icon

JON Cypher, the actor who played Prince Charming in the original TV production of Cinderella, has died at the age of 94.

A family announcement said the thespian died at his home in Central Point, Oregon, on August 3.

His wife of 40 years Carol Rosin was by his side.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jon will perhaps be well-known as the ambitious police chief Fletcher Daniels on the long-running Hill Street Blues.

He appeared throughout the acclaimed TV drama.

Jon also had a prominent role as General March Craig on Major Dad.

He, though, had a long list of credits including Dynasty, Knots Landing, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and JAG.

Jon first appeared on the small screen alongside Julie Andrews in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s live 1957 CBS broadcast of Cinderella.

At the time, Jon was a virtual unknown,

The big-budget production aired live and in color on CBS in March 1957.

It attracted an audience of more than 107million, more than 60 per cent of US households tuning in.

He went on to play Man-At-Arms in the 1987 film Masters of the Universe.

Jon also made regular appearances on Broadway, with credits including Man of La Mancha, The Great White Hope, Big, Coco and 1776.

A HOLLYWOOD icon looks incredible as she dances in a swimsuit with a bottle of rosé in her hand – but would you have clocked her?

The legendary actress, 80, has been spending some quality time with her family while on holiday across Europe.

In the short clip, Goldie Hawn is seen pulling out some dance moves while wearing the black bathing suit embroidered with silver crystals.

Her daughter Kate Hudson took to her Instagram feed to share a video of her mother being as fabulous as ever.

Stylish Goldie wore a grey cardigan over the top and accessorised with a silver necklace and a clip in her hair.

The Overboard actress held a nearly-finished bottle in her hand as she sashayed her way out of the shot.

TOMDAYA

How Tom & Zendaya became Hollywood’s ‘It’ couple with most important role to come

stars aligned

Hollywood A-listers sign up for big budget new BBC drama based on hit book

Kate, 47, also shared a whole host of other snaps and videos as the family were pictured having the best time.

She captioned it: “A few love letters from Europe.”

Her followers flocked to the comments section to compliment Goldie in particular.

One person gushed: “Omg your Mom!! I love her energy!!”

Another Instagram user enthused: “I want to be @goldiehawn in my next life.”

Somebody else commented: “Love you and your mom!! I’m sure your kids are just as amazing.”

While a fourth added: “I love your mum. She’s always dancing and being happy.”

Goldie started out in Hollywood back in 1966 with her career spanning over six-decades.

Her most famous roles include The First Wives Club, Private Benjamin, Overboard and Death Becomes Her.

Goldie has won several awards over the years, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for a BAFTA and two primetime Emmy Awards.

She married musician Bill Hudson in 1976, before welcoming daughter Kate and son Oliver into the world.

However, the pair got divorced after just four-years of marriage.

Goldie began dating actor Kurt Russell in 1983 and although they never got married, they welcomed son Wyatt in 1986.

Kate began her own career in 1996 and has become a staple in Hollywood in her own right.

She’s appeared in iconic films including How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, You, Me and Dupree, Bride Wars and Raising Helen.

Kate is mum to three children, with her eldest son Ryder, 22, from her former marriage to musician Chris Robinson.

She shares 15-year-old son Bingham with ex-fiance and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

The Hollywood star is also mum to seven-year-old daughter Rani with her fiance Danny Fujikawa.

She and Danny first met in 2016 and got engaged in 2021.

A BRITISH indie icon has been rushed to hospital after a nasty scooter accident.

He confessed he felt “stupid” and “embarrassed” as this comes just days before he’s set to headline a huge weekend festival.

Frontman of Reverend and the Makers Jon McClure has revealed he’s in a lot of pain and could be dealing with a broken rib.

Taking to Instagram the musician told his fans all about the “daft” incident that left him “shaken up.”

“A little update from me. I had an accident yesterday doing summat daft on a scooter,” wrote Jon.

