Every Christmas I put together a tribute to those we have lost and will miss in the preceding year. Here is a list of some of the more famous and or recognisable celebrities who have passed, together with an acknowledgement of their contribution to the world and their impact on our lives. I have added in some questions and music clips to make the session more interactive.
As you work through the rounds, ask members if they recognise the faces and if they can name them. Give first names as clues.
Part 1. Stage & Screen
Matthew Perry, 19 August 1969 - 28 October 2023 (aged 54)
Matthew Perry was an American and Canadian actor. He gained fame for starring as Chandler Bing in the NBC television sitcom 'Friends'. Perry also appeared on 'Ally McBeal' and received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performances in 'The West Wing' and 'The Ron Clark Story'. Matthew Perry was also an advocate for improved addition services.
Q1. What was the name of the coffee shop in 'Friends'?
Here is the TV intro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-HbHCcK58
Joss Ackland, 29 February 1928 - 19 November 2023 (aged 95)
Joss Ackland was a prolific stage and screen actor. He played a villain in the 1988 movie 'Lethal Weapon 2', starred as C.S. Lewis in the TV drama 'Shadowlands' and earned a British Academy Film Awards nomination for 'White Mischief' (1987), a drama set in colonial Kenya. But Mr. Ackland’s true home was the London stage.
Q2. What chronicles did C.S. Lewis write?
David McCallum, 19 September 1933 – 25 September 2023 (aged 90)
David McCallum was a Scottish actor and musician. He gained wide recognition in the 1960s for playing secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television series 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' and as Daniel Westling in 'The Invisible Man'. His other notable television roles included 'Colditz' and 'Sapphire & Steel'. On film, David McCallum notably appeared in 'The Great Escape' (1963).
Q3. What character did Robert Vaughn play in 'The Man From Uncle'?
Here is the TV intro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM5gbwUrIgw
Ryan O'Neal, 20 April 1941 - 8 December 2023 (aged 82)
Ryan O'Neal was an American actor and former boxer. He trained as an amateur boxer before beginning his career in acting in 1960. In 1964, he landed the role of Rodney Harrington on the ABC nighttime soap opera 'Peyton Place'. It was an instant hit and boosted Ryan O'Neal's career. He later found success in films, most notably 'Love Story' (1970), for which he received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations as 'Best Actor'. Other films he starred in included 'What's Up Doc?' (1972), 'Paper Moon' (1973) and 'Barry Lyndon' (1975).
Q4. Who did he star alongside in 'Love Story'?
Here is the movie trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaerrHgfKWE
Michael Gambon KBE, 19 October 1940 - 27 September 2023
Dublin-born actor renowned for his work on stage and screen, Sir Michael Gambon played the title character in Dennis Potter’s TV play 'The Singing Detective' and starred as 'Albus Dumbledore', headmaster of Hogwarts, in the Harry Potter films. Over his six-decade-long career, he received three Olivier Awards and four BAFTA TV Awards. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.
Q5. What platform at King's Cross station did the 'Hogwart's Express' run from?
Sylvia Syms OBE, 6 January 1934 - 27 January 2023 (aged 89)
Sylvia Sims was a British actress whose first starring role was in the 1958 war film 'Ice Cold in Alex'. Later, she appeared in TV shows such as 'Peak Practice' and 'EastEnders', and in 1991 played the former prime minister in ITV’s 'Thatcher: The Final Days'.
Q6. Which lager did this clip from 'Ice Cold In Alex' advertise?
Here is that advert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsqZDl99PNk
Raquel Welch, 5 September 1940 - 15 February 2023 (aged 82)
Raquel Welch was a US actress who catapulted to fame after starring as a bikini-clad cave woman in the 1966 film 'One Million Years BC'. Her status as a sex symbol sometimes overshadowed her talent as an actress, but she won a Golden Globe for 'The Three Musketeers' and demonstrated her comedic flair in TV programmes such as The Muppet Show and Seinfeld.
Q7. What is this flying dinosaur called?
Gina Lollibrigida, 4 July 1927 - 16 January 2023 (aged 95)
Luigia "Gina" Lollobrigida was an Italian actress, model, photojournalist, artist and politician. She was one of the highest-profile European actresses of the 1950s and 1960s, a period during which she was an international sex symbol. Her performance in The World's Most Beautiful Woman (also known as Beautiful But Dangerous, 1955) led to her receiving the first David di Donatello for Best Actress award. In this movie Lollobrigida played Italian soprano Lina Cavalieri and sang all the songs in the movie in her own voice, including arias from 'Tosca'. Nicknamed La Lollo, she was one of the last surviving icons of the glory days of film, who Bogart said "made Marilyn Monroe look like Shirley Temple".
