Lost Stars of 2023: Remembering their hardwork and passion

In honour of the celebrities who passed away in 2023, including Harry Belafonte, Tom Sizemore, Lance Reddick, Lisa Marie Presley, and Moonbin, among others, who were actors, musicians, writers, and other well-known figures. Continue reading to recall their life and work.

Harry Belafonte:

Harry Belafonte, whose profoundly private brand of folk music stormed the pop charts and broke through racial barriers in the 1950s and later emerged as a powerful influence in the civil rights movement, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Manhattan's Upper West Side. He was 96.

His seasoned spokesperson Ken Sunshine identified congestive heart disease as the root of the problem.

Lance Reddick:

Lance Reddick passed away in March at the age of 60. The Wire alum reps gave People magazine this comment.

"Acclaimed actor Lance Reddick passed away suddenly this morning from natural causes."

"Lance was best known for his roles in The Wire, Bosch, Netflix's Resident Evil and the John Wick films," the statement continued. "He is survived by his wife Stephanie Reddick and children Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick. Lance will be greatly missed. Please respect his family's privacy at this time."

Tom Sizemore:

Tom Sizemore passed away in March after being hospitalised for a brain aneurysm. He was best known for his performances in the military action thrillers Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. He was 61.

"It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore ("Tom Sizemore") aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph's Hospital Burbank," his rep Charles Lago said in a statement.

He was accompanied by his twin sons Jayden and Jagger, both 17 years old, and his brother Paul Sizemore.

Jock Zonfrillo:

Famous Scottish chef, author, and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo passed away on April 30 in Melbourne. He was 46.

Glasgow-born Zonfrillo began his career in the kitchen as a dishwasher at the age of 13, began working for British chef Marco Pierre White at the age of 17, and became the head chef at the Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall by the age of 22.

In 2000, he was appointed head chef at Sydney's Forty One. Subsequently, he opened a number of well-known eateries in Adelaide, including Restaurant Orana and Nonna Mallozzi. When he replaced the show's original hosts and joined MasterChef Australia as a judge in 2019, along with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen, his TV career took off. Last Shot, a memoir by Zonfrillo, was also written and released in 2021.

Lisa Marie Presley:

Lisa Marie Presley passed away on January 12 at the age of 54 after being taken to the hospital for what might have been a heart attack earlier that morning.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us," Priscilla confirmed in a statement to People magazine.

"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. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment."

Moonbin:

Astro member Moonbin passed away on April 19 at the age of 25. Before appearing as an actor in To Be Continued (2015) and the 2009 Korean drama Boys Over Flowers, among other works, Moonbin began his career as a model. Along with MJ, Rocky, Cha Eun-woo, Yoon San-ha, and Jinjin, he joined Astro in 2016. 

The band's top songs include Candy Sugar Pop, Blue Flame, and  Baby.   Moonbin & Sanha, Astro's first sub-unit, was created by Fantagio in 2020 and was made up of Yoon San-ha and the late vocalist. In January, the pair released Incense, their third EP.

Tatjana Patitz:

Tatjana Patitz's passing was reported on January 11 by Vogue, which was instrumental in helping to start her career in the 1980s. 56 years old. The cause of death, according to a family representative, was metastatic breast cancer.

Following the news of her passing, everyone in the fashion industry paid respect to the late model, from photographers and editors to atitz's fellow models and artists.

"Tatjana was always the European symbol of chic, like Romy Schneider-meets-Monica Vitti," said Anna Wintour, chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue. "She was far less visible than her peers—more mysterious, more grown-up, more unattainable—and that had its own appeal."

Cindy Williams:

Cindy Williams, who was best remembered for playing Shirley Feeney on the comedy Laverne & Shirley, passed away in January at the age of 75.

Through their family spokesman Liza Cranis, Williams' children Zak and Emily Hudson informed People magazine on Monday that their mother passed away peacefully after a brief illness.

"The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed," read the statement. "Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved."