Notable deaths of 2018

The scientist, the singer, the comic book writer... and others who died in the past 12 months. Take a look at some of the famous faces no longer with us at the end of 2018.

Professor Stephen Hawking

British theoretical physicist and author, who battled motor neurone disease to become one of the finest and most popular scientists of his generation.

"One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away."

- Professor Stephen Hawking

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Aretha Franklin

Known as the Queen of Soul, and an icon of the US civil rights movement, she possessed one of the most distinctive voices in popular music, embracing jazz, gospel, soul and rhythm and blues.

"Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that."

- Aretha Franklin

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Stan Lee

American creator of comic book superheroes Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk, who transformed comic book art into a multi-million dollar industry, spearheading what became known as the "Marvel age of comics".

"Every time I go to a comic book convention, at least one fan will ask me: 'What is the greatest superpower of all?' I always say that luck is the greatest superpower, because if you have good luck then everything goes your way."

- Stan Lee

Who died in 2018?

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Dame June Whitfield

Actor celebrated for her comic roles, June Whitfield was a regular fixture of British TV, radio and film. Often playing the female stooge to some of the UK's most famous entertainers, she called herself "a comic's tart". She starred in Hancock's Half Hour and Carry On films, but will perhaps be best remembered for the sitcoms Terry and June and Absolutely Fabulous.

"Thank you #damejunewhitfield for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity. I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my adoration. You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran."

- Julia Sawalha, who played her granddaughter in Absolutely Fabulous, paying tribute on Twitter

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Emma Chambers

Best known for playing Alice Tinker alongside Dawn French in the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, for which she won the British Comedy Award for best TV actress.

"[A] very bright spark and the most loyal and loving friend anyone could wish for. I will miss her very much."

- Dawn French

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John Bluthal

Actor best known for playing Frank Pickle in the Vicar of Dibley sitcom. He appeared in a number of Carry On and Pink Panther films in a career spanning more than 60 years.

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Jim Bowen

TV host and comedian who presented the darts-based gameshow Bullseye and was famous for catchprases including "Super, smashing, great" and "You can't beat a bit of Bully!"

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Bella Emberg

Comedy actress whose career spanned 60 years. She was best known for her role as Blunderwoman, a sidekick to hapless superhero Cooperman in the 1980s TV programme The Russ Abbot Show.

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Barry Chuckle

One half of the Chuckle Brothers comedy duo who found fame on ITV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967. With his brother, Paul, he starred in the BBC programme ChuckleVision which ran for 21 series.

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Eunice Gayson

British stage film and television actress who played Sylvia Trench, the first "Bond girl", in Dr No.

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Jerry Maren

Actor, the last surviving Munchkin, and possibly the last surviving cast member of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. He played the Lollipop Guild member who presented Dorothy with a large wooden lollipop.

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Geoffrey Hayes

Television presenter, who played the lovable and long-suffering upholder of peace on children's programme Rainbow from 1974-1992 - alongside characters Zippy, George and Bungle.

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Stefan Karl Stefansson

Icelandic actor best known for his role as villain Robbie Rotten in the children's television programme LazyTown, who also had numerous roles in Icelandic TV drama and films.

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Bob Burra

Pioneering animator of children's programmes including Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Captain Pugwash. With his long-time collaborator, John Hardwick, he pioneered new animation techniques.

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Peter Firmin

Co-creator of British children's television classics Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, The Clangers, Basil Brush and Pogles Wood - he helped lay the foundations of today's children's TV industry.

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John Cunliffe

Author of 90 books for children, including Postman Pat and Rosie and Jim, which became worldwide successes when animated for television.

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Dolores O'Riordan

Singer, frontwoman of The Cranberries.

"In my opinion, what made Dolores connect with people was her honesty. What you saw was what you got. In the early days, the band was very shy - especially Dolores. She sang with her back to the audience but sang songs that people could relate to. There was no big act. I don't think people were used to this, and it seemed to resonate with them."

- The Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan reflecting on his 29-year friendship with the singer in Rolling Stone magazine

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Charles Aznavour

Singer-songwriter and actor of French-Armenian descent. He sold more than 100 million records during his eight-decade career, writing over 1,200 songs - including the 1974 hit for which he was best known, She.

"They used to say: 'When you are as ugly as that and when you have a voice like that, you do not sing.' But Piaf used to tell me: 'You will be the greatest.'"

- Charles Aznavour

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Montserrat Caballé

Spanish soprano known for her huge repertoire and bel canto technique, but best remembered for her duet with Freddie Mercury which became the signature song of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

"I sing from the heart. Singing from any other place is worthless."

- Montserrat Caballé

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Alan Longmuir

Founder member and bass guitarist with Scottish teen band Bay City Rollers, who sold 120 million records and conquered the UK, US, Australia and Japan in the 1970s with hits including Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang.

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Tim Bergling, aka Avicii

Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer who became one of the world's biggest dance music stars, with club anthems including Wake Me Up, Levels and Lonely Together with Rita Ora.

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Mac Miller

American rapper and music producer who had recently completed his fifth studio album, which was also his fifth consecutive US top 10 album. His work often confronted his personal history of substance abuse.

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Ray Thomas

Founder-member of the Moody Blues. He played various instruments, but was best known as the group's flautist - performing a solo on their hit, Nights in White Satin.

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Eddie Clarke

Guitarist - the last remaining member of British heavy rock band Motorhead.

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Jim Rodford

Bass guitar player with The Kinks for 18 years, he also played with Argent and The Zombies.