Theatre director Peter Brook of 'The Mahabharata' fame dies aged 97

Described as a mystical giant of stage, he changed theatre forever

Playwright and actor Peter Brook was an acclaimed director in London's West End by his mid-twenties. AFP

Peter Brook, who has died at 97, was among the most influential theatre directors of the 20th century, reinventing the art by paring it back to drama's most basic and powerful elements.

An almost mystical figure often mentioned in the same breath as Konstantin Stanislavski, the Russian who revolutionised acting, the British director continued to work and challenge audiences well into his nineties.

Best-known for his 1985 masterpiece The Mahabharata, a nine-hour version of the ancient Indian epic, he lived in Paris from the early 1970s, where he set up the International Centre for Theatre Research in an old music hall called the Bouffes du Nord.

A prodigy who made his professional directorial debut at only 17, Brook was a singular talent right from the start.

Theatre and film director Peter Brook at a photocall of 'The Tightrope' during the 69th Venice Film Festival, on September 5, 2012. AFP

Its opening lines became a manifesto for a generation of young performers who would forge the fringe and alternative theatre scenes.

"I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage," he wrote.

"A man walks across an empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre..."

For many, Brook's startling 1970 Royal Shakespeare Company production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in a white-cube gymnasium was a turning point in world theatre.

It inspired actress Helen Mirren to abandon her burgeoning mainstream career to join his nascent experimental company in Paris.

African odyssey

Born in London on March 21, 1925, to a family of Jewish scientists who had immigrated from Latvia, Brook was an acclaimed director in London's West End by his mid-twenties.

Before his 30th birthday, he was directing hits on Broadway.

But driven by a passion for experimentation that he picked up from his parents, Brook soon "exhausted the possibilities of conventional theatre".

His first film, Lord of the Flies (1963), an adaptation of the William Golding novel about schoolboys marooned on an island who turn to savagery, was an instant classic.

By the time he took a production of King Lear to Paris a few years later, he was developing an interest in working with actors from different cultures.

Peter Brook, left, and his son director Simon Brook pose during the 69th Venice Film Festival. AFP

In 1971, he moved permanently to the French capital, and set off the following year with a band of actors including Mirren and the Japanese legend Yoshi Oida on a 13,600-kilometre odyssey across Africa to test his ideas.

Drama critic John Heilpern, who documented their journey in a bestselling book, said Brook believed theatre was about freeing the audience's imagination.

"Every day they would lay out a carpet in a remote village and would improvise a show using shoes or a box," he later told the BBC.

"When someone entered the carpet the show began. There was no script or no shared language."

But the gruelling trip took its toll on his company, most of whom fell ill with dysentery or tropical diseases.

Mirren later described it as "the most frightening thing I have ever done. There was nothing to hold on to."

She parted company with Brook soon after.

He "thought that stardom was wicked and tasteless... I just wanted my name up there," she told AFP.

'The Mahabharata' masterpiece

Brook continued to experiment at the Bouffes du Nord, touring his productions across the globe.

His landmark play after The Mahabharata was L'homme qui in 1993, based on Oliver Sacks's bestseller about neurological dysfunction, The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat.

Brook returned to Britain in triumph in 1997 with Samuel Beckett's Happy Days and his actress wife Natasha Parry in the lead.

Critics hailed him as "the best director London does not have".

Peter Brook arrives for the 25th Molieres theatre awards ceremony at the House of Arts and Culture in Creteil, near Paris, on April 17, 2011. AFP

After turning 85 in 2010, Brook relinquished leadership of the Bouffes du Nord but continued to direct there.

Eight years later, aged 92, he wrote and staged The Prisoner with Marie-Helene Estienne — one of the two women with whom he shared his life.

The real-life story was based on his own spiritual journey to Afghanistan, just before the Soviet invasion, to shoot a film called Meetings with Remarkable Men in 1978.

It was adapted from a book by mystical philosopher George Gurdjieff, whose sacred dances Brook performed daily for years.

Quiet-spoken, cerebral and charismatic, Brook was often seen as something of a Sufi himself.

But Parry's death in 2015 shook him. "One tries to bargain with fate and say, just bring her back for 30 seconds," he said.

Yet, he never stopped working despite failing eyesight.

"I have a responsibility to be as positive and creative as I can," he told The Guardian. "To give way to despair is the ultimate cop-out," he said.

