From Harris Yulin To Arthur Hamilton: 7 Celebrities Who Passed Away Recently
As we approach the middle of the year, it's a time to reflect on the lives and legacies of the celebrities we've lost in recent months. From iconic musicians to television personalities, each one left a unique mark on the world through their talent, passion, and presence. Their passing is a reminder of how deeply connected we can feel to those who inspire us from afar.
This list acknowledges the notable figures we've lost in the last month. While they are no longer with us, their contributions and influence continue to shape culture and leave a lasting impact. It serves as a tribute to their legacies and a respectful farewell.
David Hekili Kenui Bell
The 'Big Hawaiian Dude' of 'Lilo & Stitch' passed away on 12th June (Thursday). David Hekili Kenui Bell was a beloved Hawaiian actor, most notable for his role in the recent live-action film, 'Lilo & Stitch'. In many other characters he portrayed, he almost always reflected his heritage, blending Pidgin, Indigenous Hawaiian language, and English, to help preserve local culture in mainstream media.
He was described as a sweet, generous and brilliant person, often calling him an embodiment of what 'Aloha' is. He was deeply cherished in his community, greeted travellers daily through his familiar airport announcements, and proudly represented Hawaiian culture on a global platform. His warmth, modesty, and authentic aloha spirit will continue to have a memorable impact on everyone he encounters.
Harris Yulin
The acting industry is in shock with the news of esteemed American actor Harris Yulin's passing on 10th June (Tuesday). He's known for his roles in 'Ghostbusters II', 'Scarface', 'Training Day' and many more. He was a dedicated performer who was said to be immensely committed to his craft. He brought depth and complexity to the characters he played, mainly portraying morally grey roles with subtle intensity.
Harris was said to be a gracious and warm person who valued the process and value of work rather than the fame that it gives. The 87-year-old's legacy will forever live on through his iconic roles and his family. They plan to have a memorial on a later date.
Kim Woodburn
Kim Woodburn, the co-host of the nostalgic British show, 'How Clean Is Your House?', passed away on the 16th June (Monday) at the age of 83 years old. She had been suffering from an illness for months leading up to her passing, cancelling the majority of her work commitments to be able to start her recovery process. Beyond her cleaning expertise, Woodburn appeared on various reality TV programs, including 'I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' (2009), where she finished as runner-up
Kim's passing was confirmed by her manager. Furthermore, it has been requested by her family that details on her passing remain private. Kim will forever be remembered as a warm and outspoken person who made many fans' lives better with her humour.
Anne Burrell
Food Network fans mourn the loss of 'Worst Cooks in America' host Anne Burrell. The chef passed away on the 17th June (Tuesday), at the age of 55 years old. She was mostly recognised by her nurturing nature and infectious enthusiasm on her show, often referring to herself as 'professional pleasure provider,' finding joy in making people smile through food.
Beyond her cooking career, she was a frequent contributor to charitable causes, serving on the Garden of Dreams Foundation Advisory Board. She aimed to support children facing adversity. She will continue to be remembered through every meal cooked with her books, and through her fans and colleagues alike.
Arthur Hamilton
'Cry Me a River' Arthur Hamilton passed away on the 20th May (Tuesday), after living a long life of 98 years. Best known for his contribution to songs in the film 'Pete's Kelly's Blues' (1955), such as 'Sing a Rainbow' and 'He Needs Me'. Originally, his hit song 'Cry Me a River' was made for the film to be sung by Ella Fitzgerald but it ended up being released by Julie London in 1995, which became #9 on Billboard and #22 in the UK.
The song ended up being placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, solidifying his legacy in the music industry. His kind-hearted and devoted personality will forever live on in his pieces, friends and fans.
Lim Pik-Sen (林碧笙)
The actress for 'Chung Su-Lee' in 'Mind Your Language' has passed away on the 9th June at the age of 81 years old. The Malaysian-British actor began her acting career when she was 16 years old. Since then, she has been recognised as one of the most familiar East Asian faces on British television. She's widely known for her roles in 'Doctor Who', 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' and her most notable voice acting role as the narrator in 'Dark Souls'.
Fans and friends have paid tribute to the actress, highlighting her joyous and witty personality. She will continue to be remembered through the British Film Institute as 'the most familiar Chinese actor on British television screens in the 1970s and 80s' and her enduring legacy across television, film, and gaming.
