Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies aged 47
Collins shared late last year that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
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Star Wars and Shakespeare legend Michael Pennington dies aged 82 as Miriam Margolyes leads tributes to ‘brilliant’ actor
STAR Wars legend Michael Pennington has died aged 82.
The veteran stage and screen actor, who is best known for his role as Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi, is thought to have passed away, according to The Telegraph.
The cause of death is currently unknown.
Pennington’s other film credits include as Laertes in Hamlet (1969), alongside Anthony Hopkins, and as former Labour Party leader Michael Foot in The Iron Lady (2011), alongside Meryl Streep.
He also appeared in TV shows The Bill, The Tudors and Father Brown, as well as TV movie The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
His agent Lesley Duff told The Sun he had been living at Denville Hall, a care home for retired actors, in his later years.
His good friend and fellow screen veteran Miriam Margolyes confirmed news of his passing in a post uploaded to her social media.
The Harry Potter actress emotionally penned: “Michael Pennington has died.
“An old friend, from Cambridge days, a very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear. I am sad beyond measure.
“Bless your dear memory. Old chum.”
Replying to a comment underneath her post, the actress said: “It happened v recently at Denville Hall. I am sad to confirm.”
Tributes soon poured in following the sad news.
One devastated fan wrote: “May the force be with you brother.”
Another called the actor a “legend”, writing: “May he rest in peace.”
Pennington’s death comes just a year after his partner Author Prue Skene passed away aged 81.
As well as his screen work, Michael was an acclaimed figure in the theatre world, having appeared in scores of Shakespeare productions.
In 1986, Michael co-founded the English Shakespeare Company and was the joint artistic director until 1992.
He was also an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Pennington married actress Katharine Barker in 1964, and they welcomed a son, Mark, before they divorced in 1967.
Beloved BBC radio presenter dies aged 57 after 20 years on air as devastated family pay tribute
BBC radio presenter Dave Llewellyn has died aged 57 after two decades on air – as his devastated family release a touching tribute.
The Radio Tees star – famed for his distinctive bright red hair – was hailed as the “most loving father and husband” by his daughter Amy.
Dave worked as a travel presenter in the north east region for more than 20 years – famously starting out as the “eye in the sky” in a plane.
Alongside his traffic updates, the larger-than-life DJ also co-hosted a gardening show at the weekends.
And for the past six years, he was a producer on BBC Radio Tees, most recently working on Gary Philipson’s daytime programme.
The presenter, hailed as “incredibly modest and generous” by his daughter Amy, died after a short illness.
She said: “Outside of his work he loved his family and his music.
“His true talent shone through while he was playing his keyboards, synthesisers and bass.
“He was the most loving father and husband, always going out of his way to make us happy.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him, especially our beloved dog Cupid who always saw a taste of his generosity, usually in the form of a shared sausage sandwich.”
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Brit vocalist behind rock band Santana dead aged 79 just weeks after performing final gig as touching tributes pour in
BELOVED British rock legend, Alex Ligertwood, who helped shape the sound of Santana has died aged 79.
His daughter, Merci, shared the heartbreaking news on Saturday following his death just weeks after taking the stage for the final time.
The Brogan Agency confirmed a day later that the star “passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side” at his longtime home in Santa Monica.
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the iconic frontman, whose powerhouse vocals defined an era.
Guitarist Brandon Paul, who toured alongside him in recent years as part of “Icons of Classic Rock,” led the emotional tributes – hailing him as “a world-class professional.”
He said: “His voice was a force of nature – soulful, from the heart, and legendary every single night. Beyond the music, he was an amazing human being and a dear friend.”
Brandon added: “Having a vocalist who worked with icons like Carlos Santana and Jeff Beck compliment my guitar playing is something I will carry with me forever.”
The singer worked as Santana’s lead vocalist on five separate occasions between 1979 and 1994, lending his unmistakable voice to classic albums including Marathon, Zebop!, Shango and Sacred Fire: Live in South America.
He also brought some of the band’s biggest hits roaring to life on stage, including “Winning,” “Hold On,” and “All I Ever Wanted.”
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Goodfellas and Halloween star Beau Starr dead aged 81 as tributes pour in for ‘very unique and special’ actor
BELOVED actor Beau Starr, best known for his roles in the Halloween franchise and Goodfellas, has died at the age of 81.
The star reportedly died on Friday, April 24, of natural causes.
His brother, Mike Starr, confirmed the news to TMZ, saying the actor passed away peacefully in Vancouver, Canada.
Mike revealed his heartbreak as he paid tribute to his late brother, saying Beau was “loved by many” – and calling him “very unique and special.”
He shared how Beau played a huge role in shaping his life, explaining that he and their other brothers helped raise him alongside their parents.
Tributes quickly poured in for the veteran actor, with co-star Christopher Serrone leading the announcements.
“It is with a heavy heart Im here to inform everyone of the very sad passing of Beau Starr. [Mike Starr] asked me to make the announcement,” wrote Christopher Serrone, who starred alongside Starr in the 1990 mob film.
