A photograph and flowers for Tina Turner

Something slightly different from the Thursday quiz this week, as we present the first annual in memoriam edition. To begin December, here are 15 questions about notable pop culture and political figures we lost this year. As ever, there are no prizes, but let us know how you get on in the comments.

The Thursday quiz, No 137

  1. 1.TINA TURNER: We lost the legendary Tina Turner in May. What was her given name when she was born?

  2. 2.MATTHEW PERRY: There was a huge outpouring of love when we lost the Friends star Matthew Perry. In which year did the sitcom make its debut on US television?

    Matthew Perry

  3. 3.PAUL O’GRADY: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home named its vet hospital after Paul O’Grady after his death in March. What was the name of his incredible drag act with which he first found widespread fame?

    Paul O'Grady

  4. 4.BOBBY CHARLTON: Football hero Bobby Charlton left us in October. In which year did he win the Ballon d’Or?

    Bobby Charlton

  5. 5.DAVID McCALLUM: The star had a long TV history, including roles as the Invisible Man, Steel in Sapphire & Steel, and on NCIS. But what was the name of his Man from UNCLE character?

    David McCallum

  6. 6.MYSTIC MEG: She was a mainstay of astrology in the UK, so you probably should have seen it coming that Mystic Meg would feature in the Thursday quiz one day. What was her real name?

    Mystic Meg

  7. 7.ANDY ROURKE: He was one of the rhythmic mainstays of 1980s indie darlings the Smiths. What was the name of their final studio album in 1987?

    Andy Rourke

  8. 8.GLENDA JACKSON: One of the most celebrated British actors, Glenda Jackson was also an MP. Where was she first elected?

    Glenda Jackson

  9. 9.MARY QUANT: The designer who in many ways defined the look of 1960s London opened her first shop on Kings Road in 1955. What was it called?

    Mary Quant

  10. 10.CORMAC McCARTHY: He was regarded as one of the great American writers. Which of Cormac McCarthy’s novels won the Pulitzer prize for fiction?

    Cormac McCarthy

  11. 11.MICHAEL GAMBON: Michael Gambon is known for his incredible performance in The Singing Detective. What was his character’s name?

    Michael Gambon

  12. 12.BETTY BOOTHROYD: When did Betty Boothroyd become the first woman to be speaker of the House of Commons in Westminster?

    Betty Boothroyd

  13. 13.ALISTAIR DARLING: The former chancellor passed away last week. Which of these jobs in government DIDN’T he do?

    Alistair Darling

  14. 14.SHANE MACGOWAN: One of Ireland’s greatest songwriters, Shane MacGowan also passed away last week. Where was MacGowan born?

    Shane MacGowan

  15. 15.SINÉAD O’CONNOR: We lost the wonderful Sinéad O’Connor this year. On which of her albums did Nothing Compares 2 U appear?

    Sinead O'Connor

If you think there has been an egregious error in one of the questions or answers, please feel free to email [email protected] but remember the quiz master’s word is final and this week is a respectful week.


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