“It’s my own fault and I feel a bit stupid and embarrassed tbh.”

SHOW OFF

Devastated 90s indie legends forced to cancel gig at short notice

REALITY CHECK

Brit band admit they were skint & returned to ‘day jobs’ after 3 huge albums

The 44-year-old is set to appear onstage at the Tramlines Festival in Sheffield – his home town – and has assured fans it will still go ahead.

He said: “This weekends gigs @togetheragainfest and @tramlines will go ahead even if I have to dose myself up . Hopefully it’s just a knock.

“Might need a cuddle though. Proper shook me up. Feeling a bit blue.”

One fan penned: “Take it gentle Rev, you will still have the crowds bouncing.”

Another fan added: “Ouch! Get well soon bud – if you are going to take a fall being daft on a scooter feels like the way to do it though! You know you are the heart beat of Tramlines – come what may you and the gang will smash it this weekend.”

Jon, nicknamed “The Reverend,” and his band shot to fame in 2007 after releasing their debut album The State of Things.

They then landed a UK top 10 single with Heavyweight Champion of The World, which peak at number eight.

In 2009, the band were invited to support Oasis on their final major stadium tour before they split.

A TIKTOK star has left fans shocked as she revealed she’s a nepo-baby with a British TV icon mum – but can YOU guess who her famous parent is?

Social media star Dixie has 11k followers on TikTok, and recently posted a video where she teased the identity of her very well-known mother, who started out on reality TV.

In a video of her and her famous mum on holiday, the 16-year-old could be seen sweeping her brunette locks out of her face as she posed for the camera.

She captioned the post: “When I think I look hot but then my mum walks in.”

The camera then panned to none other than TV star Luisa Zissman, 39. who put on a leggy dislay as she strutted down the streets of St Tropez.

Few fans know that Dixie is the offspring of none other than Luisa, who came in second place on the ninth season of BBC’s The Apprentice.

Read more on Luisa Zissman

POPPIN OFF

Luisa Zissman risks mum-shamers’ wrath as she skips school play of daughter, 8

PET RESCUE

Luisa Zissman offers fans free jet flight to help bring dog home from Dubai

Dixie penned underneath the clip of them: “She knows she’s the s**t.”

“Both stunning! You are your mum’s double,” said one fan.

Another fan wrote: “Your mum is an icon.”

A third fan added: “Baddies.”

Meanwhile, a fourth person said: “Queen Luisa.”

Luisa was a very sassy contestant on the BBC reality show, often putting her co-stars in their place if they disagreed with her.

Back in 2013, the mum-of-three was already hugely successful – she ran three businesses with a turnover of around £3million.

Following her stint on The Apprentice, a year later she appeared on Big Brother finishing fourth behind Jim Davidson, Dappy and Ollie Locke.

The entrepreneur now hosts LuAnna: The Podcast alongside dating agent Anna Williamson.

Before Paul Mescal became a blockbuster star in films like Gladiator II and Aftersun, he played a supporting role in a gripping Irish psychological thriller now streaming on Channel 5

Fans of the Heartthrob Irish actor, best known for his break out role in Normal People, should turn to this lesser known thriller for the perfect binge-watch.

Actor Paul Mescal who has since appeared in the likes of Gladiator II, Hamnet and Aftersun plays a supporting role in this TV series, portraying the character of Sean McKeogh, a local builder in Ireland and volunteer firefighter.

He serves as Ophelia, the protagonists’ confidant and the person she turns to for support as she attempts to uncover the truth behind a devastating death.

The Deceived, released in 2020, follows her time as a university student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer Michael Callaghan, at Cambridge University. Although, her Irish lecturer is from the fictional village of Knockdara in County Donegal, where most of the show is set.

Inevitably, their affair spirals into tragedy, leaving her ensnared in an ever-growing web of deceit and gaslighting, caught up in a dangerous power struggle with her secret lover, and now, a murder case.