95 notables we lost in 2021: from Prince Philip and Sarah Harding to Betty White — in pictures

APRIL: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, June 10, 1921 – April 9, 2021. Prince Philip died aged 99 at Windsor Castle. He became the longest-serving royal consort in British history after 73 years of marriage to Queen Elizabeth II. AP

JANUARY: Tanya Roberts, October 15, 1955 – January 4, 2021. New York-born Roberts was best known for her role as Bond Girl Stacey Sutton in ‘A View To A Kill’, as well as Julie Rogers in the TV show 'Charlie’s Angels'. Getty Images

Marion Ramsey, May 10, 1947 – January 7, 2021. The actress, best known for playing the deceptively softly spoken Officer Laverne Hooks in the ‘Police Academy’ movie franchise, died at the age of 73 following a short illness. Shutterstock

Siegfried Fischbacher, June 13, 1939 – January 13, 2021. One-half of the famous magic-and-tigers act Siegfried and Roy, Fischbacher died of pancreatic cancer at 81. Having started his magic career as a child, he met his performing partner Roy Horn on a cruise ship when the pair teamed up for a show. After being scouted by a talent agent, they became one of Las Vegas’s biggest draws. EPA

Phil Spector, December 26, 1939 – January 17, 2021. The legendary music producer, famed for inventing the ‘Wall of sound’ approach to music production, died in prison at the age of 81. The troubled producer had been serving a life sentence for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his California home. Getty Images

Larry King, November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021. The famed broadcaster and interviewer died aged 87. The 60,000 interviews conducted in his lifetime earned him a place in the 'Guinness World Records' book. AP

Cloris Leachman, April 30, 1926 – January 27, 2021. Celebrated US actress Leachman died from natural causes at age 94. She scooped an Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy during her career. Reuters

Cicely Tyson, December 19, 1924 – January 28, 2021. The US actress died aged 96. She won a Tony, Emmy and Honorary Oscar awards during her career. Reuters

FEBRUARY: Dustin Diamond, January 7, 1977 – February 1, 2021. The actor, best known for his role as Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers on children’s TV show ‘Saved by the Bell’, died aged 44 after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Getty Images

Captain Sir Thomas Moore, April 30, 1920 – February 2, 2021. The British army officer made global headlines and united the UK when his bid to walk around his garden 100 times in the run-up to his 100th birthday to raise funds for the NHS went viral. By his birthday, he had raised almost $54 million. He died at age 100. Reuters

Christopher Plummer, December 13, 1929 – February 5, 2021. The acclaimed star of stage and screen died at 91. Among his many roles, he is best known for starring in ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Beginners’ and ‘Knives Out’. Reuters

Ezzat El Alaili, September 15, 1934 – February 5, 2021. The Egyptian actor died aged 86, after a career in which he appeared in more than 300 films, TV shows, and plays. Getty Images

Mary Wilson, March 6, 1944 – February 8, 2021. The American singer, who died at 76, was best known as a founding member of 1960s Motown group, The Supremes which became one of the best-selling all-female groups of all time. Wilson spent her post-Supremes life as an author, performer and activist. Getty Images

Rajiv Raj Kapoor, August 25, 1962 – February 9, 2021. The Indian actor, producer and director died at 58 following a heart attack. A member of the famous Kapoor acting dynasty, he was the youngest son of Raj Kapoor, and brother to Randhir Kapoor and the late Rishi Kapoor. AFP

Ronald Pickup, June 7, 1940 – February 24, 2021. The Rada-trained English actor of television, stage and screen, started his career with a 1964 appearance in ‘Doctor Who’. He died at age 80. Getty Images

Johnny Briggs, September 5, 1935 – February 28, 2021. The English actor best known for playing long-running character Mike Baldwin in the UK soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ died at age 85 following a long illness. AP

Youssef Chaban, July 16, 1931 – February 28, 2021. The celebrated Egyptian actor died aged 89 after contracting Covid-19. Best known for his film roles, he later made his way into TV dramas, soaps and theatre, appearing in over 250 productions throughout his career. AFP

MARCH: Bunny Wailer, April 10, 1947 – March 2, 2021. Neville O’Riley Livingston, known by his stage name Bunny Wailer, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter, percussionist and original member of reggae group The Wailers along with Bob Marley. He died away aged 73. Getty Images

Yaphet Kotto, November 15, 1939 – March 15, 2021. Most famous for his role of Dr Kananga in the 1973 Bond Film ‘Live And Let Die’, Kotto also appeared in box office hits ‘Alien’ and ‘The Running Man’. He died at age 81. Photo: United Artists

