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| Who died in 2024? Notable deaths of the year | Who died in 2024? Notable deaths of the year |
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| The producer of the world's bestselling LP, an Oscar-winning British actress who conquered screen and stage, a fearless Russian opposition politician and one of Ireland's greatest novelists - here are some of the well-known faces no longer with us. | The producer of the world's bestselling LP, an Oscar-winning British actress who conquered screen and stage, a fearless Russian opposition politician and one of Ireland's greatest novelists - here are some of the well-known faces no longer with us. |
| Among those we remember are acting legend Dame Maggie Smith, former teen star Shannen Doherty, and "the most beautiful man in cinema", Alain Delon. | Among those we remember are acting legend Dame Maggie Smith, former teen star Shannen Doherty, and "the most beautiful man in cinema", Alain Delon. |
| David Soul | David Soul |
| As Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson, one half of the cop duo Starsky & Hutch, David Soul became one of the biggest TV stars of the 1970s. The US actor's fame led to a parallel music career and two UK number one hits, Don't Give Up On Us Baby and Silver Lady. Later in life, he moved to the UK where he acted in theatre and TV. | As Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson, one half of the cop duo Starsky & Hutch, David Soul became one of the biggest TV stars of the 1970s. The US actor's fame led to a parallel music career and two UK number one hits, Don't Give Up On Us Baby and Silver Lady. Later in life, he moved to the UK where he acted in theatre and TV. |
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| Shannen Doherty | Shannen Doherty |
| Shannen Doherty's first big film role was in the 1988 black comedy Heathers. This was followed by four seasons of the TV show Beverly Hills 90210. Her character, Brenda, was a Midwest girl transplanted with her family to the wealthy Los Angeles suburb. Doherty also appeared in the TV series Charmed and the film Mallrats. | Shannen Doherty's first big film role was in the 1988 black comedy Heathers. This was followed by four seasons of the TV show Beverly Hills 90210. Her character, Brenda, was a Midwest girl transplanted with her family to the wealthy Los Angeles suburb. Doherty also appeared in the TV series Charmed and the film Mallrats. |
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| Dame Maggie Smith | Dame Maggie Smith |
| Dame Maggie Smith’s acting career spanned stage, cinema and television for more than 70 years. Her best-known film roles include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (for which she won a best actress Oscar) and A Room with a View. In her later years, she was the imperious Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, and Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. | Dame Maggie Smith’s acting career spanned stage, cinema and television for more than 70 years. Her best-known film roles include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (for which she won a best actress Oscar) and A Room with a View. In her later years, she was the imperious Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, and Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. |
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| James Earl Jones | James Earl Jones |
| US actor who starred in dozens of films, but whose most famous role was probably the one in which he did not actually appear - the voice of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. James Earl Jones also enjoyed a distinguished stage career, winning two Tony awards. | US actor who starred in dozens of films, but whose most famous role was probably the one in which he did not actually appear - the voice of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. James Earl Jones also enjoyed a distinguished stage career, winning two Tony awards. |
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| Ian Lavender | Ian Lavender |
| The youngest member of the Home Guard platoon in Dad's Army, one of the BBC's best-loved sitcoms. Ian Lavender played Pike, the guileless young bank clerk and subject of Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe)'s put-down: "You stupid boy!" Later in life, the Birmingham-born actor appeared in EastEnders. | The youngest member of the Home Guard platoon in Dad's Army, one of the BBC's best-loved sitcoms. Ian Lavender played Pike, the guileless young bank clerk and subject of Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe)'s put-down: "You stupid boy!" Later in life, the Birmingham-born actor appeared in EastEnders. |
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| Shelley Duvall | Shelley Duvall |
| Shelley Duvall's most famous film role was probably Wendy, the terror-stricken wife of Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. She starred in several other critically acclaimed films including Annie Hall, Nashville and Thieves Like Us, as well as appearing as Olive Oyl in the 1980s musical, Popeye. | Shelley Duvall's most famous film role was probably Wendy, the terror-stricken wife of Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. She starred in several other critically acclaimed films including Annie Hall, Nashville and Thieves Like Us, as well as appearing as Olive Oyl in the 1980s musical, Popeye. |
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| Donald Sutherland | Donald Sutherland |