Written by the same writer behind the award-winning Irish television series Derry Girls, this show offers something entirely distinct, yet is every bit as deserving of a binge-watch session.

The Deceived is a 2020 mini-series that unfolds a psychological thriller across four episodes. Since its release, the Irish-British production has largely slipped under the radar, despite having a popular actor.

A review of the programme on IMDb compares the story to that of Rebecca, claiming that the show clearly draws on it as inspiration. They wrote: “This is a spooky thriller with obvious references to Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I loved it.

“I don’t get the negative reviews. It had good twists and turns. I thought the acting was very good. I looked forward to each episode.

“It was rather unsettling at times, best watched in the company of someone else, not by yourself. If you like Rebecca you’ll love this. Loved the ending.”

Another reads: “This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.

“Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout.”

Joining Mescal in the cast are Emmet J Canlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, alongside Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker and Ciara Berkeley. While critical reception has largely celebrated the performances of those involved, the majority of complaints appear to be directed at weaknesses in the script and storyline.

A critic points out: “The script is very underwhelming as some conversations are awkward and cut way too short with unanswered questions. It’s very unnatural and makes everyone seem odd and disconnected from each other.”

As a series that flew largely under the radar following its ill-timed release during the pandemic, it seems the show is still waiting to reach the wider audience it deserves. If nothing else, devoted Paul Mescal fans would do well to seek it out and witness one of his lesser-known early roles, before he rose to become the Hollywood heavyweight he is today.

All four episodes of The Deceived are available to stream now for free on Channel 5.

GOODBYE boys, Wonderbra icon Eva Herzigova is officially off the market.

The supermodel, 53, married her longtime partner, Gregorio Marsiaj, following a 25-year romance.

Eva, who featured in the famous 1994 Hello Boys campaign for push bras, looked radiant in a flowing white dress as she tied the knot in Turin, Italy, on Saturday.

Joined by their three sons, George, Philipe and Edward, along with a close circle of relatives and friends, Eva and businessman Gregorio exchanged vows at a church, followed by a civil ceremony and an intimate dinner.

The couple first met in 2001 and got engaged in 2017.

Eva was previously married to Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres in 1996, but the couple divorced two years later.

Who are the McGregor vs Holloway ring-girls? Meet the models for UFC 329 show

BEL OF THE BALL

Haaland’s girlfriend Isabel leaves fans stunned with outfit for England tie

She has also been linked to record executive Guy Oseary and model Kelly Rippy.

The model has previously rubbed shoulders with royalty.

In 2017, King Charles opened a pool with supermodel Eva.

Charles hailed the makeover “decidedly splendid” in New Cumnock, Ayrshire.

Eva joined a host of VIPs including Olympic swimmer Duncan Scott and entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter at the re-launch.

THE Prince and Princess Of Wales have paid tribute to singer Bonnie Tyler, describing her as a “proud Welsh icon” following her death aged 75.

Bonnie died on Wednesday night, months after being treated in intensive care and being placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.

A post on William and Kate’s joint Kensington Palace account said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bonnie Tyler.

“A proud Welsh icon, her extraordinary voice and unforgettable music touched millions around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Our thoughts are with her husband, family, friends and all who loved her. Diolch am y gerddoriaeth (thank you for the music).”

Bonnie was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Prince Of Wales in 2023 for services to music.

READ MORE ON BONNIE TYLER

FINAL CHAT

Bonnie Tyler’s heartbreaking last TV interview before her death at 75

BONNIE’S BATTLE

Inside Bonnie Tyler’s health battle as singer dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 75

It comes after Chicago star Catherine Zeta-Jones said her “heart is broken” after the Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer’s death.

Catherine, 56, said Bonnie was a big part of her life after marrying her cousin Robert Sullivan and paid a heartfelt tribute to the Welsh singer, real name Gaynor Hopkins.

The actress shared a photograph of the pair together on Instagram which was taken the night before her wedding.

