Looking back at notable figures we lost in 2023

The year 2023 has entered its final phase with bitter and sweet memories. We witnessed many nationally renowned personalities in various fields who left us.

As 2023 approaches its conclusion, let’s reflect on the notable individuals around the world who bid farewell during this year. Among these departed personalities are people from religion, politics, journalism, business, sports, and show business. Here is a look back at all the Pakistani stars and famous personalities who passed away this year.

1) Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry who rose to worldwide fame playing Chandler Bing in the 1990s sitcom ‘Friends’ died this October by drowning in his house’s washroom.

Following his death at the age of 54, a foundation to “honour his legacy” and help others “struggling with the disease of addiction” was set up in his name. 

2) Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher, the Emmy award-winning actor best known for playing Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Detective Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street, died December 11 following a brief illness. He was 61.

3) Lisa Marie Presley

As the only child of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Lisa Marie Presley died aged 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California, with her mother Priscilla describing her as “the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known”.

She went on to have her own career in the spotlight, scoring two US Top 10 albums, and was famously married to both Michael Jackson and Nicholas Cage. But her life was beset by tragedy, including the loss of her son in 2020.

4) Lance Reddick

Actor Lance Reddick was best known for his role in the crime drama The Wire, which ran for five seasons between 2002 and 2008 and was set in his hometown of Baltimore.

He also starred in the John Wick movie franchise alongside star Keanu Reeves, and voiced Commander Zavala in the Destiny game series. He died suddenly at the age of 60, with his family and The Wire co-stars leading the tributes to “a man of great strength and grace”.

5) Tina Turner

Tina Turner was the Queen of Rock’n’Roll, the star with the electric stage presence and one of the greatest voices of the last few decades.

She rose to fame in the 1960s alongside ex-husband Ike Turner, with the classics River Deep, Mountain High, Proud Mary, and Nutbush City Limits among their hits.

She died aged 83 at her home in Switzerland, with stars including Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John and Diana Ross paying tribute to a “total legend on record and on stage”.

6) Angus Cloud

Euphoria star Angus Cloud was best known for playing Fezco opposite Zendaya in the hit HBO drama show.

He was scouted for the role while working in a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Following his death from an accidental overdose at the age of 25, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson described the actor as special, talented and “way too young to leave us so soon”.

7) Michael Gambon

Sir Michael Gambon was one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier in the 1960s, and starred in films including The King’s Speech, Gosford Park and Paddington throughout his lengthy career in entertainment.

Following his death at the age of 82, fans of the story were encouraged to raise their wands in his honour.

8) Kenny DeForest

Kenny DeForest, a stand-up comedian best known for appearances on late-night talk shows, died on December 13 at age 37 after being struck by a car while riding an e-bike 

His first stand-up album, B.A.D. Dreams, debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in 2017, and he released a second comedy album, Don’t You Know Who I Am?, in August.

9) Tyler Christopher

Tyler Christopher, the actor best known for his work on General Hospital, died from a cardiac event in San Diego at age 50 on October 31.

His first screen role came when he joined GH in 1996 as Nikolas Cassadine. The actor left the daytime drama in 1999 to pursue other projects but returned in 2003.

10) David McCallum

David McCallum, the Scottish actor best known for his role on NCIS, died of natural causes at age 90 on September 25. His breakout role was on the espionage series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., in which he played the Russian secret agent Illya Kuryakin, the partner of Robert Vaughn’s American Napoleon Solo.

McCallum went on to appear in films such as The Great Escape, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Freud, and A Night to Remember.

McCallum is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine, as well as his four children and his eight grandchildren.