| Canadian actor who started his long career in British TV and theatre, before achieving film stardom in the war films Kelly's Heroes and The Dirty Dozen. Among his many notable films were M*A*S*H, Don't Look Now, Casanova, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Ordinary People. More recently, he starred in The Hunger Games trilogy as the evil President Snow. | Canadian actor who started his long career in British TV and theatre, before achieving film stardom in the war films Kelly's Heroes and The Dirty Dozen. Among his many notable films were M*A*S*H, Don't Look Now, Casanova, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Ordinary People. More recently, he starred in The Hunger Games trilogy as the evil President Snow. |
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| Alain Delon | Alain Delon |
| Reportedly once described as the most beautiful man in cinema, Parisian Alain Delon was one of Europe's leading film stars in the 1960s and 70s, appearing in Plein Soleil, Le Samourai and The Leopard. Delon's last major public appearance was to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019. | Reportedly once described as the most beautiful man in cinema, Parisian Alain Delon was one of Europe's leading film stars in the 1960s and 70s, appearing in Plein Soleil, Le Samourai and The Leopard. Delon's last major public appearance was to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019. |
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| Anouk Aimée | Anouk Aimée |
| French actress whose performance in the 1966 film A Man and a Woman earned her a Golden Globe and a Bafta award for best actress, as well as an Oscar nomination - the first time an actor or actress had been nominated for a French language performance. | French actress whose performance in the 1966 film A Man and a Woman earned her a Golden Globe and a Bafta award for best actress, as well as an Oscar nomination - the first time an actor or actress had been nominated for a French language performance. |
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| Bernard Hill | Bernard Hill |
| Manchester-born, Bernard Hill became a Liverpool icon for the ages as Yosser "Gizza Job" Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 TV series, Boys from the Blackstuff. Hill later had major roles in the hit films Titanic and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and most recently appeared in BBC series including Wolf Hall and The Responder. | Manchester-born, Bernard Hill became a Liverpool icon for the ages as Yosser "Gizza Job" Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s 1982 TV series, Boys from the Blackstuff. Hill later had major roles in the hit films Titanic and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and most recently appeared in BBC series including Wolf Hall and The Responder. |
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| Gena Rowlands | Gena Rowlands |
| US actress who was nominated for an Oscar for 1974's A Woman Under the Influence and 1980's Gloria. Both films were collaborations with her late husband, the director John Cassavetes. Gena Rowlands also won four Emmys and two Golden Globes before retiring in 2015. | US actress who was nominated for an Oscar for 1974's A Woman Under the Influence and 1980's Gloria. Both films were collaborations with her late husband, the director John Cassavetes. Gena Rowlands also won four Emmys and two Golden Globes before retiring in 2015. |
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| Timothy West | Timothy West |
| Timothy West was known for roles on stage and screen including the TV sitcom Brass, dramas such as Bleak House and Gentleman Jack, and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders. He was married to the actress Prunella Scales. In recent years, the couple filmed 10 series of Channel 4's Great Canal Journeys. | Timothy West was known for roles on stage and screen including the TV sitcom Brass, dramas such as Bleak House and Gentleman Jack, and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders. He was married to the actress Prunella Scales. In recent years, the couple filmed 10 series of Channel 4's Great Canal Journeys. |
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| Janey Godley | Janey Godley |
| Scottish comedian who used details from her extremely tough upbringing for material. She endured poverty, abuse and the murder of a parent before taking to comedy in her 30s. Janey Godley achieved international fame for her stand-up and for her many internet videos. Fittingly, her memoir was titled Nothing Left Unsaid. | Scottish comedian who used details from her extremely tough upbringing for material. She endured poverty, abuse and the murder of a parent before taking to comedy in her 30s. Janey Godley achieved international fame for her stand-up and for her many internet videos. Fittingly, her memoir was titled Nothing Left Unsaid. |
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| Actors and performers who also died in 2024 include: | Actors and performers who also died in 2024 include: |
| Glynis Johns - actress who played Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins | Glynis Johns - actress who played Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins |
| John Savident - Coronation Street star | John Savident - Coronation Street star |
| Gudrun Ure - Supergran, in the 1980s children's TV show of the same name | Gudrun Ure - Supergran, in the 1980s children's TV show of the same name |
| Cheng Pei-pei - star of Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon | Cheng Pei-pei - star of Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon |
