Celebrity deaths 2022 – all the stars who have passed away
THROUGHOUT 2022 we have said our last goodbye's to many beloved and talented people.
From fashion pioneers to drag performers and our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, here we will remember the famous that we have loved and lost.
Which celebrities have died in 2022?
Pelé
Football fans worldwide are mourning the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, professionally known as Pelé.
He was a Brazilian professional footballer, credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during his career.
This includes 77 goals in 92 matches for his country, Brazil.
During his international career he won three Fifa World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
The only player to win the World Cup three times, he was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000.
Dame Vivienne Westwood
It was announced that legendary fashion pioneer Vivienne Westwood passed away peacefully in her home in South London on December 29, 2022, aged 81.
The designer and activist became a fashion icon after starting her career in the 1970s with Malcolm McLaren.
The pair are largely accepted for bringing punk to the mainstream and her designs and eccentric creations have brightened runways and inspired many for decades.
Most read in Celebrity
In a statement, her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler said: "I will continue with Vivienne in my heart."
"We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling."
Terry Hall
On Tuesday, December 20, it was announced that the lead singer of The Specials Terry Hall had died at the age of 63.
The Specials tweeted: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced."
Hall found fame in the 1970s and 80s with hits like Ghost Town, Gangsters and Too Much Too Young.
He left The Specials in 1981 to form Fun Boy Three with fellow-bandmates Neville Staple and Lynval Golding.
Martin Duffy
Primal Scream keyboard player Martin Duffy passed away on December 18, 2022, at the age of 55..
The band's frontman Bobby Gillespie shared the news that Duffy had "suffered a brain injury due to a fall at his home in Brighton".
He added: "We in Primal Scream are all so sad."
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
Stephen Boss, better known as tWitch passed away on December 13, 2022 aged 40.
He is known for being the DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show since 2014 before being promoted to co-executive produced in 2020.
He was also a runner-up on US show So You Think You Can Dance and appeared in films including Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, Step Up Revolution and Magic Mike XXL.
Kirstie Alley
On Monday December 5, 2022, it was announced that Kirstie Alley passed away, aged 71.
A representative for the actress states she passed away after a short battle with colon cancer.
She is best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on the 1980s sitcom Cheers.
She also starred alongside John Travolta in hit films Look Who's Talking (1989) and Look Who's Talking Too (1990).
The actress earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations as the star of Veronica's closet which aired from 1997 to 2000.
Irene Cara
On Saturday, November 26, it was announced that Oscar-winning singer and actress Irene Cara had passed away at the age of 65, at her home in Florida.
Irene was best known for singing and co-writing the iconic theme tune to Flashdance - What A Feeling, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
She also played the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 blockbuster Fame.
Anthony Johnson
Former UFC fighter Anthony Johnson died on November 13, 2022 after a long battle with illness.
The 38-year-old was known as one of the best knockout artists during his fighting days and earned some big wins against high-level opponents inside and outside the octagon.
At his prime, "Rumble" managed knockout victories against former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira and Alexander Gustafsson.
In early 2022, Anthony's manager Ali Abdelaziz revealed that his problems with illness were getting worse and that people should pray for his well-being.
Keith Levene
Legendary guitarist Keith Levene died at the age of 65 on November 12, 2022.
The founding member of The Clash and guitarist for Public Image Ltd died from liver cancer, a close friend said.
Author Adam Hammond described the musician as "one of the most innovative, audacious and influential guitarists of all time".
Rab Noakes
Stealers Wheel legend Rab Noakes died at the age of 75 on November 11, 202.
The Scottish singer songwriter, who grew up in Cupar, Fife, died suddenly in hospital.
Rab was a founding member of Stealers Wheel - best known for their hit single "Stuck in the Middle with You" - and also a solo artist.
Leslie Phillips
Veteran actor Leslie Phillips, best known for his "Ding Dong", "Well, Hello" and "I Say" catchphrases in the saucy Carry On movies, died aged 98 on November 7, “peacefully in his sleep".
His death came after a long illness brought down the curtain on eight decades in show business.
