Three champs … spirits of peace authenticity and pioneering
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and fighter of South Africa’s apartheid, has died aged 90.
Desmond Tutu was the nation’s conscience, respected by Black and white. He won the Nobel prize in 1984 for his non-violent opposition to white minority rule. A decade later, he saw the end of the regime and chaired a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up to expose atrocities committed under it.
Jean-Marc Vallée, the Quebec director of films like “Dallas Buyers Club” and TV projects such as “Big Little Lies,” has died. He was 58.
His producing partner, Nathan Ross, said in a statement, “Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn’t help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”
Janice Long died on Christmas Day following a short illness.
The 66-year-old, who was the first woman to regularly present Top of the Pops, enjoyed a 40-year career in broadcasting, hosting shows on television and radio.
Brought up in Liverpool, Janis – the sister of late children’s television presenter Keith Chegwin – started out as a radio assistant on BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979.
She went on to work at the BBC’s and was also the first woman to have her own regular daily show.
She championed stars like The Smiths, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Primal Scream, Adele and Amy Winehouse and was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid charity concert in 1985.
OTHERS WE LOST IN 2021
Prince Philip died on April 9, aged 99. He was the longest-serving consort in British history.
Gerry Marsden. of Gerry & the Pacemakers, died on January 3, aged 78.
Larry King died on January 23, aged 87, after contracting coronavirus.
Captain Sir Tom Moore died in hospital on Feb 2, aged 100.
Capt Sir Tom’s fundraising saw him walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, raising more than £32 million for the NHS.
Christopher Plummer died on February 5, aged 91. He was perhaps most famous as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music.
Mary Wilson died on February 8, aged 76. The Motown legend found fame after co-founding The Supremes aged just 15 alongside Diana Ross and Florence Ballard.
Johnny Briggs died on February 28, aged 85, following a long illness. He played Mike Baldwin on Coronation Street for three decades.
Jessica Walter died on March 24, aged 80. Appearing in many TV shows and films, her most famous role was of matriarch Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development.
Bay City Rollers frontman Les McKeown passed away aged 65 on April 20.
Songwriter Jim Steinman died on April 19, aged 73. He was best known for writing many of Meat Loaf’s biggest hits, including the Bat Out of Hell album.
ZZ Top’s bassist and founding member Dusty Hill died aged 72, on July 28. He performed with the legendary rock band alongside Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard since the 1970s.
Sean Lock died from cancer, at the age of 58 on August 18. The stand-up comedian and writer was best known for appearances on panel shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died aged 80 on August 24.
He was the band’s drummer.
Entertainer Lionel Blair died on November 4, aged 92. The dancer and actor was one of the most-seen personalities on stage and screen for many decades.
Actress Sally Ann Howes died aged 91, on December 22. The Broadway and West End performer was best known for starring as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang alongside Dick Van Dyke.
Sadness as Mike takes the last train from stars-ville – The Leigh G Banks Preservation Society
Mick Rock was beautiful and soulful, says Bob – The Leigh G Banks Preservation Society
#DEADPEOPLE #2021 #TUTU #LONG