Elsa Peretti, May 1, 1940 – March 18, 2021. Renowned for being part of Manhattan’s Studio 54 set, as well as a muse of designer Halston, the Italian model and designer created pieces for Tiffany & Co such as the Bean, Bone Cuff and Open Heart, which remain popular today. She died at 80. AP

Nawal El Saadawi, October 27, 1931 – March 21, 2021. The Egyptian feminist writer, activist, physician, and psychiatrist died aged 89. A prolific writer, her books covered many feminist subjects and she founded many women's and human rights organisations. Victor Besa / The National.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, December 25, 1945 – March 24, 2021. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, died on March 24. His brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced Sheikh Hamdan's death. A mourning period of 10 days was declared in Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan, who was in his seventies, had been unwell for some months. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, paid tributes to Sheikh Hamdan. "Today, we lost one of the loyal men of the Emirates after a life full of giving and sincere patriotism," Sheikh Mohamed tweeted. Photo: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Twitter

Beverly Cleary, April 12, 1916 – March 25, 2021. One of America's most successful authors, writing children's and young adult fiction, Cleary has sold more than 91 million books, creating memorable protagonists such as Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby and Beezus Quimby. She died aged 104. AP

Jessica Walter, January 31, 1941 – March 24, 2021. Enjoying an award-winning career that spanned decades, Walter was best known for her role as obliviously out-of-touch family matriarch Lucille Bluth in ‘Arrested Development’ (“It’s one banana, Michael, what can it cost? $10?”) She died t 80. Reuters

DMX, December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021. The US rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died at 50 following an overdose that left him in a vegetative state. He began rapping at the age of 14, going on to sign with Def Jam Recordings. He was nominated for three Grammys. EPA

Joseph Siravo, February 12, 1957 – April 11, 2021. The actor best known for portraying Johnny Soprano in ‘The Sopranos’ died aged 64 following a long battle with cancer. A star of theatre and the big and small screens, Sirvano appeared in Tony-winning shows both on and off-Broadway, as well as on TV in ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘New Amsterdam’. Getty Images

Helen McCrory, August 17, 1968 – April 16, 2021. The well-respected British actress died from breast cancer aged 52. With a filmography that included roles in three ‘Harry Potter’ films, and James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’, McCrory was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to drama. Robert Viglasky / BBC

Vivek, November 19, 1961 – April 17, 2021. Vivekanandan, the Tamil actor known professionally as Vivek, enjoyed a long and varied career as a comedian, television personality, singer and activist. He was awarded the Padma Shri award by the Indian government for his contribution to the arts. He died at 59 after a cardiac arrest. Photo: Handout

Les McKeown, November 12, 1955 – April 20, 2021. The Scottish pop star died at the age of 65. Replacing previous lead vocalist for the Bay City Rollers in 1973, McKeown, aged 18 at the time, helped take the band to the mainstream, with the hits ‘Remember’, ‘Summerlove Sensation’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’. Getty Images

Shravan Rathod, November 13, 1954 – April 22, 2021. Bollywood music composer Shravan Rathod, one half of the famed Nadeem-Shravan duo, died of Covid-19 at the age of 66. The musician was best known for his work in Bollywood films in the 1990s, including ‘Raja, Barsaat’, ‘Agni’, ‘Sakshi’ and ‘Jeet’. Getty Images

Alber Elbaz, June 12, 1961– April 24, 2021. The designer worked at some of the world’s biggest fashion houses such as Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin. Elbaz died from Covid-19 at age 59. Reuters

Michael Collins, October 31, 1930 – April 28, 2021. The American test pilot, major general in the US Air Force Reserves, and astronaut achieved everlasting global fame for being the man who flew the 'Apollo 11' command module 'Columbia' around the moon in 1969, allowing his crewmates, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to land on the surface. He died aged 90. Reuters

MAY: Olympia Dukakis, June 20, 1931 – May 1, 2021. The scion of the US political family, Dukakis was best known for her Oscar-winning role in 1987’s ‘Moonstruck’ opposite Cher. Roles in ‘Working Girl’, ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Mighty Aphrodite’, were considered standouts in a career that spanned seven decades. She died at age 89. AFP

Nick Kamen, April15, 1962 – May 4, 2021. The English model, singer and musician was thrust into the spotlight thanks to a 1985 advertisement for Levi’s jeans, in which he stripped down to his boxer shorts in a laundrette. He was also successful on the European music scene. He died at 59 from cancer. Getty Images

