Remembering the celebrities we've sadly lost in 2021
We've had some devastating losses this year
Last updated 15th Dec 2021
Many of us have lost loved ones over the last few months, and that's no different in the world of entertainment, with some of the world's great celebs sadly passing away in the last 12 months.
From music stars, sporting heroes, famous faces from the world of TV and film, and Royalty, a number of well-known and well-loved celebrities have sadly passed away this year.
Remembering the celebrities we've sadly lost in 2021 so far:
Mick Norcross
Former TOWIE star and owner of SugarHut nightclub Mick Norcross was found dead at his home on Thursday 21st January, at the age of 57.
Essex Police confirmed the devastating news of Mick's passing.
They said, "We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan shortly before 3.15pm on Thursday 21 January.
"Sadly, a man inside was pronounced dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
Dustin Diamond
Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond sadly passed away at the age of 44 on the 1st February, just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Captain Sir Tom Moore
After raising nearly £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore sadly passed away at the amazing age of 100 on the 2nd February.
Captain Sir Tom Moore passed away in hospital from Covid-19 and Pneumonia surrounded by his loving family.
Paul Ritter
Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter sadly passed away at the age of 54 in April after suffering from a brain tumour, confirmed by his agent in a statement.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
On Friday 9th April it was announced by Buckingham Palace that Prince Phillip had sadly died, aged 99.
The Palace said in a statement, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
"Further announcements will made in due course.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Nikki Grahame
Reality TV star Nikki Grahame, who rose to fame as a contestant on Big Brother, sadly passed away at the age of 38 on Friday 9th April. A statement from her representative said, "It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April 2021. Please respect the privacy of Nikki's friends and family at this tragic and difficult time."
Helen McCrory
Actress Helen McCrory, best known for playing Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, sadly died at the age of 52 in April.
Her husband Damian Lewis said in a statement, 'I'm heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.
'She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.'
Azaylia Cain
Former Ex On The Beach star Ashley Cain and his partner Safiyya Vorajee confirmed the heartbreaking news in April that their eight-month-old daughter Azaylia had sadly passed away after losing her battle with Leukemia.
Ashley wrote on Instagram, 'Rest In Paradise Princess 👼🏼🌈 I will always hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven ❤️😢 #AzayliaDiamondCain' #(sic)
Samuel E Wright
Samuel E Wright, known for Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid movie, sadly died at the age of 74 in May. The cause of his death was not confirmed.
Kevin Clark
Actor Kevin Clark, best known for playing the role of school boy drummer Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones in 2004 film School of Rock, tragically passed away after being hit by a car in Chicago whilst out on his bicycle in May.
His former co-stars paid emotional tributes, including Jack Black, Miranda Cosgrove and Rivkah Reyes.
Pete McGarry
Gogglebox star Pete McGarry sadly passed away following a short illness at the age of 71 in June.
Gogglebox bosses released the following statement: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71 this weekend with his family by his side after a short illness. Our thoughts are with Linda, their children and grandchildren.'
Sebastian Eubank
Sebastian Eubank, the son of boxing legend Chris Eubank, sadly passed away just days before his 30 birthday in July, after suffering a heart attack whilst in the sea in Dubai.
Sean Lock
Comedian Sean Lock, best known for his role on TV game show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, sadly passed away from Cancer at the age of 58 in August.
Mary Cook
Gogglebox star Mary Cook sadly passed away at the age of 92 in August. The TV star died in hospital surrounded by her family.
Andy Michaels
In August, Channel 4 confirmed the sad news that Gogglebox star Andy Michaels had passed away at the age of 61, with his family releasing a statement.
The Michael family, made up of dad Andy, mum Carolyne, son Louis, and daughters Alex and Katie, have appeared on the popular show since series one way back in 2013.
Sarah Harding
Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding lost her battle with cancer on Sunday 5th September at the age of 39. Her mum Marie said: "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Many of you will know of Sarah's battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. She slipped away peacefully this morning. I'd like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. I know she won't want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that's how she can be remembered instead.
Michael K. Williams
American actor, Michael K. Williams, best known for his role in The Wire, was found dead at his New York apartment at the age of 54 in September.
His long-time representative Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR told The Hollywood Reporter: "It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss."
Erik Cowie
Erik Cowie, a zookeeper who appeared alongside the infamous Joe Exotic on Netflix's hit documentary series Tiger King, sadly died in September 2021, aged 53.
Willie Garson
Willie Garson, best known for his role as Stanford Blatch in sitcom Sex and The City, sadly passed away at the age of 57 in September, his son Nathan confirmed.
Willie had recently been filming for the brand new reboot of the show, titled And Just like That.
James Michael Tyler
US actor James Michael Tyler, best known for playing Gunther in Friends, sadly died in October. A statement from his manager said: "Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning.
"If you met him once you made a friend for life. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life."
Virgil Abloh
On 28th November the sad news was announced that American fashion designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh had passed away, two-years after his cancer diagnosis. Virgil was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection, as well as the chief executive officer of Off-White. Tributes poured in for the designer from celebrities all over the world.
Our thoughts are with all of the families and loved ones.