We are halfway through the year and we have sadly lost some hugely loved celebrities in 2022.
From the stage, screen, music, sport and more, it is heartbreaking for fans to find out their idols have died. Many of the celebrities we've lost have been mourned by their fans and the public in general, reports the Mirror.
But fans can remember their finest work, lasting legacies and greatest achievements to provide some comfort. They can also inspire us with how they changed the world.
Here we look at some of those lost in 2022, and at the legacy they will leave.
Hilary Devey
Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey CBE died at the age of 65 on June 11. The entrepreneur's agent confirmed that Hilary died in Morocco after battling a long illness.
A spokesperson for the star said: "I can confirm that Hilary sadly died yesterday. She had been ill for some time." Hilary shot to fame by appearing in Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire in 2008 and later Channel 5's The Business Inspector in 2010.
However, her big break came in 2011 when she joined the panel of experts on BBC business show Dragons' Den and became an instant hit with fans for her no-nonsense attitude. Theo Paphitis was the first of the Dragons to pay tribute to Hilary, tweeting: "So sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Hilary Devey. She left us all with some fantastic memories, may she rest in peace. My thoughts are with her family."
Duncan Bannatyne then shared his shock at the news, tweeting: "Sad to hear that @HilaryDevey has passed. So young. Too young. Rest in Peace Hilary. X"
Julee Cruise
Twin Peaks singer Julee Cruise died on June 9 at the age of 65 after battling ill health. The singer was best known for penning the theme song for the hit TV show.
Her husband Edward Grinnan paid tribute to Julee on Facebook, writing: "She left this realm on her own terms. No regrets. She is at peace. I played her [B-52’s song] Roam during her transition. Now she will roam forever. Rest in peace, my love."
The American singer was a frequent collaborator of Twin Peaks creator David Lynch, after her song Falling provided the soundtrack for the hit 80s TV show.
Ray Liotta
Hollywood legend Ray Liotta died aged 67 on May 26. The Goodfellas actor died in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting the film, Dangerous Waters.
Ray leaves behind daughter, Karsen and he was also engaged to be married to Jacy Nittolo.
The actor had been working on a number of projects in recent times including The Many Saints of Newark, Marriage Story and No Sudden Move. He was starring in the Elizabeth Banks-directed Cocaine Bear and was due to star opposite Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley in the Working Title film The Substance.
In a heartfelt tribute, Jacy said: "Ray and I share a deep love that I will cherish in my heart forever. We laughed daily and we were inseparable. The chemistry was wild in the best way. He was everything in the world to me and we couldn’t get enough of each other."
Jacy concluded the emotional post: "The kind of real love that one dreams of. He was the most beautiful person inside and out that I’ve ever known…and even that is an understatement."
Lester Pigott
Lester Keith Piggott was an English professional jockey and trainer. With 4,493 career flat racing wins in Britain, including a record nine Epsom Derby victories, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest flat racing jockeys of all time.
Lester died aged 86 on May 29 in Switzerland. Daughter Tracy posted on her Instagram following her dad's death, and said: “It’s a sad, sad day. Daddy, I will miss you so much.”
Kay Mellor
Kay Mellor, who wrote hit series including ITV’s Girlfriends, Band of Gold and The Syndicate, died aged 71 on May 15. The writer was also best known for penning series including Fat Friends which aired from 2000 until 2005 and was turned into a musical.
A spokesperson for her TV production company, Rollem Productions, said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15th May 2022. We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends at this time."
She began her career writing plays, worked on Coronation Street and created the award-winning children’s drama Children’s Ward. She also wrote BBC One’s women’s football series Playing The Field and in 2010 received an OBE.
Bafta-nominated series Fat Friends focused on the members of a slimming group in Leeds, and starred James Corden, Ruth Jones, Alison Steadman and Mellor’s youngest daughter, Gaynor Faye.