As well as the Carry On films, Leslie wooed a new generation of fans as the voice of The Sorting Hat in Harry Potter films.
Bill Treacher
Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, died aged 92, on November 5, after suffering declining health for some time.
The veteran actor was one of the BBC soap's original cast members and appeared from 1985 until 1996.
A statement from his heartbroken family said: "He was 92 years old and his health had been declining for some time. He was much loved by his wife, Kate, his son, Jamie and his daughter, Sophie."
Aaron Carter
Singer-turned-rapper Aaron Carter died aged 34 on November 5.
Aaron, a former teen heartthrob, was found in the bathtub of his home in Lancaster, California.
Alongside his older brother and Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter, Aaron rose to prominence during the late 1990s and early 2000s
Jerry Lee Lewis
Rock and Roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis died at 87 on October 28.
The singer, recognised globally for igniting his piano in flames as he rocked out to his hit song Great Balls Of Fire, died at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Jerry was the last survivor of a generation of groundbreaking performers that included Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
Leslie Jordan
Beloved Will & Grace actor Leslie Jordan died at 67 on October 24.
The TV and film star was involved in a fatal car crash in .
Throughout his lavish career, Leslie made appearances on several hit big-hit TV shows, including Will & Grace, Reba, Star Trek: Voyager, American Horror Story, and Hearts Afire, among others
Robbie Coltrane
Legendary actor Robbie Coltrane died at the age of 72 on October 14.
The national treasure, best known for playing the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid in Harry Potter, died in hospital in Scotland.
Robbie gained worldwide recognition as the gentle giant in all eight Harry Potter films and as Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in the James Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
He rose to fame as a hard-bitten detective in the 1990s series Cracker, for which he won best actor at the British Academy Television Awards three years running.
Angela Lansbury
Screen legend Dame Angela Lansbury died at the age of 96 just days before her birthday.
The actress - best known for starring in Murder, She Wrote - died "peacefully in her sleep" at her home in Los Angeles on October 11.
Dame Angela voiced Mrs Potts in the beloved 1991 Disney musical Beauty And The Beast - singing one of the most famed songs, Tale As Old As Time.
Coolio
Grammy award-winning musician Coolio died at the age of 59.
The musician died on September 28.
He was best known for his 1995 Grammy Award-winning hit single Gangsta's Paradise.
Cherry Valentine
Drag performer George Ward, known by the stage name Cherry Valentine died aged 28.
After appearing on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK they went on to front the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.
Ward passed away on September 18.
Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard passed away aged 91 by assisted suicide in Switzerland.
Godard was a French-Swiss film director, screenwriter, and film critic.
He rose to fame as a pioneer of the French New Wave film movement of the 1960s.
PnB Rock
PnB Rock died when he was shot to death during a robbery attempt in Los Angeles.
The rapper passed away on September 12.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II passed away aged 96 on September 8.
She was Britain's longest reigning monarch, on the throne for 70 years in total.
Her Majesty died at Balmoral in Scotland and her eldest son, formerly known as Prince Charles, became King Charles III.
Bill Turnbull
TV presenter Bill Turnball passed away on August 31, 2022, aged 66, after being diagnosed with cancer.
In 2017, Bill was diagnosed with incurable prostate and bone cancer.
He was best known for his TV career - including 15 years on BBC Breakfast.
Anne Heche
Anne Heche died on August 11, 2022, aged 53.
The actress tragically passed away after her life support was turned off following a car crash in in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles.
Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs died aged 88 on August 9.
The writer and illustrator's most recognisable work includes The Snowman, Father Christmas, Fungus The Bogeyman, and Ethel And Ernest.
Dame Olivia Newton-John
Dame Olivia Newton-John rose to fame as a pop star but is remember for her standout role as
She passed away aged 73 on August 8.
Her husband John Easterling announced the news by writing: "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends."
Bernard Cribbins OBE
Household name Bernard Cribbins was best known for acting in the Carry On series, Doctor Who and The Railway Children.
He narrated hit children's show The Wombles and had chart success with song Right Said Fred.
He passed away at the age of 93 on July 28.