Q8. Who composed and wrote the opera 'Tosca'?
Here she is singing 'La Spagnola' in 1955 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwIqLB8h2R8
Chaim Topol, 9 September 1935 - 8 March 2023
Topol was an Israeli actor, singer, and illustrator. He is best known for his portrayal of Tevye, the lead role in the stage musical 'Fiddler On The Roof' and the 1971 film adaptation, performing this role more than 3,500 times from 1967 through 2009.
Q9. What is the stand out song from the musical 'Fiddler On The Roof'?
Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc
Richard Roundtree, July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023 (aged 81)
Considered as the first black action hero, Richard Roundtree was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film 'Shaft' and four of its sequels, as well as the eponymous television series (1973–1974).
Q10. What skill or art was used to shape this round tree?
Here is the movie theme by Isaac Hayes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vm6wpucym8
Part 2. Entertainment
Mike Yarwood OBE, 14 June 1941 - 8 September 2023 (aged 82)
Michael Yarwood was an English impressionist, comedian and actor. He was one of Britain's top-rated entertainers, regularly appearing on television from the 1960s to the 1980s. Yarwood's performance as Harold Wilson became his trademark. He also included Prince Charles as one of his regular impressions.
Q11. Which catchphrase would he say when he stopped the impressions and sang a song?
Paul O'Grady MBE, 14 June 1955 - 28 March 2023
Paul O'Grady was an English comedian of Irish parentage, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer. He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag persona Lily Savage, through which he gained wider popularity in the 1990s. Later he hosted shows such as 'Blankety Blank' and 'For The Love Of Dogs'.
Q12. Which British celebrity was his best friend?
Barry Humphries CBE, 17 February 1934 - 22 April 2023
Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, actor, author and satirist. He was best known for writing and playing his stage and television characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Humphries' characters brought him international renown. King Charles was a close personal friend.
Q13. Which flower did Dame Edna Everage throw to the audience at the end of every performance? Here they are ...
Len Goodman, 25 April 1944 – 22 April 2023 (aged 78)
Len Goodman was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and dance competition adjudicator. He appeared as head judge on the UK television programme 'Strictly Come Dancing', where various celebrities compete for the glitter ball trophy, from its beginning in 2004 until 2016 and on the U.S. television programme 'Dancing with the Stars' from 2005 until 2022.
Q14. What was his favourite score?
Jerry Springer, 13 February 1934 - 27 April 2023 (aged 79)
erald Norman Springer was an American broadcaster, journalist, actor, producer, lawyer, and politician. Born in London during World War II to German Jewish refugees escaping the Holocaust, Springer was raised in Queens, New York City. He is most remembered for his chat show 'The Gerry Springer Show' and his life story was also made into a Broadway musical.
Q15. What type of dog is a 'Springer'?
Michael Parkinson CBE, 28 March 1935 - 16 August 2023 (aged 88)
Sir Michael Parkinson was an English television presenter, broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his television talk show 'Parkinson' from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007, as well as other talk shows and programmes both in the UK and internationally. His TV career spanned seven decades, and he interviewed the world's biggest stars on his long-running chat show.
Q16. Which 'bird' famously assaulted him in 1976?
Here is the clip - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=507951762911192
Part 3. News & Politics
Nigel Lawson, 11 March 1932 - 3 April 2023 (aged 91)
Nigel Lawson, Baron Lawson of Blaby, PC was a British politician and journalist. A member of the Conservative Party, he served as Member of Parliament for Blaby from 1974 to 1992, and served in Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet from 1981 to 1989
Q17. Who is his famous daughter?
Glenys Kinnock, 7 July 1944 - 3 December 2023 (aged 79)
Glenys Kinnock, Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, FRSA, was a British politician and teacher who served as Minister of State for Europe from June to October 2009 and Minister of State for Africa and the United Nations from 2009 to 2010. She was married to the former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.
Q18. Where did they famously get wet?
Here is the clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hddVgIQc_2c
Betty Boothroyd, 8 October 1929 - 26 February 2023 (aged 93)
Betty Boothroyd, Baroness Boothroyd, OM, PC was a British politician who served as a member of Parliament for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West from 1973 to 2000. A member of the Labour Party, she served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 1992 to 2000. She was the first woman to serve as Speaker.
Q19. Who is the Speaker currently?
Alistair Darling, 28 November 1953 - 30 November 2023
Alistair Darling, Baron Darling of Roulanish, PC was a British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2010. A member of the Labour Party, he was a member of Parliament from 1987 to 2015, representing Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh South West.
