2023 has been a tragic year in terms of pop culture as we have seen so many celebrity deaths last year. It seems all areas of showbiz saw tragedy, from TV to music.
From Tina Turner to Jerry Springer, many famous faces have passed away in the last twelve months. We thought we would honor those who are sadly no longer with us by looking back at their long and great careers, as well as the joy they brought us with their art and presence in our lives. Meet the celebrities who will always have a place in our hearts.
Matthew Perry
One of the most unexpected and heartbreaking celebrity deaths of 2023, Matthew Perry died at the age of 54 on October 28. He drowned in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home with first responders being called to his residence around 4 pm that day. There were no drugs found with the TV star, but his cause of death has been revealed as “the acute effects of ketamine” by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. This was not the only factor in the actor’s death as they also included “drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.” (Buprenorphine is used to treat an addiction to narcotics). His death has been ruled an accident.
Since the tragic news, it’s said the presence of ketamine was as a result of therapy, and not recreational use.
Matthew was known for playing the much-loved and sarcastic character of Chandler Bing on the 90s and 2000s sitcom Friends, which ran for 10 seasons between 1994 and 2004. The Friends cast paid tribute to their co-star individually in the days and weeks following his death, but a collective statement was released just a couple of days after his passing.
The other five ‘Friends,’ Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer said: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Michael Gambon
Sir Michael Gambon passed away at the age of 82. The celebrity’s family announced the film actor’s death had occurred on September 27. He had suffered “a bout of pneumonia” which led to his death.
His family said they were “devastated” at his loss: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
The movie star had a long career of nearly five decades in both TV and film with an impressive list of projects to his name but is perhaps remembered best by younger audiences for his portrayal as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise. He took over the role in 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban from Richard Harris, who died in 2002 after playing the Hogwarts headmaster in the first two installments.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the title role in all eight films, called his co-star “silly, irreverent, and hilarious.”
“With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job,” Daniel said.
Paul Rubens
Actor and comedian Paul Rubens died on July 30 at the age of 70. The celebrity’s cause of death earlier in 2023 was initially listed as acute hypoxic respiratory failure, according to People. This means not enough oxygen was released into the blood.
However, it was later revealed the star had two types of cancer at the time of his death. Paul had acute myelogenous leukemia, which is “a cancer of the blood and bone marrow – the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.” He also had metastatic lung cancer. This type of cancer comes from cancerous tumors that start somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs. He had been suffering from these diagnoses for “six years.”
In a statement released after he had left us, Paul apologized to fans. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you,” said the comedian.
Paul was best known for his hugely popular 80s character Pee-wee Herman, who had two blockbuster films called Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Big Top Pee-wee, which were released in 1985 and 1988 respectively.
Director Tim Burton, who directed the first Pee-wee film, posted to his Instagram upon Paul’s death and said he was “shocked and saddened.”
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Steve Harwell
Steve Harwell, who was the lead singer of the rock band Smash Mouth between 1994 and 2021, died at the age of 56 on September 4 while at home in Boise, Idaho. The celebrity’s death in September 2023 came after he suffered for many years from alcohol abuse and other health issues that affected his motor skills, speech, and memory. Smash Mouth’s manager Robert Hayes confirmed Steve’s death to be from acute liver failure.
During the rock star’s tenure with the group, they released two of their biggest hits: All Star and a cover of The Monkees’ track I’m a Believer. All Star was Grammy-nominated at the 2000 ceremony though it didn’t win. However, After his 2023 death, the celebrity’s and his band’s legacy will forever be marked by Dreamwork’s beloved 2001 classic, Shrek. All Star is used in the opening scene of the film while their version of I’m a Believer can be heard at the end of the film. Originally, All Star was meant to be a “placeholder” with other music being used later in production, but the song was kept in and is now a fan-favorite part of the movie.
Before he died, Steve Harwell was in a hospice with his illnesses for end-of-life care. When he retired two years ago, he said: “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream. To my bandmates, it’s been an honor performing with you all these years and I can’t think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.”
Suzanne Sommers
Suzanne Sommers was an established actress who succumbed to “an aggressive form” of breast cancer just a day before her 77th birthday on October 15. She had been battling cancer for more than two decades. Hypertension – high blood pressure -and hydrocephalus, which is a “buildup of fluid” on the brain, were also listed as contributions to her death. Her publicist, R. Couri Hay, said she “passed away peacefully at home.”
“Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16th,” Hay said. “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Suzanne starred in two successful shows from the 70s through to the 90s, Three’s Company (as Chrissy Snow) and Step by Step (as Carol Foster Lambert). Suzanne will be remembered for the feminist move she made during her time in Three’s Company when she demanded a salary increase from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode so her pay was on par with her male co-star John Ritter. However, her asking for more ended her time on the series.
Sinead O’Connor
Music icon Sinead O’Connor passed away at the age of 56 on July 26. Though no cause of death has been reported, the star was found “unresponsive” at her home in South London on the day she died.
Her family said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The Irish singer had a number-one hit with her 1990 single Nothing Compares 2 U and has gained a legacy for being outspoken for women’s rights (particularly in her home country) as well as an incident on SNL in 1992 when she performed her song War and tore up a picture of the Pope.
Record label executive Daniel Glass recalled of the performance: “Everybody froze at SNL. The music producer Liz Welch went from jubilation to tears. No one stopped it, no one knew what to do.”
