Celebrities We Said Goodbye To in 2023

Terry Venables

Former England player and manager Terry Venables passed away in November aged 80.

Venables began his playing career as a midfielder with Chelsea in the 1960s, earning a reputation for his skillful play and tactical awareness.

After his playing days, Venables transitioned seamlessly into coaching and management. He achieved significant success as the manager of Queens Park Rangers in the late 1980s, guiding the team to promotion to the top flight of English football. His managerial prowess continued as he took charge of Barcelona in the early 1990s, leading the Catalan club to domestic and European success.

One of the highlights of Venables’ managerial career came when he took the helm of the England national team in the mid-1990s. Under his guidance, England reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 1996 tournament, held on home soil, capturing the hearts of the nation with their memorable performances.

Terry Venables will not only remembered for his on-field and managerial achievements but also for his charismatic personality and tactical innovations. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the footballing world, solidifying his status as one of England’s most respected football figures.

Barry Humphries

Comedian, actor, satirist, and author Barry Humphries, best known for creating the iconic character Dame Edna Everage, passed away in April aged 89.

Humphries began his career in the 1950s, gaining recognition for his wit and comedic timing. As Dame Edna, he achieved international fame, becoming a symbol of Australian humor. The character’s success extended beyond the stage to television and film, making Humphries a household name.

Beyond Dame Edna, Barry Humphries displayed his diverse talents through various one-man shows, theatrical productions, and film roles.

Throughout his career, Humphries garnered accolades, including awards for his contributions to the arts.

Sir Bobby Charlton

Legendary English footballer Sir Bobby Charlton died in October aged 86.

Charlton’s illustrious career, primarily spent at Manchester United, began in the youth ranks, and he made his first-team debut in 1956.

A prolific attacking midfielder, Charlton played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s success during the 1950s and 1960s, notably winning the Football League First Division title in 1957 and 1965. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field earned him widespread acclaim.

Internationally, Charlton played a key role in England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, scoring crucial goals and earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or that same year. His distinguished career also saw him represent England in four World Cups.

His impact on English football and his enduring legacy as a sports icon make Sir Bobby Charlton a true legend in the beautiful game.

Benjamin Zephaniah

Renowned British poet, writer, and musician Benjamin Zephaniah, passed away in December at the age of 65.

Raised in Birmingham, England, Zephaniah faced early struggles with the education system and eventually dropped out of school at the age of 13. Despite this, he discovered his love for poetry and began performing in local pubs and clubs.

Zephaniah’s unique style blends reggae, spoken word, and traditional poetry, making him a distinctive voice in the literary and music scenes. His debut poetry collection, Pen Rhythm, was published in 1980, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Over the years, he released numerous poetry collections, novels, and albums, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to tackle complex issues with wit and passion.

A committed activist, Zephaniah uses his platform to advocate for human rights, animal rights, and environmental issues. He received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including being named one of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers by The Times.

Russell Norman

British restaurateur, chef, teacher and author Russell Norman passed away in November aged 57.

Raised in London, Norman’s gastronomic journey began in the late 1990s when he opened his first restaurant, Polpo, in Soho in 2009. The establishment quickly garnered acclaim for its unique take on Venetian small plates, introducing Londoners to the conviviality of Italian cicchetti dining.

Norman’s culinary prowess extended beyond the kitchen; he was a charismatic entrepreneur and author. His critically acclaimed cookbook, Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts), not only showcased his culinary expertise but also provided readers with insights into the cultural nuances of Venetian dining.

His impact on the culinary world extended beyond his restaurants as he became a respected figure in the industry, contributing to the evolution of British dining.

Alistair Darling

Former British politician Alistair Darling passed away in November aged 70.

Hailing from London, Darling’s political journey began in the Labour Party, where he demonstrated his dedication to public service and economic policy.

Darling’s career reached new heights when he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh Central in 1987. Over the years, he held various ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Social Security and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

However, it was during the global financial crisis of 2008 that Alistair Darling faced one of his most significant challenges. As Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he played a crucial role in steering the UK through the economic turmoil.