2016: Remembering the TV and Film Stars We Lost This Year

The past year has been a rollercoaster for the TV and film industry. Right from the offset, we were bombarded with bad news with regards to some of our most loved talent passing away.

Rather than dwell on the sadness of their passing, we thought it would be nice gesture to remember them for their talent and what they brought to our TV and cinema screens instead.

Alan Rickman

January saw the death of one of the most prolific actors of our time, Alan Rickman. With a smooth, soothing voice that was instantly recognisable, Alan was responsible for bringing some of the most complex, influential characters to life with ease.

Whether you enjoyed his portrayal of the sinister Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, the dastardly Hans Gruber in Die Hard or even the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves alongside Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood, we’re already missing his incredible acting.

With a prolific acting history spanning across both TV and film from 1978, Alan Rickman will forever be remembered for his dedication to the arts.

Garry Marshall

Although Garry Marshall is an American actor, he touched the lives of many here across the pond due to his involvement with the creating of the show Happy Days back in the 1970’s.

Although best known for his director role of Happy Days, Garry was also an actor himself, starring in many TV shows such as the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show and Murphy Brown, as well as providing voices for The Simpsons, too!

He was also involved in some blockbuster hits; his name appears on the directing credits of Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride and The Princess Bride.

Gene Wilder

Comic genius and actor Gene Wilder sadly left us this year, too after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. We wouldn’t like to pin down one single role, as there are too many characters that Gene played; he was never typecast into one single type of role.

He will, however, be most remembered for his portrayal of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka in Mel Stuart’s adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, beating Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan to the role.

He was also a huge part in Mel Brooks’ Western comedy Blazing Saddles which was released in the 1970’s.

Kenny Baker

Best known for his role as R2D2 in the Star Wars franchise, Kenny Baker was one of England’s acting treasures. He was selected by George Lucas himself to operate the prolific droid. Initially, Kenny turned down the role, but eventually agreed to it.

He also played the role of an Ewok named Paploo, who steals an imperial speeder bike, and was initially cast as Wicket, but became ill, leaving Warwick Davis to pick up that role.

Carrie Fisher

The Star Wars family took another hit just after Christmas as everyone’s favourite space princess, Carrie Fisher, sadly passed away following a heart attack. Her portrayal of Princess Leia is her most recognised role, but she also has a long history of other characters to her name.

Carrie was also a writer and producer, and her outlook on life and mental health will be sorely missed.

Debbie Reynolds

In a cruel twist of fate, Carrie Fisher’s mother Debbie Reynolds passed away the day after her daughter. She was an American actress most known for her role in Singing in the Rain, but was also a film historian and humanitarian.

She was an avid film lover, and collected a large amount of memorabilia over the years, amassing a huge 3,500 costumes, 20,000 photographs, and many more sketches and props.

Much like Carrie, she has a huge history on stage and screen, spanning back as far as 1948.

Victoria Wood

Comedienne Victoria Wood is one of the UK’s most creative, versatile personalities. She showcased her skills and talents both on screen and on stage, and was the start of many plays, musicals, sitcoms and live comedy shows.

Her most defining work is probably her collaboration with Julie Walters in Acorn Antiques, as well as her role in the sitcom Dinnerladies which aired in 1998.

She was awarded an OBE in 1997 for her contributions, and later appointed CBE in 2008.

David Bowie

Although Bowie was more well-known for his contributions to music, he was also an incredible actor, portraying a variety of roles both on stage and on screen, as well as lending his unique voice to many voice over parts.

He received the Saturn Award for Best Actor for his role in The Man Who Fell to Earth in 1976, but is probably most known for his roles in Labyrinth and more recently in Zoolander.

While we’re incredibly sad that all this talent has been taken away from us, we’re grateful that we have been able to share their journey on our screens.