9 Celebrities Who Died In The First 5 Days Of February 2024
The first five days of February have been marked by the departure of several celebrities and notable personalities from the entertainment industry.
Each of them left a mark on their respective fields, and their contributions will be remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
From actors such as Carl Weathers to musicians such as Aston "Family Man" Barrett, here are the nine celebrities who died in the first five days of February 2024.
1. Michael Jayston - Feb. 5
Actor Michael Jayston died Monday after battling an undisclosed illness. He was 88.
His family announced his passing via a statement released by M&M Famous Faces, sharing that he succumbed to a "short illness," The Independent reported.
Known for his roles in "Only Fools and Horses" and "Doctor Who," Jayston's career spanned decades, showcasing his versatility on both screen and stage.
Jayston also starred in the film "Nicholas and Alexandra" and the 1981 stage revival of "The Sound of Music" at Apollo Victoria in London.
His most recent on-screen appearance came in an episode of "Midsomer Murders" in 2014.
2. Mallorca Lee - Feb. 4
Mallorca Lee passed away Sunday afternoon. He was 51.
The founder of the '90s electronic band Ultra-Sonic was diagnosed with terminal cancer just four weeks before his passing.
Lee's influence on the rave scene through Ultra-Sonic remains a pivotal chapter in the history of electronic music.
His fellow musicians and fans mourned the loss of the Scottish DJ and producer.
Announcing his friend's passing, DJ KID wrote on Facebook, "You will be deeply missed, brother, but your energy and legacy will live on."
3. Aston Barrett - Feb. 3
The reggae community bid farewell to Aston "Family Man" Barrett Saturday, as the bassist of Bob Marley and the Wailers passed away at 77.
His family announced his death Saturday, with his son Aston Barrett Jr. sharing that he had a prolonged "medical battle," the BBC reported.
Barrett's bass work was integral to the success of several of the band's hits, such as "No Woman, No Cry," "I Shot the Sheriff," and "Could You Be Love."
But his impact extended beyond the Wailers, contributing to the genre's growth. Barrett also played for the Upsetters, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and other acts.
4. Ian Lavender - Feb. 2
Fans of classic British sitcoms and "EastEnders" are mourning the passing of Ian Lavender after he died Friday at the age of 77.
Lavender's agent confirmed his passing, The Guardian reported. A cause of death was not revealed.
Best known for his role as Private Pike in "Dad's Army," Lavender was the last surviving regular cast member of the iconic series.
The actor was also known for his portrayal of Derek Harkinson in "EastEnders."
Lavender exited the BBC soap opera in 2017 after suffering from sepsis. He was previously diagnosed with cancer and had a heart attack.
5. Wayne Kramer - Feb. 2
Friday marked the end of an era in the world of punk rock with the passing of Wayne Kramer, the guitarist and co-founder of MC5. He was 75.
Kramer, who founded MC5 alongside Fred "Sonic" Smith, died from pancreatic cancer, according to a post on his Instagram account.
The musician and his band performed for eight hours straight at the Vietnam War protest at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, Entertainment Weekly noted.
In 1975, he served time in prison for drug charges. After his release, he performed with the groups Was (Not Was) and Gang War.
Kramer later released four solo albums and collaborated with artists like Rage Against the Machine, Alice Cooper, and Bad Religion.
He also co-founded the indie label MuscleTone Records and was a composer on movies and TV shows such as "Talladega Nights," "Eastbound and Down," and "Step Brothers."
6. Don Murray - Feb. 2
Hollywood lost a seasoned actor Friday as Don Murray, known for his Oscar-nominated role opposite Marilyn Monroe in "Bus Stop," died at age 94. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
With a career spanning several decades, Murray's contributions to film also included roles in movies such as "The Hoodlum Priest," "A Hatful of Rain," and Francis Ford Coppola's "Peggy Sue Got Married."
He also appeared in the TV series "A Brand New Life" from 1989 to 1990, "Sons and Daughters" in 1991, and the "Twin Peaks" revival in 2017.
Murray's last role was in the 2021 Western film "Promise."
7. Jonnie Irwin - Feb. 2
British TV host Jonnie Irwin succumbed to lung cancer Friday. He was 50.
In 2020, Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, which later spread to his brain.
Known for presenting shows like "A Place in the Sun" and "Escape to the Country," Irwin's "warmth and infectious spirit" endeared him to viewers, according to a statement posted to his Instagram Friday.
"Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten," the message read.
Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, 5-year-old Rex, and 3-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
8. Mark Gustafson - Feb. 1
Director and animator Mark Gustafson passed away Thursday. He was 64.
Co-director of Guillermo del Toro's "Pinocchio," Gustafson's career in animation included work on iconic projects like "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and "A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas."
His collaborative efforts with del Toro earned them an Oscar for best animated feature in 2023.
Del Toro paid tribute to his collaborator on X, formerly Twitter, describing him as a "pillar of stop motion animation" and a "true artist."
"He leaves behind a titanic legacy of animation that goes back to the very origins of claymation and that shaped the career and craft of countless animators," the filmmaker added. "He leaves friends and colleagues and a historic filmography."
9. Carl Weathers - Feb. 1
Carl Weathers, an actor known for his roles in iconic films like the "Rocky" series and "Predator," died Thursday. He was 76.
Weathers' family said in a statement obtained by TMZ that he died peacefully in his sleep while surrounded by loved ones.
Weathers was known for playing Apollo Creed in four "Rocky" films. He also starred in movies like "Happy Gilmore," "Death Hunt," and "The Defiant Ones," among many others.
Weathers' 80 acting credits also included roles in the TV shows "S.W.A.T.," "Arrested Development," "The Shield," and the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian."
Before becoming an actor, Weathers played for the Oakland Raiders from 1970 to 1971.