Paul Ryder
Known as being a bass player and founding member of Happy Mondays, Paul Ryder died on July 15.
Announcing the news, Paul's brother Shaun Ryder posted on Twitter: "The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning. A true pioneer and legend."
Ivana Trump
First wife of Donald Trump, Ivana died aged 73 on July 14.
She was a businessman and fashion designer and shared three children with her former husband.
James Caan
The Godfather star James Caan passed away aged 82 - on July 6.
Caan played Walter in 2003 movie Elf alongside Will Ferrell, and had roles in Misery, Rollerball, and Mickey Blue Eyes.
Dame Deborah James
Dame Deborah James passed away from bowel cancer aged 40.
She died on June 28.
Known as BowelBabe, she raised awareness of the disease and encouraged others to "find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo - it could just save your life".
Lester Piggott
Nine-time Derby winner Lester Piggott died aged 86 on May 29.
He rode his first winner, The Chase, at Haydock when he was just 12 in 1948.
Ray Liotta
Goodfellas star and American actor Ray Liotta, passed away in his sleep while in the Dominican Republic - where he was filming Dangerous Waters.
The star, best known for his roles in Goodfellas, Something Wild, Field of Dreams, died in his sleep aged just 67, on May 26.
Kay Mellor
Leeds-born scriptwriter Kay Mellor OBE died aged 71 on May 15.
Mellor was one of British TV's leading dramatists and was praised for her many popular TV series - including Band of Gold, Fat Friends and The Syndicate.
Dennis Waterman
New Tricks, Minder and The Sweeney actor Dennis Waterman passed away on May 8, 2002, after a secret two-year battle with lung cancer - at the age of 74.
His second wife Patricia Maynard paid tribute to Dennis and said: ''I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully."
Ann Davies
Former Doctor Who, EastEnders and Grange Hill actress Ann Davies passed away on April 26, aged 87.
The actress was the beloved wife of late The Good Life star Richard Briers and mother to ITV Endeavour's Lucy, and Katie.
Jordan Mooney
Pamela Rooke, better known as Jordan Mooney died at the age of 66 from a short battle with cancer on April 3.
She was best known for her work with punk rock band the Sex Pistols.
June Brown
actress June Brown passed away April 3, in her home in Surrey.
The legend's loved ones said she "died peacefully in her sleep".
Tom Parker
The Wanted star Tom Parker sadly passed away on March 30, after a brave battle with brain cancer.
The news was announced by his wife, Kelsey, who told The Sun: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully with all of his family by his side."
Peter Bowles
To The Manor Born star Peter Bowles died of cancer on March 17 at the age of 85.
Bowles played Richard DeVere in the BBC sitcom between 1979 and 1981.
Scott Hall
passed away at the age of 63 on March 14.
The WWE wrestler, known as Razor Ramon, was taken off life support in hospital .
Lynda Baron
Lynda Baron passed away at the age of 82 on March 5.
Lynda is best known for playing Aunt Mabel on the children's TV show Come Outside which aired in the 90s.
Shane Warne
Shane Warne was found collapsed in his room during a trip to Thailand by his business manager at a luxury villa on the island of Koh Samui.
According to Thai police, Warne died of "natural causes" on March 4, as revealed by his autopsy.
Tony Walton
Tony Walton died at the age of 87 on March 2, after suffering from a stroke.
The designer, who won an Oscar for his work on the 1979 Bob Fosse film All That Jazz, was a visual consultant on the iconic 1964 Disney movie Mary Poppins.
Anna Karen
Anna Karen passed away on February 22, at the age of 85 as a result of a fire in her home in Ilford, East London.
Three fire engines and 20 firefighters rushed to the home to tackle the flame but Anna, who played Aunt Sal in EastEnders, died at the scene.
Jamal Edwards
Jamal Edwards MBE died at the age of 31 on February 20.
His mum Brenda Edwards paid tribute to her son after an inquest revealed he died from a cardiac arrest after a late night cocaine and booze session.
Barry Cryer
Comedy legend Barry Cryer died at the age of 86 on January 27.
