2023 celebrity deaths – a look back on who we lost this year
As 2023 ends, the world is reflecting on another busy year. In that time we lost some big stars from the world of arts and entertainment, WTX News is paying tribute to the biggest names we said goodbye to this year.
Andre Braugher
actor, 1962-2023
The US actor’s death came as a massive shock. His family confirmed that the 61-year-old died from lung cancer on December 11, 2023, having been diagnosed with it a few months prior. He was previously a smoker but quit in 2010. After his death, many of his co-stars expressed gratitude for his warmth, kindness, and acting talent.
He was best known for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in the hit TV show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, and their children John Wesley Braugher, Michael Braugher and Isaiah Braugher.
Shane MacGowan
Musician, 1957-2023
Irish music legend Shane MacGowan died in November at the age of 65. He had been hospitalised after being diagnosed with encephalitis.
He was best known for being the frontman of The Pogues, the band behind the hit song “Fairytale of New York”.
“Shane…has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese”
Victoria Mary Clarke
In an Instagram post, his wife paid tribute to her late husband, noting he was someone “who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear”
“I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it,” Clarke said. Shane…has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.”
Matthew Perry
Actor, 1969-2023
The American actor was best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit US TV show Friends. He was found dead in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home at the end of October.
An autopsy revealed Perry’s death occurred due to “acute effects of ketamine”. Other circumstances that contributed to his death included drowning and coronary artery disease.
Perry, a former child actor, began his career in 1979, by 1994 he had landed the role of a lifetime – Chandler Bing – in one of the most successful TV shows.
Sir Michael Gambon
Actor, 1940-2023
The British actor, Sir Michael Gambon, died at the age of 82. He had been the star of both the stage and screen and was introduced to a new generation when he took on the role of Albus Dumbledore in 2004.
He died in hospital on September 28.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” a statement read. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.”
The statement concluded, “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Sir Michael Parkinson
Television presenter and broadcaster, 1935-2023
The famous British TV host – known for interviewing big stars such as Muhammed Ali, Madonna, Sir Paul McCartney and Tom Cruise. He died in August at the age of 88.
His family issued a statement to the BBC saying he had died “peacefully” on August 17 after a “brief illness.”
“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement said. “The family requests that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
Sinéad O’Connor
Musician, 1966-2023
The Irish music legend, Sinéad O’Connor died in July at the age of 56. She leaves behind an incredible music legacy including the hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U”. She had dedicated much of her professional life to various social issues and had spoken honestly about her mental health struggles.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” her family confirmed in a statement to RTE.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Jane Birkin
Actress, 1946-2023
The British-French actress and singer died in July at the age of 76. She attained international fame and notability for her decade-long musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg. She also had a prolific career as an actress, mostly in French cinema. Birkin lived mainly in France from the late 1960s onwards and acquired French citizenship.
In addition to her acting and musical credits, she lent her name to the Hermès Birkin handbag.
Her death was confirmed by the French Ministry of Culture in a tweet, calling her a “timeless French-speaking icon.”
“Timeless French-speaking icon”
French Ministry of Culture
Tina Turner
Musician, 1939 -2023
Tina Turner, often called the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, died after a long illness at her home Zurich in Switzerland.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” her spokesperson, Bernard Doherty, said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model”
Spokesperson, Bernard Doherty
She rose to prominence as the lead singer of the husband-wife duo Ike & Tina Turner before launching a successful career as a solo performer. She was recognised for her “swagger, sensuality, powerful gravelly vocals and unstoppable energy.
In 1994 she began living in Küsnacht, Switzerland, and relinquished her American citizenship after obtaining Swiss citizenship in 2013.
Angus Cloud
Actor, 1998-2023
Angus Cloud, 25, died in July 2023. He was best known for his role in the hit US TV show Europhia. “As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways,” Cloud’s family said in a statement.
His family said his father had been buried just one week earlier to his death and that Angus has “intensely struggled with this loss.”
“The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend,” the statement continued. “Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
Tony Bennett
Musician, 1926-2023
Tony Bennett – the world-famous music legend, died at the age of 96 in July.
“The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren.”
Later on in life, Bennett recorded songs with musicians such as Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.