R.I.P

This year has been a year of mourning for a number of famous stars, who sadly, passed away in 2009. Here, Voxx pays its respects to the talented stars, celebrating their lives, careers and shining personalities. R.I.P

- Wendy Richards MBE (20 July 1943 – 26 February 2009) – Wendy is known for playing the feisty Pauline Fowler in BBC’s Eastenders. She played the character from the very first episode in 1985, up until her character’s death in 2006.  Wendy is also famous for her roles in the Carry On… films (starring alongside Eastenders co-star Barbara Windsor).

She played Miss Shirley Brahms in the 1970’s sitcom, Are you being served?

She even had a number one single in 1962, as her cockney vocals were used on the single, Come Outside by Mike Sarne.

Wendy sadly passed away on 26th February 2009 at the age of 65, from a third bout of breast cancer.

Her agent, Kevin Francis said: “She was incredibly brave and retained her sense of humour right to the end.”

- Jade Goody (5 June 1981 – 22 March 2009) – Jade was most notably known for appearing on the third series of Channel 4’s Big Brother. The media, at first, slated the Essex Beautician – one newspaper branded her as “a vile pig”, however, her loveable personality shone through winning the nation’s heart’s as she made people laugh with her view on geography – quotes like “Is Cambridge in London?” and “East Anglia – that’s abroad”. She came fourth on the show and went on to have successful selling range of beauty products, her own salon and shows to go with it.

In January 2007, she went back on Big Brother, this time as a celebrity but got caught up in a racist row with Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, which she publicly apologized for.

In August 2008, she appeared on the Indian version of Big Brother – but withdrew early from the show as she was told the devastating news that she had cervical cancer.

She passed away on mother’s day, 22nd March 2009. Her death highlighted awareness of cervical cancer – urging young women to get checked. 

- David Carradine (December 8, 1936 — June 3, 2009) – David starred in over 100 feature films and has many career highs as well as lows. He is most notably known for his work on the 1970’s TV series Kung Fu.

Most recently, he is known for starring as Bill in Quentin Tarrantino’s Kill Bill films.

He passed away on June 3rd, 2009. He was found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok, whilst shooting for a film. The cause of his death is debatable, as different reports suggest he was found tied up, in a closet. It is unknown whether his death was accidental or suicide.

- Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009) – Farrah rose to fame when she starred in the 1976 TV series, Charlie’s Angels. She played investigator Jill Monroe, a favourite amongst fans and she won a People’s Choice Award.

She is also famous for her hairstyle – millions of women opted for the same style, which was known as the “Farrah Do”.

Farrah was a 70’s and 80’s sex symbol – a famous poster of her sold over 12 million copies, making it the best selling pin up poster of all time.

She passed away on June 25th 2009. Hugh Hefner said “Farrah was one of the iconic beauties of our time. Her girl-next-door charm combined with stunning looks made her a star on film, TV and the printed page.”

-  Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)- Known to many as the king of pop, Michael Jackson has had phenomenal success, firstly with his family as The Jackson Five, then going solo to sell over 750 million records worldwide. He had huge success with sell out concerts, 13 Grammy awards and a staggering 13 number one singles.

He even holds Guinness World Records for Most Successful Entertainer of All Time as well as holding the world record for most successful album, Thriller.

Alarmingly, before Michael died, he was scheduled to perform 50 sell out concerts to over one million people, at London’s O2 arena. He stated at a press conference “This is it, this is the final curtain call”.

He passed away on June 25th 2009 after collapsing at his rented home near Los Angeles.