Tong Gai (Tang Chia, 唐佳)
Veteran martial artist Tong Gai (唐佳) was pronounced dead on the 23rd June 2025 (Monday) at the age of 88. At first, reports described an elderly man falling from a building, which was later confirmed to be the choreographer. Although he had allegedly been battling depression before his passing, police have found no evidence of foul play or other causes.
He gained widespread recognition for his roles in iconic kung fu films such as 'Shaolin Prince and One Armed Swordsman'. Furthermore, he was married to former Hong Kong actress Suet Nay (雪妮). Ultimately, he will always be remembered as a gifted and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to both his craft and his family.
Sources: People (1)(2)(3), International The News, Yahoo, The Star
Zaima Humaira contributed to this article
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Hype Malaysia
17 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
From Harris Yulin To Arthur Hamilton: 7 Celebrities Who Passed Away Recently
As we approach the middle of the year, it's a time to reflect on the lives and legacies of the celebrities we've lost in recent months. From iconic musicians to television personalities, each one left a unique mark on the world through their talent, passion, and presence. Their passing is a reminder of how deeply connected we can feel to those who inspire us from afar. This list acknowledges the notable figures we've lost in the last month. While they are no longer with us, their contributions and influence continue to shape culture and leave a lasting impact. It serves as a tribute to their legacies and a respectful farewell. David Hekili Kenui Bell The 'Big Hawaiian Dude' of 'Lilo & Stitch' passed away on 12th June (Thursday). David Hekili Kenui Bell was a beloved Hawaiian actor, most notable for his role in the recent live-action film, 'Lilo & Stitch'. In many other characters he portrayed, he almost always reflected his heritage, blending Pidgin, Indigenous Hawaiian language, and English, to help preserve local culture in mainstream media. He was described as a sweet, generous and brilliant person, often calling him an embodiment of what 'Aloha' is. He was deeply cherished in his community, greeted travellers daily through his familiar airport announcements, and proudly represented Hawaiian culture on a global platform. His warmth, modesty, and authentic aloha spirit will continue to have a memorable impact on everyone he encounters. Harris Yulin The acting industry is in shock with the news of esteemed American actor Harris Yulin's passing on 10th June (Tuesday). He's known for his roles in 'Ghostbusters II', 'Scarface', 'Training Day' and many more. He was a dedicated performer who was said to be immensely committed to his craft. He brought depth and complexity to the characters he played, mainly portraying morally grey roles with subtle intensity. Harris was said to be a gracious and warm person who valued the process and value of work rather than the fame that it gives. The 87-year-old's legacy will forever live on through his iconic roles and his family. They plan to have a memorial on a later date. Kim Woodburn Kim Woodburn, the co-host of the nostalgic British show, 'How Clean Is Your House?', passed away on the 16th June (Monday) at the age of 83 years old. She had been suffering from an illness for months leading up to her passing, cancelling the majority of her work commitments to be able to start her recovery process. Beyond her cleaning expertise, Woodburn appeared on various reality TV programs, including 'I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' (2009), where she finished as runner-up Kim's passing was confirmed by her manager. Furthermore, it has been requested by her family that details on her passing remain private. Kim will forever be remembered as a warm and outspoken person who made many fans' lives better with her humour. Anne Burrell Food Network fans mourn the loss of 'Worst Cooks in America' host Anne Burrell. The chef passed away on the 17th June (Tuesday), at the age of 55 years old. She was mostly recognised by her nurturing nature and infectious enthusiasm on her show, often referring to herself as 'professional pleasure provider,' finding joy in making people smile through food. Beyond her cooking career, she was a frequent contributor to charitable causes, serving on the Garden of Dreams Foundation Advisory Board. She aimed to support children facing adversity. She will continue to be remembered through every meal cooked with her books, and through her fans and colleagues alike. Arthur Hamilton 'Cry Me a River' Arthur Hamilton passed away on the 20th May (Tuesday), after living a long life of 98 years. Best known for his contribution to songs in the film 'Pete's Kelly's Blues' (1955), such as 'Sing a Rainbow' and 'He Needs Me'. Originally, his hit song 'Cry Me a River' was made for the film to be sung by Ella Fitzgerald but it ended up being released by Julie London in 1995, which became #9 on Billboard and #22 in the UK. The song ended up being placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, solidifying his legacy in the music industry. His kind-hearted and devoted personality will forever live