Jocelyn Wildenstein. Catwoman.
Wayne Osmond. One of 'The Osmonds'.
Denis Law. Footballer.
Linda Nolan. One of 'The Nolans'.
Dame Joan Plowright. Actress.
Marianne Faithful. Chanteuse, and personal acquaintance.
Brian Murphy. George of 'George and Mildred'.
Roberta Flack. Singer.
Gene Hackman. Actor.
Jack Vettriano. Scottish painter.
Eddie Jordon. Formula 1 supremo.
Barry Fantoni. Artist, writer, contributor to Private Eye.
George Foreman. Boxer.
Richard Chamberlain. Dr Kildare.
Edward Evans (Father Ted). Genius jewelry maker.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pope.
Virginia Giuffre. (?)
Alan Yentob. Old school friend and top BBC TV man (above).
Loretta Swit. Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan.
Brian Wilson. Beach boy.
Sandy Gall. UK News at Ten presenter.
Lord (Norman) Tebbit. IRA bombing survivor, and Tory grandee.
Connie Francis. 'Stupid Cupid' singer.
Ozzy Osbourne. British rocker.
Hulk Hogan. Wrestler.
Cleo Laine. Jazz singer.
Sylvia Young. Stage School founder.
Ray Brooks. Brighton's own actor. 'Cathy Come Home' etc.
Terence Stamp. Handsome actor.
Frank Caprio. US TV Judge.
Joe Bugner. Boxer.
Giorgio Armani. Fashionista.
HRH The Duchess of Kent. Well-loved UK royal, and presenter of Wimbledon trophies.
Ricky Hatton. 'Hitman' Boxer.
Robert Redford. 'The Sundance Kid'.
Dickie Bird. Cricket's most famous umpire.
Claudia Cardinale. Italian actress.
Dame Jane Goodall. Champion of Chimps.
Dame Patricia Routledge. Mrs Bucket.
Jilly Cooper. Raunchy Writer.
Prunella Scales. a.k.a. Sybil Fawlty.
Jimmy Cliff. No more 'Rivers to Cross'.
Sir Tom Stoppard. Playwright.
Stanley Baxter. Scottish comedian.
Chris Rea. Finally, driven home for Christmas.
Brigitte Bardot. Sex kitten.
N.B. Alan Y and I were great friends at school. We first met on the train from London's Liverpool Street heading for our new upper school, we just happened to get into the same carriage. Then, from that first moment, we stuck together and looked after each other's interests. HE, of course, later became very well known in the world of TV, as I opted for the anonymity of the French countryside. Knowing that he's no longer with us is strange. I find his photo above very haunting; it takes me right back to that train journey in 1960, and I genuinely miss him. I can still see that apprehensive schoolboy look in Alan's face as we sat in that railway carriage, and he probably saw the same in mine. RIP old friend.
24 comments:
You've missed out Diane Keaton. (I tried to dress like Annie Hall back in the 70s.)
That's a wonderful tribute to your old friend. May he rest in peace
I'm sure I've missed a lot of people, but I simply write down names throughout the year, and hope for the best.
Yes, I miss him. To me he will always be that 14 year old boy.
A charming photo of your friend Alan Yentob. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2026. Thank you for your interesting, varied and humorous blog, one of my daily delights. Regards Sue H
Surprisingly, you neglected to mention the death of Ken Houghton, the former Hull City footballer, who left the field of play on September 26th. Houghton was an integral part of the 1965/66 Division Three title-winning side. He scored 91 goals in 304 appearances over a nine-year spell with the club and later had a stint as manager. Farewell Ken!
It's lovely to see you here. I wish you a peaceful 2026.
How could I have overlooked him! I also failed to mention Mrs Minnie Arkwright of 46 Coalmine Terrace, Pit-town, who also died this year.
... and not forgetting 'Shirley Valentine'
Didn't we say goodbye to Dame Maggie Smith too, earlier this year?
I met Richard Chamberlain years ago at a party to celebrate the opening of the New Birmigham Rep. A very charming man.
It's always sad to hear of the demise of an old friend. My condolences, Cro.
Oh dear, everyone's now going to suggest the ones I omitted.
He always looked like a nice person.
He was a good man, and did a lot for TV.
I checked, your name and my name are not on the list.
Happy New Year Cro and family and all your readers x
Thank goodness for that.... I hadn't checked!
Thank you Carol. I wish you the same!
It's disturbing now as so many of the obituaries are now of names that are significant to me. It doesn't help when Himself says, "and they're younger than us!"
Richard Chamberlain to my generation is Shogun and Thorn Birds.
Frightening; isn't it. That's why I don't mention their ages!
Having lived in the French countryside for 50 years, with no TV (French or English), he will always be Dr Kildare to me.
I've enjoyed reading your entertaining and eclectic blog this. May I wish you and Lady Magnon a Happy New Year.
Thank you Debbie. I wish you the same!
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