With deep sorrow, we announce the death of a famous “ Little People, Big World” star – “Farewell, you shining star…
2024 has already seen us say farewell to some famous faces from the world of entertainment and beyond. Here, we pay tribute to stars and celebrities of TV, film and beyond, along with the words of their friends, colleagues and loved ones – gone but never forgotten.
BBCJohnnie Walker – BBC Radio 2 presenter – died December 31, aged 79
“Johnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2. No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.” – Tim Davie, BBC Director General
“Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend. He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week. He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply. Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won’t be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.” – Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2
“I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. And if I may say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.” – Tiggy Walker
“So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.” – Ken Bruce
Cindy Ord//Getty ImagesJosé de la Torre – actor known for starring in Netflix’s Toy Boy – died December 5, aged 37
José de la Torre, who played Iván in Netflix’s Spanish-language drama Toy Boy has died aged 37.
Timothy West – actor known for his roles in EastEnders and Coronation Street – died November 12, aged 90.
Matt Cardy//Getty Images“After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly. We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days.” – Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West
Leon Bennett/Getty ImagesTony Todd – actor who appeared in Final Destination and Candyman – died November 6, aged 69
“My beloved. May you rest in power sweet to the sweet in heaven. The great actor Tony Todd has left us and now is an angel.
“A truly poetic man. A voice that made it easy to swoon. Thanks to Bernard Rose, we really created a gothic romance. It’s why the film lives on. A gentle soul with a deep knowledge of the arts. He enjoyed the fans and was never shy when it came to fans approaching, wanting photos. A rare actor who allowed himself to be open to the public attention. I will miss him so much and hope he haunts me once in a while.” – Virginia Madsen, Candyman co-star.
“The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, -Your Final Destination Family.” – New Line Cinema.
Dave Benett//Getty ImagesTrevor Sorbie – celebrity hairstylist – died November 8, aged 75
“It is with heartfelt emotion that we share the passing of our esteemed founder, Trevor Sorbie MBE. Trevor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side. Trevor’s journey, marked by unparalleled creativity and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond.” – Trevor Sorbie salon
BBCJune Spencer – known for playing Peggy in The Archers – died November 8, aged 105
“June Spencer, aged 105, best known for playing Peggy in BBC Radio 4 The Archers, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of this morning. Her family would like to pay particular tribute and thanks to the staff team at Liberham Lodge, who so lovingly cared for her in the last two years.” – family statement
“June Spencer has been a longstanding presence and companion for Radio 4 listeners during her exceptional run on The Archers. Many have grown up with June as Peggy and listened as she journeyed through life’s many chapters, with all of its ups and downs.
“In her later years, her portrayal of a devoted wife caring for a husband with Dementia, including their very moving final goodbye, was deeply poignant and powerful radio. We send all our love and condolences to June’s family and the many people whose lives she touched.” – Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4
“Working with June was like working with a legend, and has been one of the great privileges of my time at the BBC. Here was this person, immaculately dressed and sitting bolt upright in the Green Room at BBC Birmingham, script at the ready, all meticulously marked up with little pencil squiggles and dashes like musical notation, who had been in the first ever episode of the Archers back in 1951.
“June Spencer wasn’t just a brilliant Peggy Woolley, the ultimate matriarch of Ambridge, but a brilliant actress.” – Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers
