Driving Home for Christmas singer Chris Rea passes away, aged 74

‘Driving Home for Christmas’ Singer, Chris Rea, has passed away at the age of 74.

A post to his official Instagram page read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who died peacefully earlier today following a short illness. Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.”

Following a Grammy nomination early on in his career, Chris went on to record over 25 solo albums with great success. The Road To Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) both topped the UK Albums Chart. 

However, the Rock and Blues singer is probably best known by wider audiences for his 1986 festive track ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, which continues to reappear at the top of the charts around Christmastime each year.

Australian Paralympian, Paige Greco, has passed away suddenly at the age of 28.

Paige, who was born with cerebral palsy, made history in the pandemic-delayed delayed Tokyo 2020 the Paralympic Games. The Para-cyclist broke her own world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000-meter individual pursuit, and won Australia their first gold medal.

A joint statement by the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Cycling Federation broke the news of Paige’s passing, revealing that the Gold medallist had sadly “passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode.”

“We are devastated by her loss,” Paige’s mother, Natalie Greco, shared in a heart-breaking statement. “She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the pain of her passing is something we will carry forever.”

News of Paige’s death rippled across the Australian sporting community, with tributes pouring in.

“Paige’s achievements on the international stage were exceptional,” acknowledged Paralympic Australia’s CEO Cameron Murray. “But it was her kindness, her quiet determination and the way she uplifted people around her that will stay with us all.”

One of the most recognisable voices in Australian radio has passed away. John Laws, aka Golden Tonsils, has died, aged 90.

The radio titan was on Australian airways for a monumental 71 years and retired in November 2024. In addition to his radio work, he also recorded singles, did some voice-over work and appeared on television as a commentator and panellist. For his contributions, he was a recipient of an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1974, which was upgraded to a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1978.

His colourful career was not without some controversy. In the late 1990s, he became embroiled in the infamous “cash-for-comment” scandal, accused of accepting payments from major corporations in exchange for favourable on-air mentions without disclosing the deals. The revelations led to a major inquiry and tighter broadcasting regulations.

Never one to shy away from provocation, John also sparked outrage over the years with a series of offensive remarks. In 2004, an NSW tribunal ruled that comments by him and Steve Price on 2UE could incite ridicule of gay men.

Despite the controversies — and even a brief retirement — he remained a defining figure of Australian talkback radio.

John had been in ill health for some time, spending two weeks in hospital in October. He reportedly died peacefully at his home in Sydney.

“Today marks a very difficult day for our family, with the news that our beloved father/grandfather/uncle John Laws has died peacefully at home,” his family said in a statement following his passing. “While fame and prominence had become a mainstay of his life, for us he was always the person who meant so much, away from the microphone, the cameras, and the headlines…It is comforting to know that John’s was a life lived well — he had remained in good health and even better spirits right up until the last few weeks.”

Three-time Oscar nominee Diane Ladd has died aged 89.

Her daughter, Laura Dern, announced Diane’s death, saying that her mother had passed away at her home in Ojai, California. Laura was by her side.

“She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” Laura wrote. “We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”

No cause of death has been given. The news comes just three months after Diane lost her husband, Robert Charles Hunter, at the age of 77

Born November 29, 1935, Diane got her start in television and on stage, where she enjoyed a long career before her big breakthrough in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. This would earn her the first of several supporting actress Academy Award nominations. She was nominated again for Wild at Heart (1990) and A Kiss Before Dying (1991), both of which co-starred her daughter Laura, whom she shared with former husband, film director Bruce Dern.

In 2010, Diane, Laura and Bruce recieved adjoining stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Diane’s long career continued until 2022, when she played a grandmother in coming of age film Gigi & Nate.

June Lockhart passed away on October 23, with her family confirming the news a few days later. The actress was 100 years old when she died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica.

“She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times everyday,” the family spokesman and June’s friend, Lyle Gregory said. “It was very important to her to stay focused on the news of the day.”

June was best known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space.

Joan Bennett Kennedy sadly passed away, peacefully in her sleep at her Boston home, aged 89. Her family confirmed the news in a statement provided to the Cape Cod Times.

“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mum was a powerful example to millions of people with mental health conditions. She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched,” her son Patrick said.

She was the first wife of late Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, married in 1958 and divorced in 1982. Joan was one of the last members of a family generation that included President John F. Kenned and Robert F. Kennedy.

Joan is surpassed by her three children whom she shared with Ted: Kara Kennedy, Patrick Joseph Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy.

Italian actress Claudia Cardinale sadly passed away aged 87, surrounded by her children, in September 2025.

Her agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed the news, saying, “She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste.”