Andrew Symonds
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds died on May 14 following a car crash. The 46-year-old was born in Birmingham before moving down under at a young age, played 26 Tests, 198 one-day internationals and 14 T20s for Australia and won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
During his career, Symonds played for Lancashire for the second half of the 2005 season after he had finished a One-Day International triangular series with Australia against England and Bangladesh. A Cricket Australia statement read at the time: “We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander who has tragically passed away at the age of 46.”
Along with Lancashire, Symonds also had spells in county cricket with Kent, Gloucestershire and Surrey. He was especially known for his ferocious hitting in the middle order and compiled eight centuries during his career, including a score of 156 in the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England in 2006.
Former international team-mates Andrew Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann were among many to pay tribute to Symonds. Former wicketkeeper Gilchrist tweeted crying and heartbreak emojis followed by the simple message: “This really hurts. #roy #rip” along with several other posts, while Lehmann wrote on Twitter: “Look after yourself up there great man, I am (heartbroken emoji), loved him so much and our thoughts are with the family at this time.”
Dennis Waterman
Dennis Waterman died aged 74 on May 8. The actor, best known for his roles in New Tricks and The Sweeney, passed away at his home in Spain with his wife at his side.
A statement from his family said at the time: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis, passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
Those who had worked alongside Dennis took to social media to pay tribute to the actor, with Matt Lucas writing: "I grew up watching Dennis Waterman's iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder. His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo - in which he hilariously duetted with David's absurd impersonation of him - remains the absolute highlight of my career."
Kenneth Welsh
Twin Peaks star Kenneth Welsh died at the age of 80 on May 5. The actor, was best known as the evil ex FBI villain Windom Earle in the hit series.
Fans paid tribute to the star following his death. One person wrote: "RIP Kenneth Welsh. There’s like ten days in a given year I don’t think about Windom Earle. All-time character / all-time performance."
Another said: "Say what you want about Windom Earle as a character, lord knows I have, but you could tell that Kenneth Welsh was having an absolute blast playing him. R.I.P."
A third shared: "Missed that Kenneth Welsh passed yesterday - personally, I love the Windom Earle arc on TWIN PEAKS + his performance is one of my favorites in the whole show, RIP to a real one!"
Ric Parnell
Drummer Ric Parnell died aged 70 on May 1. He played in bands including Horse, Atomic Rooster, Nova and Stars. He also played with Michael Des Barres and on the 1981 hit Hey Mickey, by Toni Basil.
But Parnell was arguably best known for portraying Shrimpton in This Is Spinal Tap, the 1984 cult rock mockumentary.
June Brown
EastEnders legend June Brown, best known for her iconic role as Dot Cotton, died at the age of 95 on April 3. Playing the Walford legend since 1985, she retired the much-loved character after 35 years in February, as one of British TV’s longest serving actors.
EastEnders bosses paid a heartbreaking tribute to June, writing: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten...
"June created one of the most iconic characters in Dot Cotton, not just in soap but in British television, and having appeared in 2884 episodes, June’s remarkable performances created some of EastEnders finest moment. We send all our love and deepest sympathies to June’s family and friends.
"A very bright light has gone out at EastEnders today - we shall all be raising a sweet sherry in June’s memory. Rest in peace, our dearest June. You will never be forgotten."
June's family said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother, June, passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening, with her family by her side. We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time"
Tom Parker
Tom Parker sadly died at the age of 33 on March 30. The Wanted singer tragically passed away after a battle with terminal brain cancer glioblastoma. His beloved wife Kelsey confirmed the tragic news in a heartbreaking statement.
Kelsey wrote on Instagram: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side. Our hearts are broken. Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you."
Paul Herman
Paul Herman died on his 76th birthday on March 29. The Sopranos actor was best known for playing the role of Beansie in the hit series.
He also played Randy in David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Whispers DiTullio in Martin Scorsese’s crime epic The Irishman (2019). His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli – who played Christopher Moltisanti in the hit HBO show - took to Instagram to pay tribute to the veteran actor.
