Celebrity deaths 2018 – which famous faces have died this year? From Avicii and Dale Winton to Verne Troyer and Emma Chambers
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
IN 2018 so far the world has said goodbye to some of its most famous stars from the world of sports, entertainment and television.
Here we take an opportunity to remember the much-loved figures who are no longer with us.
Which celebrities have died in 2018?
Geoffrey Hayes, 76
Geoffrey Hayes, star of iconic children’s show Rainbow, died aged 76 on October 1.
The TV presenter’s manager Phil Dale said the star passed away “from pneumonia” in hospital surrounded by his family.
He was best known as the host of the famous children’s show and for playing Detective Constable Scatliff in Z Cars.
Charles Aznavour, 94
Charles Aznavour passed away at his home in Alpilles, South-East France, at the age of 94 on October 1.
Dubbed “France’s Frank Sinatra”, Aznavour enjoyed a career spanning decades that saw him produce more than 1,000 songs.
Chas Hodges, 74
Chas Hodges died in his sleep after losing a cancer battle on September 22.
The 74-year-old pianist — one half of comedy pop duo Chas & Dave —notched up eight UK Top 40 hits.
Paul John Vasquez , 48
Sons of Anarchy’s Paul John Vasquez was found dead at his father’s house in San Jose, California at around 2am on September 25, 2018.
His cause of death is not known, although sources told TMZ he suffered a suspected heart attack.
Burt Reynolds, 82
Burt Reynolds, the Hollywood icon who starred in Boogie Nights and Smokey and The Bandit, sadly passed away at the age of 82 on September 6.
He had suffered a heart attack and died in Florida surrounded by his family.
Reynolds famously turned down the roles of Han Solo in Star Wars and John McClane in Die Hard.
Ed King, 68
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King died at home in Nashville, Tennessee aged 68 after losing a cancer battle on 22 August 2018.
The rock legend helped give birth to the band’s signature punchy three-guitar rock sound after joining in 1972.
His song-writing prowess was also well-admired, co-writing the hit Sweet Home Alabama and a number of the band’s other iconic numbers
Deven Davis, 39
The porn star wife of Korn’s lead singer, Jonathan Davis, died aged 39 on August 17.
Her husband is said to have filed a restraining order on her the same day her body was found.
Deven had battled with drug addiction and substance abuse for over 20 years.
Aretha Franklin, 76
Soul legend Aretha Franklin died from cancer following an eight-year battle on August 16.
Dubbed the Queen of Soul and widely considered one of history’s greatest voices, Aretha’s dazzling music career included classic songs (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Respect and I Say A Little Prayer.
Rolling Stone magazine named her the greatest singer of all time.
Barry Elliott, 73
One half of the much-loved comedy duo Barry Elliott from The Chuckle Brother passed away on August 4, 2018.
His career with his brother spanned over 50 years, and the couple recently made a surprise appearance on Benidorm.
Barry leaves his wife Ann, and of course his fellow Chuckler, Paul.
Morgana King, 87
Morgana King, the accomplished jazz singer best known for her portrayal in the Godfather movies, died in March but her death wasn’t reported until August 15, 2018.
Her death was confirmed by the Riverside County coroner’s office who said that the cause of death was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Morgana, whose daughter Graysan died in 2008, is survived by her grandson.
Richard Swift, 41
The American singer-songwriter, best known for being a member of indie rock band The Shins, died aged 41 on July 3.
Alan Longmuir, 70
Founding member of pop group Bay City Rollers, Alan Longmuir, died on July 2 at the age of 70.
The Scottish musician passed away following a short illness surrounded by his loved-ones.
Alan founded the band with his brother Derek and they enjoyed huge success in the 70s with two number one hits, Bye, Bye, Baby and Give a Little Bit.
Smoke Dawg, 21
Canadian rapper Smoke Dawg was “killed in a drive-by shooting” in Toronto on June 30.
Joe Jackson, 89
The patriarch of the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson, died on June 27, 2018.
Jackson produced the Jackson 5, the King of Pop in son Michael, and also helped his daughter Janet sell over 100 million records worldwide.
Sophie Gradon
Sophie, 32, was famed for being on Love Island on series 2 in 2016.
On June 21, 2018, it was revealed she had been found dead at her home.
XXXTentacion
Controversial American rapper XXXTentacion was shot dead in an apparent armed robbery on June 18, 2018 Miami.
The 20-year-old was gunned down as he left a South Florida motorcycle dealership.
Leslie Grantham
EastEnders’ Dirty Den actor Leslie Grantham passed away on June 15, 2018.
It had been announced earlier in the week that he was gravely ill and had been admitted to hospital.
While his spokespeople won’t confirm his cause of death, it is thought that he had terminal cancer.
Jackson Odell, 20
On June 8, The Goldbergs actor Jackson Odell was found dead at his home in the San Fernando Valley.
Jackson was found “unresponsive in a sober living home” according to TMZ.
Peter Stringfellow, 77
The legendary nightclub owner passed away on Thursday, June 7, after a secret battle with cancer.
Yorkshireman Stringfellow started the Stringfellows franchise in the Sixties and was worth £32m.