Q20. Which TV comedy series had a character named Captain Darling, played by Tim McInnerney?
George Alagiah OBE, 22 November 1955 - 24 July 2023 (aged 67)
George Alagiah was a British newsreader, journalist and television presenter. From 2007 until 2022, he was the presenter of the BBC News at Six, and also the main presenter of GMT on BBC World News from its launch in 2010 until 2014.
Q21. Name as many famous Georges as you can?
Glenda Jackson, 9 May 1936 - 15 June 2023
One of the UK’s most famous actresses, Glenda Jackson won two Oscars (and a much-loved 'Morecambe and Wise' guest spot), before switching careers to serve for many years as a Labour MP. In her final years she returned to acting, making a last film appearance in 'The Great Escaper', completed shortly before her death.
Q22. Which part did she play in 'Morecambe and Wise' in 1971?
Here is the clip - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1746611392038887
@christhebarker
Thanks to Chris Barker for permission to use this Sergeant Pepper like montage to honour those who have passed in 2023. Obviously I couldn't include everyone in my summary.
Anyways the next question is name the tree that vandals felled this year & where was it?
Part 4. Sport
John Motson OBE, 10 July 1945 - 23 February 2023 (aged 77)
John Motson was an English football commentator. Beginning as a television commentator with the BBC in 1971, he commentated on over 2000 games on television and radio. From the late 1970s to 2008, Motson was the dominant football commentary figure at the BBC, most notably on 'Match Of The Day'.
Q23. Gary Lineker is currently the host of 'Match Of The Day'. Which product does he advertise?
Dickie Davies, 22 January 1922 - 19 February 2023 (aged 94)
Dickie Davies was presenter of ITV’s Saturday sports programme 'World of Sport' from the 1960s until 1985. His bushy moustache and white-streaked hair made him one of the most recognisable - and impersonated - TV stars of the era.
Q24. Which TV sports presenter (with a big chin and beard) encouraged Richard to change his name to Dickie, making him a "double D", alongside the likes of Diana Dors and 'Double Diamond'?
Trevor Francis, 19 April 1954 - 24 July 2023 (aged 69)
Britain’s first £1m footballer, a feat he achieved in 1979 when he moved from Birmingham City to Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest. Trevor Francis also won 52 England caps, scoring 12 goals, before embarking on a managerial career.
Q25. What was Brian Clough's nickname?
Terry Venables, 6 January 1943 - 25 November 2023 (aged 80)
Terry Venables was a football manager who took England as far as a penalty shoot-out at the 1996 European Championship semi-finals. He also managed Barcelona and Tottenham. Earlier in life, he won two England caps as a player and made more than 500 club appearances, largely for Chelsea, QPR and Tottenham.
Q26. What was his nickname?
Bobby Charlton, 11 October 1937 - 21 October 2023 (aged 86)
Bobby Charlton was a footballing legend, viewed by some as England’s greatest-ever player. Charlton earned 106 caps playing for his country, most famously winning the 1966 World Cup final. During a 17-year first-team career with Manchester United, Sir Bobby also won three league titles, a European Cup and an FA Cup.
Q27. Which team did England beat 4-2 in the 1966 World Cup final?
Here is a clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMDuHPvNtgg&t=30s
Part 5. Music
Tony Bennett, 3 August 1926 - 21 July 2023 (aged 96)
Tony Bennett was a legendary crooner, rated “the best singer in the business” by Frank Sinatra. During a career that spanned eight decades, Bennett sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award.
Q28. His only UK hit in 1955 with a song titled 'Stranger In ...' what?
Harry Belafonte, 1 March 1927 - 25 April 2023 (aged 96)
One of the most successful African-American pop stars in history, Harry Belafonte scored hits including 'Island in the Sun' and UK number one 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)'. Belafonte was also heavily involved in the civil rights movement - he was one of the organisers of the 1963 March on Washington, and took part in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.
Q29. Which cartoon characters sang a comedy version of 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)' in 1957?
Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyn4KJzbL3c
Burt Bacharach, 12 May 1928 - 8 February 2023 (aged 94)
One of the greatest pop composers of the 20th Century, Burt Bacharach's hits include 'I Say A Little Prayer', 'Alfie', 'The Look Of Love' and 'Walk On By. Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones and Elvis Costello were among the many singers he collaborated with. Bacharach’s jazz-influenced style was unmistakable. The secret of his success? “Never be afraid of something that you can whistle.”