He said: “Our friend and colleague Paul Herman has passed away. Paulie was just a great dude. A first-class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Irishman, and of course The Sopranos are some highlights.
“Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and I am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family, friends, and community of actors and filmmakers.”
Taylor Hawkins
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died at the age of 50. His heartbroken band members announced the sad news with a statement on the band's official Twitter page, which said: "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.
"His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time."
He is believed to have suffered a suspected heart attack, according to health chiefs in Bogota, which is likely to have been due to an overdose. Taylor had joined the band - fronted by Dave Grohl - after the singer fell out with drummer William Goldsmith and he quit the group.
The talented musician also provided vocals, guitar and piano for the band on various recordings.
Peter Bowles
To The Manor Born star Peter Bowles died from cancer at the age of 85 on 17 March. Peter was best known for his role as Richard DeVere in the BBC sitcom which aired from 1979 to 1981, starring as the self-made businessman alongside Dame Penelope Keith, with the pair reprising their roles in a 2007 special.
The BBC series proved hugely popular, the last episode of the first series was watched by more than 23 million viewers. He also made appearances in Holby City, Agatha Christie's Poirot and more recently starred as the Duke of Wellington in royal drama Victoria.
A statement to the PA news agency said: “The actor Peter Bowles has sadly passed away at the age of 85 from cancer. Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.
“He worked consistently on stage and screen, becoming a household name on TV as the archetypal English gent in To The Manor Born, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder and Lytton’s Diary, which he devised himself.
“He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Sue, and their three children Guy, Adam and Sasha.”
William Hurt
Oscar-winning actor William Hurt died on March 10 at the age of 71. The actor is best known for several films during the 1980s, though will be more recently recognisable for his recurring appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
His son said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winning actor, on March 13, 2022." William's death comes just a week before his 72nd birthday, with his son stating that the award-winning actor had "died peacefully, among family, of natural causes."
He achieved critical acclaim for his role as prisoner Luis Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1986). He won an Academy Award and a BAFTA for his performance. It remained his only Oscar-winning role, though he was later nominated for Children of a Lesser God (1986), Broadcast News (1987), and A History of Violence (2005).
More recently, he played army general Thaddeus Ross in the MCU. He appeared in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Infinity War (2018), Endgame (2019) and Black Widow (2021).
Lynda Baron
Popular actress Lynda Baron died at the age of 82 on March 7 The iconic actress, who appeared in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Fat Friends was best known as playing Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in sitcom Open All Hours and Aunt Mabel in kids show Come Outside
A statement from her agent of nearly 30 years and close friend Donna French said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved client Lynda Baron. She was a wonderful actress and a great friend.
“Her iconic roles of Nurse Gladys in Open All Hours and Aunt Mabel in Come Outside were loved by all generations. Renowned for her leading roles in West End musicals and dramatic productions alike, we have lost a leading light of our world.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her daughter Sarah, her son Morgan and all her family.”
Shane Warne
Australian cricket legend Shane Warne tragically died on March 4 at the age of just 52. Shane was found in his hotel room in Thailand and an autopsy revealed he passed from natural causes.
Adored by millions around the world, the charismatic Warne is considered by many as the greatest bowler to ever play the game. His illustrious international career spanned 15 years and saw him take 708 Test wickets - the most ever by an Australian and only behind Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time standings - as well as the most wickets in Ashes history, with 195.
In a tribute, Shane's parents said: “The night of the 4th of March 2022 is when a never-ending nightmare began for our family, for that is the date we lost our much loved and admired son, father, brother and Uncle, Shane Keith Warne’ a tragedy we will never come to terms with.
“To find words to adequately express our sadness is an impossible task for us and looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable, hopefully the mountain of happy memories we all have will help us cope with our ongoing grief." Warne’s eldest daughter Brooke declared she will always cherish her time spent with the King of Spin, times spent laughing and joking around with one another.
