurturing her students means that people in and out of the entertainment industry are able to say the same today. She was everyone’s greatest supporter, and it truly didn’t matter to her what background you had. Many then, and even now, could learn a thing or two from her spirit.

It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it, but what a remarkable legacy she leaves behind, for all her past students, but also for those who are yet to step through the doors of her iconic school. Students who had the privilege and honour of meeting her, and those who sadly didn’t, will all have her to thank for the person they became.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her belief in me. So, for that, Sylvia, I will be forever grateful. Rest in peace, Sylvia, and thank you so much for everything.

On the 22nd July, the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, sadly passed away at the age of 76, just two weeks after playing Black Sabbath's farewell gig in his home city of Birmingham.

At time of his passing, his family said "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love."

In July we also said goodbye to American actor Michael Madsen at the age of 67, who made a memorable appearance in 2012 on Celebrity Big Brother, professional wrestler and media personality Hulk Hogan, who died aged 71, Australian-American actor Julian McMahon who starred in Nip/Tuck and Charmed, who passed away at 56, Granada newsreader Trevor Green who died on his 74th birthday, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theodore Huxtable in The Cosby Show passed away aged 54.

Other notable deaths in July included stage and screen actor David Killick, aged 87, King of the Hill star Chuck Mangione, who died aged 84, American voice actor James Carter Cathcart, who passed away aged 71, Mandem on the Wall comedian Denis Kaate who died aged 37, American actor Kenneth Washington who died aged 88, English actors Kenneth Colley, who died aged 87 and Gerald Harper who died aged 96, rugby league legend and commentator Ray French who passed aged 85, American actor and choreographer Charles Augins who died aged 81, General Hospital actress Judy Loe who passed aged 78, Irish broadcaster and actor Seán Rocks who died aged 64, and TV magician Wayne Dobson who passed away at the age of 68.

AUGUST

Following the sad passing of Brian Murphy earlier in the year, another George & Mildred favourite, Norman Eshley, who played real estate agent Jeffrey Fourmile, sadly passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday 2nd August, after living with cancer, with his agent revealing that he died with his wife, Rachel Eshley by his side.

A couple of days later, on Monday 4th August, legendary broadcaster James Whale died aged 74. In 2000, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which in 2020 had spread to his spine, brain and lungs. In recent years, James was best known for his work on TalkTV.

On Sunday, 24th August, the sad news broke that Spanish actress Verónica Echegui, who starred in Fortitude, had died of cancer at the age of 42, just a few months before her last television series was made available on Netflix, Ciudad de sombras (City of Shadows).

In August we also said goodbye toThe Walking Dead actress Kelley Mack, aged just 33, Coronation Street actor Frank Grimes, aged 78, Superstore actor Jon Miyahara aged 83, actor Ray Brooks, who best-known for voicing Mr Benn and starring killing Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, died aged 86 and former Blue Peter producer Biddy Baxter, who sadly passed away at the age of 93.

Other notable deaths in August included Danielle Spencer, child Star Of What’s Happening!. who passed at 60, Northern Irish actor Stanley McGeagh who passed away at the age of 88, General Hospital actor Tristan Rogers who died aged 79, acclaimed actor Terence Stamp who passed aged 87, The Sopranos actor Jerry Adler, who died aged 96, American actor David Ketchum who died aged 97, former Panorama presenter Fred Emery who died aged 91, WKRP in Cincinnati actress Loni Anderson who died aged 79 and Scottish television screenwriter Ann McManus, who created the hit BBC series Waterloo Road, sadly passed away at the age of 67.

SEPTEMBER

On Sunday 14th September, the shocking news broke that British professional boxer and recent contestant on Dancing On Ice, Ricky Hatton had been found dead at his home that morning, aged just 46.

The British boxing great had Hatton battled mental health difficulties throughout his life and was due to make a comeback to the ring in December.

Then on Sunday 21st September, it was announced that legendary broadcaster and journalist, John Stapleton, had sadly passed at the age of 79. He was a regular on British television for many decades, most notably on shows like GMTV, as well as TV-Am, Daybreak and GMB, and Watchdog.

At the time, his agent said that John, who had Parkinson’s disease complicated by pneumonia, died peacefully in hospital this morning."

And although news broke of his passing in October, Patrick Murray, who played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools & Horses, had sadly passed away on Monday 29th September at the age of 68. He had previously battled lung cancer and was given the all-clear before the illness returned a year later and spread to his legs and pelvis.

In September we also said goodbye to actor Graham Greene aged 73, who most recently guest-starred in The Last of Us and Tulsa King, Dynasty star Patricia Crowley, aged 91,

American actor, director, producer and activist Robert Redford, who sadly passed away at the age of 89 and legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird died at the age of 92.

Other notable deaths in September included American dancer Joshua Allen, who won the fourth season of So You Think You Can Dance and passed away at just 36, former Coronation Street actor Stanley Meadows passed away at the age of 94 and Canadian-born television writer and producer Ted Mann, who died aged 72.

OCTOBER

October began with the sad news that British animal rights campaigner and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall died on Wednesday 1st October aged 91.

In a statement, the Jane Goodall Institute said "The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes. She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States."