Claudia was dubbed the Enchantress of Italian cinema, rising to fame during the golden age. In her six-decade-long career, she starred in The Leopard (1963), 8 1/2 (1963) and Pink Panther (1963).

Acting was not her dream role, but she switched careers after winning a prize trip to the Venice Film Festival in 1938. She was then approached by directors and producers, urging her to enter film.

In 2000, she was named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her advocacy for women’s rights. Two years later, she won a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Hollywood legend Robert Redford has died aged 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news, saying, “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”

Born in 1936, Redford trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before finding early success on Broadway in Barefoot in the Park. His breakout came in 1969 when he starred opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a role that made him one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. He went on to deliver iconic performances in The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973), All the President’s Men (1976) and Out of Africa (1985).

Behind the camera, Robert won an Academy Award for his directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980). That same year, he founded the Sundance Institute, which became a cornerstone of independent cinema.

Beyond Hollywood, Redford was a passionate activist, championing environmental causes and LGBTQ rights. Married to artist Sibylle Szaggars since 2009, he was previously married to historian Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he shared four children.

Redford is survived by Sibylle, daughters Shauna and Amy, and seven grandchildren.

On September 5, 2025, it was announced that beloved Italian designer and founder of Armani, Giorgio Armani, had passed away aged 91.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house confirmed in a statement.

It was known that Giorgio had been feeling ill, having dropped out of various shows at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June – the first time he had ever missed one of his catwalk events. However, Armani did not confirm the cause of his passing.

On 23 August 2025, Jerry Adler’s family announced that the New York actor had “passed peacefully in his sleep” at the age of 96.

Adler was well known for his role as Tony Soprano’s adviser, Hesh Rabkin, in the long-running show The Sopranos (1999-2007) as well as law partner Howard Lyman in The Good Wife (2009-2016). As well as his film and TV credits, Adler worked behind the scenes on over fifty Broadway productions under several hats, including stage manager, producer and director.

On 17 August 2025, news broke that the British actor and star of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Superman, had passed away aged 87.

Terence’s portrayal of Bernadette captured hearts and broke boundaries. At a time when LGBTQ+ representation on screen was scarce, Terence brought both strength and vulnerability to the role, earning international acclaim and helping to cement Priscilla as a cultural landmark.

On 14 August 2025, the family of David Stratton AM, the veteran film critic and co-host of At the Movies (ABC) and The Movie Show (SBS) with Margaret Pomeranz, confirmed that he passed away peacefully in hospital.

The veteran film critic left an indelible mark on the Australian film industry.

Read more here.

Australian music pioneer Col Joye has passed away, aged 89. The singer, who was the first Aussie pop performer to reach number one on the local charts, had been in poor health for the past few years.

“From music to TV, publishing to concert promotion, artist management and live performances, Col Joye made a remarkable contribution to Australian music for more than six decades,” ARIA chief executive officer Annabelle Herd said in tribute to the artist, who was amongst the first inductees into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

“At a time when the local industry was dominated by US and UK artists, he proved that Australians would embrace local artists and local music.

“Our deepest condolences go to Col’s family. He will be sadly missed.”

Born Colin Jacobson in Sydney, NSW on April 13, 1937, Col would work as a jewellery salesman before he began performing with his older brother Kevin’s band, The KJ Quintet, in the late 1950s.

They soon changed the name to Col Joye and the Joy Boys. Performing regularly at Bankstown Capitol Theatre and Bronte Surf Club, an early appearance on Bandstand saw them gain three hit songs in 1959. A concert album released the following year became Australia’s first nationwide number one record.

Col also fostered other upcoming talent. He discovered The Bee Gees, later signing the Gibb brothers to his management, publishing and recording business.

Col was amongst the nation’s entertainers who would entertain the troops in Vietnam in the mid-1960s. And while his music may have fallen out of fashion as the Beatles and the Beach Boys transformed popular sound, he would come back with another hit country song, “Heaven Is My Woman’s Love” in 1973.

Having married wife Dalys in 1970, the duo would have two children, son Clayton and daughter Amber.

Iconic WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away, aged 71, on Thursday, July 24. His cause of death has now been confirmed as “acute myocardial infarction” – a heart attack – according to the medical examiner’s office in Pinellas County, Florida.

The same report confirmed that Hogan had a history of an irregular heartbeat and blood cancer, conditions which were named as contributing factors to his death.

His manager, Linda Bose, confirmed the sad news.

“Unfortunately, we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning,” she said. “We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend.”

