As the year comes to a close, we take a look back at the many icons of screen and stage who passed away in 2024.
From 12-year-old Galway girl Saoírse Ruane who inspired the annual Late Late Toy Show appeal, to renowned news correspondent Charlie Bird, and most recently showband great Dickie Rock, Irish and international greats and icons were mourned over the last twelve months.
January
Glynis Johns
Actress Glynis Johns, most known for her role as Mrs Banks in the 1964 film Mary Poppins, died at the age of 100.
Johns starred opposite Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in the classic movie where she played Winifred Banks, the suffragette mother of the children in need of a nanny.
David Soul
American-British actor and singer David Soul - best known for his role as Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the 1970s television series Starsky & Hutch - died at the age of 80.
Soul starred opposite Paul Michael Glaser in the hugely popular show.
He and Glaser reprised their roles in the 2004 movie remake Starsky & Hutch, starring Ben Stiller as Starsky and Owen Wilson as Hutch.
Derek Draper
Former lobbyist and political adviser Derek Draper, who was married to TV presenter Kate Garraway, died after suffering long-lasting symptoms from coronavirus.
A statement from Garraway on Instagram said: "I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.
"As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed."
Joyce Randolph
American actress Joyce Randolph, who played the peppy working-class Brooklyn housewife Trixie on The Honeymooners and was the last surviving cast member of the seminal 1950s sitcom, died aged 99.
The circumstances were not disclosed, but her son Randolph Charles confirmed her death.
Mary Weiss
The lead singer of 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las died at the age of 75.
The US girl group rose to stardom with a run of hit songs about teenage love and tragedy, including Remember (Walking In The Sand) and Leader Of The Pack, which was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
February
Carl Weathers
The actor who starred as Apollo Creed in four of the Rocky movies died aged 76.
Born in New Orleans and a former American footballer, Weathers became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star.
In a statement, his family said that he died "peacefully in his sleep".
Jonnie Irwin
The TV presenter died aged 50. A statement on his Instagram account said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing.
"A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit."
Wayne Kramer
The co-founder of proto-punk band MC5, who influenced groups like The Clash and Rage Against The Machine died aged 75.
Kramer died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, according to Jason Heath, a close friend and executive director of Kramer's non-profit Jail Guitar Doors USA.
Mr Heath said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
Ian Lavender
Best known for playing Private Pike in the classic BBC comedy Dad's Army, Lavender died at the age of 77.
He was the last surviving cast member of the series following the death of Frank Williams (who played Reverend Timothy Farthing) in 2022.
Toby Keith
The Beer For My Horses singer-songwriter died aged 62.
Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, died peacefully surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer's website.
"He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement said.
Steve Wright
The British broadcaster, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than 40 years, died at the age of 69.
In a statement, Wright's family said: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
"In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities."
John Savident
The actor best known for playing Fred Elliott in Coronation Street died aged 86.
A statement from his agent said: "We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday 21 February, he was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
In 1994, Savident arrived on the Coronation Street cobbles and quickly became a fan favourite. His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.
Stuart Organ
The Grange Hill and Brookside actor died aged 72. The British actor was best known for playing the firm but fair Peter Robson, the longest-serving member of staff in the school, on Grange Hill.
Organ also portrayed Kevin Cross in the TV soap opera Brookside and featured in a host of shows including Doctor Who, where he appeared alongside Sylvester McCoy.
March
Saoírse Ruane
The incredible 12-year-old from Galway, who inspired the Toy Show appeal, died following a long illness.
She captured the hearts of the nation when she appeared on the 2020 Toy Show and spoke about her fight against cancer.
Coming deep in the middle of the pandemic, her courage and bravery resonated far and wide, as she outlined the story of how she had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, an osteosarcoma tumour on her fibula, in late 2019.
Her mother told her daughter's funeral mass that "there is now a void in our hearts that will never be filled".
Charlie Bird
The former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird died at the age of 74 following a long battle with motor neurone disease.
One of RTÉ's most renowned news correspondents, Mr Bird reported on some of the biggest stories in Ireland and internationally during his 40-year career with the national broadcaster including the Stardust fire, the National Irish Bank tax avoidance scandal, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 in the US, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
His final RTÉ broadcast was in August 2012 when he filled in as a presenter on the Marian Finucane show on RTÉ Radio 1.