She said: “An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.

“Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family.”

A statement on the singer’s official website said her family and team were “heartbroken” after she “unexpectedly passed away” on Wednesday night in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated near her home in Faro.

Catherine was among the stars who paid tribute to the singer including Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Rod Stewart and rockstar Bryan Adams.

Sir Cliff, who sang a duet with Tyler on the 2019 song Taking Control, said she was a “wonderful friend gone too soon” in a post shared on Facebook.

He added: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me.

“It is shocking news to wake up to this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time.”

Bonnie was due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the singer, who he described as “one of Britain’s greatest recording artists”.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from Total Eclipse Of The Heart to Holding Out For A Hero – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”

He added: “The Prime Minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”

The singer achieved international fame in the 1980s with the release of Total Eclipse Of The Heart, which shot to the top of the charts in the UK and the US.

Faster Than The Speed of Night, the album which featured the smash-hit track, was also a chart-topping success and landed the singer her only UK number one album.

Recognisable for her husky voice, Bonnie released many other hit songs over the years including Holding Out For A Hero, It’s A Heartache and If You Were A Woman (And I Was A Man).

Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth led tributes on Thursday and said Wales had “lost a true icon”.

He posted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.

“Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”

She represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, with the song Believe In Me finishing in 19th place.

Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman also paid tribute, writing: “I’m so very sorry to hear this. As a Welsh woman Bonnie and her music represented so much to us, it was about fighting and power and living life without apology.

“May you rest in Musical Glory Bonnie.”

The star, who was born in Neath in South Wales, continued to make music and perform until her death, having released her 18th studio album The Best Is Yet To Come in 2021.

Despite being a widely acclaimed and globally-renowned star, Bonnie never received a Grammy Award during her decades-long career but did receive three nominations.

Bonnie’s official website appears to have crashed since the news of her death was announced.

Death in Paradise fans were left doing a double take as they instantly recognised the show’s guest star

A Widow’s Bay icon once played a huge role in Death in Paradise.

Currently, the BBC is airing repeat episodes of Death in Paradise and Wednesday night saw series 11, episode five play. In the 2022 season, Ralf Little was playing the main character of DI Neville Parker before his exit in 2024.

The repeat episode saw a young popstar found dead at a rehab clinic, where it initially looked like a tragic accident. However, Neville was convinced that there was more to her death than meets the eye…

In the episode, it saw the arrival of Neville’s sister, Izzy. However, Neville wasn’t best pleased to see his sister especially as she had kept her arrival a surprise and she soon interfered in his life.

The character of Izzy is played by actress Kate O’Flynn, who appeared as the character for three episodes. Of course, viewers will instantly recognise Kate, 40, for her iconic role of Patricia Moyer in the recent hit series Widow’s Bay.

Other roles include Fiona Lewis in Everyone Else Burns, Princess Mary in My Lady Jane and Alice in Bridget Jones’s Baby – to name just a few.

At the time of the episode airing, viewers were quick to instantly recognise Kate playing Izzy. One person said: “I recognise Izzy from somewhere!”

While another person wrote: “Where have I seen Izzy before!? @deathinparadise she looks very familiar #DeathInParadise!”

However, it looks like there will be no return of Izzy on Death in Paradise in the future due to her on-screen brother Neville’s exit. Back in 2024, Neville decided to leave Saint Marie for good after four years and explore the world.

Since then, Don Gilet has taken over the lead role as DI Mervin Wilson. Talking about joining the show in 2024, Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.

“This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.

“Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

COUNTRY legend Alan Jackson is preparing to take the stage one final time – but behind his emotional farewell has been a grueling 15-year battle with a degenerative nerve disease that has changed his life.

The music icon was diagnosed with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in 2011, but kept it private for a decade before publicly revealing the condition in 2021.

The hereditary disorder causes nerve damage, mostly in the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, balance problems, and difficulty walking.

