In the past 12 months, we’ve lost many notable names across music, TV, film, sport and politics.
These have included One Direction star Liam Payne — whose death in Buenos Aires sent shockwaves around the world — and the celebrated TV doctor Michael Mosley.
Their deaths, and many others, sparked outpourings of condolences and tributes, as their loved ones and members of the public alike shared their favourite memories.
Here are some of the most renowned stars we’ve lost in 2024.
Liam Payne
The singer and former One Direction member died in October aged 31 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
His death came as a shock to many. Payne is survived by his parents, two siblings, and seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with his ex Cheryl Cole.
Shannen Doherty
The American actress died in July aged 53 after an almost 10-year battle with breast cancer.
She was best known for playing Brenda in the 1990s teenage drama Beverly Hills 90210 and Prue Halliwell in Charmed.
Quincy Jones
The 28-time Grammy-winning music producer and composer died aged 91 in November, surrounded by family in his home.
His immense legacy includes producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album; collaborating with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie on the renowned version of Fly Me To The Moon; and contributing to many more hit songs.
Kris Kristofferson
The US actor and music legend died in September aged 88. His representatives said he passed away “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii.
Kristofferson was best known for his country music, winning three Grammy awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award. He also graced the big screen and many will remember him as John Norman Howard in the A Star Is Born adaptation with Barbra Streisand.
Dame Maggie Smith
The two-time Oscar winner died in hospital aged 89 in September.
Born in 1934, the British actress began her career on stage as a teenager. She remained a prominent figure in the industry, with notable roles in modern productions including the Harry Potter franchise and Downton Abbey.
Tito Jackson
Michael Jackson’s brother and ex-Jackson 5 member Tito died in September from a suspected heart attack aged 70.
He was the least-heard member of the hit family group, mainly singing background and playing guitar. He is survived by his three sons: Taj, Taryll, and TJ, and nine grandchildren.
Martin Mull
Martin Mull was introduced to a new generation when he played Principal Willard Kraft in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Leon Carp in Roseanne.
However, the American comic actor made his name in the 1970s, playing Garth Gimble in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
The American actor and comedian died on June 29, aged 80, after what his daughter Maggie Mull described as a “valiant fight against a long illness”.
Donald Sutherland
Best known for starring in MASH and The Hunger Games, the Canadian actor died aged 88 in June following “a long illness”.
He had a legacy for playing heroes and villains and starred in some of the biggest films of the 1970s. Sutherland’s son is the Emmy-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland.
Michael Mosley
The British celebrity doctor went missing while on holiday in Greece in June. His body was later tragically found after a four-day search. Police confirmed that the 67-year-old had died from heat exhaustion after “sitting down and losing consciousness”.
The health guru was known for pushing his body to extreme lengths in the name of science and presenting popular TV shows such as Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.
Jimmy Carter
Former US president Jimmy Carter died aged 100 on December 29, at his family home in Georgia.
He served in the Oval Office from 1977 to 1981 and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House.
Chance Perdomo
The British-American actor died in a motorbike accident aged 27 in March.
He was best known for the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the BBC Three drama Killed by My Debt.
OJ Simpson
Disgraced former NFL player OJ Simpson died in April after a long battle with cancer.
His family announced his passing on April 10 on X.
They said: "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
Simpson’s life was marred by controversy, most notably the trial of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1995, for which he was sensationally acquitted, but then found guilty after a civil trial.
M Emmet Walsh
The US actor died from a cardiac arrest in March aged 88. During his six-decade career, he starred in films including Blade Runner and Blood Simple.
More recently, he starred alongside Daniel Craig in the murder-mystery comedy Knives Out.
Richard Lewis
The American stand-up comedian and actor died from a heart attack in February aged 76. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a year earlier.
Although Comedy Central named Lewis one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, younger generations may recognise him best from Larry David’s show Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Carl Weathers
The Hollywood actor died peacefully in his sleep aged 76 in February.
He was best known for starring in Rocky, Predator and The Mandalorian, before which he was an American football player.
Steve Wright
The BBC DJ died as a result of a ruptured stomach ulcer in February aged 69.
The radio personality presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades and was known for pioneering the “zoo” format on British airwaves.
Jonnie Irwin
The A Place in the Sun presenter died in February aged 50 after battling lung cancer for two years.
His family said online: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage."
Derek Draper
Derek Draper, the political lobbyist and psychotherapist, died on January 3 after a long battle with complications from Covid-19.
The husband of the Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, Draper died aged 56 after contracting coronavirus four years prior.
He is survived by Garraway and their two children.
David Soul
The year began sadly for Starsky and Hutch fans after David Soul died on January 4, aged 80.
The British-American actor and singer’s wife, Helen Snell, said: “David Soul — beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother — died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.”