Karl Wallinger
The Waterboys and World Party member died aged 66.
The Welsh-born frontman formed World Party in 1986, shortly after he departed from The Waterboys. The group's debut album, Private Revolution, spawned popular songs including Ship Of Fools.
Emmet Bergin
The actor, best known for playing businessman Dick Moran in Glenroe, died unexpectedly.
In a statement to RTÉ, his daughter Tara said: "Sadly, dad died on Friday morning (15th March) at home. It was unexpected.
"He had only recently been alerted to a possible heart issue and had been discharged from a short stay in hospital. We thought and hoped he would be okay. We were all at home when it happened – my mum Sarah, my brother Gavan, and me. He was such an important presence in our lives. He will be greatly missed."
M. Emmet Walsh
The US actor, who starred in hit films including Blade Runner and Blood Simple during his six-decade career, died aged 88. The veteran star died from a cardiac arrest.
Walsh was known for playing a variety of roles during his career, including as Harrison Ford's LAPD boss in Ridley Scott's 1982 Blade Runner and an unscrupulous private detective in Ethan Coen’s Blood Simple two years later.
Laurent de Brunhoff
The French artist, author and illustrator of dozens of children's books starring the affable elephant character Babar created by his father, died at the age of 98.
De Brunhoff's wife, Phyllis Rose, told The New York Times that he died at his home in Florida.
George Gilbey
The Gogglebox star died aged 40 following an accident at work.
The reality star was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 series Gogglebox - where participants watch and comment on TV shows from the previous week - alongside his mother, Linda McGarry, and his stepfather, Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.
Chance Perdomo
The British-American actor was described as "an enthusiastic force of nature" by the producers of TV series Gen V, after his death at the age of 27.
Deadline reported that Perdomo died as a result of a motorcycle accident. The authorities said no other individuals were involved.
The American-born TV star, who was raised in the UK, was known for playing Andre Anderson in the superhero show, a spin-off of the satirical TV series The Boys.
April
OJ Simpson
The American football star and actor was acquitted of murdering his former wife but found responsible for her death in a civil lawsuit and later imprisoned for armed robbery and kidnapping died at the age of 76.
Simpson was regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time after spending a decade in the NFL playing for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
After his football career, Simpson moved into acting. He appeared in various films and TV shows.
Larry Masterson
Larry Masterson, who produced many of RTÉ's flagship entertainment programmes including The Late Late Show, died aged 73.
He died with his family by his side in Blackrock Hospice in Dublin. He was one of the most established and respected producers in Irish television.
Apart from RTÉ, he produced shows for TG4, Channel 4, the Discovery Channel, Learning Channel and Travel Channel.
Alf McCarthy
The former RTÉ presenter and producer died after a short illness. He was a presenter of Late Date on RTÉ Radio 1 until his retirement in 2015.
McCarthy died at Cork University Hospital last night aged 73. He spent more than 35 years on air and presented his final programme in December 2015.
Mandisa
The American Idol star and singer died at the age of 47.
The gospel artist, known as Mandisa, won a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category for her 2013 record Overcomer.
She competed in 2006 on American Idol, when Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were judges.
The author, best known for creating the character of Matthew Shardlake, died at the age of 71.
The character of Shardlake, a Tudor lawyer, was introduced in Sansom's first novel, Dissolution, which was published 21 years ago.
He released six further novels featuring Shardlake as well as two standalone historical novels, Winter in Madrid and Dominion.
May
Michael Downey
The Irish comedian of Carrickmacross passed away at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. He was tipped as a rising star of the comedy circuit in 2001 when he came in joint third place with comedian Alan Carr in 2001 in the annual So You Think You're Funny stand-up competition.
Along with Karl Spain, Neil Delamare and Des Bishop, Downey was among a promising new generation of Irish comedians.
Paul Auster
The American author, who made his name with noirish, existentialist novels about lonely writers and outsiders that were a huge hit in Europe particularly, died aged 77.