While it’s not typically considered fatal, it has led to deaths – including 911: Nashville actress Isabelle Tate, who passed away from the disease in 2025. 

Behind Alan’s final curtain call is a brutal health battle that has quietly followed him for more than 15 years.

“It’s been affecting me for years,” he said in 2021 while first revealing the diagnosis on the Today Show. 

“And it’s getting more and more obvious. I know I’m not going to be able to tour like I have.”

Alan, 67, also revealed the diagnosis runs in his family, explaining: “I have this neuropathy and neurological disease. It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy.”

The disease affects balance, coordination, and muscle control – making even simple movement more difficult as it progresses.

For a performer known for commanding massive stages and playing live instruments, the condition has made touring especially challenging.

Alan has opened up about his struggles, saying: “I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone.” 

Over the years, Alan has continued performing despite worsening symptoms, though he acknowledged the disease has forced him to adjust.

“I don’t feel comfortable,” he said of performing while navigating the disorder. “It’s going to disable me eventually.”

While Charcot-Marie-Tooth does not always directly impact life expectancy, there is no cure, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, braces, pain management, and mobility support.

Still, Alan said he has refused to let the diagnosis define him, pushing through multiple tours and live shows while accepting that the end of his road on stage would come in the nearer future. 

Now, the singer is set for his final full-length concert, Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale, on June 27 at Nissan Stadium. 

The massive send-off will bring Alan back to Nashville – the city where his career first took off – and feature an all-star lineup including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, and Lee Ann Womack.

The sold-out show will begin in the early evening and rock on all night, with more than 50,000 fans expected in attendance.

And for those who can’t make it in person, the historic farewell will be filmed for an NBC primetime special titled Alan Jackson: The Last Show, before streaming the following day on Peacock.

For the country crooner, it’s a full-circle moment – and the closing chapter of one of music’s most enduring careers.

The Georgia native has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, with a staggering 35 Number 1 hits and 50 Top 10 singles to his name. 

He’s won two Grammy Awards, 16 CMA Awards, 17 ACM Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.

The singer is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has long been praised for helping preserve traditional country music through hits like Chattahoochee, Livin’ on Love, Remember When, and Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).

Alan has long credited his family as the backbone of his decades-long career.

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Denise Jackson, since 1979 after the pair met as teenagers in their hometown of Newnan, Georgia.

Denise famously helped launch his music career after running into country legend Glen Campbell on a flight and passing along Alan’s demo – a moment that helped change their lives forever.

Together, Alan and Denise share three daughters: Mattie Jackson Smith, Alexandra Jane Bradshaw, and Dani Grace Jackson.

A future that, he says, has always intrigued him – and perhaps not dissimilar to David Beckham.

Like Bale, the English icon was his nation’s footballing figurehead and could have had his pick of post playing jobs, before ending up a co-owner of MLS franchise Inter Miami as part of various business interests.

Was that route an influence?

“I think so; a lot of American athletes do that type of thing and I would read about it and listen to interviews about what they’ve done,” says Bale, whose old Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric has become a minority investor in Swansea City.

“A lot of players still go down the coaching route, management or even with younger players at academies.

“But you are seeing more players being a bit more business minded. Maybe because we’ve done so much on one side, this side becomes a new chapter, a new world.

“It always really interested me, but I didn’t really have the opportunity before being introduced to John.”

The John who could help Bale build it like Beckham is experienced US investor John Shulman, founder of private equity firm Juggernaut Capital.

The company is said to have $1bn in capital commitments and had already been investing in various sport businesses – from golf courses and volleyball to “thrill” sports – but sensed an opportunity, especially when it came to Europe and the UK.

Shulman says he wanted to bring on board “an elite, iconic athlete” to help launch a sports specific investment platform – Juggernaut Diversified Sports – ready to invest more than £500m.

And after an introduction – and, naturally, a round of golf – found one.

“There is only a small number of human beings on the planet who have done what Gareth has done,” Shulman says.