Soon after a statement was released from the organisation he helped shoot to fame.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” said a statement from WWE (formerly WWF). “One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Born Terry Gene Bolea on August 11, 1953, Hulk Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977. However, it was his signing to WWF in 1983 that helped put him – and the organisation itself – on the map.

Known for his trademark handlebar moustache, towering physique and flamboyant style, he would headline eight of the first nine WrestleManias. Famously, he body-slammed André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987. Dubbed “the body slam heard around the world,” it to this day remains one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, in addition to ex-wife Linda Hogan and their two children, Brooke and Nick.

Iconic rock frontman Ozzy Osbourne has passed away aged 76.

The family of the Black Sabbath star released a statement on July 23 saying, “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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

The statement was signed off “Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis”. No cause of death has been given.

The news comes just under three weeks after the British frontman made his onstage retirement. On July 5, he reunited with original Black Sabbath bandmates at Villa Park in Yorkshire for their Back To The Beginning send-off. It was their first time on stage together since 2025.

Hosted by Jason Mamoa, acts from Metallica to Alice in Chains and more took to the stage to pay tribute to the pioneering heavy metal band.

“I’ve been laid up for six years, and you’ve got no idea how I feel,” Ozzy told the packed crowd, acknowledging the extensive health issues he had faced, including a form of Parkinson’s and a slew of spinal surgeries. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, Ozzy was one of six children to parents Joan and Lilian Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham.

His childhood was “pandemonium”, he would say in his autobiography, I Am Ozzy, in 2010.

His early years were not only tough financially, but at the age of 11, he was sexually abused by boys who were bullying him at school, revealing it “completely f’ed me up”.

Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Ozzy dropped out of school and started to dabble with petty crime. After a short stint in prison ahead of his 18th birthday for robbery, Ozzy’s world of music began when he joined forces with Geezer Butler, who would later be his Black Sabbath bassist, in 1967 for his first singing gig.

Two years later, Black Sabbath was formed. And his title of the “Prince of Darkness” began.

Known for his unique voice and gleeful wild behaviour – including the infamous incident of biting the head of a live bat – Ozzy was credited with bringing heavy metal to the masses.

The band split up among a slew of behind-the-scenes drama – not the least of which was Ozzy’s battle with booze and drugs – in 1979. A successful solo career followed. But it was his 2002 entry into reality TV with The Osbournes, which took him, along with his manager-turned-wife Sharon and children Jack and Kelly, to a whole new level of fame.

Ozzy endeared himself to a new generation of fans on the show, on which his continued battle with addiction was touched upon but focused mainly on his endearing soft side and love for his family.

In addition to his three children with Sharon, whom he married in 1982 (Aimee chose not to be shown on The Osbournes), he had two older children from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis.

Arguably, our first celebrity cook, Australian chef, author, cartoonist and TV personality Peter Russell-Clarke has passed away after complications from a stroke. Peter died peacefully on Friday, July 4, at his farm in Toobarac, Victoria, with his wife Jan and their two children, Peter and Wendy, by his side. He was 89.

“He passed away peacefully in his sleep. In the end, it was quite a release for the family that he wasn’t suffering anymore,” his son, Peter Russell-Clarke Jr, told the ABC.

Born September 19, 1939, in Ballarat, Peter began his career early, starting work as a junior artist at an advertising agency before going on to become a food consultant for magazines including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He would also work as a political cartoonist for The Herald in Melbourne.

He would go on to produce his own cookbooks and other books about food. He was also drafted to be a spokesperson on both TV and radio for the Australian Dairy Corporation, the Australian Egg Board and, most notably, Coon Cheese.

In 1983, he made his biggest impression, writing and starring in a five-minute ABC TV show Come and Get It, in which his signature “g’day” was written into the theme tune. It would run for 900 episodes.

“I realised that the bloke in front of the camera got more applause than the person who wrote it,” he told the ABC in 2017 of his career shift.

“So I wrote myself into the series and I became known as a cook rather than a painter or a writer.”

Announcing the news on behalf of the family, Peter’s long-time friend Beverley Pinder paid tribute to the Australian larrikin.

“Adieu, Peter Russell-Clarke – the loveable larrikin artist and gentleman,” she said in a statement. “We know him best as one of Australia’s first TV cooks. But Peter Russell-Clarke was a phenomenon – years ahead of his time.

“His wife, Jan, was his backbone. A loveable, larrikin artist and gentleman of the art of relaxed cooking.”

American pop singer Connie Francis has died at 87. Her publicist and friend, Ron Roberts, announced the news.

Born Concetta Franconero in New Jersey, Connie’s father nurtured her early talent. She rose to fame in 1958 with Who’s Sorry Now?, after nearly quitting music.

