2016: The Stars We Lost
Carrie Fisher
The 27th of December 2016 marked a very sad day for pop culture fans all around the world. Mere days after the devastating news spread of George Michael’s passing on Christmas Day, it was announced that beloved ‘Star Wars’ actress Carrie Fisher had also passed, after suffering cardiac arrest on a flight from London to her home in California. Born in 1956 to Hollywood star couple Debbie Reynolds (‘Singin’ In The Rain’) and Eddie Fisher (later to marry screen siren Elizabeth Taylor), Fisher was simply destined to be a star.
In 1977, Fisher starred as perhaps the most influential female Sci-Fi character of all time: Princess Leia, in the film ‘Star Wars’ (later retitled 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'). As Mark Edlitz of ‘The Huffington Post’ wrote, Fisher’s portrayal of Leia was “a smart, feisty, brave diplomat and warrior”, enabling the audience to fall in love with the character and young actress instantaneously.
Though Carrie Fisher will always be most recognised for the iconic character with the ‘squash blossom whorls’, she will also be remembered as a strong advocate of mental health awareness, an author (even having written Introductions for her mother’s auto-biographies), and inspiration to all. May she find peace and the force be with her always.
Debbie Reynolds
The world barely had a chance to mourn the loss of her daughter Carrie Fisher on 27th December when it was announced that legendary Hollywood actress, Debbie Reynolds had died a day later of a possible stroke.
Born Mary Frances Reynolds on April 1st 1932, the multi-talent received her first induction to the entertainment industry upon winning the title of Miss Burbank in 1948.
In 1952, she was immortalised in one of the most popular musicals of all time – ‘Singin in the Rain’ as the smart, bubbly and talented Kathy Selden, before going on to captivate audiences in a string of successful musicals: her lead in ‘Tammy and the Bachelor’ led to the number 1 single ‘Tammy’, earning its songwriters an Oscar nomination; ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ earned Reynolds an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Reynolds wowed audiences with her stage performances over the years, including ‘Irene’, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and ‘Woman of the Year’, and not to forget her hit Vegas shows, either.
In her later years, she was also known for her performance as the hilarious Bobbi Adler in ‘Will & Grace’ – Grace’s zany mother, while a whole new generation fell in love with her as Aggie Cromwell in Disney’s ‘Halloweentown’ films.
Remarkably, Reynolds was owner to one of the largest collections of movie memorabilia in the world - featuring items such as Charlie Chaplin’s bowler hat, and Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress from ‘The Seven Year Itch’.
Her autobiographies proved to be easy, entertaining reads which continue to sell well today. 'Unsinkable' (2013) detailed much of her personal life: her successes, failures, relationships and career. 'Make 'Em Laugh' (2016) reminisced all her wonderful Hollywood memories - brilliantly namedropping throughout. Her first autobiography 'Debbie: My Life' (1988) took a much more careful approach.
Her passing may have broken hearts both young and old around the world, but her vibrant nature and gleaming smile will live on through all who continue to adore her.
She is, after all, our lucky star.
Prince
Not more than three months after David Bowie’s shocking departure, doves cried worldwide when on the 21st of April, pop superstar Prince had been found deceased in the elevator of his home in Paisley Park, Minnesota. His death was said to be due to an accidental overdose of a prescription drug. Born June 7th 1958, Prince was best known for his innovative style, stage presence, ornate dress and makeup, and wide vocal range. During his career spanning from 1975 when he joined his first band 94 East, until his passing in 2016, Prince produced a large breadth of work, gaining seven Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for his film 'Purple Rain in the process.
The superstar will always be remembered as “a vanguard who defined an era and influenced two generations of musicians, and will for many more to come” (Dirk Hooper, CEO and Quora writer).
Prince’s passing created a shadow of dispossession throughout the public - another great icon of the 20th and 21st centuries claimed too soon. May he rest in peace.
George Michael
Born in 1963, Georgios Kyriacos Panos - more famously known as George Michael - found fame following the formation of Wham! with fellow musician Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. Fronted by the quintessentially handsome and multi-talented George himself, Wham! went on to become the biggest English pop duo of the 1980s, with hits like ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and ‘Last Christmas’ positioning themselves as all-time favourites for decades to come.