| Carl Weathers - Apollo Creed from Rocky movies | Carl Weathers - Apollo Creed from Rocky movies |
| Including "radio genius" Steve Wright, sex therapist Dr Ruth Westheimer, and one half of the Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers. | Including "radio genius" Steve Wright, sex therapist Dr Ruth Westheimer, and one half of the Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers. |
| Dr Ruth Westheimer | Dr Ruth Westheimer |
| Renowned sex therapist and talk show host, "Dr Ruth" was famous for speaking frankly about sex in her unmistakable German accent. A Holocaust survivor born in Frankfurt, Ruth Westheimer came to fame as the host of a local radio programme in the US, Sexually Speaking, which was nationally syndicated in 1984. She then went on to write Dr Ruth's Guide To Good Sex, the first of more than 40 books. | Renowned sex therapist and talk show host, "Dr Ruth" was famous for speaking frankly about sex in her unmistakable German accent. A Holocaust survivor born in Frankfurt, Ruth Westheimer came to fame as the host of a local radio programme in the US, Sexually Speaking, which was nationally syndicated in 1984. She then went on to write Dr Ruth's Guide To Good Sex, the first of more than 40 books. |
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| Steve Wright | Steve Wright |
| Described as a "radio genius" by one former colleague, Steve Wright was a DJ on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades. The long-time presenter of the afternoon show on first Radio 1 and then its sister station, he brought his own inimitable style to bear on his programmes. Wright was appointed an MBE for services to radio only weeks before his death. | Described as a "radio genius" by one former colleague, Steve Wright was a DJ on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades. The long-time presenter of the afternoon show on first Radio 1 and then its sister station, he brought his own inimitable style to bear on his programmes. Wright was appointed an MBE for services to radio only weeks before his death. |
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| Dave Myers | Dave Myers |
| One half of the TV cooking duo the Hairy Bikers, Myers travelled around the UK and the world with his friend Si King, sampling and cooking food as they went. The Hairy Bikers published more than 30 recipe books, selling more than six million copies, and also documented their weight loss in Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight. | One half of the TV cooking duo the Hairy Bikers, Myers travelled around the UK and the world with his friend Si King, sampling and cooking food as they went. The Hairy Bikers published more than 30 recipe books, selling more than six million copies, and also documented their weight loss in Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight. |
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| Annie Nightingale | Annie Nightingale |
| The first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and the station's longest-serving DJ, Annie Nightingale joined the station in 1970 and broadcast her last show in December 2023. She was passionate about a wide range of music, championing genres ranging from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime. She was also a long-time presenter of BBC Two's The Old Grey Whistle Test. | The first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and the station's longest-serving DJ, Annie Nightingale joined the station in 1970 and broadcast her last show in December 2023. She was passionate about a wide range of music, championing genres ranging from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime. She was also a long-time presenter of BBC Two's The Old Grey Whistle Test. |
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| Michael Mosley | Michael Mosley |
| Doctor, broadcaster and author famous for popularising the idea of intermittent fasting, Michael Mosley’s books on the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets were international bestsellers. His BBC Radio 4 series Just One Thing, which focused on simple, accessible health tips, attracted 25 million listeners around the world. | Doctor, broadcaster and author famous for popularising the idea of intermittent fasting, Michael Mosley’s books on the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets were international bestsellers. His BBC Radio 4 series Just One Thing, which focused on simple, accessible health tips, attracted 25 million listeners around the world. |
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| Media figures who also died in 2024 include: | Media figures who also died in 2024 include: |
| Johnnie Irwin - presenter of the Channel 4 show, Escape To The Country | Johnnie Irwin - presenter of the Channel 4 show, Escape To The Country |
| Morgan Spurlock - documentary-maker who made Super Size Me about the fast-food industry | Morgan Spurlock - documentary-maker who made Super Size Me about the fast-food industry |
| Chris Serle - presenter of BBC TV's long-running show, That's Life | Chris Serle - presenter of BBC TV's long-running show, That's Life |
| Robin Windsor - Strictly Come Dancing professional | Robin Windsor - Strictly Come Dancing professional |
| Our look back includes record producer Quincy Jones, One Direction star Liam Payne and French singer-songwriter Françoise Hardy. | Our look back includes record producer Quincy Jones, One Direction star Liam Payne and French singer-songwriter Françoise Hardy. |
| Liam Payne | Liam Payne |