Q30. Dionne Warwick sang his only top ten charting song in 1965. Complete the title 'Trains And ...'?
Jeff Beck, 24 Jun 1944 – 10 Jan 2023 (aged 78)
Jeff Beck was an English guitarist. He rose to prominence as a member of the rock band the 'Yardbirds', and afterwards founded and fronted the 'Jeff Beck Group' and 'Beck, Bogert & Appice'. In 1975, he switched to an instrumental style with focus on an innovative sound, and his releases spanned genres and styles ranging from blues rock, hard rock, jazz fusion and a blend of guitar-rock and electronica.
Q31. Complete the title of his highest charting hit in 1967, 'Hi Ho ...'?
Denny Laine, 29 October 1944 - 5 December 2023 (aged 79)
Denny Laine was a rock musician who first hit the charts in the 1960s as the singer for the 'Moody Blues'. In the 1970s Laine became a member of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band 'Wings', and co-wrote their biggest hit, 'Mull of Kintyre'.
Q32. How many faces can you identify on their 'Band On The Run' album cover?
Sinéad O’Connor, 8 December 1966 - 26 July 2023(aged 56)
Sinéad O’Connor was an Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful and emotive voice. Her biggest hit was a 1990 cover of the Prince song 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. Her musical achievements were often overshadowed by her outspoken activism on topics such as abuse and religion, and her personal struggles.
Q33. What did Prince change his name to in 1993 (in rebellion against 'Warner Bros')?
Gordon Lightfoot, 17 November 1938 - 1 May 2023 (aged 84)
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian singer-songwriter who scored hits in the 1960s and 70s with songs such as 'Early Morning Rain' and 'If You Could Read My Mind'. His work was covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand and Johnny Cash.
Q34. What is the other name given to 'Bigfoot', a Yeti like (perhaps mythical) creature that lives (?) in North America and Canada?
Roger Whittaker, 22 March 1936 - 13 September 2023 (aged 87)
Roger Whittaker was a folk singer and famed whistler, whose hits include 'Durham Town', 'The Last Farewell' and 'New World In The Morning'. Whittaker, who was able to sing in several languages, sold nearly 50 million records around the world.
Q35. Who can whistle? Have a go ...
Shane MacGowan, 25 December 1957 - 30 November 2023 (aged 65)
Shane McGowan was a singer-songwriter who fronted 'The Pogues', a band whose combination of Irish folk and punk rock brought them critical and commercial success in the 1980s and 1990s. Their stand out hit was a Christmas song for the ages, 'Fairytale Of New York'.
Q36. Who dueted with Shane McGowan on 'Fairytale Of New York'?
Anita Pointer, 23 Jan 1948 - 31 Dec 2022 (aged 74)
Anita Pointer was an American singer and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the vocal group the 'Pointer Sisters'. She co-wrote and was the lead singer on their hit song "Fairytale", which garnered them their first Grammy Award in 1975.
Q37. Complete the titles of these other hits ...
'I'm So ...'
'A ....'
'Jump ...'
David Crosby, 14 August 1941 - 18 January 2023 (aged 81)
David Crosby was a singer-songwriter who found success first in the 1960s with 'The Byrds', and then the supergroup 'Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young'. Renowned for his trademark moustache and his tendency to fall out with bandmates, Crosby overcame a long-term drug addiction, and continued performing up until his death.
Q38. T or F. David Crosby was Bing Crosby's son?
Astrud Gilberto, 29 March 1940 - 5 June 2023 (aged 83)
Astrud Gilberto was a Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer and songwriter. She gained international attention in the mid-1960s following her recording of the song 'The Girl from Ipanema'.
Q39. Where is Ipanema?
Tina Turner, 26 November 1939 - 24 May 2023 (aged 83)
Known as the "Queen Of Rock And Roll", Tina Turner was a multi-million record-selling singer who bridged the gap between soul and rock music. Turner first hit fame in the 1960s performing with her husband, Ike. She fled the marriage due to his abusive behaviour and from the 1980s reinvented herself as a solo artist, with hits including 'Private Dancer', 'What's Love Got To Do With It', 'Let's Stay Together' and 'Simply the Best'.
Q40. What was her original name?
Part 6. Honourable Mentions
Margaret Lake, 27 July 1942 - 9 March 2023 (aged 80)
Best known by her stage name Mystic Meg, Margaret Lake was an English astrologer who had a regular astrology column in 'The Sun' and the 'News of the World'. She also hosted 'Mystic Meg's Wheel of Destiny' for 'Sun Bingo'.
Q41. What are the twelve signs of the zodiac?