“We’re good investors, but what we lacked is the mindset, experience, drive and unique perch Gareth does.

“I mean, the guy has got it all. What he can do on the pitch, I’ve seen him do in the boardroom metaphorically. So I have nothing but excitement about [our plans], doing it at the right time and the right place and the right way.”

Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie is set to return to the beloved comedy series as narrator of new prequel

A Red Dwarf star has expressed his delight after being confirmed to return to the cherished comedy series.

Chris Barrie is making his way back to the Red Dwarf universe, having been announced as the narrator for the audiobook of the new spin-off novel, Red Dwarf: Titan.

The actor, who famously portrayed Arnold Rimmer in the cult sci-fi comedy, will voice the latest book, written by Red Dwarf co-creator Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall, reports Radio Times.

Discussing his latest project, Chris said: “I am finding Red Dwarf: Titan to be a very entertaining read. Recording any audiobook is always a challenge with so many characters to cover.

“But Red Dwarf: Titan, loaded as it is with laugh-out-loud lines and situations, is simply a joy!”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The star added: “I’m delighted that the portrayer of Arnold J Rimmer himself, the fabulous multi-voiced Chris Barrie will be reading the audiobook of Red Dwarf Titan.

“And I’m certain that Rob would be too. In fact we would be noisily competing as to whom was the most delighted. Currently that’s me.”

Besides his iconic portrayal of Rimmer throughout Red Dwarf’s 13 series, Chris previously narrated the first two Red Dwarf novels: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (1992) and Better Than Life (1995).

Red Dwarf: Titan will serve as a prequel to the BBC sci-fi comedy, which followed Craig Charles’s Dave Lister who wakes after three million years to find he’s the last remaining human.

His sole companions are a hologram of his deceased bunkmate, Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), and a humanoid creature descended from his pet cat (Danny John-Jules).

In conversation with Radio Times just weeks before his death, co-writer Grant revealed of the novel: “It’s Lister and Rimmer before the accident on shore leave on Titan.

“It’s set one universe to the side, so we can have familiar characters but we can do different things with them, because the difficulty was writing something that was going to be original and fresh and using the same characters without breaking the canon. “.

He further disclosed that the tale would see Lister and Rimmer “get a message from the far future warning them that all realities are going to collapse unless they do something about it.

“Grant also assured us that Red Dwarf’s signature silliness is back in full force, with the writer promising that fans will “laugh their little chippers off”.”

Red Dwarf is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Red Dwarf: Titan will publish in hardback, ebook and audio on July 16

JOHANNESBURG — Globally celebrated South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim has died at age 91, his family announced in a statement Monday.

Ibrahim, formerly known as Dollar Brand, passed away peacefully in Germany following a short illness, surrounded by loved ones, the statement issued on behalf of his family said.

As one of South Africa’s most respected jazz figures, he famously played at Nelson Mandela’s 1994 presidential inauguration. Mandela referred to Ibrahim as “our Mozart.”

His final public concert in South Africa took place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March, when he once again captivated audiences with the musical skill that defined his career.

Paying tribute to her partner, Dr. Marina Umari said he “passed away peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart.”

“His love for his country never wavered, no matter where in the world he found himself,” she said.

His family said that even though his life is over, his influence and voice would continue to resonate around the world.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the musician, praising his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle and acknowledging his lasting impact through music.

“Today our nation mourns the passing of an international icon and global citizen whose profound creations honored the South Africa that shaped his political commitment and musical brilliance,” said Ramaphosa.

Born Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town on Oct. 9, 1934, Ibrahim rose to international prominence as a pianist, composer and bandleader. With a career spanning more than seven decades, he forged a unique blend of jazz and South African musical traditions, making him a cultural ambassador whose music struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

Ibrahim’s mother Rachel Brand was mixed-race and under the apartheid system he was classified as “colored,” which afforded him certain social privileges that were denied Black South Africans. He was raised by grandparents and was told Rachel was his sister, only learning the truth in adulthood. Influenced by his grandmother and mother playing piano at the AME Church in Kensington, a Cape Town suburb, Irbrahim began piano lessons at age 7 and made his professional debut at 15.