In 1987, George went solo, wearing his heart on his sleeve with poignant and heartfelt lyrics, and often providing listeners with a glimpse into his working mind as well as the personal struggles he faced. The hit single ‘Faith’ (written, arranged and produced by Michael himself) reached number 1 in the United States, while the album peaked at number 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
His success as a solo artist led George to record numerous studio, compilation and live albums, while privately, George was a committed philanthropist who donated and raised millions of dollars for charitable causes. He also worked with a range of artists over the years, demonstrating his versatility and pushing the boundaries of ‘pop stardom’.
Though his untimely passing on December 25th shook millions around the world, we are lucky enough to inherit George Michael’s musical legacy for many generations to come.
Gene Wilder
Growing up, many of us were enthralled with the world of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory. Gene Wilder brought the quirky Mr. Wonka to life for many of us - but he was so much more than just one role.
Wilder was a screenwriter, actor, director and author. Whether you knew him from his cult classic work (‘Young Frankenstein’, ‘The Producers’), his comedy work (‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil’, ‘The Woman in Red’) or even in his Emmy award-winning role as Mr. Stein in ‘Will & Grace’, Wilder was able to entertain, enchant and amuse every one of us.
After the loss of his third wife - Gilda Radner - to ovarian cancer, Wilder became heavily active in promoting cancer awareness and treatment, helping to found the ‘Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center’ in Los Angeles.
Wilder spent his later days peacefully dabbling in watercolour painting, as well as publishing his memoir and penning three novels.
Sadly, Gene passed away on 29th August 2016 following complications with Alzheimer’s Disease. His family shared that he had passed listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Over the Rainbow’.
Sir George Martin
Sir George Martin - legendary producer of most of The Beatles’ recorded works – sadly passed away in his home in March 2016.
His early career in the music industry had involved working as a producer of classical music albums for EMI, while also producing comedy albums for Peter Ustinov and The Goons.
However, in early 1962, Martin became aware of four-piece band The Beatles, who were working hard to land a recording contract. Upon hearing their work, George Martin agreed to sign them to EMI – a decision that would mark The Beatles’ place in music history from that day forth.
Over the next seven years, the albums he collaborated on with band became some of the most successful works in recording history, including ‘Yesterday’, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ and ‘In My Life’. Martin played such a hands-on role in the production of almost all of their albums that Paul McCartney often referred to him as a "second father".
After his death, McCartney was quoted as saying "If anyone earned the title of the ‘Fifth Beatle’, it was George. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I've ever had the pleasure to know."
William Christopher
Actor William Christopher, known to many as Father Mulcahy from the TV series 'M*A*S*H', passed away on 31st December 2016 at the tail end of a tragic year in popular culture.
Though mostly recognised as the kind-hearted army chaplain, he also appeared in television programs such as 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' and 'Hogan's Heroes'. Christopher also provided voices for animated series ‘The Smurfs’, and later played Father Tobias in popular daytime soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’. He was also a seasoned theatrical performer, touring in 1997 with fellow 'M*A*S*H' alumni Jamie Farr in Neil Simon's comedy 'The Odd Couple'.
Later, Christopher became a spokesperson for the National Autistic Society, and further co-wrote 'Mixed Blessings' with his wife Barbara – a book that detailed their experience in raising an autistic child.
William Christopher lost a battle with lung cancer at the age of 84.
Muhammad Ali
On 6th June, the world mourned the loss of Muhammad Ali following his hospitalisation for a respiratory illness at the age of 74.
Born Cassius Clay Jr., the heavyweight boxer is remembered for his unorthodox boxing style, mastery of the art of trash talk, political activism, and rivalry with fellow-heavyweight Joe Frazier.
With a record of 56 wins - 5 losses and an Olympic gold medal to his name, Ali's professional boxing career spanned 21 years. During a time of great racial tension in the U.S.A., Ali notably refused conscription to the U.S military, citing his opposition to the Vietnam War. He was subsequently arrested on charges of draft evasion and was stripped of his titles. He was, however vindicated four years later in 1971 as his conviction was successfully overturned.
Three years after his retirement from the sport, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which doctors attributed to boxing-related brain injuries. Much of Ali's life after his retirement was dedicated to charity and humanitarian work.
He has been the subject of documentaries, a feature film starring Will Smith, comics and books. Ali had written books of his own, taken to acting in films and television shows, as well as on stage. The Hollywood Walk of Fame honoured him with a star on Hollywood Boulevard in 2002.
He was the greatest.
