Losses of 2023: top celebrities who died this year

The Independent has compiled a list of celebrity losses in the past year.

Among the losses at the start of the year were legendary guitarist Jeff Beck and Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley. Later on we were left with Friends actor Matthew Perry and The Pogues frontman Shane McGowan. Gina Lollobrigida and Tina Turner also left the world this year.

Gangsta Boo, former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White and actor Earl Boen, known for his role in the Terminator franchise, died in January.

In February, composer Burt Bacharach, creator of classic pop songs including "I Say A Little Prayer" and "Walk On By," passed away.

Among those who passed away was Raquel Welch, a Hollywood film star who appeared in 30 films and numerous television series over more than 50 years. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in The Three Musketeers in 1975. Raquel passed away at the age of 82 after a short illness.

David Jude Jolicoeur, known as Trugoy the Dove from the band De La Soul, also passed away in 2023. The group was recognised as one of the most innovative in rap history and their debut album, 3 Feet High And Rising, was critically acclaimed.

Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the UK House of Commons, died aged 93. She made a significant contribution to politics, working with John F Kennedy and other famous politicians.

Other celebrities whose deaths overshadowed 2023 included John Motson, legendary sports commentator, fashion designer Paco Rabanne, Chariots of Fire director Hugh Hudson, Sports World host Dickie Davis, The Walking Dead series actor Jansen Panettiere and American financier Thomas H. Lee.

In March 2023, the world said goodbye to Paul O'Grady, a famous TV presenter and comedian who became famous for his drag queen character Lily Savage. He passed away at the age of 67.

Pulp bassist Steve Mackie died in 2023, as did famous astrologer Mystic Meg (Margaret Lake).

These and many other celebrities have left their indelible mark on history, and their work will live on in the memories of fans for years to come.