Every year there is reason to memorialise as we look back at those we’ve lost – to commemorate, celebrate and remember the icons, artists and politicians we’ve spent our lives watching from afar.
This decade we’ve lost some huge names. From Prince, Robin Williams, Amy Winehouse, Brittany Murphy and David Bowie, to Whitney Houston, Cory Monteith, Hugh Hefner, Alan Rickman and Michael Jackson.
All huge losses to the world of celebrity – losses grieved not just by their families but by thousands and in some cases millions of beloved fans.
In 2017, Mamamia made this tribute to actor Robin Williams. Post continues after video.
In this article we’re focusing on just a few of the celebrities we’ve lost this year in 2019, both in Australia and overseas.
We remember them and their legacies as we prepare to say goodbye to the decade.
Luke Perry, actor.
American actor Luke Perry, the former star of 1990s television series Beverly Hills 90210, died aged 52 after suffering a massive stroke in March.
At the time of his death Perry was part of the cast of Riverdale, the teenage drama series in which he played main character's Archie Andrews' father.
His fiancé, ex-wife, parents, siblings and kids were by his side when he passed away.
His partner Wendy Madison said in a statement at the time, “The past 11 1/2 years with Luke were the happiest of my life, and I am grateful to have had this time with him. I also want to think his children, family, and friends for their love and support.
“We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed,”
Perry became a household name in 1990 for playing the brooding character Dylan McKay in 90210, and was catapulted to full-blown teen idol status.
Perry was hospitalised the same day Fox announced a six-episode revival of the show, featuring returning cast members Jason Priestley, Jenny Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. Perry had not been announced to return.
Perry is survived by his daughter Sophie and his son Jack, a professional wrestler who goes by the ring name "Jungle Boy" Nate Coy.
Ben Unwin, actor.
The Australian actor, most known for his role on Home and Away, died in August on the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
A NSW police statement released to Yahoo Lifestyle said police responded to a welfare call on August 14. "His death is not being treated as suspicious," read the statement.
The 41-year-old played bad boy Jesse McGregor on the popular Aussie soap, which was a part especially written for him after he failed to get the role he auditioned for.
He joined the cast of Home and Away in 1996, a month after completing high school, and was there until 2005 (with a two year hiatus between 2000-2002).
In 2005, Unwin quit to pursue work in America, and tried his hand in the music world. He directed videos for Boy George and Culture Club (I Just Wanna Be Loved and Your Kisses Are Charity), before packing in show business for law.
His former co-stars spoke about the loss of their mate "Onion" as he was affectionately known.
Lynne McGranger told The Daily Telegraph, "sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends," while Ada Nicodemou told Nine.com.au she woke up to the news and was "deeply saddened".
Karl Lagerfeld, designer.
Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel, died in February at the age of 85 after weeks of illness believed to have been pancreatic cancer.
With his iconic white ponytail and dark sunglasses, Lagerfeld was one of the most prolific designers of the modern age.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Marion Cotillard and Keira Knightly packed his front rows and his dresses were - and will likely continue to be - worn by princesses and A-listers.
He is credited by many for changing the fashion game with his success at Chanel giving other luxury brands a blueprint for how to revamp historic fashion houses that had grown dusty - think Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.
The designer was mourned widely by celebrities and the fashion industry.
Doris Day, actor and singer.
Doris Day, one of the biggest box office stars of her time, died in May of pneumonia aged 97 at her home in California.
Prior to her death she'd been in "excellent physical health for her age", according to the Doris Day Animal Foundation in an email to the Los Angeles Times.
Her honey-voice and starring roles in everything from dramas to musicals to comedies made her a major star in the 1950s and 1960s, and she remains among the most popular screen actresses in history.
Off screen, Day was a passionate animal rights advocate. She was married four times, divorced three and had one son, Terry Melcher, who died in 2004.
Her foundation said she requested "no funeral or memorial service and no grave marker"after her death, a wish which was abided by.
Paul McCartney paid tribute to his friend following the news, calling Day "a true star in more ways than one".
"Visiting her in her Californian home was like going to an animal sanctuary where her many dogs were taken care of in splendid style," he said in a statement.
"She had a heart of gold and was a very funny lady who I shared many laughs with."
Sammy Power, radio personality.
Former Triple M radio host Sammy Power died aged 55 in December this year.
Power’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but the The Courier Mail reported the former radio presenter died from a long-term battle with alcoholism and mental illness.
The broadcaster’s radio career spanned 28 years before she left it behind in 2012, telling her listeners at the time that she felt “burnt out” and “over it”.
Following her departure from radio, Power managed her mother’s business, known as the Jan Powers Farmers Market in Queensland.
Mike Goldman, the former voice of Big Brother, said of his late friend, “What a damn shame. One of my best buddies, that I’ve known for over 25 years has left this planet. Sammy was the funniest and by far one of the most talented people I have ever been lucky enough to know.”
He was among many in the Australian media to pay tribute.
To the families of the eight celebrities above, and the families of all those we lost in 2019, may they rest in peace.
Feature Images: Getty.
Top Comments
Personally I think the world is better off without Lagerfeld’s racist, misogynist presence in it. In his final act of cruelty he left his entire fortune to his cat, which just goes to show how utterly narcissistic he was.
Also disappointed to see Michael Jackson described as a huge loss to the world.
Fancy reading about the dearly departed and deciding to comment such horrible negative words. Hope 2020 brings you happiness.
He was a brilliant designer, albeit somewhat eccentric and who he left his fortune to was his business. His death was a huge loss to the Chanel label and no doub his cat as well.
He didn't leave his entire fortune to his cat, but some of it. He reportedly said, 'don't worry, there is enough for everyone'. Alexander McQueen left money for his pets and Oprah plans to leave a chunk for the care of her dogs. At leastbe somewhat accurate with your accusations of narcissism.