David Bowie
David Bowie can be described as eccentric, highly artistic, ethereal and a musical mastermind as demonstrated by his lyrical genius. His musical artistry created timeless hits, such as ‘Space Oddity’ (1969), ‘Changes’ (1971), and ‘Ashes to Ashes’ (1980) to name a few, influencing musicians and fans for generations to come.
Born David Robert Jones in Brixton on January 8 1947, he displayed musical talent early on, playing with bands such as The Kon-Rads, The King Bees, the Mannish Boys and The Lower Third in his youth, before becoming David Bowie. Though the early years of his career were mostly unsuccessful, by the release of ‘Space Oddity’ in 1969, Bowie was an international hit.
Bowie possessed a talent for songwriting, stating, “I’m a writer... I really wouldn’t like to make singing a full-time occupation” (Melody Maker, 1969).
Bowie’s musical identity helped shape a whole generation through not only music but film as well. Remarkably, Bowie was able to appeal to and win a new generation of fans over the years; his memorable fantasy character King Jareth from the cult-classic film ‘Labyrinth’ continues to intrigue in 2017.
The release of 'Blackstar' in January 2016 inhibited a much darker sound. The album was accompanied by a series of allusive music videos that, following his passing, quite clearly projected the message of his impending death; this amazed fans all around the world as they struggled to come to terms with his passing for months to come. Incredibly, the videos left viewers with the feeling that Bowie continued to live on, as if creating from beyond - a groundbreaking creative venture in pop culture.
David Bowie’s brilliance - timeless work, individuality and lasting influence - will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence for generations to come.
Florence Henderson
American actress and singer Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady from 70's television series 'The Brady Bunch' died 24th November from heart failure, aged 82.
Ms Henderson's career spanned over fifty years. Starting out on the stage in musicals such as 'Oklahoma!' and 'South Pacific', she continued to perform on stage as her television career began to take off.
In 1969, she was cast as the “lovely lady who was bringing up three very lovely girls” – the iconic Mrs Brady on the hit T.V. show ‘The Brady Bunch’. While the show itself only lasted five seasons, her role continued for another three miniseries and two telemovies in later years. Much to fans’ delight, Henderson also made a cameo as Carol Brady's mother in 'The Brady Bunch Movie' in 1995, proving we just weren’t willing to let Mrs B go just yet.
In recent years, Henderson was a contestant on 'Dancing With the Stars', and in 2013 hosted her own cooking show, 'Who's Cooking with Florence Henderson'.
Anton Yelchin
On 19th June, adorable ‘Star Trek’ actor Anton Yelchin was found in his driveway, pinned between his car and a brick letterbox; the 27 year-old was tragically pronounced dead later that day.
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Yelchin was the son of champion figure skaters who moved to the U.S.A. when he was only an infant.
Yelchin’s acting career began with a role in an independent film at the age of nine, and soon he was cast in films such as 'Along Came A Spider' and 'Hearts in Atlantis'. Yelchin was also nabbed for roles in television series’ including 'The Practice', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and a 25-episode stint in 'Huff'.
Yelchin's talent was soon noticed, and he was cast for larger roles in films like 'Alpha Dog' and 'Charlie Bartlett' before being cast as Pavel Chekov in J.J. Abrams' reboot of 'Star Trek'. Between filming the three 'Star Trek' films, Yelchin also starred in 'Terminator Salvation', 'Fright Night', 'Green Room' as well as providing the voice of Clumsy Smurf in both 'Smurfs' films and their two accompanying short films.
Yelchin’s life may have been short-lived, but live it he truly did. His acting CV is proof enough of his talent, with enormous success achieved in his 27 years.
Maurice White
Earth, Wind & Fire founder, singer-songwriter, bandleader and music producer Maurice White died in his sleep, aged 74, on 4th February after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
The seven-time Grammy winner was the co-lead singer of the original incarnation of the band, which seamlessly blended R&B, soul, funk, disco, Latin and African influences into a sound that can only be described now as truly groovy.
Some of the hits that White co-wrote include the incredibly adored ‘September’, 'Fantasy', and the club classic 'Let's Groove' (later to be popularly covered in the 90s by Australian boy band CDB).
Earth, Wind and Fire received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 – both of which were highly deserved.
As well as his work with Earth, Wind & Fire, White co-wrote and produced work for Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond.
Maurice White’s contribution to music is not one that could ever be forgotten.
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