In memoriam: Paying tribute to the stars and royals we have sadly lost in 2022

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie passed away in December, 2022 at 71 years of age surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer that was only recently discovered.

She was commonly known for her role in Cheers, It Takes Two and Look Who’s Talking and various other popular movies from the 90s.

A statement from her children, Lillie Parker and True read: “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an ever more amazing mother and grandmother.’

“Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did. We thank you for you love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Bob McGrath

Bob sadly passed away in December, 2022 at the age of 90.

In a statement posted by his family on Facebook, it read: “Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.”

He was one of the original cast members in the beloved children’s television series Sesame Street. His character, also named Bob, featured on 460 episodes until 2017.

Leslie Jordan

Beloved television actor Leslie Jordan tragically passed away at age 67 in October 2022.

During the pandemic lockdown, he became a social media icon, but he was more commonly known for his roles in Will & Grace, Hearts Afire, Murphy Brown and American Horror Story.

According to the New York Post, Jordan suffered a medical emergency while driving.

Jordan’s manager told the tabloid: “The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times.”

Angela Lansbury

Actress Angela Lansbury passed away in mid-October, just five days before her 97th birthday. She was best known for her role as Jessica Fletcher in the TV series Murder, She Wrote.

“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1.30am, Tuesday 11 October 2022,” it said in a statement from her family.

“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine and Ian, plus five great grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury.”

John Hamblin

Beloved Play School presenter John Hamblin died in late September aged 87. He starred on the show for more than 30 years, appearing in over 350 episodes of the children’s show.

“John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and wit helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs,” ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist Jennifer Collins said in a statement following his death.

“John had a wicked sense of humour and was not afraid of a double-entendre. His presence always managed to keep both our toddler target audience and their parents equally engaged with the show. I would like to extend my condolences to John’s family at this sad time.”

The Queen

The world was in mourning at the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 aged 96. Her Majesty peacefully passed away at Balmoral with all her children at her side.

The announcement came via a short, 26-word statement released by Buckingham Palace. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” it read.

Olivia Newton-John

Legendary Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John tragically passed away in 2022 after a long battle with cancer. The 73-year-old reportedly died in the early hours of August 9 (Australian time) at her ranch in Southern California.

Her husband John Easterling, confirmed the news in a post to social media, saying that Olivia was “a symbol of triumps and hope”. Olivia also left behind her 34-year-old daughter Chloe Lattanzi.

Judith Durham

In August 2022, lead singer of The Seekers Judith Durham died aged 79.

The Australian singer passed away in palliative care in Melbourne following complications from chronic lung disease.

In light of the news, Athol Guy, Bruce Woodley and Keith Potger, the surviving Seekers’ bandmates, shared a moving statement, describing Judith as a “treasured lifelong friend and shining star”.

In a statement, Athol Guy said that “her struggle was intense and heroic, never complaining of her destiny and fully accepting its conclusion. Her magnificent musical legacy Keith, Bruce and I are so blessed to share”.

Yvette Mooney

Beloved former Channel Seven newsreader Yvette Mooney passed away on June 11 following a long battle with cancer. The 58-year-old, who began her journalism career with Seven News in 1984, fought cancer for 16 years before passing surrounded by family.

“Our hearts are broken but our precious angel Vetti is at peace after a long battle with cancer,” her heartbroken family said in a statement. “Her grace and courage was an inspiration. Yvette’s beautiful heart, kindness, wisdom, that gorgeous smile enriched our lives.”

Yvette, who is survived by her husband Phil and son Andre, was spent two decades on TV screens in Perth for Channel Seven.

Tom Parker: 1988-2022

After rising to fame with British-Irish boy band The Wanted, Tom died after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, aged 33.

His wife and mother of his two children Kelsey confirmed the news on Instagram writing: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side. Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.

“We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you.”

Shane Warne: 1969-2022

The cricketing legend passed away on March 4 from a suspected heart attack while on a trip in Thailand with some friends.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa, and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” read a statement from his management.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”

Shane, who was farewelled at the Melbournce Cricket Ground with a state memorial service, is survived by his three children, son Jackson, 22, and daughters Summer, 20 and Brooke, 24.

Bob Saget: 1956-2022

Bob’s death at age 65 was sadly announced by the Orange County Sheriff’s office on January 10 via Twitter after being found unresponsive in a Ritz Carlton hotel room. Reports outlined that his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear.

“Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. The man was identified as Robert Saget & pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case,” the tweet read.

Bob was known best for playing Danny Tanner on the 80s sitcom Full House, a role he resurrected for the Netflix reboot Fuller House.

The actor is survived by his wife Kelly Rizzo and his children from his first wife, Sherri Kramer, Audrey, Lara, and Jennifer.

Sidney Poitier: 1927-2022

Groundbreaking actor Sidney Poitier passed away aged 94 on January 6 in his Los Angeles home. The icon who was the first black actor to win an Academy Award was remembered by his family in a statement that read: “Sadness that he would no longer be here to tell him how much he means to us, but celebration that he did so much to show the world that those from the humblest beginnings can change the world and that we gave him his flowers while he was with us.

“We have lost an icon. A hero, a mentor, a fighter, a national treasure.”

Former United States President Barak Obama, who honoured Sidney with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 also shared a statement dedicated to the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner star.

“Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomised dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together. He also opened doors for a generation of actors. Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans,” he tweeted.

Sidney is survived by his six children.

Betty White: 1922-2021

The world said goodbye to the icon that is Betty on New Year’s Eve 2021 (New Year’s Day in Australia) at 99-years-old, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

The Golden Girls star’s cause of death was confirmed on Monday, January 11, when it was revealed she died from a cerebrovascular accident – better known as a stroke. According to her death certificate, Betty suffered a stroke six days before she died.

When news of her death first broke, Betty’s agent Jeff Witjas’ said in a statement: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.

“I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”

Mourners around the world shared tributes to the star, who was a constant on our screens, with celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Viola Davis, and Debra Messing tweeting messages of condolences.