Trigger Warning: This article deals with the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
Each new year, perhaps with the exception of 2020, brings new adventures and experiences.
There are memorable moments, standout news stories and exciting unveilings that become synonymous with the era in which they took place.
WATCH: Prince Harry walks with Kate Middleton after Prince Philip’s funeral
For all the highlights, however, come equally dark moments; moments that give us pause, frighten us and bring a unanimous sorrow.
The passing of a celebrity is one of those moments that can stay with us forever – recalling where we were and who we were with when we learnt of the sad news.
We’re recounting all those who have passed in 2021, below.
Friends star James Michael Tyler, who was best known for his role as Gunther, has passed away at the age of 59.
TMZ broke the news and revealed that the actor passed away peacefully Sunday morning at his home in L.A. after battling stage 4 prostate cancer.
“The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh “Friend”), from the hit series “Friends,” but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband,” a statement released by his family said.
“Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures. If you met him once you made a friend for life.”
Willie Garson
Sex And The City’s Willie Garson, best known for his role as Carrie Bradshaw’s close friend Stanford Blatch in the hit 90s series died in September following a cancer battle. The 57-year-old was due to appear in the Sex and the City reboot, titled And Just Like That which had kicked off filming in June and he was last spotted on set in July.
John ‘Strop’ Cornell
John ‘Strop’ Cornell has sadly passed away aged 80 after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s.
The close friend of Paul Hogan appeared alongside the star on the Paul Hogan Show as well as helping to produce hist most acclaimed film, Crocodile Dundee.
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, he passed at his home in Byron Bay surrounded by family.
David Leckie
TV executive David Leckie, known for his work at Nine and Seven Networks, has passed away at age 70.
Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur learnt of the news while hosting The Morning Show, with Kylie breaking down in tears.
“A real titan of our business,” Larry said. ‘Boy, has that man left a mark in the business. That will affect the entire industry today across all networks.”
“And much love to Skye, and much love to the boys. And of course to the whole TV family,” added Kylie.
Geoffrey Edelsten
The eccentric businessman was found dead in his Melbourne apartment on Friday June 11, aged 78.
Carla Zampatti
Celebrated Australian designer Carla Zampatti, 78, passed away in April having succumb to her injuries from a fall at the gala premiere of La Traviata on Sydney Harbour.
Prince Philip
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, passed away just months shy of his 100th birthday on April 9th.
Denis Sheridan
Adelaide crooner and father to Packed To The Rafters’ star Hugh Sheridan, Denis, lost his battle with cancer aged 76.
Larry King
Iconic talk show host Larry King died on January 22 after he contracted COVID-19.
Kevin Clark
Former child star, known for his role as Freddy in School of Rock, Kevin Clark tragically died when he was hit by a car while riding his bike. He was just 32.
Brian Henderson
Australia’s longest serving news presenter, known best for hosting Channel Nine’s Sydney weeknight news from 1957 until 2002, passed away age 89.
An inductee of the TV WEEK Logies Hall of Fame and a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to TV news, entertainment and journalism, Brian’s legacy is incredible.
Francis Mossman
New Zealand soap Shortland Street star Francis Mossman tragically died at the age of 33.
The news of his passing broke via several LGBTQI+ sites on Saturday, however details around what led to the heartbreaking event remain unclear.
Tiger King’s Jeff Johnson
The former reptile dealer who appeared on season one of Netflix’s Tiger King tragically died by suicide at age 58.
News of his passing broke on November 23rd, with reports saying that he had an argument with his wife prior to taking his own life.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