on in his pieces, friends and fans. Lim Pik-Sen (林碧笙) The actress for 'Chung Su-Lee' in 'Mind Your Language' has passed away on the 9th June at the age of 81 years old. The Malaysian-British actor began her acting career when she was 16 years old. Since then, she has been recognised as one of the most familiar East Asian faces on British television. She's widely known for her roles in 'Doctor Who', 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' and her most notable voice acting role as the narrator in 'Dark Souls'. Fans and friends have paid tribute to the actress, highlighting her joyous and witty personality. She will continue to be remembered through the British Film Institute as 'the most familiar Chinese actor on British television screens in the 1970s and 80s' and her enduring legacy across television, film, and gaming. Tong Gai (Tang Chia, 唐佳) Veteran martial artist Tong Gai (唐佳) was pronounced dead on the 23rd June 2025 (Monday) at the age of 88. At first, reports described an elderly man falling from a building, which was later confirmed to be the choreographer. Although he had allegedly been battling depression before his passing, police have found no evidence of foul play or other causes. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in iconic kung fu films such as 'Shaolin Prince and One Armed Swordsman'. Furthermore, he was married to former Hong Kong actress Suet Nay (雪妮). Ultimately, he will always be remembered as a gifted and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to both his craft and his family. Sources: People (1)(2)(3), International The News, Yahoo, The Star Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya
Almost every year of the KL Sing Song series marked a breakthrough for the singer-songwriter scene in the Klang Valley. From its debut as an ambitious regional gathering of kindred spirits to its leap onto the KLPac stage (then a newly opened venue), the independent series left a lasting mark - propelling the late folk singer-songwriter Meor Yusof Aziddin, better known as Meor, into wider recognition and giving a young Yuna one of her earliest platforms. Held annually from 2005 to 2009, KL Sing Song was the brainchild of the Troubadours Enterprise trio – Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan – who joined forces to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. They came from different backgrounds – art, writing, teaching – but it was music that connected them. The second KL Sing Song in 2006 also brought the release of Voices From Next Door, a double CD compilation featuring 24 tracks from a wide-ranging line-up including Azmyl, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Mei Chern, Reza Salleh and Jasemaine Gan. What set KL Sing Song apart was its willingness to curate beyond the norm – bringing together singer-songwriters in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin on the same stage. It wasn't unusual to see scene veterans like the late Hassan Peter Brown and Markiza celebrated, while Boh Cameronian Arts Award winners such as Kugan and Shanon Shah shared the spotlight with AIM winner Pete Teo. At the same time, newcomers like Liyana Fizi (then with Estrella), Mia Palencia, and Reza Salleh added fresh voices to the mix. In this 2005 photo, the KL Sing Song founding trio (from left) - Tan Sei Hon, Azmyl Yunor, and Jerome Kugan - came together under Troubadours Enterprise to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. Photo: Filepic/The Star In its five-year run, KL Sing Song did what few others could – it collapsed boundaries and drew diverse scenes closer together. Alongside the main event were offshoots like Troubadours (at various venues), Troubaganger (with Doppelganger, a female singer-songwriter/poet collective), and Troubadours Open Doors (at KLPac). But as John Lennon once sang, 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.' In time, KL Sing Song and other Troubadours activities slowed down, as the founders took on new commitments and moved in different directions. 'I couldn't commit anymore - I had started working full-time at the National Art Gallery in 2008. I'd stopped performing and writing new songs, and had shifted my focus to the visual arts scene. We also felt we'd tapped most of the local talent pool, and by then, some had gone on to create their own platforms to support like-minded artists,' says Tan, who stepped back from the scene but continued to find opportunities to feature indie singer-songwriters at art gallery events. Back on stage Somehow, music loops you back to your roots – softly, insistently. Marking 20 years since KL Sing Song first took root, Azmyl – still active on the local and regional gig circuit – floated the idea of a special series of shows to celebrate the milestone and see where it might lead. His Troubadours partners didn't hesistate to jump back in. The first event kicks off tonight at 9pm (June 28) with a reunion show at Merdekarya, Petaling Jaya, featuring Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan back on stage alongside Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu. The line-up carries a strong lineage to the KL Sing Song story – Mei Chern was a quietly powerful presence on stage in the 2006 edition, while Nunis and Bihzhu bring seasoned voices that reflect the movement's spirit and evolution, blending folk blues and jazzy pop. 