George Michael’s death on the morning of Christmas Day in 2016 caused hearts to break across the globe. However, he isn’t the only celebrity to pass away on the occasion.
Although Christmas Day is typically a holiday filled with joy and celebration, it also has experienced heartbreaking losses.
In 2016, the world was left in shock when pop icon George Michael was found dead on the festive morning. However, George isn’t the only star to have tragically passed away on Christmas Day.
Among the best and brightest stars who tragically perished on December 25 are listed here for a retrospective look.
Melanie Panayiotou and George Michael, respectively
At the tender age of 53, beloved pop star George Michael was discovered lifeless at his home in Goring-on-Thames, making the world mourn a tragic loss on Christmas Day 2016. Fadi Fawaz, the star’s partner, went to bed that morning to try to revive him, but he was unresponsive.
In a statement, Fadi shared: “We were supposed to be going for Christmas lunch. I went round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed. Everything had been very complicated recently, but George was looking forward to Christmas, and so was I.”, reports the Mirror.
The hairstylist expressed his deep regret over the split with George and Fadi, who had been together since 2012. He tweeted: “It’s Xmas, I will never forget finding your partner dead peacefully in bed first thing in the morning.” I’ll never stop missing you, “xx”.”
Up until March of the following year, a coroner determined George had died from natural causes, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver. The heart muscle’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body is affected by a condition called dilatation cardiomyopathy, which causes it to stretch and thin gradually.
Melanie Panayiotou, George’s sister, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 59, in a tragic turn of events. Melanie “passed away suddenly” during the holiday season after entering a diabetic coma, according to the family’s statement.
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin, a film legend, was raised in a difficult environment, with his mother’s conversion to a mental institution and a workhouse. The silent film icon, who had to overcome all odds, rose above poverty and became one of the most renowned and skilled performers in history.
Charlie’s well-being was beginning to significantly deteriorate by the 1970s. The icon found himself in a wheelchair and in need of round-the-clock assistance by October 1977 after having several strokes. In a bizarre way, Charlie passed away on Christmas Day of that year at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke while sleeping. The comedy legend’s private funeral service took place just two days later.
Charlie left over $100 million to his widow, which tragically led to a shocking incident where his body and coffin were taken as part of a ransom plot before being reburied in a reinforced vault.
James Brown
James Brown, a renowned funk musician, suddenly passed away on December 23, 2006. The 73-year-old’s dentist recommended immediate medical attention because he appeared “very bad… weak and dazed” during a dental appointment.
The music legend’s manager and close friend Charles Bobbit remained by his side as he was taken to the hospital.
James succumbed to congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia complications in the early hours of Christmas morning. After revealing that James had told him, “I’m going away tonight,” Bobbit remained by his bedside until he passed away peacefully.
However, some fans and investigators have questioned whether James’ sudden demise and natural death presaged the singer’s death.
Dean Martin
Hollywood legend Dean Martin, who was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917 in Ohio, was a shy youngster who didn’t speak English until he entered the classroom at age five. When he discovered singing, everything changed, and he quickly rose to fame as a comedian, actor, and cultural icon of his time.
Dean had a lifelong heavy smoker, much like his fellow Rat Pack performers. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 1993, but he chose not to undergo the procedure that was suggested.
He passed away at his Beverly Hills residence at the age of 78 from acute respiratory failure just two years later. The Las Vegas Strip’s lights were turned on in honor of the legendary entertainer, who was receiving moving tributes as a show of respect.
In recognition of his extraordinary career, Dean was honored with a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2009.
Eartha Kitt
Legendary singer Eartha Kitt passed away from colon cancer at her home on Christmas Day 2008 at the age of 81. During her final moments, her daughter, Kitt McDonald, was by her side and shared details of those final moments.
When she passed away, I was with her. She literally screamed at the top of her lungs as she left this world. She lived close to my house, and we almost always spoke. We were almost always together. When the doctor informed us that there was nothing they could do after her last few weeks, she was still at home. She continued to move up until the previous two days. She told Mommy Noire that the doctor had warned that she would leave very quickly and that her body would just begin to shut down.
“But when she left, she left the world in her current state of being. Literally speaking, she screamed her way out of this place. She was going to leave quietly or willingly because her survival instincts were so deeply embedded in her DNA. She was very funny because it was just the two of us hanging out [in the last days]. Because I always knew what she thought of me, we [could not talk].
The last few years of her life, she said, “We didn’t need these heart-to-heart conversations. We were just the love of her life.” She began to notice absentees. She assumed I could see them, but of course I couldn’t. I would make fun of her by saying, “I’m going to move to the other room and you’re here to talk to your friends.” “