He passed away at his home in Brooklyn surrounded by family, including his wife Siri Hustvedt and their daughter, the singer Sophie Auster, his friend and fellow author Jacki Lyden.
Bernard Hill
Best known for his roles in Titanic and The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, the actor died aged 79. Hill also starred in the BBC drama series Boys From The Blackstuff and the 2015 BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall.
Hill also played Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 epic romance Titanic, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Roger Corman
The cult cinema maestro, who helped create hundreds of films over six decades and played a part in launching the careers of acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron and Ron Howard, died aged 98.
Corman, a producer and director hailed as the "king of B-movies," died at his home in Santa Monica, California, his wife and daughters said in a post on his Instagram account without giving the cause of death.
Dabney Coleman
The moustachioed character actor who specialised in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in 9 to 5 and the nasty TV director in Tootsie, died aged 92.
"The great Dabney Coleman literally created, or defined, really, in a uniquely singular way, an archetype as a character actor. He was so good at what he did it's hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him," Ben Stiller wrote on X.
Morgan Spurlock
The documentary filmmaker who directed and starred in the Oscar-nominated Super Size Me died aged 53.
Spurlock, who made headlines with Super Size Me after he ate only McDonald's for 30 days in a row for the on-screen 2004 experiment, died in New York from complications of cancer, according to a statement issued by his family.
Richard M Sherman
The Mary Poppins songwriter was remembered as a "class act" and a "gentleman" following his death at the age of 95.
The US musician and his brother Robert created the songs for the hit musical as well as The Jungle Book and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Walt Disney Company said that he died due to age-related illness.
June
Janis Paige
The popular Hollywood and Broadway actress, who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s, died at the age of 101.
Paige died of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, long-time friend Stuart Lampert said.
Paige starred on Broadway with Jackie Cooper in the mystery comedy Remains To Be Seen and appeared with John Raitt in the smash hit musical The Pajama Game.
Nicholas Ball
The actor, known for his roles in EastEnders and Footballers' Wives, died aged 78.
In a statement, Ball's agent said he "passed away following a short illness" and that his "successful acting career on stage and screen spanned an impressive six decades".
Michael Mosley
The wife of the TV doctor and columnist said it is "devastating" to have lost her "wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband" as she confirmed he has been found dead on the Greek island of Symi after going missing.
His body was discovered in a rocky area beside Agia Marina on Symi after an extensive search led by emergency workers, around a 30-minute walk from the village of Pedi where Dr Mosley was last seen on CCTV.
Françoise Hardy
The French singer, whose crystalline voice and melancholy lyrics shot her to international stardom in the 1960s, died at the age of 80.
Thomas Dutronc, Hardy's son with another French music star, Jacques Dutronc, announced her death.
"Mom is gone," he wrote on Instagram alongside a baby picture of himself with his mother.
Tony Lo Bianco
The French Connection star died at the age of 87 following a battle with cancer. In the Oscar-winning action thriller, Lo Bianco played store owner and mobster Salvatore "Sal" Boca opposite Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider as fictional New York City Police Department detectives in the movie inspired by true events.
Lo Bianco was also known for another crime film, The Honeymoon Killers, in which he played the "lonely hearts killer" Raymond Fernandez, an American serial murderer who operated as part of a team with his partner Martha Beck (Shirley Stoler).
Anouk Aimée
The French screen star Anouk Aimée died at the age of 92.
She passed away at her home in Paris, her agent confirmed.
Aimée - born Nicole Françoise Florence Dreyfus - became an icon of doomed romance in the 1960s thanks to Claude Lelouch's Oscar-winning A Man and a Woman (1966).
Paul Spencer
The DJ and producer, who was known as Dario G, died following a battle with cancer. He was 53. The dance music producer was known for songs including Carnaval De Paris, Sunchyme and Ring Of Fire.
A post to his social media page said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today. He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore.
"He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him."
Donald Sutherland
The Canadian, who was the star of Ordinary People, M*A*S*H and Six Degrees Of Separation and was the father of 24 TV show actor Kiefer Sutherland, died aged 88.
Taking to X, Kiefer, posted a heartfelt tribute to his father.
"With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film.
"Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived."