| Liam Payne was one of five solo contestants in the 2010 series of The X Factor, who were told by the judges to unite and compete as a boy band - the result was One Direction. Although they only came third in the talent show, they went on to become one of the biggest UK bands of the 21st Century, with four UK number one albums and chart-topping singles around the world. Payne also had some solo success before his tragic early death at the age of 31. | Liam Payne was one of five solo contestants in the 2010 series of The X Factor, who were told by the judges to unite and compete as a boy band - the result was One Direction. Although they only came third in the talent show, they went on to become one of the biggest UK bands of the 21st Century, with four UK number one albums and chart-topping singles around the world. Payne also had some solo success before his tragic early death at the age of 31. |
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| Françoise Hardy | Françoise Hardy |
| French singer-songwriter, known for her melancholy ballads, Françoise Hardy's most famous songs included All the Girls and Boys (Tous les garçons et les filles), It Hurts to Say Goodbye (Comment te dire adieu) and My Friend the Rose (Mon amie la rose). | French singer-songwriter, known for her melancholy ballads, Françoise Hardy's most famous songs included All the Girls and Boys (Tous les garçons et les filles), It Hurts to Say Goodbye (Comment te dire adieu) and My Friend the Rose (Mon amie la rose). |
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| Quincy Jones | Quincy Jones |
| One of the greatest music producers of the 20th Century, Quincy Jones began his career working with Frank Sinatra. In the 1980s he produced Michael Jackson's two most successful LPs - Thriller and Bad - as well as co-writing several of the songs. Quincy Jones also masterminded the USA for Africa single, We Are The World. | One of the greatest music producers of the 20th Century, Quincy Jones began his career working with Frank Sinatra. In the 1980s he produced Michael Jackson's two most successful LPs - Thriller and Bad - as well as co-writing several of the songs. Quincy Jones also masterminded the USA for Africa single, We Are The World. |
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| Kris Kristofferson | Kris Kristofferson |
| An actor and musician, Kris Kristofferson had success as a performer but more impact as a songwriter, penning hits including Help Me Through The Night and Me And Bobby McGee. The Texan also starred in the films Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, Heaven's Gate and - drawing on his musical background - the 1977 remake of A Star Is Born, alongside Barbra Streisand. | An actor and musician, Kris Kristofferson had success as a performer but more impact as a songwriter, penning hits including Help Me Through The Night and Me And Bobby McGee. The Texan also starred in the films Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, Heaven's Gate and - drawing on his musical background - the 1977 remake of A Star Is Born, alongside Barbra Streisand. |
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| Musicians who also died in 2024 include: | Musicians who also died in 2024 include: |
| Steve Harley - Cockney Rebel singer, who reached number one in 1975 with Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) | Steve Harley - Cockney Rebel singer, who reached number one in 1975 with Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) |
| Melanie, external - 1960s singer made famous by her appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival | Melanie, external - 1960s singer made famous by her appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival |
| Herbie Flowers - bass player on Lou Reed's Walk On The Wild Side, and writer of Clive Dunn's number one novelty hit, Grandad | Herbie Flowers - bass player on Lou Reed's Walk On The Wild Side, and writer of Clive Dunn's number one novelty hit, Grandad |
| Sergio Mendes - Brazilian bossa nova legend remembered internationally for his hit, Mas Que Nada | Sergio Mendes - Brazilian bossa nova legend remembered internationally for his hit, Mas Que Nada |
| Mary Weiss - lead singer of 1960s vocal group The Shangri-Las, who sang The Leader of the Pack | Mary Weiss - lead singer of 1960s vocal group The Shangri-Las, who sang The Leader of the Pack |
| This year saw the deaths of US president Jimmy Carter, Russia's leading opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, the UK's former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, and ex-first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. | |
| Jimmy Carter | |
| US president who came into power in 1977, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. He helped broker a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, but his single term in office was marred by his difficulties dealing with the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. After he left office, he worked tirelessly for peace, the environment, and human rights. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. | |
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| Alexei Navalny | Alexei Navalny |
| Russia's most prominent opposition politician, Alexei Navalny campaigned relentlessly against President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of running a corrupt and "feudal" state. After surviving repeated attempts to poison him, Alexei Navalny died in mysterious circumstances in a Russian prison. | Russia's most prominent opposition politician, Alexei Navalny campaigned relentlessly against President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of running a corrupt and "feudal" state. After surviving repeated attempts to poison him, Alexei Navalny died in mysterious circumstances in a Russian prison. |