Tawny Kitaen, August 5, 1961 – May 7, 2021. The woman who led the way for video music stars to step up into Hollywood, died aged 59 from heart disease. She parlayed her turns in the Whitesnake music videos for ‘Is This Love’ and ‘Here I Go Again’ into a Hollywood career, appearing opposite Tom Hanks in ‘Bachelor Party’. Getty Images

Rahul Vohra, January 22, 1986 – May 9, 2021. The Indian actor and YouTuber died aged 35 from Covid-19. The star, who gained fame for his comedic videos on Facebook and YouTube, often posted about the social and economic realities of life in India. Instagram / Rahul Vohra

Abdul Khaliq Al-Ghanim, 1958 – May 18, 2021. Saudi cinema lost a great when Al-Ghanim passed away aged 63 after a battle with cancer. The kingdom's comedy pioneer created the popular satirical sketch show ‘Tash ma Tash’, which served up social commentary over 18 seasons. EPA

Samir Ghanem, January 15, 1937 – May 20, 2021. The Egyptian comedian, singer, and entertainer died aged 84 after contracting Covid-19. A stalwart of Egyptian entertainment, he created about 150 films, 60 TV series, several radio series and 40 stage plays, over a career spanning 60 years. Pawan Singh / The National

Eric Carle, June 25, 1929 – May 23, 2021. The American author and illustrator, best known for his timeless children’s book, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, died aged 91. AP

Max Mosley, April 13, 1940 – May 23, 2021. The former British racing driver died at the age of 81 from cancer. A barrister and president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), he was heavily involved in Formula One, working closely alongside its founder Bernie Ecclestone. Reuters

Lois De Banzie, May 4, 1930 – May 26, 2021. The film and theatre actress, who was best known for her roles as Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Annie’ and Sister Immaculata in ‘Sister Act’ died at the age of 90. Getty Images

BJ Thomas, August 7, 1942 – May 29, 2021. Best known for singing ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ and ‘Hooked on a Feeling’, the Grammy award-winning vocalist died aged 78 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Getty Images

JUNE: Ned Beatty, July 6, 1937 – June 13, 2021. The American actor died at the age of 83 from natural causes. Enjoying a five-decade-long career, appearing in over 160 films, he was best known for his roles in ‘Deliverance’, ‘All the President's Men’, ‘Network’ and ‘Superman’. He was twice nominated for an Academy Award. Getty Images

Lisa Banes, July 9, 1955 – June 14, 2021. The American actress died at the age of 65 after being struck by a motorised scooter in a hit-and-run collision in Manhattan. Best known for her role in ‘Gone Girl’, Banes was a respected theatre star with over 80 film, television roles and stage appearances. AP

Carmelito Masagnay Reyes, January 20, 1960 – June 23, 2021. Better known by his stage name, Shalala, the Filipino radio and TV personality and comedian died at age 61. The entertainer will be remembered for his work in the 2009 superhero film ‘Wapakman’ in which he starred alongside boxer Manny Pacquiao. Photo: Facebook

Johnny Solinger, August 7, 1965 – June 26, 2021. The former Skid Row singer died aged 55. Solinger was a part of the American heavy metal band from 1999 to 2015. Getty Images

JULY: Richard Donner, April 24, 1930 – July 5, 2021. The celebrated Hollywood director, best known for directing box office hits including ‘Superman,’ ‘The Goonies’ and the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series, died at the age of 91. AFP

Robert Downey Sr., June 24, 1936 – July 7, 2021. The actor father of 'Avengers' star, Robert Downey Jr died at age 85, having battled Parkinson’s disease for a few years. His actor son called him a “true maverick”. AFP

Dilip Kumar, December 11, 1922 – July 7, 2021. The ‘Tragedy King’ of Hindi cinema and one of its early superstars died at 98 following a long illness. His six-decade-long career saw him appear in ‘Jugnu’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Madhumati’ and ‘Ram Aur Shyam’. AFP

Sebastian Eubank, July 18, 1991 – July 9, 2021. The son of British boxing legend Chris Eubank died in Dubai at age 29 from a heart attack. Having followed his father into boxing, he went on to become a mixed martial artist, taking part in fights in the UAE. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Charlie Robinson, November 9, 1945 – July 11, 2021. The actor and Vietnam war veteran, most famous for playing Mac on ‘Night Court’ enjoyed a varied 50-year career before his death at the age of 75. Getty Images

