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Home / Entertainment

Why 2016 has been a blow to the arts

Herald online
1 Apr, 2016 02:00 AM2 mins to read

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Alan Rickman, David Bowie, and Patty Duke all passed away this year.

Alan Rickman, David Bowie, and Patty Duke all passed away this year.

Just three months into 2016 and the world has mourned the deaths of some of the most celebrated and beloved actors, actresses, musicians and novelists.

Most recently was British comedy legend Ronnie Corbett whose death made headlines across the globe. Corbett died yesterday aged 85 in hospital surrounded by family after being ill for several months.

British comedian Ronnie Corbett. Photo / AP
British comedian Ronnie Corbett. Photo / AP

He and the late Ronnie Barker became one of the funniest duos of their generation, hosting the BBC comedy sketch show that became one of the most popular TV programmes of the late 20th century.

Yesterday also marked the passing of Nobel Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz.

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The late Patty Duke. Photo / AP
The late Patty Duke. Photo / AP

Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke died aged 69 earlier this week. The actress rocketed to fame after starring in The Patty Duke Show and A Miracle Worker and captured the hearts of many with her work. She was also a staunch advocate for mental health issues.

After the news of her death tributes from celebrities such as William Shatner, Nile Rodgers and Marlee Matlin and from fans flooded social media.

Earlier this year the world was shocked by the death of musician David Bowie. Bowie died on January 10 after battling with cancer for 18 months.

Despite his cancer diagnosis, Bowie continued to make music, releasing his final album Blackstar just two days before he passed away in New York on Monday, surrounded by his family.

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Since his death, a litany of stars have paid tribute to him performing his songs in honour of his legacy.

Music icon, David Bowie, passed away this year. Photo / AP
Music icon, David Bowie, passed away this year. Photo / AP

Just four days later, British actor and icon Alan Rickman died after losing his battle against cancer. The star, who was known for playing the baddies in Die Hard and the Harry Potter franchise, died in London aged 69.

Their deaths are just some of the many that have rocked the world in 2016.

Gallery: 2016 a blow to the arts - celebrities who have passed away this year

Discover more

Entertainment

Kiwi musicians' live tribute to David Bowie

06 Apr 08:05 PM
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Sequel canned over Alan Rickman's death

11 Apr 06:15 AM
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Bowie's sheet music for sale

13 Apr 10:00 AM
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'Too frail' for Ronnie Corbett's funeral

16 Apr 02:00 AM
Legendary musician, Prince, died April 22 (NZT). Photo / Getty Images
British actor Alan Rickman, known for his portrayal of baddies, died 14 January. Photo / Getty
Maurice White from Earth Wind And Fire performs live on stage in New York in 1979. He died on 3 February. Photo / Getty
Sweet Prince of Darkness, Lemmy, of Motorhead died just before New Year. Photo / Getty
Sir George Martin, the "fifth beatle" died on 8 March.
David Bowie, the legendary rockstar, died shortly after releasing his last album, Blackstar. Photo / Getty
American novelist Harper Lee died February 19. Photo / Getty
A portrait of Glenn Frey of The Eagles in London in 1973. He died January 18. Photo / Getty
British comedy legend Ronnie Corbett died March 31. Photo / Getty
Nobel Prize winning author and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz died March 31
Patty Duke taking a break from filming on the set of 'Valley of the Dolls', 24th April 1967. She died March 29. Photo / Getty
Master architect know for her bold and controversial work died March 31. Photo / Getty
Phife Dawg, MC of A Tribe Called Quest, died March 22. Photo / Getty
Abe Vigoda, star of The Godfather, died January 26. Photo / Getty

Image 1 of 14: Legendary musician, Prince, died April 22 (NZT). Photo / Getty Images

- nzherald.co.nz

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