'We were outsiders because singer-songwriters, I think, tend to transcend and bypass music subcultures, scenes, and genres. There was nothing particularly 'cool' or trendy about it – just your songs and how you performed them. We also sidestepped the tribalism and cliques that usually come with music scenes. And since we were all individuals, it made things easier – no band politics, no egos to manage. Setting up gigs was simple: all you needed was a PA, a space, and your own instruments,' says Azmyl, reflecting on how naturally the Troubadours trio slipped back into rhythm – and how open Merdekarya was to welcoming them. 'Jerome, Sei Hon, and I came from different backgrounds – Jerome as a writer and poet, Sei Hon as a visual artist and educator, and myself from the underground and experimental circuit. That mix helped us tap into diverse networks, which gave the collective a distinct identity for that moment in time. It felt like a new wave movement, shaped by the media and political climate – we had a new Prime Minister after decades of Mahathirism, and cultural spaces for expression were opening up. 'At the time, solo singer-songwriters weren't being invited to gigs - most shows were still band-based - so we became that platform, building on the pioneering work of Markiza and Hassan's 'Acoustic Jam', and Joe Kidd's 'Unclogged' series. We played anywhere: art galleries, exhibition openings, readings - you name it. We were mobile, and we bypassed the mainstream idea of what 'playing music' looked like. Our collaboration with Jasmine Low's Doppelganger for the Troubaganger gigs at Tengkat Tong Shin in KL further expanded the mix of voices and backgrounds involved,' he adds. When the stars align The Troubadours weren't the only singer-songwriter gig organisers in town, but they knew how to connect – keeping the pioneers involved while giving new talent a stage to grow. 'I remember how exciting it was to see all these homegrown talents singing their own songs. And there was such a diversity of styles and approaches that it seemed like a movement. Which is why Azmyl, Sei Hon, and I started KL Sing Song. We just wanted to do an event that captured that singer-songwriter scene. I'm not sure how the bands felt about it though,' recalls Kugan. In this 2006 photo, Mei Chern lights up the KL Sing Song stage at KLPac with her performance. Photo: The Star/Filepic The Kota Kinabalu-based Kugan, who has long straddled the arts, literary and music scenes, has also seen movements, venues, and trends come and go during his time living in Kuala Lumpur. For context, both KL Sing Song and Readings KL began in 2005. Two decades on, it's clear that music in Malaysia has had a harder time sustaining that kind of grassroots momentum compared to the literary scene. 'Yes, music always has it harder. The spatial and technical demands of live performance are just more complicated than for readings. Most venues aren't built with music in mind – the stage is often an afterthought. I once performed at a place where the toilet was right next to the stage. So not only were people constantly milling about in front of me, I also had to compete with the sound of flushing toilets throughout the set,' he says. Keeping independent music alive in Malaysia may always be a challenge, but Kugan is happy to give KL Sing Song a new lease of life. An evening to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones is always a good place to start. But tonight's show at Merdekarya is more spontaneous gathering than long-planned affair. 'I'm not sure how much support we'll get. The scene's different now - the new generation is so polished and all over social media. We're not trying to make any big statements, we just want to tap into that KL Sing Song spirit - a space for people to share a common love for music," says Tan. The weight of legacy is also best avoided. 'I don't know if this counts as a legacy - we didn't start a 'movement'. We just picked up on what was already there and added our own generational spirit to it. The (early) 2000s felt like a zeitgeist moment for Malaysia, a time when solo singer-songwriters were becoming part of the fabric. Globally and locally, that sound was rising, and things happened organically,' says Azmyl. 'This 20th anniversary show came together because the timing was right. Jerome, who's now based in Kota Kinabalu, happened to be back in KL for his art exhibition, and I'd recently reconnected with Sei Hon. "It felt like a now-or-never moment – same instinct we had back when we started Troubadours and launched KL Sing Song. Karen and Mei Chern said yes right away, and so did the rest of the alumni,' he concludes. The next KL Sing Song series dates will be announced soon, with performers such as Melina William, Reza Salleh, Panda Head Curry?, Amrita Soon, Umar Akmal, Ray Cheong, Bumi Liar, Otam, Markiza, and Kien Lim already pencilled in.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Wrexham to face Southampton in their first second-tier game for 43 years
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