Biz Markie, April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021. The New York rapper, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, died aged 57. Dubbed the ‘Clown Prince of Hip Hop’, his work has been sampled over the years by Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Mary J Blige and more. AP

Surekha Sikri, April 19, 1945 – July 16, 2021. The Indian theatre, film and television actress won many awards in her long career and had memorable roles in ‘Tamas’, ‘Mammo’, ‘Badhaai Ho’ and 'Balika Vadhu'. She died aged 76. AFP

Jabbour Douaihy, January 5, 1949 – July 23, 2021. Born in Zgharta, Lebanon, Jabbour’s novel ‘June Rain’ was nominated for the 2008 Arabic Booker Prize. In 2013, he won the Arab Literature Prize for ‘The Vagrant’. He died aged 72. Photo: Kheridine Mabrouk

Dieter Brummer, May 5, 1976 – July 24, 2021. The Australian actor, best known for his role of Shane Parrish in ‘Home and Away’ from 1992 to 1996, died aged 45. Brummer became a name in the Australian acting scene thanks to parts in ‘Neighbours’ and acclaimed crime drama ‘Underbelly: The Golden Mile’. Getty Images

Jackie Mason, June 9, 1928 – July 24, 2021. The celebrated US comedian died in July aged 93. The Tony and Emmy award winner also boasted a Grammy nomination. His quick wit and self-deprecating humour eventually landed him his own TV show ‘The Jackie Mason Show’. AP

Joe Michael ‘Dusty’ Hill, May 19, 1949 – July 28, 2021. The bassist in rock band ZZ Top died aged 72. Taking on lead and backing vocals for the enduring rock group, he also played keyboards, remaining with the group for more than half a decade. The Blues and rock afficionado was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004. Starting to play aged 8, by 13 he was ditching school to perform in local bars. “I kind of learnt how to play on stage and whatnot, and embarrassment is a great motivator,” he said. “If you don't play well, standing up there with lights on it really stands out.” EPA

AUGUST: Dennis ‘Dee Tee’ Thomas, February 9, 1951 – August 7, 2021. The saxophonist and founding member of the group Kool & The Gang died in his sleep at the age of 70. Drawing on his love of soul, funk, jazz, pop and RnB, Thomas was instrumental in the band’s hits such as ‘Celebration’, ‘Get Down On It’ and ‘Jungle Boogie’, remaining a member despite numerous line-up changes. “Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group,” the band said. AP

Dalal Abdel Aziz, January 17, 1960 – August 7, 2021. The Egyptian actress died at the age of 61 following a battle with Covid. Landing her first role in 1977, she gained attention for her part in the TV series ‘Bint Al Ayam’. Introduced to theatre by the artist Nour El Demerdash, she went on to appear in 'Five-Star Thieves’ opposite Salah Zulfikar. MBC

Siti Sarah Raissuddin, September 15, 1984 – August, 9 2021. The Malaysian singer and actress died at the age of 36 from Covid-19, three days after welcoming her fourth child. Launching her career when she became the final contestant of the 2001 edition of reality show ‘Bintang RTM’, she went on to win Best New Artist, Best Pop Album and Best Album at the 2003 AIM awards. Going on to compete in many reality shows, she also appeared in the film ‘Man Sewel Datang KL’ alongside her husband, Shuib Sepahtu. Instagram.

Nanci Griffith, July 6, 1953 – August 13, 2021. The American singer-songwriter and guitarist who died at the age of 68 won a Grammy in 1994 for her album ‘Other Voices, Other Rooms’. Creating folk country music throughout her decades-long career, she toured and recorded with the likes of Buddy Holly's band, the Crickets, Emmylou Harris, Don McLean and Willie Nelson. AP

Sean Lock, April 22, 1963 – August 16, 2021. The English comedian and actor died of cancer at the age of 58. Winning a British Comedy Award for Best Live Comic in 2000, he went on to perform his signature surreal stand up for years, also moving into television for comedy panel show ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, as well as appearances on ‘Have I Got News for You’, ‘QI’ and ‘They Think It's All Over’. “Sean was a brilliant comic, he was a wonderful man - a very kind, generous friend and I miss him greatly,” said his friend and fellow comic, Bill Bailey. Getty Images

Brian Travers, February 7, 1959 – August 22, 2021. The saxophonist for British reggae band UB40, died from cancer at the age of 62. A founding member of the group back in 1978, he helped turn the Birmingham band into a global success, selling more than 100 million albums worldwide. Getty Images