A string of hits followed, including Stupid Cupid and Lipstick on Your Collar, as well as a brief romance with Bobby Darin, cut short by her father.

Her later years were marked by trauma, including a rape in 1974 and her brother’s murder. She openly battled mental illness and attempted suicide, but resumed performing in 1989.

Married four times, she once said only one husband was “worth the trouble.” Recently, her 1962 song Pretty Little Baby found new life on TikTok, with Connie calling its viral success “thrilling.” No cause of death has been announced.

Read more about her life and passing here.

Australian actor Julian McMahon’s wife announced his shock death on July 2, 2025, at the age of just 56. His cause of death was revealed to be cancer, which he had battled privately.

Along with his wife of 11 years, Kelly, Julian leaves behind his only child, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, 25. He welcomed Madison with his second wife, Baywatch star Brooke Burns, ahead of their divorce in 2001.

Fans, friends and former colleagues paid tributes to Julian McMahon after learning of his death.

His former Charmed co-star, Rose McGowan, was the first to pay tribute.

“For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort,” she shared on Instagram.

Actor Michael Madsen has passed away at the age of 67. The actor, who had more than 300 credits to his name, had been working since the ’80s. He broke through in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 hit Reservoir Dogs as Mr Blonde, going on to star in many more of his films, including the Kill Bill franchise.

Michael was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California, on the evening of Thursday, July 3.

His cause of death is yet to be formally announced. However, his manager, Ron Smith, has said it was likely due to a cardiac arrest. Authorities have said Michael is believed to have died of natural causes. They do not suspect that any foul play was involved.

Michael’s heartbroken sister, actress Virginia Marsden, paid an emotional tribute in a statement to Variety:

“My brother Michael has left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother — etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.

“We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.

‘I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we’ll share how we plan to celebrate his life — but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can’t.”

Flamboyant Australian socialite Eileen Bond has passed away at the age of 87. The first wife of late tycoon Alan Bond, Eileen, suffered a stroke on Sunday, June 30, passing away on Wednesday, July 2.

Her daughter Joday – one of the four she shared with Alan during their 37-year-long marriage – confirmed the sad news to 6PR radio host Steve Mills. Steve announced the news live on air a day later.

“I’m really saddened by this, because I’ve known this lady since I was a little kid,” he said while fighting back tears. “And I’ve got to say, it’s pretty sad for me and a lot of people that knew her.

“‘”So Big Red, as she was affectionately known, [she was] a great supporter of the Fremantle footy club, if you ever met the lady she might have been into money, but she was a down-to-earth trooper who just loved helping other people.”

The fabulous British media personality and star of the popular reality TV show How Clean Is Your House?, Kim Woodburn, has passed away aged 83 following a short illness.

Kim’s family confirmed the news via her social media channels with a loving video showing images of the media personality throughout her life.

On May 20, 2025, George Wendt died, aged 76.

The actor was best known for playing Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom Cheers, opposite Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, and Kirstie Alley.

After Cheers ended (exactly 32 years ago on May 20, 1993), George – who earned six consecutive Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal of Norm – went on to star in The George Wendt Show, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Man of the House.

He also enjoyed a successful stage career, starring in Art, Elf: The Musical, and Hairspray.

George is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, whom he married in 1978, and their three children. His cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, died in April 2025.

He was 70 years old.

Founding members of Blondie, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, announced the sad news on April 7 via a written statement.

“It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer,” it read.

“Clem was not just a drummer. He was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable,” it continued.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.”

Hollywood legend Val Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, he built a versatile career spanning over four decades. Rising to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, he delivered unforgettable performances as Iceman in Top Gun (1986), Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), Batman in Batman Forever (1995), and Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993). In 2022, he made a poignant return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, where AI technology helped recreate his voice following his battle with throat cancer.

Beyond acting, Kilmer was an avid musician, artist, and documentarian. His deeply personal 2021 documentary Val, which premiered at Cannes, provided an intimate look at his life, career, and health struggles.

He was married to actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 to 1996, and they had two children, Mercedes and Jack, the latter of whom narrated Val.

You can read more about Val here.

Legendary Australian martial artist, stuntman and screen actor Richard Norton has passed away aged 75.

Richard had worked alongside Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Liam Neeson and numerous others throughout his illustrious career.

His wife, Judy Green, confirmed the tragic news on Instagram:

“I am numb and devastated. I have no words.”

She continued, “I have lost my everything. I know there is, and will be lots of love and shock that we have lost this incredible human being. The love of my life. I’m using this time to come to terms with my great loss.”

