Remembering the celebrities we sadly lost in 2024
The year of 2024 has seen the loss of some absolute legends, in music, film and TV, sport and beyond.
So, before we enter the new year, let's take a moment to remember some of those who've passed.
Dexter Scott King
The youngest son of civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King passed away at the age of 62 on January 22.
Dexter's brother, Martin Luther King II, said in a statement at the time: "The sudden shock is devastating.
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"It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. Please keep the entire King family in your prayers, and in particular Dexter's wife, Leah Weber."
It's reported Dexter passed away following a diagnosis and journey with prostate cancer.
Chance Perdomo
The 27-year-old was best known for portraying Andre Anderson in The Boys spinoff show Gen V.
The actor's passing was confirmed by his representatives on March 30.
The statement read: "His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest."
Taylor Wily
The Hawaii Five-0 actor and UFC fighter passed away at the age of 56.
Wily's passing was confirmed in a statement shared by his sister and family in a post to Facebook on June 20.
It read: "Mourning and celebrating our favorite brother and uncle the way he would want us to. Family, Food, Music and Good Vibes. Aurrrrrrighhhhh (in his voice)."
Donald Sutherland
The legendary actor passed away at the age of 88 on June 20. With over 200 acting credits to his name, some of his most recognized roles include The Hunger Games and Don't Look Now.
His death was announced by his son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, who wrote: "With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film.
"Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived."
Shelley Duvall
The Shining actor passed away at the age of 75 on July 11, her death confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: "My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free.
"Fly away, beautiful Shelley."
Shannen Doherty
The 90210 and Charmed star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and spoke openly about her journey with her health.
She underwent a single mastectomy, chemotherapy and other treatments and two years after the actor revealed she was in remission however, in 2020, she was told by doctors her cancer had returned, diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and in 2023 it had metastasized to her brain and bones.
Her publicist confirmed she'd passed away aged 53 on July 13, fellow actor Eric West writing on social media: "My heart is broken. It was a pleasure to meet Shannen Doherty while filming our movie Fortess a little over two years ago! She was full of warm energy and positive vibes. So young. So talented. May she rest well."
John Amos
The Coming to America star's death was confirmed in a statement shared on October 1, with his son stating he passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles.
The actor was 84 years old and described by his son as 'a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold... and he was loved the world over'.
"Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life," the statement continued. "His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor."
Julián Ortega
The 41-year-old actor passed away in August, his passing confirmed by the Union of Actors and Actresses in Spain.
Ortega appeared in the Netflix show Elite, playing the role of the manager of beer and burger joint La Cabaña.
Actor Fernando Tejero posted: "I am broken with pain, dear colleague… what a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julian Ortega… fly high, hugs to your father and mother."
James Earl Jones
The legendary actor passed away at the age of 93 at his home in New York on September 9.
He was best known for voicing Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King alongside his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film.
Jones is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT and as Stark Trek actor LeVar Burton wrote on Twitter: "James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Maggie Smith
The legendary Harry Potter actor - who played the role of Professor McGonagall - passed away on September 27 at the age of 89.
She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 for her contributions to the Arts and was awarded a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to drama in 2014.
Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute at the time, as per Variety: "I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie."
Kris Kristofferson
The award-winning country singer and actor passed away at the age of 88 on September 28 at his home in Hawaii surrounded by family.
At the time, fellow musician Dolly Parton took to social media to write: "What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend."
A message from his family read: "Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all."
Liam Payne
The One Direction singer passed away at the age of 31 in October after falling from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
Fans flocked to the hotel to pay their respects, with a heartbreaking moment shared between Payne's dad and them.
The other members of the former boy band took to social media in tribute to Payne, with Horan recalling Payne's 'energy for life,' Styles calling it 'an honor to be alongside him' in the band,' Malik describing him as a 'brother' and Tomlinson vowing to always be there for Payne's son, Bear.
Quincy Jones
The music titan's death was announced in a statement shared by his publicist.
The 91-year-old passed away on November 3 and his family described his passing as 'an incredible loss' but noted the importance of celebrating the 'great life' Jones lived.
"And know there will never be another like him," they added.
Indeed, the producer of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller album and picking up a staggering 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, Jones's 'heart will beat through eternity' through his 'music and his boundless love'.
Tony Todd
The actor - best known for his roles in the Candyman horror movies, Final Destination and Transformers - passed away at the age of 69 at his home in Los Angeles on November 6.
Virginia Madsen, his co-star in the horror series, paid tribute to Todd in a video posted on Instagram, saying: "I don't know what to say right now."
In her caption, she wrote: "My beloved. May you rest in power sweet to the sweet in heaven. The great actor Tony Todd has left us and now is an angel. As he was in life. More later but I can't right now. I love you."
Beandri Booysen
The 19-year-old TikTok star became known for raising awareness about Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
Her passing was confirmed by her mother on December 18 who penned a tribute to 'one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring women' in a post on Facebook.
Hudson Joseph Meek
The 16-year-old up-and-coming actor best known for his role in Baby Driver passed away two days after falling from a moving vehicle on December 19.
His passing was announced in a post to Instagram which reads: "Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight. His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Topics: Celebrity, World News
Poppy Bilderbeck