Famous Great Britons who died in 2022

As we look back on 2022, we remember those Great Britons who have left us this year. Those who passed include actors, singers, Queens, Drag Queens, and, like Vivienne Westwood (pictured), Dames. The 'Queen of British Fashion' died on 29th December at age 81 surrounded by her family. The fashion designer was influential and inspired change, even saying in her autobiography, "There was no punk before me..."

Deborah, also known as the Bowel Babe, spent the last six years fighting bowel cancer. She was transparent with her illness, hosting a podcast to discuss the difficulties and complications of the disease, bringing the topic of bowel cancer to the forefront. Months before her death, the mother-of-two was visited by HRH Prince William who made her a dame.

Photo: @bowelbabe / Instagram

Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022.

The late monarch's reign spanned 15 Prime Ministers; starting with Winston Churchill, who was born in 1874, right through to Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975.

Many know him as a comedian and many as an actor. Robbie Coltrane began life as a comedian appearing in BBC’s 'Blackadder' and 'The Comic Strip Presents' series, but became internationally known for his work in the brilliant and gritty drama 'Cracker'.

Of course, all Harry Potter fans knew him as the kind (half) giant, Rubeus Hagrid. Multiple organ failures complicated by sepsis and diabetes claimed his life too soon.

An accomplished actress and well respected in the West End for her stage performances. She will be forever known as mystery writer Jessica Fletcher in the television series 'Murder, She Wrote.'

Her family said in a statement: "The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 AM today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday."

Tom Owen, best remembered for his ten year stint in the fabulous 'Last of the Summer Wine' as Tom Simmonite, after his father also played his on-screen father. According to a family statement reported by The Guardian, Tom Owen 'passed away peacefully' at 73, with natural causes being penned as the cause of death.

Evans was an English journalist, screenwriter, television and film producer and novelist who wrote the bestselling novel 'The Horse Whisperer.' He passed from a heart attack at age 72.

At just aged 28, drag performer George Ward who was more commonly referred to by his stage name, Cherry Valentine, passed away. Ward appeared on the second series of 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' then fronted BBC documentary 'Gypsy Queen And Proud'. The cause of death remains a mystery.

A regular on British T.V. and cinema with a career spanning over seven decades. You many recognise him from such classics as 'Dr Who', 'Carry On' film series, 'Jackanory' and 'The Wombles'. He died at 93 from 'natural causes'.

Born in Cambridge in England, Olivia Newton-John only changed her citizenship to Australian in 1981. After battling breast cancer an incredible three times, the 'Grease' actress and 'Physical' singer's life was finally claimed by the illness. At 73, the legend passed away in her home in California.

A loss for the sports fans. Lester Piggott was a legendary jockey who won the Epsom Derby a record nine times. He was in Switzerland where he was hospitalised and sadly never left the hospital, passing away at 86.

Bill Turnbull is a new many British homes have heard over and over. He was well known as the host of BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016. He passed at age 66 of prostate cancer.

British-Irish group, The Wanted, shot to fame with their debut single, "All Time Low" and had hit after hit. Band member, Tom Parker sadly passed away after a brave battle with brain cancer. The rest of the band and fans alike were heartbroken.

"Ding Dong". Leslie Phillips was an actor, director, producer and author. Of course, he was the star of the 'Carry On' franchise and synonymous with the famous “Helllllo". He had been battling a long illness and passed peacefully in his sleep at home.

Darryl Hunt was the bassist of punk band, The Pogues, and wrote their song 'Love You ’Till the End.' The band themselves let the public know - there is still no cause of death as the family have never realised a statement.

Jamal Edwards seemed a genuinely great person. Jamal Edwards MBE was a British music entrepreneur, DJ and founder of the online R&B/Hip-Hop platform SB.TV, which was incredibly influential in promoting singers such as Ed Sheeran and Stormzy. Edwards was an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a youth charity which helps young people set up their own businesses. But the young man never lived longer than 31, dying from cardiac arrhythmia caused by recreational drugs.

Andy Fletcher was a founding member and keyboardist for the 80’s and 90’s new wave electronic band Depeche Mode. He was only 60 years old so the news came as a shock to many. Fletcher got a tear in his main artery - known as aortic dissection - and passed away suddenly.

Waterman was an actor with an illustrious career on stage and screen but became a household name as a tough guy starring in 'The Sweeney' and later 'Minder' with good friend George Cole. He died from lung cancer at the age of 74.

The ever-suffering Dot Cotton. Many probably even mistook June Brown's real name to be Dot Cotton: she carried it on screen for 35 years. The chain-smoking actress made it to 95 years old before passing away of natural causes.

Many remember the charming and elegant star of such classics as 'Only When I Laugh' and 'To the Manor Born'. The actor sadly died aged 85 from cancer.

Barry Cryer is a multi-talented writer, comedian and actor. A supporter of young talent and writer for great comedians such as 'The Two Ronnies', 'Tommy Cooper', 'Morecambe and Wise' and 'Bob Hope'. Cancer claimed the life of another British great.

Bennett was the first woman appointed as director of television at the BBC, who oversaw the reboot of 'Doctor Who' and the brilliant 'Sherlock'. She also had the responsibility for the corporation’s entire content, through TV, online content and interactive technology. Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019 and died three years later.

David Warner was an actor in film, theatre and television. He appeared in such greats as 'The Omen', 'A Christmas Carol', 'Star Trek' and 'Titanic'. He died from a 'cancer-related illness'.

Mona Hammond OBE was a Jamaican/British actress and co-founder of the Talawa Theatre Company who passed away at the age of 91. Many remember her for playing Blossom in 'Eastenders'.