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| John Prescott | John Prescott |
| John Prescott was deputy prime minister in the Blair government and one of the most recognisable politicians of the New Labour era. Renowned as a political scrapper, he gained notoriety in 2001 for punching a protester who had thrown an egg at him. After serving as East Hull's MP for 40 years, he was made Lord Prescott. | John Prescott was deputy prime minister in the Blair government and one of the most recognisable politicians of the New Labour era. Renowned as a political scrapper, he gained notoriety in 2001 for punching a protester who had thrown an egg at him. After serving as East Hull's MP for 40 years, he was made Lord Prescott. |
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| Alex Salmond | Alex Salmond |
| A leading figure in Scotland's nationalist movement, Alex Salmond was Scottish first minister from 2007-14, and led the unsuccessful pro-independence referendum campaign in 2014. Later in life he attracted controversy after quitting the Scottish National Party and setting up a rival nationalist party, Alba. | A leading figure in Scotland's nationalist movement, Alex Salmond was Scottish first minister from 2007-14, and led the unsuccessful pro-independence referendum campaign in 2014. Later in life he attracted controversy after quitting the Scottish National Party and setting up a rival nationalist party, Alba. |
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| Lowitja O'Donoghue | Lowitja O'Donoghue |
| One of Australia's most revered Aboriginal leaders, Lowitja O'Donoghue was instrumental in negotiating Australia's historic Native Title legislation which granted land rights to First Nations people. She received some of the nation's top honours for her pioneering work and in 1984 was named Australian of the Year. | One of Australia's most revered Aboriginal leaders, Lowitja O'Donoghue was instrumental in negotiating Australia's historic Native Title legislation which granted land rights to First Nations people. She received some of the nation's top honours for her pioneering work and in 1984 was named Australian of the Year. |
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| Frank Field | Frank Field |
| Former Labour minister and crossbench peer, Lord Field spent 40 years as MP for Birkenhead and was a leading voice on welfare reform for much of his career. He was a minister for a period in the Blair government but was regarded as a maverick within his own party, in no small part because of his close personal friendship with Margaret Thatcher. | Former Labour minister and crossbench peer, Lord Field spent 40 years as MP for Birkenhead and was a leading voice on welfare reform for much of his career. He was a minister for a period in the Blair government but was regarded as a maverick within his own party, in no small part because of his close personal friendship with Margaret Thatcher. |
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| Political figures who also died in 2024 include: | Political figures who also died in 2024 include: |
| Alberto Fujimori - former president of Peru, who was convicted of human rights abuses and corruption | Alberto Fujimori - former president of Peru, who was convicted of human rights abuses and corruption |
| Michael Ancram - served as deputy leader of the Conservative Party for five years | Michael Ancram - served as deputy leader of the Conservative Party for five years |
| Nguyen Phu Trong - long-serving Vietnamese leader | Nguyen Phu Trong - long-serving Vietnamese leader |
| John Bruton - Irish politician who served as taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 | John Bruton - Irish politician who served as taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 |
| Derek Draper - Former Labour spin doctor whose struggle with Covid was the subject of an ITV documentary | Derek Draper - Former Labour spin doctor whose struggle with Covid was the subject of an ITV documentary |
| Writers who died this year include the novelists Edna O'Brien and Paul Auster, and the short-story writer Alice Munro. | Writers who died this year include the novelists Edna O'Brien and Paul Auster, and the short-story writer Alice Munro. |
| Paul Auster | Paul Auster |
| US author of The New York Trilogy - a collection of detective stories with a philosophical twist, centred on a shady quartet of private investigators named Blue, Brown, Black and White. His other novels included Timbuktu and The Brooklyn Follies. Paul Auster was praised for his sharp dialogue, and his books have been translated into more than 40 languages. | US author of The New York Trilogy - a collection of detective stories with a philosophical twist, centred on a shady quartet of private investigators named Blue, Brown, Black and White. His other novels included Timbuktu and The Brooklyn Follies. Paul Auster was praised for his sharp dialogue, and his books have been translated into more than 40 languages. |
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| Edna O'Brien | Edna O'Brien |