Charlie Watts, June 2, 1941 - August 24, 2021. The Rolling Stones drummer died at the age of 80 after a lifetime spent in the spotlight in one of the world’s most famous bands. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of his generation, Watts shunned celebrity life and enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for art and jazz. “Charlie Watts was our mainstay,” fellow Rolling Stone Keith Richards told Apple Music. “You took Charlie, everything fell apart.” Reuters

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, March 20, 1936 – August 29, 2021. The Jamaican record producer and singer died in his home country at the age of 85. A pioneer of dub music, he was one of the first producers to remix and use studio effects to create new sounds. Throughout his illustrious career, he worked with Bob Marley and The Wailers, Beastie Boys, The Clash and more. He released more than 85 studio, live and compilation albums in his lifetime. EPA

Ed Asner, November 15, 1929 – August 29, 2021. The American actor, best remembered for playing Lou Grant on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and its spin-off series ‘Lou Grant’, died aged 91. Over the course of his career he won seven Emmys and played opposite John Wayne in the 1966 classic Western ‘El Dorado’. He also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. AP

SEPTEMBER: Sidharth Shukla, December 12, 1980 – September 2, 2021. The Indian actor, host and model died from a heart attack aged 40. Appearing in Hindi television and films, he was lauded for his roles in ‘Balika Vadhu’ and ‘Dil Se Dil Tak’, and went on to win reality shows ‘Bigg Boss 13’ and ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7’. Getty Images

Sarah Harding, November 17, 1981- September 5, 2021. “Stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft-hearted,” is how Harding’s former Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole, described the singer, actress and model who died at the age of 39 from breast cancer. “Writing the book has been cathartic,” she told ‘The Times’ of her memoir, ‘Hear Me Out’. “It’s made me realise I’ve had a full life and been able to achieve things the teenage me could only ever have dreamt of.” AFP

Michael K. Williams, November 22, 1966 – September 6, 2021. The actor, best known for his role as Omar Little in acclaimed TV show ‘The Wire’ died aged 54 in his Brooklyn penthouse. Throughout his career, Williams gravitated towards complex characters, including Chalky White in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ for which he won a Screen Actor’s Guild award. “Omar is sensitive and so am I,” he told ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ magazine of his beloved character. “And I’m passionate, and my sensitivity and my vulnerability is what makes me volatile.” AP

Sunil Perera, September 14, 1952 – September 6, 2021. Despite his passing, the Sri Lankan singer-songwriter and guitarist remains one of the most influential musicians in Sri Lankan music history. Lead vocalist of The Gypsies, he was closely associated with Sri Lanka's baila genre of music, regularly addressing social and political subjects in his song-writing. He died aged 68, in the same year The Gypsies celebrated their golden anniversary. AP

Jean-Paul Belmondo, April 9, 1933 – September 6, 2021. The French actor, best associated with the New Wave of cinema that became synonymous with the 60s died aged 88. Hailed as a "national hero" by French President Emmanuel Macron, he was considered to be the French Humphrey Bogart, appearing in dozens of films during his 50-year career including ‘Breathless’, ‘That Man From Rio’ and ‘Ace of Aces’. His remains were buried in famed Parisian cemetery Montparnasse alongside his father, the sculptor Paul Belmondo. AFP

Norm Macdonald, October 17, 1959 - September 14, 2021. The comedian and ‘Saturday Night Live’ alumnus died after a nine-year battle with cancer, aged 61. Tributes poured in from comedy greats including Jim Carrey, Steve Martin, Conan O’Brien, Seth Rogen and Jon Stewart who wrote: ‘No one could make you break like Norm Macdonald. Hilarious and unique.’ AP

Clive Sinclair, July 30, 1940 – September 16, 2021. The English entrepreneur and inventor died at the age of 81. Best known for being a pioneer in the computer industry in the 1970s and early 1980s, he produced the Sinclair ZX80, which was the UK's first mass-market home computer for less than £100 ($133). His moves into personal transport include the C5 and folding A-bike, innovations now considered ahead of their time. He was knighted in 1983 for his contributions to the personal computer industry in the UK. Getty Images

Jimmy Greaves, February 20, 1940 – September 19, 2021. The English professional footballer who died aged 81, remains England's fifth-highest international goal scorer with 44 goals, as well as Premiership club Tottenham Hotspur's highest ever goal scorer with 266 goals between 1961-1970. A member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team, he enjoyed success after retiring as one half of football pundit duo ‘Saint and Greavsie’ on British television, and was awarded THE Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2021 for service to football. AP

