In Memoriam 2020

I think I speak for most of us when I say 2020 was a rubbish year. We faced a plethora of losses daily, from basic human contact, education, income, health and, most devasting, the passing of beloved family members, friends and role models.

Here at Telly Visions, you may recall that we recognized several British entertainment icons who left us this year.

• In January, comic legend and Monty Python alum, Terry Jones bid us farewell at 77 years old. Actor, writer, director, historian, and author- Mr. Jones was so much more than a funny guy in a dress.
• Award-winning actor Sir Ian Holm passed away in June at the ripe old age of 88. Classically trained, he thrilled audiences with his stage performances before taking to the big screen in films such as Chariots of Fire, Alien, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• The radiant Dame Diana Rigg who blessed us with her formidable talent for six decades left us in September at the age of 82. From Emma Peel to Olenna Tyrell, she was a class act.
• And in November we lost Geoffrey Palmer, the 93-year-old actor best known for his role as Lionel Hardcastle in the beloved sitcom As Time Goes By. His comedy timing was impeccable and his career long and varied.

Many more have departed in the past twelve months, but rather than end the year with sad memories of their decline, let’s honor and remember a sampling of notable Brits for the talents they so generously shared with us.

Let’s start with the ladies first.

Honor Blackman

Age: 94

Claim to fame: Screen and stage actress best remembered for playing adventurous, intelligent, and assertive women, namely Cathy Gale in The Avengers and popular Bond girl, Pussy Galore. She was outspoken in her political opinions and declined a CBE in 2002 on the grounds it would be hypocritical to accept it.