| Irish novelist whose first book, The Country Girls, remains her most famous. Published in 1960, it tells the story of two convent girls, and its frank portrayal (for its time) of their sex lives resulted in the book being banned in Ireland. Edna O'Brien wrote more than 20 works of fiction and was described by fellow novelist Philip Roth as "the most gifted woman now writing in English". | Irish novelist whose first book, The Country Girls, remains her most famous. Published in 1960, it tells the story of two convent girls, and its frank portrayal (for its time) of their sex lives resulted in the book being banned in Ireland. Edna O'Brien wrote more than 20 works of fiction and was described by fellow novelist Philip Roth as "the most gifted woman now writing in English". |
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| Barbara Taylor Bradford | Barbara Taylor Bradford |
| Yorkshire-born writer best known for her first novel, A Woman Of Substance. The 1979 saga of a young woman's journey from rags to riches stayed on the New York Times' bestseller list for 43 weeks. It spawned seven sequels and a successful TV adaptation. | Yorkshire-born writer best known for her first novel, A Woman Of Substance. The 1979 saga of a young woman's journey from rags to riches stayed on the New York Times' bestseller list for 43 weeks. It spawned seven sequels and a successful TV adaptation. |
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| Alice Munro | Alice Munro |
| Author whose fiction focused on rural life in her home country of Canada. In 2013, Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize for Literature - she was the first Canadian to receive the accolade, and the only laureate to be honoured primarily for short-story writing. | Author whose fiction focused on rural life in her home country of Canada. In 2013, Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize for Literature - she was the first Canadian to receive the accolade, and the only laureate to be honoured primarily for short-story writing. |
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| Nikki Giovanni | Nikki Giovanni |
| Acclaimed poet at the forefront of the Black Arts Movement in the US, known across the world for her defiant yet endearing writing about race, gender, sex and love. Nikki Giovanni authored more than 30 books, ranging from poetry to children's books. Her last work, titled The Last Book, is set to be published in 2025. | Acclaimed poet at the forefront of the Black Arts Movement in the US, known across the world for her defiant yet endearing writing about race, gender, sex and love. Nikki Giovanni authored more than 30 books, ranging from poetry to children's books. Her last work, titled The Last Book, is set to be published in 2025. |
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| Writers who also died in 2024 include: | Writers who also died in 2024 include: |
| Lynne Reid Banks - British author of The L-Shaped Room | Lynne Reid Banks - British author of The L-Shaped Room |
| Maryse Condé - Guadeloupe-born author of epic novels tackling the legacy of colonialism in Africa and the Caribbean | Maryse Condé - Guadeloupe-born author of epic novels tackling the legacy of colonialism in Africa and the Caribbean |
| John Burnside - award-winning Scottish poet | John Burnside - award-winning Scottish poet |
| Our list includes the Nobel prize-winning British physicist Peter Higgs, charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh and the former head of the British army, Sir Mike Jackson. | Our list includes the Nobel prize-winning British physicist Peter Higgs, charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh and the former head of the British army, Sir Mike Jackson. |
| Camila Batmanghelidjh | Camila Batmanghelidjh |
| Flamboyant and sometimes controversial founder of Kids Company, a charity set up to provide support to deprived and vulnerable inner-city children and young people. Ms Batmanghelidjh attracted many influential backers, but the charity closed in 2015 because of financial difficulties, and she was forced to step down. | Flamboyant and sometimes controversial founder of Kids Company, a charity set up to provide support to deprived and vulnerable inner-city children and young people. Ms Batmanghelidjh attracted many influential backers, but the charity closed in 2015 because of financial difficulties, and she was forced to step down. |
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| Peter Higgs | Peter Higgs |
| Nobel prize-winning British physicist, who gave his name to the "Higgs boson", a particle that helps explain why the basic building blocks of the Universe - atoms - have mass. The particle's existence was confirmed in 2012 by scientists using the Large Hadron Collider at Cern in Switzerland. Higgs' reaction? "It's very nice to be right sometimes." | Nobel prize-winning British physicist, who gave his name to the "Higgs boson", a particle that helps explain why the basic building blocks of the Universe - atoms - have mass. The particle's existence was confirmed in 2012 by scientists using the Large Hadron Collider at Cern in Switzerland. Higgs' reaction? "It's very nice to be right sometimes." |
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| Kris Hallenga | Kris Hallenga |
| The founder of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, Kris Hallenga was herself diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago when she was 23. She was also a columnist at The Sun and a bestselling author. In 2014, a documentary about her life and work - Kris: Dying to Live - was aired on BBC Three. | The founder of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, Kris Hallenga was herself diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago when she was 23. She was also a columnist at The Sun and a bestselling author. In 2014, a documentary about her life and work - Kris: Dying to Live - was aired on BBC Three. |