Fay Weldon CBE, 22 Sep 1931 - 4 Jan 2023 (aged 91)
Over the course of her 55-year writing career, Fay Weldon published 31 novels, including 'Puffball' (1980), 'The Cloning of Joanna May' (1989), 'Wicked Women' (1995) and 'The Bulgari Connection' (2000).
Q42. Complete the name of her book that was serialised on TV in 1986, 'The Life And Loves ...'?
Rolf Harris, 30 March 1930 - 10 May 2023 (aged 93)
Rolf Harris was an Australian musician, television personality, painter, and actor. He often used unusual instruments like the didgeridoo and the stylophone in his performances, and is credited with the invention of the wobble board. In his later life he was found guilty of sexual offences and jailed for three years.
Q43. Complete the names of his hit singles ...
'Tie Me ...'
'Sun ...'
'Two ...'
Mary Quant DBE, 11 February 1930 - 13 April 2023 (aged 93)
Dame Mary Quant was a British fashion designer and fashion icon. She became an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based Mod and youth fashion movements, and played a prominent role in London's Swinging Sixties culture.
Q44. Which fashion item is she credited with inventing?
Lisa Marie Presley, 1 February 1968 - 12 January 2023 (aged 54)
Lisa Marie Presley was an American singer and songwriter. She was the only child of singer and actor Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley, as well as the sole heir to her father's estate after her grandfather and her great-grandmother died.
Q45. Which pop star did she marry in 1994?
Jane Birkin OBE, 14 February 1946 - 16 July 2023 (aged 76)
Jane Birkin was a British and French actress and singer. She attained international fame and notability for her decade-long musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg. She also had a prolific career as an actress, mostly in French cinema.
Q46. Which hit single did she have with Serge Gainsbourg in 1969?
Jean Boht, 6 March 1932 - 12 September 2023
Jean Boht was an English actress, most famous for the role of Nellie Boswell in the sitcom 'Bread', remaining one of several actors to remain with the show for its entire seven series tenure from 1986 to 1991.
Q47. Who wrote the sitcom 'Bread'?
Steve Halliwell, 19 March 1946 - 15 December 2023
Steve Halliwell was an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Zak Dingle in the ITV soap opera 'Emmerdale', which he played from 1994 until his death in 2023.
Q48. What is the name of the pub in 'Emmerdale'?
Tom Wilkinson OBE, 5 February 1948 - 30 December 2023 (aged 75)
Tom Wilkinson was an English actor. Known for his role on stage and screen, he received numerous accolades including a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and two Laurence Olivier Awards. His most remembered roles were in the 1997 movie 'The Full Monty' and the 2012 movie 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'.
Q49. What kitchen items are Marigolds?
Here is the final dance from 'The Full Monty' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIStdYM8lXU
1. 'Central Perk'
2. 'The Chronicles Of Narnia'
3. Napoleon Solo
4. Ali McGraw
5. Platform 9 & 3/4
6. 'Carlsberg'
7. Pterodactyl
8. Giacomo Puccini
9. 'If I Were A Rich Man'
10. Topiary
11. "And this is me"
12. Cilla Black
13. Gladioli
14. "Seven"
15. Spaniel
16. Emu & Rod Hull
17. Nigella Lawson
18. Brighton
19. Lindsay Hoyle
20. 'Blackadder Goes Forth'
21. George Bush, George Harrison, George Clooney, George Michael, Boy George, George Best etc
22. Cleopatra
23. 'Walker's Crisps'
24. Jimmy Hill
25. Ol' Big Head
26. El Tel
27. West Germany
28. 'Stranger in Paradise'
29. Bugs Bunny & Speedy Gonzalez
30. 'Trains And Boats And Planes'
31. 'Hi Ho Silver Lining'
32. Actors Christopher Lee and James Coburn; singer Kelly Lynch; TV personalitiesMichael Parkinson and Clement Freud; and boxer John Conteh
33. 'The Symbol'
34. Sasquatch
35. -
36. Kirsty MacColl
37. 'I'm So Excited'
'Automatic'
'Jump For My Love'
38. False. They were unrelated
39. Rio De Janiero
40. Anna Mae Bullock
41. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces
42. 'The Life And Loves Of A She Devil'
43. 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport
'Sun Arise'
'Two Little Boys'
44. Mini skirt
45. Michael Jackson
46. 'Je T'aime Moi Non Plus' ("I love you – me not anymore")
47. Carla Lane
48. 'The Woolpack'
49. Yellow rubber gloves
* The tree is from the 'Sycamore Gap' in Hadrian's Wall