Seth Binzer
The Crazy Town frontman died from the combined effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Binzer, known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock, died aged 49 after being found at his home.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has since ruled his death was an accident.
Bill Cobbs
Known for his roles in hit films Night At The Museum and The Bodyguard, the actor died aged 90.
Cobbs was best known for playing Whitney Houston's manager Bill Devaney in the 1992 hit The Bodyguard starring Kevin Costner, and security guard Reggie in the 2006 comedy Night At The Museum opposite Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson.
July
Jon Landau
Jon Landau, an Oscar-winning producer who worked closely with director James Cameron on three of the biggest blockbusters of all time, Titanic and two Avatar films, died aged 63. No cause of death was given.
Landau’s partnership with Cameron led to three Oscar nominations and a Best Picture win for 1997’s Titanic.
Together the pair account for some of the biggest blockbusters in movie history, including Avatar and its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water.
Shelley Duvall
The American actress Shelley Duvall, who starred in Stanley Kubrick's Stephen King adaptation The Shining and the films of Robert Altman, died aged 75.
Duvall's longtime partner, Dan Gilroy said she died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas due to complications from diabetes.
"My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us," Gilroy said. "Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley."
Shannen Doherty
The American actress, known for her roles in the popular TV shows Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, died aged 53. The US star had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
In a statement to US publication People, her publicist Leslie Sloane said: "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."
Abdul Duke Fakir
The last original member of the Four Tops, the Motown hitmakers behind classics like I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) - died aged 88. Fakir died of heart failure at his home in Detroit.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year," the family said in a statement to the paper.
"As the last living founding member of the iconic Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke's legacy living on through his music for generations to come."
John Mayall
The British blues pioneer whose 1960s music collective the Bluesbreakers helped usher in a fertile period of rock and brought guitarists like Eric Clapton to prominence died at 90.
Mayall, a singer and multi-instrumentalist who was dubbed "the godfather of British blues," and whose open-door arrangement saw some of the greats in the genre hone their craft with him and his band, "passed away peacefully in his California home," according to a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Edna O'Brien
The acclaimed Irish author died at the age of 93 after a long illness. She was a leading light for a generation of Irish writers, and her loss will have a profound impact on the Irish literary scene.
President Michael D Higgins led tributes to her, saying that her work "had been sought as a model all around the world".
He described Ms O'Brien as "a fearless teller of truths" and "a superb writer possessed of the moral courage to confront Irish society with realities long ignored and suppressed".
"Through that deeply insightful work, rich in humanity, Edna O'Brien was one of the first writers to provide a true voice to the experiences of women in Ireland in their different generations and played an important role in transforming the status of women across Irish society," he said.
August
Patti Yasutake
Star Trek: The Next Generation and Beef star died at the age of 70. The actress, best known for her portrayal of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek: The Next Generation, died surrounded by loved ones following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Her death was confirmed by Kyle Fritz, her manager of over three decades, in a statement to Deadline. "Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago," he recalled.
"We enjoyed every day we got to work together, and I will miss her spirit talent and tenacity but most of all her friendship."
Ángel Salazar
Actor and comedian Ángel Salazar, best known for his role as Chi Chi opposite Al Pacino's Tony Montana in director Brian De Palma's 1983 film Scarface, died aged 68.
The Cuban-born actor's death was confirmed by his representative, Ann Wingsong, who said he "passed away in his sleep" at a friend's home in Brooklyn, New York. Wingsong said that Salazar had suffered from heart issues.
Jack Russell
The lead singer of the bluesy 1980s metal band Great White, whose hits included Once Bitten Twice Shy and Rock Me, died aged 63.
"Jack is loved and remembered for his sense of humour, exceptional zest for life and unshakeable contribution to rock and roll, where his legacy will forever thrive," said a statement on his Instagram page.
The death was confirmed by K L Doty, author of Russell's autobiography, The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative.
Alain Delon
The internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world died aged 88.
With his handsome looks and tender manner, the prolific actor was able to combine toughness with an appealing, vulnerable quality that made him one of France's most memorable leading men.
His children announced the death in a statement to French national news agency, Agence France-Presse.
Fatman Scoop
The hip-hop artist, who collapsed on stage while performing in the US a month prior, died of heart disease.
