The scientist, the singer, the comic book writer... and others who died in the past 12 months. Take a look at some of the famous faces no longer with us at the end of 2018. Professor Stephen Hawking British theoretical physicist and author, who battled motor neurone disease to become one of the finest and most po[CENSORED]r scientists of his generation.
One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away." - Professor Stephen Hawking
Aretha Franklin Known as the Queen of Soul, and an icon of the US civil rights movement, she possessed one of the most distinctive voices in po[CENSORED]r music, embracing jazz, gospel, soul and rhythm and blues.
"Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that." - Aretha Franklin Read more here Stan Lee American creator of comic book superheroes Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk, who transformed comic book art into a multi-million dollar industry, spearheading what became known as the "Marvel age of comics". Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES "Every time I go to a comic book convention, at least one fan will ask me: 'What is the greatest superpower of all?' I always say that luck is the greatest superpower, because if you have good luck then everything goes your way." - Stan Lee Who died in 2018? Read more here Dame June Whitfield Actor celebrated for her comic roles, June Whitfield was a regular fixture of British TV, radio and film. Often playing the female stooge to some of the UK's most famous entertainers, she called herself "a comic's tart". She starred in Hancock's Half Hour and Carry On films, but will perhaps be best remembered for the sitcoms Terry and June and Absolutely Fabulous. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES / BBC "Thank you #damejunewhitfield for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity. I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my adoration. You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran." - Julia Sawalha, who played her granddaughter in Absolutely Fabulous, paying tribute on Twitter Read more here Emma Chambers Best known for playing Alice Tinker alongside Dawn French in the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, for which she won the British Comedy Award for best TV actress. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES "[A] very bright spark and the most loyal and loving friend anyone could wish for. I will miss her very much." - Dawn French Read more here John Bluthal Actor best known for playing Frank Pickle in the Vicar of Dibley sitcom. He appeared in a number of Carry On and Pink Panther films in a career spanning more than 60 years. Read more here Jim Bowen TV host and comedian who presented the darts-based gameshow Bullseye and was famous for catchprases including "Super, smashing, great" and "You can't beat a bit of Bully!" Image copyrightITV/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK Read more here Bella Emberg Comedy actress whose career spanned 60 years. She was best known for her role as Blunderwoman, a sidekick to hapless superhero Cooperman in the 1980s TV programme The Russ Abbot Show. Image copyrightITV/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK Read more here Barry Chuckle One half of the Chuckle Brothers comedy duo who found fame on ITV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1967. With his brother, Paul, he starred in the BBC programme ChuckleVision which ran for 21 series. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES Read more here Eunice Gayson British stage film and television actress who played Sylvia Trench, the first "Bond girl", in Dr No. Image copyrightALAMY Read more here Jerry Maren Actor, the last surviving Munchkin, and possibly the last surviving cast member of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. He played the Lollipop Guild member who presented Dorothy with a large wooden lollipop. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES Read more here Geoffrey Hayes Television presenter, who played the lovable and long-suffering upholder of peace on children's programme Rainbow from 1974-1992 - alongside characters Zippy, George and Bungle. Image copyrightSHUTTERSTOCK Read more here Stefan Karl Stefansson Icelandic actor best known for his role as villain Robbie Rotten in the children's television programme LazyTown, who also had numerous roles in Icelandic TV drama and films. Image copyrightLAZYTOWN ENTERTAINMENT Read more here Bob Burra Pioneering animator of children's programmes including Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Captain Pugwash. With his long-time collaborator, John Hardwick, he pioneered new animation techniques. Read more here Peter Firmin Co-creator of British children's television classics Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, The Clangers, Basil Brush and Pogles Wood - he helped lay the foundations of today's children's TV industry. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES Read more here John Cunliffe Author of 90 books for children, including Postman Pat and Rosie and Jim, which became worldwide successes when animated for television.