Melvin Van Peebles, August 21, 1932 – September 21, 2021. The American actor, filmmaker, playwright, novelist, and composer was dubbed the 'godfather of black cinema". His directorial debut, 1968’s ‘The Story of a Three-Day Pass’ was shot in France, as it was difficult for a black American director to get work at the time in the US. He wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the stage musical ‘Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death’, which was nominated for seven Tony Awards. He died in New York aged 89. AP

Willie Garson, February 20, 1964 - September 21, 2021. Best known for playing Stanford Blatch in ‘Sex and the City’, the beloved actor died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57. During his three decade-long career, he appeared in ‘Hawaii Five-O’, ‘Supergirl’ and as Mozzie in the long-running ‘White Collar'. Garson had finished filming the ‘SATC’ revival, ‘And Just Like That’. His co-star Sarah Jessica Parker said after his death: “Willie. I will miss everything about you.” AP

Roger Michell, June 5, 1956 – September 22, 2021. The British theatre, television and film director died aged 65. After a childhood spent travelling the world due to his father’s job as a diplomat, Michell settled in the UK, becoming best known for directing the films ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Changing Lanes’ and ‘Venus’, as well as the acclaimed 1993 TV film, ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’. Getty Images

Roger Hunt, July 20, 1938 – September 27, 2021. The English professional footballer spent 11 years with Liverpool FC, winning two league titles and an FA Cup. A member of the England team which won the 1966 World Cup, he played in all of England's six games and scored three times. Known as ‘Sir Roger’ by Liverpool supporters, the title became official when he was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services to football. He died aged 83. AP

OCTOBER: Nedumudi Venu, May 22, 1948 – October 11, 2021. The Indian actor and screenwriter, who hailed from Kerala, appeared in more than 500 films, becoming a respected statesman of Malayalam cinema. Also trying his hand at directing, Venu won three National Film Awards and six Kerala State Film Awards throughout his career. He died aged 73, and was cremated with full state honours. Alamy

Khaled Al Siddiq, 1945 – October 14, 2021. Acclaimed Kuwaiti film director, Al Siddiq died at the age of 76 after a life spent immersed in his beloved cinema. A pioneer of regional cinema, he directed 1972’s ‘Cruel Sea’ the first feature film directed and produced by a Gulf citizen, which was chosen as the Kuwaiti entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 45th Academy Awards. The film won first prize at the 1972 Youth Film Festival in Damascus, as well as the Fipresci Prize at the Venice Film Festival that year. Photo: Kuwait News Agency

James Michael Tyler, May 28, 1962 – October 24, 2021. The American actor best known for his recurring role as coffee shop manager Gunther on the sitcom ‘Friends’ died from cancer aged 59. Often referred to as the ‘seventh Friend’, Tyler enjoyed a career in Hollywood that included working as an assistant film editor and production assistant, before moving into acing and landing his famous role. “Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives,” said co-star Jennifer Aniston, “you will be so missed.” AP

NOVEMBER: Sabah Fakhri, May 2, 1933 – November 2, 2021. The Syrian tenor died at the age of 88 after a remarkable career spanning 70 years in music. A muezzin at Al Rawda Mosque, Aleppo in his youth, he studied at the Academy of Arabic Music of Aleppo and then at the Damascus Music Conservatory, from where he graduated in 1948. He adopted the stage name Fakhri in honour of his mentor, Syrian nationalist leader Fakhri al-Barudi. Speaking of his death, Kuwaiti composer Fahed Alnasser said: "And the light of music went out in the Levant.” AFP

Lionel Blair, December 12, 1928 – November 4, 2021. The Canadian-born presenter and performer, a stalwart of British television from the 1960s to the 1980s, died this year at the age of 92. Considered a British institution, Blair worked as an actor, dancer and choreographer, but was best known for his presenting work, including ‘Name That Tune’ and ‘Give Us a Clue’. Getty Images

Marília Mendonca, July 22, 1995 – November 5, 2021. The Brazilian singer-songwriter died tragically in an aeroplane crash in southern Brazil at the age of 26, while on her way to perform a concert. Earning the nickname ‘the queen of suffering’, for her soulful ballads, Mendonca shot to prominence in 2016 with the release of her eponymous live album, which went triple platinum. The track ‘Infiel’ became one of the most played songs in Brazil, achieving triple diamond disc status. AP

Terence Wilson, June 24, 1957 – November 6, 2021. The former vocalist and founding member of British reggae group, UB40, died at the age of 64 following a short illness. Wilson, better known by his stage name Astro, sang vocals on the band’s hits, ‘Red Red Wine’ and ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’, later forming a breakaway band in 2013. Getty Images