His heartbroken family said Barry died peacefully in "good spirits" surrounded by his family - and was making jokes right until the end.
Peter Robbins
Peter Robbins who voiced Peanuts actor Charlie Brown, passed away at the age of 65 on January 25.
The actor, who had spoken publicly about his battles with , reportedly took his own life.
Thierry Mugler
Fashion on January 23, at the age of 73.
He rose to fame in the 1980s while and after retiring in the early 2000s, returned in 2019 to at the .
Louie Anderson
after battling cancer.
- best known for his role as Mom Baskets on Zach Galifianakis' comedy series Baskets - was hospitalised while battling cancer.
Meat Loaf
Iconic singer Meat Loaf sadly passed away aged 74 on January 20, with reports he was critically ill with Covid.
Born Marvin Lee Aday his Bat Out Of Hell trilogy - Bat Out of Hell, Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell, and Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose - has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide.
Hardy Krüger
German actor and author on January 19 at the age of 93.
Over the years, he had appeared in a number of films including A Bridge Too Far, Hatari!, The Flight Of The Phoenix, and Wild Geese.
Gaspard Ulliel
French movie star Gaspard Ulliel died on January 19 following a ski accident.
The 37-year-old actor, who appears posthumously in Moon Knight series, was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after the incident in the La Rosière ski resort in the Savoie region but didn't make it.
André Leon Talley
on January 18 at the age of 73.
The American fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, and editor-at-large of magazine held a number of titles over the years, including Vogue's first African-American male creative director.
Yvette Mimieux
Yvette Mimieux, 80, an actress known for roles in iconic films such as The Black Hole, died of natural causes on January 17.
The iconic star most famously starred opposite Rod Taylor in the 1960 George Pal-directed adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel The Time Machine.
Jordan Cashmyer
16 and Pregnant star Jordan died aged just 26 on January 16.
Jordan, her boyfriend, Derek Taylor, and daughter Evie appeared on MTV's 16 & Pregnant in 2014.
Wavy Navy Pooh
Rapper Wavy Navy Pooh passed away on January 14 at the age of 28.
He was with a one-year-old and a five-year-old in the car.
Rosa Lee Hawkins
Rosa Lee Hawkins passed away on January 12 at the age of 76 after suffering from internal bleeding and other complications following a surgical procedure at Tampa General Hospital in .
The star was known as the youngest member of the 1960s girl group the Dixie Cups.
Ronnie Spector
Ronnie, 78, the lead singer of the legendary girl group the Ronettes, died following a short battle with cancer on January 12
The Ronettes - who toured with the Beatles - were known for hits Baby I Love You and Walking in the Rain.
Clint Arlis
Bachelor Nation mourned the death of Bachelorette contestant Clint, 34, when he passed away on January 11.
Clint appeared during the eleventh season, which aired in 2015.
Bob Saget
Stand-up comedian and actor Bob Saget shocked the world of comedy when he passed away aged just 65.
Bob, famous for his roles on Full House, How I Met Your Mother, and America's Funniest Home Videos, died suddenly on January 9 of a suspected heart attack or stroke.
Calvin Simon
Calvin Simon died at 79-years-old on January 6.
He was the co-founder of the music group Parliament-Funkadelic and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member.
Marilyn Bergman
Marilyn, a lyricist who won multiple Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, died following respiratory failure aged 93 on January 8.
She married Alan in 1958, and the couple are best known for their songs The Way We Are, How Do You Keep the Music Playing? and hundreds of others.
Sidney Poitier
Aged 94, Sidney died from a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer’s dementia, and prostate cancer.
The legendary actor, who starred in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, In The Heat Of The Night, and Lilies Of The Field and was the first Black man to win a Best Actor Oscar, passed away on January 6.
Joan Copeland
Broadway actress Joan Copeland died at her home in New York City on January 4 aged 99.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The famed soap opera star was the sister of legendary playwright Arthur Miller - who wrote many of the plays Joan performed in during her six-decade-long career.
She was also the younger sister of Kermit Miller, and was briefly sister-in-law to when the blonde bombshell was married to Arthur.