Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2024 – in memoriam (2024)

"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.

“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

"The love and support from all her friends and fans during this cancer journey brought her enormous joy. It has also been a huge comfort to us, her family and close friends, thank you." - Family

"So hard to think of that great force and bright energy no longer in the world. My huge love to Ashley and family in their pain and loss." - Nigella Lawson

"This is a day i feared and knew was coming. Forget about how great she was as an actress and comedienne. she was a wonderful woman. not just great to work with but great to be around. AND go back and watch her comedic work – Man, was she great!! RIP girl.” - Mr Mom co-star Michael Keaton

"Oh man, this is devastating. Teri was a legend. So funny, so beautiful, so kind. I had the honor of working with her in 2006 and she was everything I dreamed she would be. Truly one of my comedy heroes. I couldn’t have loved her more. This is such a loss." - Paul Feig

"The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx." - Dermot O'Leary

"So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend" - Paris Hilton

"We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time." - BRIT Awards

"We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans." - MTV

"It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold … and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.” - John's son Kelly Christopher Amos

"This one hits different. My condolences go out to the family of a true legend, John Amos." - Martin Lawrence

"The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.

"In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I'd written for the film's main love theme, 'Evergreen.'

"For my latest concert in 2019 at London's Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, 'Lost Inside Of You.' He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.

My thoughts go to Kris' wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible." – Barbra Streisand

"What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly." – Dolly Parton

"An epic human with the biggest heart you will be so, so missed. rest easy, my friend." – LeAnn Rimes

"It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time." – Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, her children.

"#RIP dad." - Mark Hamill

"James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us...friends and fans alike.” - George Lucas

"One of the most iconic voices and will always be remembered. I had the most difficult task to follow him in the new series of Gladiators and watching him keep the Gladiators within the rules will always be with me!! Rest in peace legend!!" - Mark Clattenburg

"He was the best. He knew how to make us laugh and get mad toooo. Best memories."

"Our hearts go out to his friends and family. John will forever be remembered as the iconic voice that brought us 'Gladiators Ready! Contenders Ready!'." - Official Gladiators Instagram

"Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy." - Judd Apatow

"Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I’ll always remember when he hosted SNL and did a stellar show. He was, as you might expect, a joy to work with. May his memory be a blessing." - SNL's Al Franken