Wilbur Smith, January 9, 1933 – November 13, 2021. The prolific South African novelist died in his Cape Town home at the age of 88. In a career spent writing historical fiction about South Africa from the viewpoints of both black and white cultures, as well as a series set in ancient Egypt. Smith wrote 49 books and sold more than 140 million worldwide. “I always think I am from the 17th century”, he said. “I have no interest in technology, or to rush, rush, rush through life.” AP

Etel Adnan, February 24, 1925 – November 14, 2021. The famed Lebanese-American writer and artist Etel Adnan died in Paris aged 96. Adnan was born in 1925 to a Greek mother and Syrian father, and raised in Beirut. Studying at French language schools in Lebanon, she then read philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris. She started painting in the late 1950s, while at the same time working as a professor of philosophy in California. Perhaps her most famous literary work was her 1977 novel 'Sitt Marie Rose', which focused on the character of Marie Rose Boulos. "This poetic and colourful soul, extremely sweet, sang our suffering, our joy and our loves," said Jack Lang, director of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. "She was a rare and complete artist whose talent shone with life and shimmering intelligence.” Photo: Abu Dhabi Festival

Soheir Al Bably, February 14, 1937 – November 21, 2021. Egyptian actress Soheir Al Bably, revered for her theatrical and cinematic performances, died aged 84 after falling into a diabetic coma. Born in 1937 in the Damietta Governorate of Egypt, Al Bably grew up in Mansoura, capital of the Dakahlia Governorate. Her talents for acting and music became evident at a young age and she was encouraged by her father to join the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, as well as the Institute of Music. Photo: @batoularafa twitter

Stephen Sondheim, March 22, 1930 – November 26, 2021. The legendary American composer and lyricist, considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre, died at the age of 91. Tributes poured in from the likes of Hugh Jackman, Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Steven Spielberg for the man who wrote the lyrics to 1957’s ‘West Side Story’ and 1959’s ‘Gypsy’. Some of his acclaimed works as a composer and lyricist include ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’, ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ and ‘Sunday in the Park with George’. Throughout his career Sondheim won eight Tony Awards, an Oscar, eight Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and was honoured with the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom. AFP

Virgil Abloh, September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021. The American fashion designer died at the age of 41 following a battle with cancer. As the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection his influence went beyond fashion, and he was heavily involved in social activism, famously inviting 3,000 students to his first Louis Vuitton show in 2018. The chief executive of his own label, Off-White, he said: “I operate by my own rules, in my own logic, and I’m not fearful.” Reuters

DECEMBER: Antony Sher, June 14, 1949 – December 2, 2021. The acclaimed British actor passed away from cancer at the age of 72. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, and a four-time nominee, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1982 and appeared regularly on stage and screen. Named by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, as his favourite actor, he took on some of theatre's most famous roles in his lifetime, including Cyrano De Bergerac, The Fool in 'King Lear' and Shakespeare’s 'Richard III'. AP

Eileen Ash, October 30, 1911 – December 4, 2021. The English cricketer died aged 110 holding the distinction of being the longest-lived international cricketer (male or female). The right arm medium bowler appeared in seven Test matches for England between 1937 and 1949, playing before and after Second World War, during which she worked for MI6. She made her debut against Australia in 1937, enjoying a career best against a Victoria Country XI in a tour match in 1949, scoring an unbeaten century and taking five wickets in the match. In 2019, the Marylebone Cricket Club unveiled a portrait of her at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Majid Al Futtaim, 1934 – December 17, 2021. Majid Al Futtaim, a man whose dream was to “create moments for everyone, every day”, died on December 17. Majid Al Futtaim was one of Dubai's commercial pioneers and was among those who spearheaded Dubai's growth as a global city. Most prominent among his many achievements was the establishment of the Majid Al Futtaim group in 1992, which oversaw the development of Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, known around the world for its indoor ski slope. Photo: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid / @HHShkMohd

Carlos Marin, October 13, 1968 – December 19, 2021. A member of the classical crossover group Il Divo, Marin died aged 53. "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos," the four-piece group posted on Twitter. Reports have suggested the singer fell ill after contracting Covid-19 in December and was later placed in a medically induced coma, however, the cause of death has not been revealed. AP

DECEMBER: Betty White, January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021. Betty White died aged 99, less than a month before her 100th birthday. AFP