Screen icons and a fashion legend: Inside the lives of 8 celebrities we lost in 2019.

Every year there is reason to memorialise as we look back at those we’ve lost – to commemorate, celebrate and remember the icons, artists and politicians we’ve spent our lives watching from afar.

This decade we’ve lost some huge names. From Prince, Robin Williams, Amy Winehouse, Brittany Murphy and David Bowie, to Whitney Houston, Cory Monteith, Hugh Hefner, Alan Rickman and Michael Jackson.

All huge losses to the world of celebrity – losses grieved not just by their families but by thousands and in some cases millions of beloved fans.

In 2017, Mamamia made this tribute to actor Robin Williams. Post continues after video.

In this article we’re focusing on just a few of the celebrities we’ve lost this year in 2019, both in Australia and overseas.

We remember them and their legacies as we prepare to say goodbye to the decade.

Luke Perry, actor.

American actor Luke Perry, the former star of 1990s television series Beverly Hills 90210, died aged 52 after suffering a massive stroke in March.

At the time of his death Perry was part of the cast of Riverdale, the teenage drama series in which he played main character's Archie Andrews' father.

His fiancé, ex-wife, parents, siblings and kids were by his side when he passed away.

His partner Wendy Madison said in a statement at the time, “The past 11 1/2 years with Luke were the happiest of my life, and I am grateful to have had this time with him. I also want to think his children, family, and friends for their love and support.

“We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed,”

Perry became a household name in 1990 for playing the brooding character Dylan McKay in 90210, and was catapulted to full-blown teen idol status.

Perry was hospitalised the same day Fox announced a six-episode revival of the show, featuring returning cast members Jason Priestley, Jenny Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. Perry had not been announced to return.

Perry is survived by his daughter Sophie and his son Jack, a professional wrestler who goes by the ring name "Jungle Boy" Nate Coy.

 

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A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I. I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.

A post shared by Sophie Perry (@lemonperry) on Mar 5, 2019 at 11:57am PST

Ben Unwin, actor.

The Australian actor, most known for his role on Home and Away, died in August on the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

A NSW police statement released to Yahoo Lifestyle said police responded to a welfare call on August 14. "His death is not being treated as suspicious," read the statement.

The 41-year-old played bad boy Jesse McGregor on the popular Aussie soap, which was a part especially written for him after he failed to get the role he auditioned for.

He joined the cast of Home and Away in 1996, a month after completing high school, and was there until 2005 (with a two year hiatus between 2000-2002).

In 2005, Unwin quit to pursue work in America, and tried his hand in the music world. He directed videos for Boy George and Culture Club (I Just Wanna Be Loved and Your Kisses Are Charity), before packing in show business for law.

His former co-stars spoke about the loss of their mate "Onion" as he was affectionately known.

 

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My first tv week cover was with you. We had years of laughter, be it giggles on set trying to get through scenes as lovers or doubled over belly laughs at the pubs after work. I will be sad for now, but I promise to tell stories of great joy about our times together. You forever hold a special place in my heart. Love you Onion ❤️

A post shared by Kimberley Cooper (@kimberleycooper80) on Aug 19, 2019 at 11:13pm PDT

Lynne McGranger told The Daily Telegraph, "sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends," while Ada Nicodemou told Nine.com.au she woke up to the news and was "deeply saddened".

Karl Lagerfeld, designer.

Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel, died in February at the age of 85 after weeks of illness believed to have been pancreatic cancer.

With his iconic white ponytail and dark sunglasses, Lagerfeld was one of the most prolific designers of the modern age.

Celebrities like Rihanna, Marion Cotillard and Keira Knightly packed his front rows and his dresses were - and will likely continue to be - worn by princesses and A-listers.

He is credited by many for changing the fashion game with his success at Chanel giving other luxury brands a blueprint for how to revamp historic fashion houses that had grown dusty - think Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

The designer was mourned widely by celebrities and the fashion industry.

 

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So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP ????x vb

A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Feb 19, 2019 at 4:04am PST

Doris Day, actor and singer.

Doris Day, one of the biggest box office stars of her time, died in May of pneumonia aged 97 at her home in California.

Prior to her death she'd been in "excellent physical health for her age", according to the Doris Day Animal Foundation in an email to the Los Angeles Times.

Her honey-voice and starring roles in everything from dramas to musicals to comedies made her a major star in the 1950s and 1960s, and she remains among the most popular screen actresses in history.

Off screen, Day was a passionate animal rights advocate. She was married four times, divorced three and had one son, Terry Melcher, who died in 2004.

Her foundation said she requested "no funeral or memorial service and no grave marker"after her death, a wish which was abided by.

Paul McCartney paid tribute to his friend following the news, calling Day "a true star in more ways than one".

"Visiting her in her Californian home was like going to an animal sanctuary where her many dogs were taken care of in splendid style," he said in a statement.

"She had a heart of gold and was a very funny lady who I shared many laughs with."

