January
Kelly Monteith, the US stand-up comic who rose to fame in the UK after several appearances on The Des O’Connor Show also had his own BBC show. Aged 80.
Adam Rich, the former ’70s and ’80s child star best known for his page-boy haircut and role on the ABC dramedy Eight Is Enough, has died. He was 54.
Carole Cook, best remembered as the touchy Grandma Helen in Sixteen Candles, but her career spanned far beyond her appearance in the ’80s comedy. She was 98
Michael Lehrer, a sketch, improv and stand-up performer whose credits included The Second City. He was 44.
Yoshio Yoda, who portrayed Fuji Kobiaji, the Japanese prisoner of war who becomes a valued member of the PT-73 crew on the 1960s ABC comedy McHale’s Navy. He was 88.
Lisa Loring, best known for bring Wednesday Addams to life in The Addams Family sitcom in the mid-1960s, has died. She was 64
Cindy Williams, Shirley Feeney in Happy Days and before starring opposite Penny Marshall in the hit 1970s sitcom Laverne & Shirley. Aged 75
Kevin O’Neal, the younger brother of Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal and a regular on the 1960s ABC comedy No Time for Sergeants, has died. He was 77.
February
Kit Hesketh-Harvey, cabaret star and prolific composer known for being half of the musical comedy duo Kit and the Widow alongside pianist Richard Sisson. He was 65.
George R. Robertson, who played Chief Hurst (later Commissioner) in the first six Police Academy films during a half-century screen career, has died aged 89.
Scott Satin, producer for shows such as Funny You Should Ask and Most Outrageous Moments, has died. He was 64.
Raquel Welch, as well as glamorous roles in films she appeared in various sitcoms, including Seinfeld, Spin City,Evening Shade and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Aged 82
Richard Belzer, a stand-up comedian who became one of TV’s most indelible detectives as John Munch in Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU, has died. He was 78.
March
Bobby Blake, Baretta and Our Gang star was one of the few remaining actors to have worked with Laurel and Hardy
Bill Tidy, the cartoonist who created The Fosdyke Saga and The Cloggies was also known for his quick artistry on shows including Countdown and Countryfile, aged 89.
Sean Lampkin, best known for his role as bar owner Nipsey on 1990s sitcom Martin. He also appeared in Bad Boys II, Life, and Big Momma’s House. Aged 54
Norman Steinberg, who co-scripted Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Blazing Saddles with and won an Emmy for Flip Wilson’s 1970s variety show, has died. He was 83.
Lost To The World of Comedy 2023
Paul O’Grady comedian, actor, TV and radio presenter who rose to fame as the acerbic drag queen Lily Savage in the 1980s and 90s. Most recently he presented his long-running TV show Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.