Born in Melbourne in 1950, Norton began his career as a bodyguard to some of the world’s biggest music stars, including The Rolling Stones, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie, before transitioning to the silver screen. A skilled martial artist with black belts in multiple disciplines, he became a fixture in action films throughout the 1980s and 90s, starring alongside Jackie Chan (Mr. Nice Guy), Cynthia Rothrock, and Chuck Norris (he appeared in the Walker, Texas Ranger series).

Known for his roles in cult classics and Hong Kong cinema, Norton also built a respected career behind the scenes as a fight choreographer and stunt coordinator, lending his expertise to major Hollywood productions such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Suicide Squad.

Carl Thomas Dean, Dolly Parton‘s husband, passed away on March 3, 2025, aged 82.

The singer/songwriter shared the sad news on Instagram, writing:

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Carl and Dolly first met in 1964 outside a laundromat. Two years later, in 1966, they tied the knot.

And when Dolly’s star began to rise in the late 60s, Carl stayed out of the spotlight and instead focused on his asphalt business.

“He’s sort of shy and quiet,” Dolly said of Carl to People in 1977.

“What we have together is so sweet and good that I’d never want it to get jumbled up with [my fame].”

Carl and Dolly renewed their vows in 2016, on their 50th wedding anniversary.

And in 2019, Dolly reiterated that while Carl stayed out of the public eye, she and he were still very much in love.

“He’s always supporting me as long as I don’t try to drag him in on it… He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes, but he’s at home,” the Jolene singer told People.

On February 28, it was announced that icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, had passed away.

It’s now being investigated how the two, as well as one of their pet dogs, died.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has confirmed that both Gene and Betsy tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning and that Gene’s pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17.

Tributes for Gene and Betsy were led by Prince William, Barbra Streisand and Tom Hanks; you can read them all here.

Kim Cattrall, Sarah Michelle Gellar and more paid tribute to Michelle; you can read them all here.

On February 26, Michelle Trachtenberg passed away, aged 39.

Her exact cause of death will never be determined, as her family declined an autopsy for religious reasons. However, it’s believed that Michelle died of complications following a recent liver transplant.

The iconic ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song” singer passed away on 24 February 2025, aged 88. In 2022, the Grammy Award-winner revealed she had ALS, a degenerative disease which attacks the nervous system. Due to this diagnosis and her resulting symptoms, she tragically could no longer sing.

She was a classically trained pianist who was discovered while singing at local music clubs at night. Roberta shot to fame in the 1970s with her intimate R&B ballads such as “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”. Clint Eastwood famously used the full version of the song in his film Play Misty for Me. This ended up being a turning point for Roberta’s popularity. Her song and the movie were incredibly popular, and Roberta even won a Grammy Award for the hit.

Throughout her career, Roberta won four Grammys and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

On January 31, 2025, Marianne Faithfull’s spokesperson confirmed that she had passed away. The singer was 78 years old.

Known for her distinctive voice, Marianne first gained fame in the 1960s with her hit As Tears Go By, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Marianne went on to become a key figure in the Swinging London scene and had a high-profile relationship with Mick — the frontman of the Rolling Stones.

In fact, she inspired the Stones’ hit songs ‘Wild Horses’ and ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’.

After a step away from the public eye due to a struggle with heroin addiction, Marianne made a remarkable comeback in 1979 with the critically acclaimed album Broken English.

However, more recently, the singer/actress released She Walks in Beauty. The 2021 album featured Marianne reciting Romantic poetry over music composed by Warren Ellis, with contributions from Nick Cave.

Mick was one of the first to pay tribute to Marianne.

The rock and roll icon released a statement saying, “I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull. She was so much a part of my life for so long… a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress. She will always be remembered.”

The acting legend of both stage and screen passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025. She was 95.

Dame Joan had a long and illustrious career which spanned over half a century. and saw her in impactful roles in theatre, film, and television. She was of the generation of great acting dames and appeared alongside fellow dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in the 1999 film Tea with Mussolini.

Joan Plowright was one of the few actresses to have received a Golden Globe, Tony, and BAFTA. She also received nominations for an Oscar and an Emmy. She was one of only a few actors who won two Golden Globes in the same year. In 1993, she won two Best Supporting Actress Golden Globes: one for Stalin (TV) and one for Enchanted April (film). Her contributions to acting earned her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2004.

Plowright’s legacy as an actress and her contributions to the arts have made her a beloved figure in British and international cinema and theatre.

Joan was the widow of fellow iconic actor Sir Laurence Olivier, whom she married in 1961. Together, they had three children, Tamsin, Richard and Julie-Kate, and remained married until Olivier’s death in 1989, aged 82.

Plowright retired from acting in 2014 due to vision loss caused by macular degeneration.