The official cause of death for the performer, born Isaac Freeman III, was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Medical Examiner's Office said.
His family said later on Instagram that "the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon on stage and in life".
September
James Darren
US actor James Darren, who starred in US sci-series The Time Tunnel and the 1959 surf movie Gidget which ignited the surfing craze of the 1960s, died aged 88. He died in his sleep at a Los Angeles hospital his son Jim Moret confirmed.
Moret said his father had scheduled surgery for an aortic valve replacement, but doctors decided he was too weak. "I always thought he would pull through because he was so cool. He was always cool," his son said.
James Earl Jones
The US actor, an imposing stage and screen presence who overcame a childhood stutter to develop a stentorian voice recognised the world over as intergalactic villain Darth Vader, died at the age of 93.
Jones, a longtime sufferer of diabetes, died at his home surrounded by family members, agent Barry McPherson said. No cause of death was provided.
Ben Thapa
X Factor finalists G4 announced that former member Ben Thapa died at the age of 42, saying: "Words cannot express how we all feel right now."
The classical operatic group rose to fame on the first season of the hit ITV singing competition in 2004, where they finished in second.
Thapa was one of the original members of the vocal troupe but left in 2018 to pursue his own music career.
David Graham
Thunderbirds and Peppa Pig voice actor David Graham died aged 99.
The London-born star also voiced the evil Daleks in Doctor Who and brought to life the Thunderbirds puppet characters aquanaut Gordon Tracy, scientist Brains, and Lady Penelope's driver, Aloysius "Nosey" Parker, in the series that saw a secret organisation trying to save the world.
Chris Serle
The family of former BBC radio and That's Life! presenter Chris Serle, who worked on programmes throughout the 80s and 90s, confirmed his death, aged 81.
The Bristol-born presenter rose to fame on the satirical consumer affairs show alongside Esther Rantzen, presenting a variety of subjects including consumer advice, rights, and investigations.
Maggie Smith
The Oscar-winning actress, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, died in hospital aged 89.
Her sons, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said in a statement: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Kris Kristofferson
The US singer-songwriter and country music legend who notably hit the silver screen opposite Barbra Streisand in A Star is Born, died at the age of 88.
No cause of death was given in a statement issued by the family of the artist, a Country Music Hall of Fame honouree and Grammy winner known for writing hits like Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down and Me and Bobby McGee.
A regular visitor to Ireland over the years, Kristofferson performed solo for decades but also formed the supergroup The Highwaymen alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
John Ashton
The American actor, best known for his roles in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise and Midnight Run, died at the age of 76.
Ashton's manager, Alan Somers, told the US entertainment publication The Hollywood Reporter that Ashton died on 26 September in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a brief battle with cancer.
Massachusetts-born Ashton's screen career spanned over 50 years and numerous films and television shows, but it is for his performances as the volatile Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the original Beverly Hills Cop and the hapless bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler in Midnight Run - both directed by Martin Brest - that he will be best remembered.
October
Liam Payne
The former One Direction band member died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, aged 31.
Payne's One Direction bandmates said they were "completely devastated" and will miss the singer "terribly" following the tragic news.
A statement signed by Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Horan said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."
John Amos
The US actor, who scored an Emmy nomination for the TV series Roots and starred in the comedy film Coming To America opposite Eddie Murphy, died at the age of 84 of natural causes.
Other starring roles included Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in US drama The West Wing and Major Grant in Die Hard 2. Before his acting career, Amos served as a member of the New Jersey State National Guard.
Gavin Creel
The musical theatre veteran, who won a Tony Award for Hello, Dolly! and an Olivier Award for The Book Of Mormon, died at his home in Manhattan after he was diagnosed with a "rare and aggressive" form of cancer in July 2024.
He also ventured into the world of TV and film, starring in Ryan Murphy's miniseries American Horror Stories, opposite Matt Bomer in 2021 and opposite Julie Andrews in Eloise At The Plaza and Eloise At Christmastime.
Martin Lee
The singer, who was a member of the group Brotherhood Of Man and who won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1976, died at the age of 77.
The pop group won the contest with the song Save Your Kisses For Me at the final in The Hague, in the Netherlands - the song topped the table with 164 points, more than 70 points ahead of second-placed Switzerland.