She said: “We were so similar in so many ways and I always used to joke that I got your genes and about how much that annoyed me." The family accepted an offer from the Victorian government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of a state funeral for Warne.
Tony Walton
One of Britain's most prolific designers of sets and costumes in Hollywood, Tony Walton, died aged 87. The veteran designer, who was once married to Julie Andrews died on March 2 following complications of a stroke.
In a statement, Julie said: "Tony (Walton) was my dearest and oldest friend. He taught me to see the world with fresh eyes and his talent was simply monumental. I will miss him more than I can say.
“We are a huge, blended family and as we hold each other close, we take comfort knowing that he lives on, not only in his children and grandchildren, but in the memories of thousands who cherished his warmth and generosity and the glorious gifts he gave us… gifts of theatre and film, ballet and opera, the graphic arts and illustration.
“He was a Titan of the Arts. A doting father and husband… and beloved beyond measure.” Tony enjoyed a career which spanned over five decades and he was a three-time Tony Award winner for his set designs for Guys and Dolls, The House of Blue Leaves and Pippin.
He also won an Emmy for Death of a Salesman as well as an Oscar for the art and set decoration for All That Jazz. Tony was credited on 20 films, including the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, Murder on the Orient Express, Fahrenheit 451 and Deathtrap.
Anna Karen
Much-loved actress Anna Karen sadly died in a house fire in East London at the age of 85 on February 22. The EastEnders star died in the horror blaze as firefighters were called to the scene in Ilford shortly after 10.30pm last night.
In 1969 she landed a role as a schoolgirl in Carry on Camping, which is where she would first act alongside lifelong friend Barbara Windsor. The 85-year-old was best known for her role as Olive in 70s comedy On The Buses and also appeared in EastEnders as Aunt Sal - the sister of Peggy Mitchell.
Mark Lanegan
Queens of the Stone Age star Mark Lanegan died at the age of 57 on February 22. The sad news was confirmed by loved ones, who wrote on his official Twitter account: "Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland.
"A beloved singer, songwriter, author and musician he was 57 and is survived by his wife Shelley. No other information is available at this time. We ask Please respect the family privacy."
Mark was a huge name on the rock scene and became known as a grunge icon following his work with bands The Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Gutter Twins, among many others. The rocker worked with others in the industry on a number of collaborations over the years, most recently with the Manic Street Preachers on their latest album The Ultra Vivid Lament.
Jamal Edwards
Music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards sadly died on February 21 following a sudden illness. Jamal was just 15 when he started online urban music platform SB.TV from his room and became a millionaire while he was still a teenager.
The founder of SBTV's death at the age of 31 was confirmed by the company before heartbroken mum Brenda Edwards paid tribute to the "centre of our world".
She said: "It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanish and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world."
She added: "As we come to terms with his passing, we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD."
Jamal was appointed an MBE for services to music in 2014 and was also an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a youth charity run by the Prince of Wales which helps young people set up their own companies.
Andy Devine
Emmerdale star Andy Devine, who played Shadrach Dingle, died at the age of 79 on January 27. Andy, who played feisty Shadrach on and off between 2000 and 2010, died in January but the news was only publicised in May.
He made his final Emmerdale appearance in 2010 when his loveable character was killed off in an emotional alcohol abuse storyline. Andy also starred as a Draconian Guard in several episodes of the Doctor Who story Frontier in Space, as well as Bernard in Channel 4's Queer As Folk.
Thierry Mugler
The iconic fashion designer Thierry Mugler, who dressed Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, died at the age of 73 according to his team, who shared a post on his Instagram account. The iconic French fashion designer passed away from "natural causes" on January 23 according to the post.
Together with a blank black image, the caption read: "#RIP We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace." Mugler made his name in the fashion industry throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with his designs being showcased in many different places, from the runway to stage shows.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mugler dressed a wide range of stars across the entertainment and music world, including Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, George Michael, David Bowie, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rihanna and many more. He was the man behind Kim Kardashian's Met Gala look in 2019 after he came out of retirement to dress the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star.