The celebrity’s death in July, 2023 came just a year after that of her son Shane. He died at the age of 17 by suicide. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter) he was “the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”
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Tina Turner
A devastating loss for the music scene, Tina Turner died at the age of 83 on May 24 in Switzerland where she became a citizen in 2013. Her passing was attributed to natural causes. However, in recent years she had battled kidney failure, intestinal cancer, high blood pressure, and suffered a stroke.
A statement on her social media accounts read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow.
“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
Tina had a career which lasted for over five decades. Long before her death in 2023, the celebrity enjoyed success with her ex-husband, Ike Turner, whom she performed with from 1960 until 1976. They enjoyed success with hits like Proud Mary and Rover Deep – Mountain High. Later, Tina had great success during her solo career. Among her chart-toppers were What’s Love Got To Do With It and The Best. She had many accolades to her name, including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice (once with Ike and the second on her own), being ranked among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone, and winning eight Grammys.
Many celebrities paid tribute after her death, but a particularly notable one came from Beyoncé, who performed River Deep – Mountain High at one of the London dates during her Renaissance Tour.
On stage, she said: “I just want to take a second and honor Tina Turner,” she said. “If you’re a fan of mine, you’re a fan of Tina Turner. I wouldn’t be on this stage without Tina Turner. I feel so blessed that I was allowed to witness her brilliance.”
Jerry Springer
On April 27, Jerry Springer passed away at his home in Illinois at the age of 79. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months before he died, according to a family spokesperson.
A statement released on his death read: “Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word. He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.”
Famed for many reasons, among them his catchphrase “Take care of yourself, and each other,” Jerry hosted his eponymous show. Viewers watched as ordinary people, often members of families, fight about their issues in front of a live studio audience. The situations were usually controversial and sensationalized; from adultery to extremism, things were rarely off limits.
The star was credited as a pioneer in ‘trash TV’ and the growth of tabloid shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show and the UK equivalent of his series, The Jeremy Kyle Show. Jerry Springer ran for nearly 30 years from 1991 until 2018, Following its cancellation, he continued his podcast which started in 2015, and hosted the short-lived Judge Jerry.
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley died on January 12, she was 54 years old. Her cause of death was given by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office as a bowel obstruction, which was the result of a gastric surgery she’d undergone several years earlier. The celebrity’s death happened only days after the 2023 Golden Globes, where Austin Bulter won in the category of Best Actor for his performance of her dad.
Lisa Marie remained largely out of the spotlight during her early years and only in the last 20 years has she made a career for herself, following in Elivs’ footsteps. Between 2003 and her passing, she released three studio albums. Her debut, To Whom It May Concern, charted globally reaching the number five spot and was certified gold. However, a few years earlier, in 1997, she had premiered a duet with her dad of Don’t Cry Daddy which had an accompanying video. Her vocals were added to the archival recording Elvis had done decades earlier.
Lisa Marie also did much charity work throughout her life. In 2001, she opened Presley Place in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers those who are homeless somewhere to stay rent-free for a year and provides services such as childcare to help people get on their feet. She also helped in other circumstances, such as after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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Evan Ellingson
Former child actor Evan Ellingson died on November 5th at the age of 35. He suffered an accidental drug overdose and was found at his home in California.
In a lengthy statement, his family wrote in part: “Evan was one of the most caring individuals who loved Jesus with all his heart. He had a sweet, child-like spirit with a smile that could light up a room. He was always thinking of others and wanted to use his own struggles with addiction to help people find hope.
“Evan was three years sober and often shared his journey of recovery … He was passionate about pointing individuals to resources for help … While in the end, he fell in his earthly battle with addiction, he was able to choose Jesus as his Lord and Savior and receive eternal life with Him. We already miss Evan and cherish every moment of joy, laughter, and love that he brought to us and so many others.”
Evan worked for 10 years between 2001 and 2010. He starred in episodes of General Hospital and CSI: Miami with one of his final roles being in the movie My Sister’s Keeper alongside Cameron Diaz and Alec Baldwin.
Shane MacGowan
Former lead singer of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, passed away at the age of 65 on November 30. He had been hospitalized days earlier with viral encephalitis, something he had been fighting for many years.
His family said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan. Shane died peacefully at 3 am this morning (30 November 2023) with his wife Victoria and family by his side.”
Shane enjoyed a lot of success as a part of the rock band, but they will be best remembered for their festive hit Fairytale of New York, which for the last three years has been voted the best Christmas song in a poll by UK radio station Gold Radio. The song was released in 1987 but, despite being beloved, has never hit the top spot in the UK. When it was released, it remained at number two and was held off getting number one by the Pet Shop Boys’ cover of Elvis’ Always On My Mind.
Andre Braugher
Andre Braugher died on December 11 at the age of 61. The TV and film star was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months before his death.
Andre had a career which spanned more than 30 years in which time he had many roles, including his critically acclaimed and fan-favorite portrayal of the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt in the police drama Brooklyn Nine-Nine for its entire run between 2013 and 2021. Elsewhere, he also appeared in Homicide: Life on the Street in the 90s as Detective Frank Pembleton, as well as a few episodes of Bojack Horseman in 2017.
Many of Andre’s co-stars wrote of their devastation at his passing. Terry Crews, who portrayed Terry Jeffords wrote on his Instagram: I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much.
“I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness, and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like.”
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