Save Your Kisses For Me topped the UK singles chart in the same year and was also number one in more than 30 different countries.
November
Janey Godley
The Scottish comedian died aged 63 after receiving palliative treatment for terminal cancer.
In a statement, her representative Chris Davis Management said she would be "hugely missed by her family, friends and her many fans".
Godley's daughter, BBC Radio Scotland presenter Ashley Storrie, said: "We got her longer because of all of the support and the love in the world" in a video posted to X announcing the news.
Quincy Jones
The man known simply as "Q," died aged 91, He was a huge influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and reshaped pop music in his collaborations with Michael Jackson.
There was very little Jones did not do in a music career of more than 65 years. He was a trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, composer, producer and winner of 27 Grammy Awards.
Jon Kenny
Jon Kenny, best known for his work opposite Pat Shortt in the comedy duo d'Unbelievables died aged 66.
Kenny had been receiving treatment for cancer and heart failure.
The Co Limerick-born star of stage and screen found nationwide and international fame in the 1990s with d'Unbelievables, playing a variety of off-the-wall Irish characters alongside Pat Shortt.
Among Jon Kenny's many screen credits were the Father Ted episode A Song for Europe and the films The Van, Les Misérables (1998), Angela's Ashes, Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers and The Banshees of Inisherin, in which he reunited with Pat Shortt.
An acclaimed singer, poet, and solo stand-up performer, Jon Kenny also starred on stage in John B Keane's The Matchmaker, Oliver Goldsmith's She Stoops to Conquer at The Abbey Theatre and Katie Holly's dark comedy Crowman, a one-man show in which he portrayed 10 characters.
Kathleen Watkins
The writer, musician and broadcaster died in Dublin, surrounded by her family. Watkins, who turned 90 on 17 October, died five years after her husband, RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne, whose anniversary fell on 4 November.
In a statement, her family said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Kathleen Watkins.
"Kathleen died peacefully earlier today, surrounded by her loving family in the wonderful care of the team at the Blackrock Clinic.
"Kathleen's family is devasted by the loss of their much-loved mother, and devoted Nana Kit, to her grandchildren Cian, Sadhbh, Kate, Saoirse and Harry."
June Spencer
The actress, who played Peggy Woolley on BBC Radio 4's The Archers for more than 70 years, died aged 105.
Spencer had played the character since the show's first episode in 1951, and when she announced her retirement in 2022, aged 103, was credited as being the longest-serving character in the programme.
Trevor Sorbie
The Scottish-born hair stylist, who gained fame with the creation of the wedge cut as well as his TV appearances, revealed in October he had weeks to live after his bowel cancer had spread to his liver.
His company Instagram posted: "It is with heartfelt emotion that we share the passing of our esteemed founder, Trevor Sorbie.
"Trevor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side. Trevor's journey, marked by unparalleled creativity and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond."
Shel Talmy
Talmy, who produced iconic hits for bands such as The Who and The Kinks, died at the age of 87.
The US record producer "died peacefully in his sleep" at his home in Los Angeles "from complications due to a stroke".
Barbara Taylor Bradford
The bestselling novelist, who wrote A Woman Of Substance, died at the age of 91.
The author died peacefully at her home following a short illness, "and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end", a spokeswoman said.
She wrote a total of 40 novels during her career, with her most recent, The Wonder of It All, published last year.
December
Bob Bryar
The former drummer with My Chemical Romance who played on the band's career-defining rock opera The Black Parade, died at the age of 44.
"The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob's passing," a spokesperson for My Chemical Romance said in a statement.
Bryar replaced drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004 and left the band in 2010.
Dickie Rock
The much-loved Irish singer Dickie Rock has died aged 88. His death was confirmed in a statement issued by his family
"His children, Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter, will miss him very much," the statement read.
"Dickie lost his beloved Judy in 2022 and they are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family."
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Rock, saying that he was an iconic figure in the showband music scene.
"A performer of the highest quality, Dickie Rock's popularity, both in the Miami Showband and as a solo artist, was such that he remained a hugely popular entertainer through succeeding generations," President Higgins said.