As well as his huge clothing contributions over three decades, Mugler also left his mark in the fragrance industry after creating a large line of best-selling perfumes.
Meat Loaf
Legendary singer Meat Loaf died aged 74 on January 21 with his wife Deborah by his side. The actor and musician's wife released a statement via Facebook which said: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours. His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”
“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time. We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.
"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!" His cause of death has not yet been released by his family.
The musician was best known for his legendary Bat Out Of Hell trilogy. It is among the 35 best-selling albums in US history and even racked up 14 million units sold, as reported by RIAA. It even earned him a Grammy Award.
Gaspard Ulliel
French actor Gaspard Ulliel died following a ski accident. The star of Marvel's Moon Knight series was hospitalised after suffering a head injury.
The 37 year-old actor was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Grenoble following a crash on the slopes in the Savoie region of the French Alps on Tuesday, January 18.
He was rushed to a hospital in Grenoble with a head injury but later died. Ulliel is familiar on our screens as the handsome face of the Chanel fragrance Bleu de Chanel.
He is also known for playing a young Hannibal Lecter in 2007 film, Hannibal Rising and fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in 2014's Saint Laurent. In 2016 he appeared in the Franco-Canadian film It’s Only The End Of The World.
He appears posthumously as Anton Mogart/Midnight Man in the anticipated Moon Knight series on Disney+.
Sean Rice
Sean Rice died aged 49. The professional ice skater, who appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2011 and 2012, died on January 14, according to friends.
Frankie Poultney, who is a fellow skater and close friend of Sean, shared the sad news on Twitter. Frankie said: "Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great - an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20 years.
"Sean Rice, 20/07/72 - 14/01/22 gone too soon, but we will Love You For A Thousand Years. All of our thoughts are with Signey and Jodeyne." A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice said: "We are all deeply saddened to hear this news. Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
In the two years that Sean was a pro skater on the ITV show, Sean danced with former newsreader Angela Rippon in 2011 and then a year later with Alpine ski racer, Chemmy Alcott. Chemmy paid tribute to Sean with a sweet message on Twitter: "Have just heard the tragic news that Sean Rice, my partner from DOI, has passed away.
"The world will miss your amazing energy and your healing hands. All my love to J and S."
Peter Seabrook
Peter Seabrook died aged 86 after suffering a suspected heart attack on January 14. Much-loved gardening expert and broadcaster wrote a newspaper column for over 40 years, as well as starring on BBC's Gardeners' World.
Essex-born Peter trained as a horticulturalist and florist before joining the BBC as a broadcaster in his 30s. He went on to present a number of gardening shows.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) paid tribute to Peter, saying that he "helped and inspired so many people" and that the organisation would miss him "enormously." A spokesperson for the RHS said on Twitter: "We are very sad to hear that one of the greatest champions of horticulture, Peter Seabrook, has died.
"Peter had the most incredible career in horticulture and exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for decades and was regularly at RHS events, gardens and flower shows. Through his work as a broadcaster, writer and gardener he helped and inspired so many people to garden and grow."
The RHS said that as well raising the profile of horticulture, Peter had been passionate about getting young people gardening. The spokesperson added: "We will miss him enormously."
Peter was married to wife Margaret and they shared two children, Alison and Roger.
Andre Leon Talley
Influential fashion journalist and former editor-at-large of US Vogue, Andre Leon Talley, died at the age of 73 on January 18. The writer died in hospital in New York, according to TMZ. A source told the publication that Andre had been battling an unspecified illness.
The journalist was a key figure in creating Vogue's vision and direction during the 1980s and 1990s as he worked his way up the seniority ladder to eventually become the news director - a role he held from 1983 to 1987. In 1988 he became the company's creative director and stayed in the position for around seven years.
Elsewhere during his career - which spanned six decades - he worked at Women’s Wear Daily, W and the New York Times. He was known as a trailblazer in the fashion industry and worked tirelessly to promote more diversity on the runway and among high fashion's creative ranks.