Verne Troyer
On April 21, Verne passed away with his family saying: “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.
“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh.”
Avicii
Avicii died at the age of 28 in Muscat, Oman. The Wake Me Up star’s passing was confirmed by his rep on April 20, 2018.
His family confirmed the superstar DJ’s cause of death was suicide and it’s believed he allegedly killed himself with a broken glass bottle in his hotel room at the luxury Oman resort.
Dale Winton
Dale Winton died at his home on April 18.
He was laid to rest in a Humanist ceremony on May 22.
Alex Beckett
It was announced on April 12, 2018, that Alex Beckett had died.
Alex was best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC’s hit series Twenty Twelve.
Timmy Matley, 36
It was revealed on April 11, 2018, that singer Timmy Matley had passed away aged 36.
The lead vocalist of The Overtones had previously battled skin cancer.
Eric Bristow, 60
Darts legend Eric Bristow died suddenly of a heart attack on April 5, 2018.
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said of the late Crafty Cockney: “Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport.”
Ray Wilkins, 61
England footballer Ray Wilkins died on April 4, 2018, after suffering a cardiac arrest the previous week.
Bill Maynard, 89
Heartbeat, The Royal and Worzel Gummidge actor Bill Maynard passed away aged 89in Leicestershire on March 30 after suffering a fall from his mobility scooter.
Katie Boyle, 91
Eurovision Song Contest host and actress Katie Boyle, Lady Saunders, died “peacefully” aged 91 on March 20, 2018.
Katie hosted the show in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1974.
Jim Bowen, 80
On March 14, 2018, it was revealed that Bullseye host Jim Bowen had passed away.
Stephen Hawking, 76
Professor Stephen Hawking died in the early hours of March 14, 2018.
He was considered a medical marvel, having lived for more than half a century after being given two years to live when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963.
The British physicist, who wrote A Brief History of Time, passed away at his home in Cambridge.
He was the subject of the Oscar-winning film The Theory of Everything.
Ken Dodd, 90
Ken Dodd‘s publicist confirmed in the small hours of March 12, 2018, that the comedian had passed away aged 90.
Emma Chambers, 53
Emma Chambers passed away on February 24, 2018, of natural causes.
The actress captured international attention for her secondary role in the 1999 Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts comedy Notting Hill, and played Alice Tinker in BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.
John Mahoney, 77
The Frasier star passed away on February 4, 2018, in Chicago while in hospice care.
Mark Salling, 35
Mark Salling was found dead after pleading guilty to child porn charges.
The American actor hanged himself on January 30, weeks before he was due to be jailed after pleading guilty to two child pornography charges.
Cyrille Regis, 59
Cyrille Regis was a pioneering English footballer whose best moments came in a West Brom and Coventry shirt.
Cyrille passed away on January 14, 2018, and his funeral and a celebration event in his honour was attended by thousands of football fans, former players and relatives.
Howard Lew Lewis, 76
Blackadder, Brush Strokes and Maid Marian star Howard Lew Lewis died at Ellen’s Glen House Hospital in Edinburgh on January 20, 2018.
Police are said to be investigating after his daughter claimed he was “killed by the NHS”.
Joel Taylor, 38
On January 24, 2018, it was confirmed that reality TV Storm Chasers star Joel Taylor had passed away aged just 38.
Simon Shelton Barnes, 52
On January 23, 2018, it was revealed the actor who played Tinky Winky in the children’s hit TV show Teletubbies, Simon Shelton Barnes, had passed away just four days after his 52nd birthday.
Jessica Falkholt, 28
Jessica Falkholt was an Australian actress best known for being on Home and Away.
She passed away when her life support was switched off on January 17, 2018, after a Boxing Day smash killed her parents and sister.
Dolores O’Riordan, 46
The Cranberries’ lead singer Dolores O’Riordan died suddenly in London at the age of 46 on January 15, 2018.
The hugely-popular Irish artist drowned in a bath in London where she was taking part in a short recording session.
‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, 67
Motorhead legend “Fast” Eddie Clarke passed away in hospital on January 10, 2018, after a battle with pneumonia.
Tommy Lawrence, 77
Liverpool legend Tommy Lawrence died on January 10, 2018, after making 390 appearances for the club over 14 years.
Ted Phillips, 84
Ipswich legend and league title winner Ted Phillips, part of the Tractor Boys team who bagged the First Division back in the 1961-62 season. died on January 9, 2018.
Dave Toschi, 86
San Francisco super sleuth Dave Toschi passed away on January 6, 2018, after a lengthy illness.
He led the probe into the Zodiac serial killer and inspired Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry character.
France Gall, 70
Sir Elton John led tributes to French singer France Gall, who died on January 7, 2018, after a two year cancer battle.
Jerry Van Dyke, 86
Comedian Jerry Van Dyke, who is the younger brother of actor Dick, passed away on January 5, 2018, at his ranch in Texas, with his wife Shirley by his side.
John Young, 87
Legendary astronaut John Young died in his Houston home on January 5, 2018, after battling pneumonia complications.
Ray Thomas, 76
Moody Blues singer Ray Thomas died suddenly at his home in Surrey on January 4, 2018, after confirming he had prostate cancer in 2014.
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