“Beau enjoyed a rich a meaningful life. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, actor and NFL/CFL player. Please take a moment to help me remember a great guy. RIP.”
Fans were also left devastated, flooding social media with memories of his most iconic roles.
“He was a great actor, your scene with him in Goodfellas is still a scene I will never forget, he was also good in Halloween 4-5, May he rest in peace,” one fan wrote.
“He was a great actor & good man in person. Very sad to read this news. I am sorry for his family loss,” another wrote.
Before finding fame on screen, Beau Starr lived a very different life – starting out as a professional football player.
After several years on the New York Jets practice squad in the late 1960s and two seasons in the Canadian Football League, Beau got his break in entertainment on Bizarre – a half-hour sketch comedy show starring Bob Einstein and featuring comedians like Howie Mandel.
He landed his first film role in 1982’s Hanky Panky, starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, before going on to play Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween IV and Halloween V.
Fans of director Martin Scorsese will remember Starr for his role as Henry Hill’s father in Goodfellas, with co-star Christopher Serrone.
Starr also became a familiar face on TV, starring in 66 episodes of Due South between 1994 and 1999.
His long list of credits includes films such as Born on the Fourth of July, Speed, Angels in the Infield, The Cactus Kid and Cinderella Man, as well as TV shows including Wings, T.J. Hooker and Doc.
His former manager, Timothy Beal, said Starr always appreciated his fans, especially those of the Halloween franchise.
Beal said he only ever had positive experiences with the late star and wished they had worked together more.
Ex-Formula One driver turned Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies aged 59 | Motorsports News
Zanardi, who lost his legs in a racing crash, was credited with helping transform the perception of disability in Italy.
Published On 2 May 2026
Alex Zanardi, the Italian Formula One driver who became a Paralympic cycling champion after losing both legs in an accident, has died aged 59, his family announced.
Zanardi, one of his country’s most loved and respected sportsmen, who was credited with helping transform the perception of disability in Italy, died on Friday evening.
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In a statement issued on Saturday through the charity he founded, Obiettivo3, his family said he died “suddenly”, but also “peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends”.
“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”
Zanardi’s death comes six years after the four-time Paralympic gold medal winner suffered a second horror crash in June 2020, when his handbike crashed into an oncoming truck during a race in Tuscany.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed Zanardi as “a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity”.
Cordiano Dagnoni, head of the Italian Cycling Federation, said he “transformed the culture of our country, bringing joy and happiness to those fortunate enough to know him, and hope to so many in Italy and around the world”.
He said there would be a minute’s silence observed at this weekend’s races in tribute to the athlete.
Zanardi raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the CART championship in the United States where he was series champion in 1997 and 1998.
He returned to F1 with Williams in 1999 before heading back to CART.
Zanardi almost died in a horrific accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany, after which he had both legs amputated.
His car had stalled in the middle of the track after a spin and was struck by another car at a speed of more than 300km/h (186mph).
Yet he went on to become one of the best-known figures in Paralympic sports, winning two gold medals at the 2012 London Games and two more in Rio de Janeiro, four years later.
In June 2020, he was involved in another terrible accident, this time in Tuscany. He suffered serious head injuries and only returned home 18 months later.
Zanardi, born in Bologna on October 23, 1966, leaves his wife Daniela and son Niccolo.
Alex Zanardi: Ex-F1 driver and Paralympic champion dies aged 59
Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, winning four times for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09.
In addition to his handcycling success at the Paralympics, he became a 12-time world champion and won the men’s para-cycling race at the New York marathon in 2011.
Zanardi suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck.
Formula 1’s governing body the FIA said, external Zanardi’s “journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, external her country had lost “a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity”.
She added: “Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional.
“With his sporting achievements, with his example, and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up.
“On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him.
“Thank you for everything, Alex.”
The Osmonds legend Alan Osmond dies aged 76 as heartbroken fans mourn eldest brother of 70s pop icons
THE oldest member of a much-loved 70s pop group has passed away, his family has announced.
Alan Osmond, the founding brother and guitarist of The Osmonds, died on Monday aged 76.
The family said in a statement that his wife Suzanne and their eight sons were beside Osmond at his bedside when he passed away, but did not reveal an official cause of death.
Alan Osmond had battled multiple sclerosis for 40 years after being first diagnosed in 1987.
He was the third-born child of parents George Virl Osmond Sr. and Olive Osmond, and in 1958 performed alongside his younger brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay on a TV show at the age of 12.
The group first found fame as a barbershop quartet on The Andy Williams Show.
This early success set the stage for their siblings to join the lineup; once younger brother Donny arrived, the group transitioned into pop music as “The Osmonds,” quickly achieving superstar status as teen heart-throbs.
They had hits such as One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, Down by the Lazy River and Love Me for a Reason.
Alan left the group in 2007, and his brothers went on with solo careers.
Alan and his brother Merrill founded the Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah, a massive Fourth of July celebration, and he also co-founded and ran the OneHeart Foundation.
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He then published his memoir, “One Way Ticket,” in 2024.
Osmond is survived by his wife, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.