Celebrity deaths 2021: Stars we’ve lost from Prince Philip to Paul Ritter
| Published date | 04 January 2021 |
Saying goodbye to our heroes and stars we admire is never easy, and it’s important to take a moment to remember them.
They leave behind a legacy which will never be forgotten by friends, families and fans, and their contributions to the world will be enjoyed for years to come.
Here we remember the incredible stars who have passed away so far in 2021.
April
Joseph Siravo
The Sopranos actor Joseph Siravo died at the age of 64 on April 11 following a battle with cancer.
Joe had a number of impressive acting credits to his name, including his role as Tony Soprano’s dad.
He also had roles on the big screen, landing parts in films such as Jennifer Lopez's Maid in Manhattan, and animated films Shark Tale and The Wild.
Joe also had some theatre credits under his belt, appearing in the first ever Jersey Boys national tour, more than 2000 performances as Angelo DeCarlo.
He also starred in Broadway shows Conversations with My Father, The Boys from Syracuse, The Light in the Piazza and Oslo.
Nikki Grahame
Big Brother Legend Nikki Grahame died at the age of 38 on April 9 after a long battle with anorexia.
The TV legend shot to fame in 2006 when she took part in Big Brother 7 alongside Aisleyne Horgan Wallace and Pete Bennett.
Throughout her life, Nikki had battled insecurities and an eating disorder.
She was very candid about her relationship with food and bravely opened up about her struggles in 2009's Dying To Be Thin and later Fragile in 2012.
It is understood Nikki was receiving treatment at a private hospital when she passed away.
Prince Philip
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, sadly passed away on April 6, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
In a statement, the Palace confirmed: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.
"Further announcements will be made in due course."
James Hampton
Teen Wolf star James Hampton died aged 84 on April 7 from complications from his battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
His final acting credit dating back to 2016, Hampton spent his twilight years coaching acting students in his hometown of Fort Worth in Texas.
Over the span of his career, Hampton was praised for his talent, earning a Golden Globe nomination in 1975 for the Most Promising Newcomer thanks to his role in The Longest Yard.
Hampton appeared in tens of films and TV shows over the course of his career, but his most notable role was of Harold Howard in the 1985 hit fantasy film Teen Wolf.
Walter Olkewicz
Twin Peaks actor Walter Olkewicz died aged 72 on April 6.
For the past two decades he had struggled with a series of health issues including issues with his joints.
Olkewicz had multiple knee operations which resulted in infection leading to him to become bedridden.
This forced him to halt his acting career.
During his long career, he appeared in Steven Spielberg's 1941 and Joel Schumacher's 1994 hit The Client.
He also had impressive roles on the small screens, including in Gary David Goldberg's The Last Resort and in NBC's Partners in Crime.
Paul Ritter
Actor Paul Ritter died from a brain tumour aged 54 on April 5.
Paul starred in all six series of Friday Night Dinner, and he was due to appear in the 10th anniversary special later this year.
As well as being well-known for his role of Martin Goodman, he also starred in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as wizard Eldred Worple.
Paul also starred alongside Daniel Craig in James Bond Quantum of Solace.
As well as receiving praise for his stints on the silver screen, he enjoyed critical acclaim for his stage work, including Coram Boy.
March
Jessica Walter
Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter died aged 80 on March 24.
Jessica was well known for playing the formidable Lucille Bluth on comedy series Arrested Development.
She was loved by many and enjoyed an incredible acting career which spanned over five decades.
Jessica starred in numerous television shows, including Murder, She Wrote, Babylon 5, Three’s A Crowd, The Magician and also had a cameo in The Big Bang Theory.
She won her first Emmy for her incredible performance in Ironside spin-off Amy Prentiss.
George Segal
George Segal passed away on March 23 aged 87 due to “complications from bypass surgery”.
Fan will recognise him as Albert “Pops” Solomon on all eight seasons of ABC sitcom The Goldbergs.
He also famously starred opposite Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1967's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting...
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