 

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Paul remembers Doris Day: 'So sad to hear of Doris Day passing away. She was a true star in more ways than one. I had the privilege of hanging out with her on a few occasions. Visiting her in her Californian home was like going to an animal sanctuary where her many dogs were taken care of in splendid style. She had a heart of gold and was a very funny lady who I shared many laughs with. Her films like 'Calamity Jane', 'Move Over, Darling' and many others were all incredible and her acting and singing always hit the mark. I will miss her but will always remember her twinkling smile and infectious laugh as well as the many great songs and movies she gave us. God bless Doris.’ #DorisDay #PaulMcCartney

A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney) on May 13, 2019 at 8:44am PDT

Sammy Power, radio personality.

Former Triple M radio host Sammy Power died aged 55 in December this year.

Power’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but the The Courier Mail reported the former radio presenter died from a long-term battle with alcoholism and mental illness.

The broadcaster’s radio career spanned 28 years before she left it behind in 2012, telling her listeners at the time that she felt “burnt out” and “over it”.

Following her departure from radio, Power managed her mother’s business, known as the Jan Powers Farmers Market in Queensland.

Mike Goldman, the former voice of Big Brother, said of his late friend, “What a damn shame. One of my best buddies, that I’ve known for over 25 years has left this planet. Sammy was the funniest and by far one of the most talented people I have ever been lucky enough to know.”

He was among many in the Australian media to pay tribute.

RIP Sammy Power. We have lost a radio powerhouse with a cracking sense of humour and the most infectious laugh. ????

— Angela Bishop (@AngelaBishop) December 16, 2019

Bob Hawke, politician.

Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke died in his Sydney home in May aged 89.

“Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian – many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era,” Hawke’s wife, Blanche d’Alpuget, said in a statement. "He died peacefully at home," she added.

The Labor legend served as Australia’s prime minister from 1983-1991 and is the party's longest serving prime minister.

His government established Medicare, Landcare, and superannuation schemes, deregulated the financial industry and floated the Australian dollar. He also set up the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, and was instrumental in investigating a treaty with Indigenous Australia.

Opposition leader at the time of his death, Bill Shorten, paid tribute to Hawke, saying the labour movement “salutes our greatest son”.

“The Labor Party gives thanks for the life of our longest-serving prime minister and Australians everywhere remember and honour a man who gave so much to the country and people he cared for so deeply,” he said in a statement.

“The Australian people loved Bob Hawke because they knew Bob loved them, this was true to the very end."

Gloria Vanderbilt, designer.

Fashion designer, socialite and artist Gloria Vanderbilt died in June aged 95 from stomach cancer.

Apparently the fictional Breakfast at Tiffany’s character Holly Golightly was based on Vanderbilt – an iconic fixture of the New York society scene.

From her childhood being splashed across the tabloids, to her son’s suicide, four husbands and fashion legacy  – Vanderbilt went from being the heiress of one of America’s richest families to a fashion pioneer. She created the first ever pair of designer jeans (and the first jeans to be designed for women.)

Before she transformed them, jeans were only seen in workmen's wardrobes. But they soon became a staple in everyone's closet with her name embroidered on the back pocket and a signature white swan logo on the front pocket setting them apart from the hundreds of styles that followed.

Her son Anderson Cooper, a CNN presenter, described his mother as a "visitor from another world" in an obituary played on his network.

"A traveller stranded here who came from a distant star that burned out long ago. I always felt it was my job to try and protect her," he said of her.

Watch @AndersonCooper's obituary for his mother Gloria Vanderbilt. "What an extraordinary life. What an extraordinary mom. And what an incredible woman." pic.twitter.com/YXz66LOr7W

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) June 17, 2019

Margaret Fulton, author.

Australian cooking matriarch Margaret Fulton died aged 94 in July, 2019.

In a statement published by the ABC, Fulton’s family said she “died peacefully with her family close by”.

Fulton, the youngest of six children, moved to New South Wales as a young girl from Scotland.

Since it was published in 1968, The Margaret Fulton Cookbook has sold over one and a half million copies, inspiring generations with her timeless recipes.

In 1983, she won the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to cookery and she is the author of over 20 popular cookbooks. She was once the food editor for Woman’s Day magazine, and has been a guest on several cooking TV shows.

“Early this morning our family lost our most treasured, inspirational and loving mother and grandmother, Margaret Fulton,” wrote granddaughter Kate Gibbs, who is a food author herself.

“Our hearts are too broken to respond to your messages right now, but we’re deeply grateful for your love and support," she added.

 

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Early this morning our family lost our most treasured, inspirational and loving mother and grandmother, Margaret Fulton. Our hearts are too broken to respond to your messages right now, but we’re deeply grateful for your love and support. Xx

A post shared by KATE GIBBS (@kategibbs) on Jul 23, 2019 at 9:18pm PDT

To the families of the eight celebrities above, and the families of all those we lost in 2019, may they rest in peace.

Feature Images: Getty.