Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2021 – in memoriam

"He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn't help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on." – Jean-Marc's producing partner Nathan Ross

"Jean-Marc Vallee was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth. He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed." – Big Little Lies network HBO

"I can also confirm the passing of my beloved Aunty #SallyAnnHowes who died peacefully in her sleep yesterday. My brother & I thought Sally Ann might hold on until the #Christmas screening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as this would have greatly appealed to her mischievous side." – Sally's nephew Toby Howes

“After 91 years, and a great life, my friend Lou Cutell went home. A film, theatre and character actor. Big Larry in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Ass Man in Seinfeld, Abe in Grey’s Anatomy S12, E4. He took me to Lucille Ball’s house in 1986. Rest in Peace Lou.” – Lou’s friend Mark Fuhrman

“Lou Cutell, the actor who played The Amazing Larry in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, passed away on Sunday. During a career that spanned well over fifty years, he acted in an extraordinary number of diverse movies and television shows.
Besides my own film, my favorite thing Lou acted in was when he played an alien doctor in 1965’s Frankenstein Meets the Spacemonster. In real life, he was wonderful—sweet, caring and unassuming. He was also slyly and wickedly funny.” – Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman

"He got to a very ripe old age, he was loved by his family, and I think he died in their company, which is lovely." - Lionel's agent

"Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed." - Jennifer Aniston

"The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you. Rest In peace James." - Courteney Cox

"We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend." - Matt LeBlanc

"This is a devastating loss. Michael K Williams gave us some of TV's most iconic characters. He had a strength and sensitivity that rarely go together, all wrapped up in a style uniquely his own, both on and off set. His talent was only matched by the size of his heart – he was incredibly generous. He looked out for me in many ways when we worked together. His work is already timeless, and it will live on." – Riz Ahmed

"Rest in Peace Michael K. Williams. Gone far too soon. A man that taught me so much. Thank you for your wisdom." – Damson Idris

"I remember the times you’d come on set even when you weren’t on the call sheet. Just to share a hug. To cheer us on. Strolling in like the King that you were. For just a flash to give some love – then gone. I remember nights out in NYC that summer and how you were so loved by the folks in your city. I remember our work on the work, always connected and communicating and excavating and building because you were so open and ready to give your all. I remember you sending me a picture of yourself as a young man and sharing with me that the boys whose story we were telling were a reflection of you – and we were going to get it right. I remember you taking the young actors to the beach on your own and talking to them about things I couldn’t – about being a young, Black man in New York at the time – and how grateful I was. I remember the last text you sent me introducing me to your friend ‘Ava’ that you met Day One in your trailer – and me not believing that you kept your start-of-production gift for three whole years. I remember you speaking of mortality, like you did in your post last year about Kobe. In it, you wonder how you’ll be remembered and what your legacy will be. Maya Angelou once said, your legacy lives on in every life you touch. You, brother, touched many. Through your personal interactions big and small, through your community activism, through your struggles, through your triumphs, through your glorious work. You moved many. You moved me. What you doubted in life, be certain of now, dear brother. Be certain. You were a flash of love – now gone. But never forgotten. Promise." – Ava DuVernay

"If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance." – Wendell Pierce

"You’ll be missed, brother.A real pleasure to work with you and call you a friend.Strength, mana & love to your family during this very difficult and heartbreaking time. Go rest high. dj." – Dwayne Johnson

"Rest in power my beautiful brother." – Laverne Cox

"Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted girl has departed. As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans. We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name. I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times. She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most 🙏🏼 I also realize so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah’s passing… I am sending you all so much love 💔 I love you Sarah… farewell 🕊" – Cheryl

"I’m absolutely devastated and I can’t accept that this day has come. My heart is aching and all day everything we went through together has raced round my mind. Especially this last year since her diagnosis, as hard as the year has been, our new memories are strong in my heart. There are so many things to say and at first it felt too personal to put them here and then I remembered that there are so many other people grieving her too. A part of me or us isn’t here anymore and it’s unthinkable and painful and utterly cruel. She would have loved your messages today ♥️Electric girl, you made us. You gave it everything and still with a smile.A white butterfly flew past my window this morning before I knew, it must have been you 🦋." – Nicola Roberts

"I am absolutely devastated!! I can’t think of words that could possibly express how I feel about this girl & what she means to me!! I know so many of you will be feeling this way. For now I’m sending so much love to you!!! ❤️❤️." – Nadine Coyle

"Beautiful Sarah this hurts so bad. To wake up and know that you are really gone is too much to bear. Hearing your infectious chuckle was one of my favourite things in the world. Your fire burned so bright and you loved, lived and laughed so hard. Sending love and strength to everyone who is grieving today. My heart is broken 💔." – Kimberley Walsh

"It is with deep sadness we have to announce the death of Phil Jerrod. Phil peacefully passed away at home after a battle with cancer, with his devoted wife Beck by his side.

"Phil's critically acclaimed stand-up and comedy writing meant he was incredibly respected by his peers, supporting and writing with many of his comedy heroes.

"Phil was a dear friend to us, an incredibly kind and talented man, who was taken far too soon. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him." - Off the Kerb

"Phil Jerrod was one of my very best friends and I loved him dearly. He was a brilliant comic, but more importantly one of the kindest and loveliest men you could ever meet. You would always feel better for having spent time with him. I will miss him so much." - Romesh Ranganathan

"We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully. Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head- Goodnight dad. We love you." – Ed Asner's family

"Oh Ed Asner Rest In Peace and power friend. what a truly good and honorable human you were .gratitude for all you did for the screen Actors Guild ,when it was a true Union bless you." – Rosanna Arquette

"I had the honor to witness Ed’s generosity and compassion first hand. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. RIP Ed Asner." – Wanda Sykes

"Sending love to The great Ed Asner’s family. An icon because he was such a beautiful, funny and totally honest actor. No one like him." – Ben Stiller

"My friend Ed Asner was everything I’ve always wanted to be. Actor, author, activist, warm, lovable, gruff, lefty, patriot and a great father. Every member of SAG owes Ed Asner so much. Please keep supporting @EdAsnerCenter." – Tom Arnold

"A true action legend. Your films are eternal and your energy an inspiration." - Lewis Tan

"I've known this day was coming for some time, but it's no less heart-breaking. A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much." - Lee Mack

"It's heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock, he was a true original, a wonderful comic. All my thoughts are with his family." - Bill Bailey

"Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man." - Ricky Gervais

"I am shocked and saddened at the news of the loss of Sean Lock. He was a brilliant comedian but more importantly he was a great person on so many levels. He will be missed hugely." - John Bishop

"Mum passed away quietly today with her family around her, in Edinburgh. We ask for privacy and understanding at this most difficult and sad of times." – Una's sons Joe and Christian Henson, and Jason Gilmore

"Oh, this is so sad. Such a funny, lovely, gifted lady – a marvellous actress with a special style and a great (and impish) sense of humour. I first met her when she was in Cowardy Custard in 1972 and last saw her at Nicky Henson's funeral last year. A sad day." – Gyles Brandreth

"'Mrs Hudson, leave Baker Street? England would fall.' Goodbye to the wonderful and legendary Una Stubbs, forever our Mrs Hudson." – Sherlock: The Official Live Game

"Oh no. A truly lovely woman and what a career. Sincere condolences to her family and everyone one who loved Una." – Lorraine Kelly

"Such a loss. She made everything look so effortless. A consummate professional, kind, gracious, elegant, versatile and fun. Her Aunt Sally was a masterclass alone. Condolences and love to those loved ones left behind." – Bonnie Langford