In 1959 and 1960, he played with saxophonists Kippie Moeketsi and Mackay Davashe, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, bassist Johnny Gertze and drummer Makaya Ntshoko in the Jazz Epistles. The group recorded the first full-length jazz LP by Black South African musicians, “Jazz Epistle — Verse 1.” The South African government began targeting jazz groups as part of increasing state repression, and following the Sharpeville massacre in March 1960, the Jazz Epistles broke up.

During this time, Ibrahim met jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin and the pair moved to Europe. The following year, in Zurich, Switzerland, Benjamin convinced Duke Ellington to come see Ibrahim perform with the Dollar Brand Trio. Impressed, Ellington helped arrange a recording session with Reprise Records, later released as “Duke Ellington presents The Dollar Brand Trio.”

In 1965, Ibrahim and Benjamin married and moved to New York. He played at the Newport Jazz Festival and toured throughout the U.S. In addition to playing with, and, on occasion, leading the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Ibrahim interacted with such musicians as Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, and was influenced by the Black Power movement, incorporating African elements into his jazz. His compositions also reflected the influence of Ellington and Thelonious Monk.

The musician returned briefly to Cape Town in 1968 and converted to Islam, changing his name from Dollar Brand to Abdullah Ibrahim. As an expatriate, he toured the world for decades, appearing at major venues and working with classical orchestras in Europe. His composition “Mannenberg” became noteworthy as an anthem of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement.

In 2009, Ibrahim received an honorary doctorate in music from Wits University and the Order of Ikhamanga, a prestigious civilian award, from former President Jacob Zuma in the same year.

Ibrahim was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2019.

Alan Winde, the mayor of the Western Cape, where Ibrahim’s hometown is located, honored the performer and commended him for capturing South Africa’s cultural richness and history in his music.

“South Africa has lost a legend,” Winde said. “Abdullah Ibrahim represented everything that makes South Africa and the Western Cape so remarkable. His music told the story of our unique cultural diversity and past.”

Ibrahim is survived by Umari; his son, Tsakwe, a musician; and his daughter, Tsidi, a rapper who goes by Jean Grae.

According to his family, Ibrahim will be laid to rest in the German state of Bavaria, where he lived.

Gumede writes for the Associated Press.

MARGARET Kerry, the actress and dancer who helped bring Disney’s iconic Tinker Bell to life, has died aged 97.

The star, whose movements inspired Disney’s mischievous fairy in the 1953 classic Peter Pan, passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

Kerry died peacefully on June 11 in North Carolina surrounded by her children, according to her family.

In a statement, they said: “It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of Margaret Kerry (Boeke), our beloved Tinker Bell.

“Margaret passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

“Her three adoring children, Ellen, Christina and Eric, were with her as she lost her courageous battle with lung cancer at the age of ninety-seven.”

Read more on celebrity deaths

RADIO LEGEND

Country music icon & Grand Ole Opry host dies at 73 after health battle

The tribute added: “And remember, on any given night, look up into the night sky and search for that ‘Second Star to the Right’. Upon closer look, you might just notice that star shining a little brighter in Margaret’s honor.”

Kerry became immortalised in Disney history when she was chosen to model the movements of Tinker Bell for Peter Pan.

Standing just 5ft 2in tall, she spent months on a vast Disney soundstage acting out scenes for animators, wearing a swimsuit and imagining interactions with characters who weren’t really there, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Recalling her unusual audition, she said in a 2003 interview: “They were looking for a young girl who was comfortable with dance movement.”

After choreographing and performing a mime routine to music, she landed the role and became the inspiration behind one of Disney’s most recognizable characters.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…