Famous farewells in 2010

The star of children's classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Lionel Jeffries.

Jeffries was best known for his role of Grandpa Potts and his singing of POSH in the 1968 movie, but he also directed the film version of The Railway Children. He later appeared on the small screen in Casualty, Lovejoy, Holby City and Inspector Morse. Jeffries was married to his widow Eileen for almost 60 years.

Died February 19 aged 83.

Jockey turned best-selling thriller writer Dick Francis.

Francis, the author of 42 novels, was "rightly acclaimed" as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world, his spokesman said. In his previous career as a champion jockey he rode for the Queen Mother and was famously riding Devon Loch when the horse collapsed within sight of the winning post in the 1956 Grand National.

Died February 14 aged 89.

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

The 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was hailed as a "modern-day genius". Fashion heavyweights lined up to pay tribute to McQueen, the son of an East End cab driver who was named British Designer of the Year four times and was awarded the CBE. Sir Paul Smith told Drapers magazine: "Obviously, like everyone, I am extremely shocked at this sad news. I have known Lee since his time at Central Saint Martins and gave him advice in the early part of his career. He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing. This is a very sad time and my thoughts are with his family."

died February 11 aged 40.

Jazz saxophonist Sir John Dankworth.

Better known as Johnny Dankworth before he was knighted in 2006, Sir John started his own jazz orchestra in the 1950s and went on to work with the likes of Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.

He was also a prolific composer, writing the theme tune for TV shows The Avengers and Tomorrow's World, and films including Modesty Blaise, The Servant and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.

Died February 6 aged 82.

Veteran British actor Ian Carmichael.

He was the star of large and small screen from the 1950s to the 1970s.

He made his name in a series of films for the Boulting Brothers including Private's Progress (1956), Brothers in Law (1957) and I'm All Right Jack (1959). He was also successful in TV, particularly as Bertie Wooster in The World of Wooster.

Died February 5 aged 89.

American writer J D Salinger.

He wrote the literary classic The Catcher In The Rye, which was published in 1951. Its story of alienation, innocence and fantasy immediately resonated with teenagers all over the world. The novel remains a standard in school curriculums.

Died January 28 aged 91.

Actress Jean Simmons.

She was born in London and starred in her first film aged 14. She starred opposite Laurence Olivier as Ophelia in his 1948 production of Hamlet. After moving to Hollywood in 1950, Simmons acted in a number of successful films including Guys and Dolls, alongside Marlon Brando. She was nominated for two Oscars and won an Emmy award for television work.

Died January 22 aged 80.

Rugby union commentator Bill McLaren.

He spent almost 50 years as a national broadcaster, beginning his career on BBC radio in 1953.Known as the "voice of rugby", he was honoured with an OBE, a CBE and an MBE for his services to the sport.

Died January 19 aged 86.

Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass.

He was the first black male to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums and first gained popularity as a member of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The group's best-known track If You Don't Know Me By Now was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Died January 13 aged 59.

Jimmy Reid, former Glasgow shipyard shop steward.