Jock Zonfrillo, Matthew Perry, Cal Wilson: The most shocking deaths of 2023

There is no denying death comes for us all.

But in 2023, celebrity deaths proved to be as shocking and upsetting as they were unexpected.

These are the deaths in 2023 that stunned us all.

Matthew Perry's death was the biggest shock of the year.
Matthew Perry's death was the biggest shock of the year. Photo credit: Getty Images

Matthew Perry

The biggest death of the year was the loss of one of our Friends.

While he had struggled in life with addiction and had gone to rehab 15 times to get sober, none of us likely expected Perry would die under such tragic and unexpected circumstances.

On October 29, TMZ quoted law enforcement sources as saying he was found at a home in the Los Angeles area. The source said the actor was found in a jacuzzi at the home.

His co-stars were devastated, and millions of fans worldwide were left stunned their funny friend was gone. 

He was 54.

Cal Wilson's death shocked the comedy community.
Cal Wilson's death shocked the comedy community. Photo credit: Instagram

Cal Wilson

Christchurch-born Cal Wilson was a legend in the New Zealand comedy scene, nurturing talent off stage and providing endless laughter to audiences fortunate enough to see her perform.

It was a big shock when her agency reported she had died after a short illness in mid-October.

Wilson had been a TV star as well, notching up appearances on the likes of Spicks and Specks and The Great Australian Bake Off.

But it was her "generosity, talent and friendship" that saw tributes flow.

Her agency said: "Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community."

She was 53.

Lance Reddick was beloved by fans.
Lance Reddick was beloved by fans. Photo credit: Getty Images

Lance Reddick

In March this year, fans of The Wire, John Wick, Fringe, Horizon: Zero Dawn and Destiny were left stunned by the news the gravel-voiced Lance Reddick had died.

It was announced Reddick had died of natural causes.

His death came days before the planned March 24 release of the fourth installment in the John Wick franchise, in which Reddick reprised his role as a hotel manager named Charon, an ally of the title character played by Keanu Reeves.

He was 60.

Angus Cloud's death was unexpected.
Angus Cloud's death was unexpected. Photo credit: Getty Images

Angus Cloud

Euphoria star Angus Cloud's death was announced in August, stunning fans of the young actor as well as his colleagues on the HBO show.

He was best known for playing the caring drug dealer Fezco 'Fez' O'Neill in the hit series.

"It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today," Cloud's family said in a statement at the time.

Tributes flowed from the cast and crew of Euphoria, including Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney.

He was 25.

Barry Humphries iconic Dame Edna.
Barry Humphries iconic Dame Edna. Photo credit: Getty Images

Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries was a legendary Australian comedian best known for his alter ego: the rambunctious raconteur Dame Edna Everage.

Humphries died in April after complications from surgery on his hip following a fall.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to lead tributes to the star, saying on Twitter: "For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone. But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry."

He was 89.

Jock Zonfrillo was mourned by Gordon Ramsay.
Jock Zonfrillo was mourned by Gordon Ramsay. Photo credit: Instagram

Jock Zonfrillo

In May, the culinary world was shocked by the news celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo had died.

His death was announced on the same day MasterChef Australia on which he starred as a judge was set to premiere its 2023 season. Tributes flowed from around the world, led by Gordon Ramsay who burst into tears as he spoke of the chef who "lit up the kitchen". 

Ramsay was not only the chef to pay tribute to Zonfrillo, with the likes of Jamie Oliver, Marco Pierre White and Nigella Lawson speaking of their love for him.

He was 46.

Tina Turner died aged 89.
Tina Turner died aged 89. Photo credit: Getty Images

Tina Turner

In May, it was announced the 'Simply The Best' singer had died after a long illness.

The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll died at her home near Zurich in Switzerland.

Announcing the news on AM, host Ryan Bridge - a lifelong fan - became emotional: "Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. Sorry, I'm getting sad because I love Tina Turner. I've always been a huge fan of Tina Turner.

"For those who are fans and for those who know and love Tina Turner she has had a long and varied career. Those legs, that hair, that voice, she is incredible," Bridge said, paying tribute to the 'Queen of Rock'n Roll'.

She was 83.

Lisa Marie Presley's death surprised many.
Lisa Marie Presley's death surprised many. Photo credit: Getty Images

Lisa Marie Presley

The year began with a major shock as the news Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley had died broke in January.

Her family revealed she had been rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. She subsequently died; her mother Priscilla Presley confirmed.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us," Priscilla said.

"She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known."

She was 54.

Andre Braugher's death stunned fans.
Andre Braugher's death stunned fans. Photo credit: Fox

Andre Braugher

Fans of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street were left devastated by the news Andre Braugher died after a "recent illness" in mid-December.

The actor, who found fame among a new legion of fans as the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, won plaudits for his dramatic roles as well as his comedic turns.

Tributes flowed from co-stars, including Terry Crews, who spoke of his "irreplaceable talent," before adding: "This hurts. You left us too soon."

He was 61.