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Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2023 – in memoriam

We honour the stars we've lost, through the words of those who knew them best.

By Jaimie Harris

30 Jan 2023

Stefanie KeenanGetty Images

2023 has seen us say farewell to some famous faces from the world of entertainment and beyond. Here, we pay tribute to stars of TV, film and beyond, along with the words of their friends, colleagues and loved ones – gone but never forgotten.

Stefanie KeenanGetty Images

Burt Bacharach - Pop music composer - died February 8, aged 94

"It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of our father, husband and friend. He gave the world so much, and we are eternally grateful. The music is always there, so please keep listening. We send our love from team Bacharach, because that's what friends are for." – Instagram statement from family

"Farewell Genius. RIP Burt Bacharach." – Simply Red

"One of the greatest composers and songwriters to have lived. 'This Guy's in Love With You' has always been one of my favorite songs and there are so many more... such an honor to have met Burt Bacharach @glastonbury. Thank you for the music." – Jo Whiley

David M. BenettGetty Images

Hilary Alexander - fashion journalist - died February 5, aged 77

"So sad to hear of the passing of the great @hilaryalexanderobe. As Fashion Editor for the @telegraph , Hilary was one of the brightest and kindest people in the business. She was always so generous with the coverage she gave our @ejaf fundraiser 'White Tie & Tiara Ball'. Condolences to her family and friends." – David Furnish

"This is desperately sad news. I loved having Hilary Alexander on the show – wise, kind and always on top of her game." – Lorraine Kelly

"Seems we are saying goodbye all too often of late. Now the prolific fashion journalist @hilaryalexanderobe. I first met Hilary back in the early 90's when she interviewed me on our shop opening in Kensington; I was young, nervous and inexperienced and she was one of the top fashion journalists that I'd come across and I felt honoured. Such an amazing career that she lived and breathed and no doubt her presence will be sadly missed." – Karen Millen

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Annie Wersching - actress best known for starring in TV series 24 - died January 29, aged 45

"The world lost a light today @Wersching was one of the greatest actors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and my friend. My heart breaks for her young family. May she be remembered for the beautiful person that she was." – Kiefer Sutherland

"What a beautiful, bright light was lost today. I’m so lucky to have had the chance to work and play with the incredible @anniewersching. My heart breaks for her beautiful family and everyone who was lucky enough to know her. A GoFundMe has been set up for her family by @officialevercarradine. Please give if you can. RIP, beautiful Annie." – Jeri Ryan

"Just found out my dear friend, Annie Wersching, passed away. We just lost a beautiful artist and human being. My heart is shattered. Thoughts are with her loved ones." – Neil Druckmann

"Sadly, our #StarTrek family has lost another incredible person. From guest starring on #StarTrekEnterprise to being the Borg Queen on #StarTrekPicard, Annie Wersching will always be remembered for her talent and kindness." – Jay Stobie

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Sylvia Syms, TV and film actress - died January 27, aged 89

"Sorry to hear the luminous screen star Sylvia Syms has passed away. She was a magic link between many favourite British films: Ice Cold in Alex, No Trees in the Street, Expresso Bongo, Victim, The World Ten Times Over, Asylum and more. My sympathies to her family and loved ones." – Edgar Wright

"When I was starting out, Sylvia came to a shorts night at @theatre503 which I had a piece in. It was a dramedy about choosing your reincarnation in heaven. After, she passed along a note saying: 'That was great – I hope it's just like that.'" – Vinay Patel

The Washington PostGetty Images

David Crosby - singer-songwriter from The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - died January 19

"I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent - such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends." - Beach Boys' Brian Wilson

"Thank you ⁦@thedavidcrosby⁩ I will miss you my friend." - Melissa Etheridge

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Lisa Marie Presley - Singer and daughter of Elvis Presley - died January 12, aged 54

"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us. She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss." – Priscilla Presley

"Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again. My love and heart goes out to Riley, Priscilla, Harper and Finley." – John Travolta

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Lisa Marie Presley. Absolutely broken." – Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

"I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now. Her mom Priscilla and her three daughters, Riley, Finley, and Harper, are in my prayers." – Leah Remini

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Ken Block - Top Gear star and rally driver - died January 2, aged 55

"It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed." – The Hoonigans

David LevensonBBC

Fay Weldon - BBC and ITV scriptwriter behind Upstairs Downstairs - died January 4, aged 91

"We are saddened to hear that the brilliant Fay Weldon has died. As well as being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1979, she was a judge in 1983 and delivered one of the most memorable speeches in Booker history. Our thoughts are with her family and friends." – The Booker Prize spokesperson

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Jaimie Harris Jaimie Harris is Acting Deputy Picture Editor at Digital Spy.