We remember those who have sadly died this year and look back at their lives, careers and the legacies they left behind
Learning of the death of one of your childhood heroes is always a sad experience, and it seems 2018 was a year when we had to say goodbye to too many of them.
No matter your area of interest, we all would have keenly felt the loss of someone from the celebrity world last year - from political big-hitters like George H.W. Bush and Paddy Ashdown; to sporting stars Cyrille Regis and Eric Bristow; and icons of stage and screen from Stan Lee to June Whitfield, all will be greatly missed.
And the losses have continued into 2019, with the sad news that we have already lost such much-loved people such as WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Curb Your Enthusiasm's Bob Einstein, and Marmalade singer Dean Ford.
Here's a look at those we've lost in 2019, who have and will continue to inspire generations for years to come.
JANUARY
Darius Perkins
Neighbours star Darius Perkins died from cancer on Jan 2, aged 54.
The Australian actor played the original Scott Robinson in the long running soap when it launched in 1985, before being replaced by Jason Donovan.
Darius appeared in numerous Australian dramas including Home and Away, A Country Practice and The Sullivans.
Bob Einstein
Bob Einstein died on January 2 at the age of 76, after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Emmy Award winning star was best known for starring in US sitcoms Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development.
News of his death was announced by his brother Albert Brooks, who described Einstein as a "great brother, father and husband" and a "brilliantly funny man".
Gene Okerlund
WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund passed away on January 2, aged 76.
Described by the WWE as "the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history", the legendary microphone king from Sisseton, South Dakota appeared alongside the industry's greatest stars in a career spanning decades.
He was forever immortalised by his work with Hulk Hogan, who would often begin interviews by saying: "Well let me tell you something Mean Gene..."
The former radio DJ even wrestled on the odd occasion - famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with former world champion Hogan in 1984 - and The Hulkster himself had the honour of inducting "Mean Gene" into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dean Ford
Scottish group Marmalade were best known for reaching number one in 1969 with a cover of The Beatles' Ob-la-di Ob-la-da.
Their version - which saw them make history as the first ever Scottish group to top the UK chart - led to the band celebrating appearing on Top of the Pops by turning up in kilts.
The news was announced by his daughter on Facebook, who described her father as "an amazing man, a gentle soul and extremely talented musician".