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| Daniel Kahnemann | Daniel Kahnemann |
| Behavioural psychologist who wrote the best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow. This took issue with one of the central ideas underlying economics - that people are rational beings who always act out of self-interest. Daniel Kahnemann suggested that, on the contrary, they often act irrationally, based on instinct. In 2002, he won the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics. | Behavioural psychologist who wrote the best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow. This took issue with one of the central ideas underlying economics - that people are rational beings who always act out of self-interest. Daniel Kahnemann suggested that, on the contrary, they often act irrationally, based on instinct. In 2002, he won the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics. |
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| General Sir Mike Jackson | General Sir Mike Jackson |
| The former head of the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson was in charge during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In Kosovo in 1999, he famously refused an order from his US commander to intercept Russian forces when they entered the country without Nato's agreement, saying: "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you." | The former head of the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson was in charge during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In Kosovo in 1999, he famously refused an order from his US commander to intercept Russian forces when they entered the country without Nato's agreement, saying: "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you." |
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| Public figures who also died in 2024 include: | Public figures who also died in 2024 include: |
| Susan Wojcicki - former YouTube boss and one of Google's first employees | Susan Wojcicki - former YouTube boss and one of Google's first employees |
| Iris Apfel - US designer and fashion icon | Iris Apfel - US designer and fashion icon |
| Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII - the Maori king of New Zealand | Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII - the Maori king of New Zealand |
| Akira Endo - scientist whose work led to the creation of statins | Akira Endo - scientist whose work led to the creation of statins |
| Eddie Stobart - founder of the self-named UK haulage company | Eddie Stobart - founder of the self-named UK haulage company |
| German footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer, snooker's first TV star Ray Reardon, and marathon world champion Kevin Kiptum all died in 2024. | German footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer, snooker's first TV star Ray Reardon, and marathon world champion Kevin Kiptum all died in 2024. |
| Geoff Capes | Geoff Capes |
| The UK's most famous shot putter, Geoff Capes twice won gold at both the Commonwealth Games and the European Indoor Championships. The Lincolnshire-born athlete also twice held the title of World's Strongest Man. He was a three-time Olympian and came closest to winning a medal with a fifth-place finish at the 1980 Games in Moscow. | The UK's most famous shot putter, Geoff Capes twice won gold at both the Commonwealth Games and the European Indoor Championships. The Lincolnshire-born athlete also twice held the title of World's Strongest Man. He was a three-time Olympian and came closest to winning a medal with a fifth-place finish at the 1980 Games in Moscow. |
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| Kelvin Kiptum | Kelvin Kiptum |
| The life of men's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum was tragically cut short by a road accident in his home country, Kenya. In October 2023, the 24-year-old long-distance runner bettered the record of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, completing the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds. | The life of men's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum was tragically cut short by a road accident in his home country, Kenya. In October 2023, the 24-year-old long-distance runner bettered the record of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, completing the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds. |
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| Sven-Goran Eriksson | Sven-Goran Eriksson |
| The first non-British manager of the England football team, Sven-Goran Eriksson led them to quarter-finals at three major tournaments between 2001 and 2006. The Swede also managed 12 clubs including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies. | The first non-British manager of the England football team, Sven-Goran Eriksson led them to quarter-finals at three major tournaments between 2001 and 2006. The Swede also managed 12 clubs including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies. |
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| Rebecca Cheptegei | Rebecca Cheptegei |
| Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei made her marathon debut in 2021 and recorded a personal best of two hours 22 minutes and 47 seconds the following year, making her the second-fastest Ugandan woman of all time. At the Paris Olympics she came 44th. Rebecca Cheptegei was murdered in September this year at the age of 33. | Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei made her marathon debut in 2021 and recorded a personal best of two hours 22 minutes and 47 seconds the following year, making her the second-fastest Ugandan woman of all time. At the Paris Olympics she came 44th. Rebecca Cheptegei was murdered in September this year at the age of 33. |