His consulting work saw become a stylist for the Obamas for a brief spell during Barack's presidency. On the small screen, Andre served as a judge on America's Next Top Model and also had a cameo appearance on Sex and the City.
Gary Waldhorn
Gary Waldhorn, best known for playing Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley, died aged 78 on January 10.
The much-loved star was best known for playing the role of Councillor David Horton in TV sitcom The Vicar of Dibley alongside co-star Dawn French. His son Josh confirmed in a statement that he had died, writing: "Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!
"He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly." A statement from BBC Comedy read: "Gary was an incredibly talented actor who is fondly remembered by us for his numerous appearances on some of the nations most treasured BBC shows, and of course as Councillor David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Nicholas Donnelly
On January 10, Grange Hill favourite Nicholas Donnelly's family confirmed the star had died in his sleep. The actor - famed for playing Mr MacKenzie in the children's drama series - was 84.
A statement from his family said: "He was a gracious, kind and lovely man, a wonderful father and grandfather. He was also very funny and brilliant at telling stories, acting out all the characters, marvellous company and a privilege to know.
"He loved nothing more than offering hospitality and making people feel welcome." The news was also shared by a fan account for the BBC1 programme, which tweeted: "It is my very sad duty to inform you that Nicholas Donnelly who played Mr MacKenzie sadly passed away this morning. RIP xxxx".
During his acting career, Nicholas also starred in TV shows The Bill, Angels and Dixon of Dock Green, as well as a string of movies. He shared four children with his wife Alrun.
Bob Saget
Full House star Bob Saget died at the age of 65 on January 8. The actor turned stand-up comic was found dead in a hotel room in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Florida.
Bob had blunt head trauma from an accidental blow to the back of his head, likely from a fall, and subsequently died from the resulting injuries in his sleep an autopsy report found.
Bob, best known for playing Danny Tanner on the popular ABC sitcom Full House between 1987 and 1995, was in the midst of a stand-up tour.
In a statement Bob's family said: "We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today. He was everything to us, and we want you to know how much he loved his fans, performing live and bringing people from all walks of life together with laughter.
"Though we ask for privacy at this time, we invite you to join us in remembering the love and laughter that Bob brought to the world."
Sidney Poitier
Hollywood legend Sir Sidney Poitier died aged 94 on January 7. The beloved star had an incredible 71-year career, and was the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
His death was confirmed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, according to Eyewitness News Bahamas. Mr Mitchell said: "We've lost a great a Bahamian and I've lost a personal friend."
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper added to the Guardian Nassau: "Sadness that he would no longer be here to tell him how much he means to us, but celebration that he did so much to show the world that those from the humblest beginnings can change the world and that we gave him his flowers while he was with us."
Bahamian-American actor Sidney was an Oscar-winning Hollywood star who was known as a true trail blazer in Hollywood with more than 50 films under his belt. Sidney also published several autobiographies during his career - This Life, The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (2007) and Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter (2008).
A Broadway play about the incredible career of the visionary actor was announced last month, before his sudden death. With Sidney's family blessing, the play will be based on his youth in the Bahamas and historic successes during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
George Rossi
The Bill's George Rossi died at the age of 61 on January 5, his heartbroken family confirmed. The actor was best known for his role as DC Duncan Lennox in the ITV police drama.
His niece Louisa Rossi shared the sad news, she said "Unfortunately George Rossi who played DC Duncan Lennox passed away the morning of Wednesday 5th January 2022." She said her uncle had still been acting until recently.
George, who was born in Glasgow, is survived by his wife Catrin and two children. After the tragic news emerged, his close friend and casting director Claire Toeman said in a tribute: "Rest in peace George Rossi you were the dearest of friends you will be sorely missed."
She said that George's role in The Bill saw him become a "firm favourite" among fans, adding that "he will always be remembered for portraying one of the most popular faces on The Bill in the late nineties.
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