Christmas is the time of the year when people come together to celebrate over dinner and around the tree.
However, it is also a time to reflect on the past year and take stock of what we have.
Over the past year, we’ve said goodbye to many famous faces – let’s look back on some we have lost.
Liam Payne
The singer and former One Direction member died in October aged 31 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
His death came as a shock to many, with Payne surviving his parents, two siblings, and seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with his ex Cheryl Cole.
Shannen Doherty
The actress died in July at the age of 53 after an almost 10-year battle with breast cancer.
She was best known for playing Brenda in the 1990s teenage drama Beverly Hills 90210 and Prue Halliwell in Charmed.
Quincy Jones
The 28-time Grammy-winning music producer and composer died surrounded by family in his home at the age of 91 in November.
His vast legacy includes producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, working on the iconic version of Fly Me To The Moon with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and many more hit songs.
Kris Kristofferson
The actor and music legend died in September at the age of 88. Representatives at the time said he went “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii.
Kristofferson was best known for his country music, having received three Grammy awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also graced the big screen and many will remember him as John Norman Howard in the A Star Is Born adaptation with Barbra Streisand.
Maggie Smith
The two-time Oscar-winner died in hospital at the age of 89 in September.
The actress, born in 1934, began her career on stage as a teenager and kept working prominently, including in more modern productions such as the Harry Potter franchise and Downton Abbey.
Tito Jackson
Michael Jackson’s brother and ex-Jackson 5 member Tito died in September from a suspected heart attack at the age of 70.
He was the least-heard member of the hit family group, mainly singing background and playing guitar. He is survived by his three sons: Taj, Taryll, and TJ, and nine grandchildren.
Martin Mull
Martin Mull was introduced to a new generation when he took on the roles of Principal Willard Kraft in Sabrina the Teenage Witch as well as Leon Carp in Roseanne.
However, he made his name in the 1970s, playing Garth Gimble in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
The American actor and comedian passed away on June 29, aged 80, after what was described as a “valiant fight against a long illness” by his daughter Maggie Mull.
Donald Sutherland
The actor, best known for his roles in MASH and The Hunger Games, died aged 88 following a “long illness” in June.
He had a legacy for playing both heroes and villains and starred in some of the biggest films of the 1970s. The Canadian actor is also the father of Emmy-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland.
Michael Mosley
The celebrity doctor went missing while on holiday in Greece in June of this year and his body was later tragically found after a four-day search. Police confirmed that the 67-year-old had died from heat exhaustion after “sitting down and losing consciousness”.
The health guru was known for pushing his body to extreme lengths in the name of science, and presenting popular TV shows like Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.
Chance Perdomo
The British-American actor died in a motorbike accident aged 27 in March.
He was best known for the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and BBC Three drama Killed by My Debt.
OJ Simpson
Disgraced former NFL player OJ Simpson died in April after a long battle with cancer.
His family announced his passing on April 10 on X.
They said: "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”
Simpson’s life was marred with controversy, most notably the trial of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1995, for which he was sensationally acquitted, but then found guilty after a civil trial.
M Emmet Walsh
The US actor died from a cardiac arrest in March aged 88. During his six-decade career, he starred in films including Blade Runner and Blood Simple.
More recently, he starred alongside Daniel Craig in the murder-mystery comedy Knives Out.
Richard Lewis
The stand-up comedian and actor died from a heart attack in February aged 76. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s diseases a year earlier.
Although Comedy Central named Lewis as one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time, younger generations may recognise him best from Larry David’s show Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Carl Weathers
The Hollywood actor died peacefully in his sleep aged 76 back in February.
He was best known for starring in Rocky, Predator and The Mandalorian, but prior to these had a career as an American football player.
Steve Wright
The BBC DJ died as a result of a ruptured stomach ulcer in February at the age of 69.
The radio personality presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades and was known for pioneering the “zoo” format on British airwaves.
Jonnie Irwin
The A Place in the Sun presenter died in February aged 50 after battling lung cancer for two years.
In a message posted online, his family said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage."
Derek Draper
Derek Draper, the political lobbyist and psychotherapist, died on January 3 after a long battle with complications from Covid-19.
The husband of Kate Garraway, Draper died aged 56 after contracting coronavirus four years prior.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
David Soul
The year began on a sad note for Starsky and Hutch fans as it was announced that David Soul had died on January 4, aged 80.
The British-American actor and singer’s wife said: “David Soul – beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother – died yesterday after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.”