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| Franz Beckenbauer | Franz Beckenbauer |
| Nicknamed "Der Kaiser", German footballer Franz Beckenbauer was widely regarded as one of the game's greatest players. He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990. Franz Beckenbauer also played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top-flight as both player and manager. | Nicknamed "Der Kaiser", German footballer Franz Beckenbauer was widely regarded as one of the game's greatest players. He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990. Franz Beckenbauer also played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top-flight as both player and manager. |
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| Ray Reardon | Ray Reardon |
| Welsh snooker player who dominated the game in the 1970s, claiming six world titles between 1970 and 1978. Ray Reardon became famous among early adopters of colour TV as the main draw on Pot Black, the BBC's first snooker showcase. He retired in 1991 and later worked as a consultant for Ronnie O'Sullivan, helping him win the world title in 2004. | Welsh snooker player who dominated the game in the 1970s, claiming six world titles between 1970 and 1978. Ray Reardon became famous among early adopters of colour TV as the main draw on Pot Black, the BBC's first snooker showcase. He retired in 1991 and later worked as a consultant for Ronnie O'Sullivan, helping him win the world title in 2004. |
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| Rob Burrow | Rob Burrow |
| Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league player, Rob Burrow's 17-year career included winning eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups. Two years after his retirement, Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and spent the remainder of his life fundraising and raising awareness of the disease while battling it himself. | Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league player, Rob Burrow's 17-year career included winning eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups. Two years after his retirement, Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and spent the remainder of his life fundraising and raising awareness of the disease while battling it himself. |
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| Lea Pericoli | Lea Pericoli |
| Regarded as one of Italy's top players in the 1950s and 60s, Lea Pericoli reached the last 16 of the French Open twice and the Wimbledon championships three times. On top of her athletic achievements, Ms Pericoli's contest outfits, adorned with feather and fur, made her a style icon. She later became a popular television presenter and journalist. | Regarded as one of Italy's top players in the 1950s and 60s, Lea Pericoli reached the last 16 of the French Open twice and the Wimbledon championships three times. On top of her athletic achievements, Ms Pericoli's contest outfits, adorned with feather and fur, made her a style icon. She later became a popular television presenter and journalist. |
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| Graham Thorpe | Graham Thorpe |
| Former England and Surrey cricketer, Graham Thorpe played 100 Tests for his country between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals. A stylish left-handed batter, he scored 6,744 Test runs, including 16 centuries. At county level, Thorpe spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, from 1988 to 2005. | Former England and Surrey cricketer, Graham Thorpe played 100 Tests for his country between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals. A stylish left-handed batter, he scored 6,744 Test runs, including 16 centuries. At county level, Thorpe spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, from 1988 to 2005. |
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| JPR Williams | JPR Williams |
| John Peter Rhys Williams became an icon of Wales's period of rugby glory in the 1970s, when they won three Five Nations grand slams. The full-back earned 55 caps for his country, and played for London Welsh, Bridgend and Barbarians. JPR Williams also accumulated eight Test caps touring for British and Irish Lions. | John Peter Rhys Williams became an icon of Wales's period of rugby glory in the 1970s, when they won three Five Nations grand slams. The full-back earned 55 caps for his country, and played for London Welsh, Bridgend and Barbarians. JPR Williams also accumulated eight Test caps touring for British and Irish Lions. |
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| Sports personalities who also died in 2024 include: | Sports personalities who also died in 2024 include: |
| Barry John - 1970s star of Welsh rugby union | Barry John - 1970s star of Welsh rugby union |
| Derek Underwood - bowler for Kent and England cricket teams | Derek Underwood - bowler for Kent and England cricket teams |
| David Wilkie - Scottish swimmer who won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics | David Wilkie - Scottish swimmer who won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics |
| Willy Mays - legendary US baseball player | Willy Mays - legendary US baseball player |
| Terry Griffiths - former world snooker champion | Terry Griffiths - former world snooker champion |
| Design by Jenny Law | Design by Jenny Law |