Then just two days later, on the 3rd October, news broke that a true icon of British television had died, Dame Patricia Routledge, who millions adored as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, passed away peacefully in her sleep, aged 96.

They say things often come in threes, and sadly in October that meant saying goodbye to three magnificent Dames, as following the sad passings of Dame Jane Goodall and Dame Patricia Routledge, on Monday 6th October, the very sad news broke that acclaimed author and the woman behind the recent Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, Dame Jilly Cooper had passed away at the age of 88.

In a statement released that morning, her children Felix and Emily said "Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock."

"We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us."

October really was one of the saddest months, with news breaking just days later that Diane Keaton had passed away aged 79.

Known best of course for her extensive movie work, Diane had also starred in a number of TV shows throughout her career, including most recently, as Sister Mary Ignatius in The Young Pope.

Then later that month on 27th October, just 16 days before the year-anniversary of her husband Timtohy West's passing, Fawlty Towers favourite Prunella Scales, who had brought joy to millions thanks to her memorable performance as Sybil Fawlty, passed away at the age of 93, following a long battle with dementia.

In a statement, her two sons said, “She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”

And as the month came to a close, news broke that on Friday 31st October, French actor Tchéky Karyo, best known for recently starring in BBC One drama The Missing as well as its spinoff Baptiste, had sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 72.

In October, we also said goodbye to American actress, best-known for starring in HBO's Vice Principals, Kimberly Hébert Gregory at 52, actor John Woodvine at 96, who starred in multiple television shows including Emmerdale and The Crown, and Crossroads favourite Tony Adams, who played Adam Chance, and passed away at the age of 84 and Jamaican actress Yvonne Brewster, who co-founded Talawa Theatre Company, passed away aged 87.

Other notable deaths in October included Dave Betton who performed with his son on Britain's Got Talent in 2020 and sadly passed away aged 82, Police Squad! actor Ed Williams, who died aged 98, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air child actor Floyd Roger Myers Jr, who passed away at 52, comedy writer Gavin Petrie, who died aged 83, 9-1-1 Nashville actress Isabelle Tate, who died aged just 23, English actress Lynn Dalby who passed away at 78, American actress Penelope Milford, who died aged 77, All My Children actress Samantha Eggar, who passed away at 86, and Lassie actress June Lockhart, who died at the grand old age of 100.

NOVEMBER

On Wednesday 5th November, came the sad news that Pauline Collins had passed away at the age of 85. Amongst her many roles, she was best known for playing Sarah Moffat in the TV series Upstairs Downstairs, as well as her leading role in Shirley Valentine which earnt her an Oscar nomination.

In November, we also said goodbye to former Big Brother contestant Ben Duncan, who tragically fell to his death aged 45, Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s band leaded Cleto Escobedo, who passed away at 59, television presenter Quentin Wilson, who previously hosted Top Gear and Fifth Gear, died aged 68, and prolific playwright and screenwriter Sir Tom Stoppard, who sadly passed away at 88.

Other notable deaths in November included actor Andria Lawrence, aged 89, Dynasty actress Betty Harford, who died aged 98, American actress and mother of Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, who died aged 89, Wycliffe star Jack Shepherd, who died aged 85, Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall, who passed away aged 76, American actor Michael DeLano, who died at 84, American actress Sally Kirkland, who passed away aged 84, and British actress Sandra Caron who passed away aged 89.

DECEMBER

On Thursday 18th December, Debbie Rush announced the very sad news that her son William Rush, who starred in Waterloo Road as Josh Stevenson, had passed away aged just 31 a day before, on Wednesday 17th December.

In a statement on her Instagram, Debbie wrote "Our beautiful baby boy, William, passed away on 17th December. As a family, our hearts are completely broken, and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss."

"Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all. Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy."

"William will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts."

Then on Friday 19th December, came the equally sad news that another Waterloo Road actor, Lorraine Cheshire, had passed away at 65. Amongst her many telly roles, she was best known for playing Fleur Budgen in Waterloo Road and Sue in Trollied. She was always a joy to watch and will be greatly missed.

In December, we also said goodbye to The Wire actor James Ransone who played Chester ‘Ziggy’ Sobotka and died by suicide aged 46, actor and comedian Stanley Baxter, who passed away six months before his 100th birthday, Diff'rent Strokes actor Melanie Watson, who passed away aged 57, and just before Christmas came the tragic news that American filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner had been murdered at 78, by his own son Nick Reiner, along with his wife Michele Singer.

Other notable deaths in December included General Hospital actor Anthony Geary, who died aged 78, Japanese-born actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagaw, who passed away at 75, Country Ever After star Criscilla Crossland Anderson, who died aged 45, comedian Jeff Garcia, who died at 50, voice actor Jim Ward, who died aged 66, sitcom actor Pat Finn, who passed away aged 60, American actor Peter Greene, who died aged 60, Australian actress Rachael Carpani, who passed away aged 45, Marvellous Mrs Maisel star Wenne Alton Davis, who died aged 60 and The Wire actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., who passed away aged 71.

To everyone listed above, may they rest in peace, and I extend my thoughts and love to their loved ones.

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