Notable deaths in 2018

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As 2018 draws to a close, we look back on the remarkable people who passed away this year. Stan Lee, Aretha Franklin and Joel Robuchon are some of the creative leaders who left their mark on history.

Scroll down and join CGTN in remembering those great names.

Stan Lee

Comic book creator and executive producer Stan Lee (L) poses alongside cast member Scarlett Johansson (R) at the world premiere of the film "Marvel's The Avengers" in Hollywood, California, April 11, 2012. /VCG Photo‍

The legendary comic book writer Stan Lee passed away on November 12 at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. Creating superheroes such as “Spider-Man” and “Iron Man,” Mr. Lee not only revolutionized the comic book world, but also have great impact on pop culture.

As a central player in the creation of those household superheroes, he is not only a writer, editor, and publisher, but also a superhero himself to comic fans around the world.

Stephen Hillenburg

Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the popular animated series Spongebob Squarepants /Reuters File Photo

The comic world lost the creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” as well this year.

Stephen Hillenburg, the man behind the hit animated series died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 57.

The funny character was Hillenburg's most known work which aired about 250 episodes. Hillenburg was honored with a special Emmy “for his contribution and impact made in the animation field and within the broadcast industry” earlier this year.

Momoko Sakura

Momoko Sakura and the cartoon character Chibi Maruko-chan. /Sina Photo

Comic lovers in Asia mourned the loss of Momoko Sakura, the creator of the popular manga "Chibi Maruko-chan." Momoko Sakura passed away from breast cancer at the age of 53 on August 15.

The cute girl she created is considered one of the most popular cartoon characters in China and has a huge fan base here.

The music industry lost some of its brightest stars as well in 2018.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin performs at the world premiere of “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, April 19, 2017. /AP Photo

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” passed away at the age of 76 on August 16 at her home in Detroit after a long battle with cancer.

Franklin is acclaimed as on of America's greatest singers. The 76-year-old superstar was beloved by millions around the world, and her death brings down the curtain on a spectacular six-decade career which made her one of the most celebrated artists in America.

Dolores O'Riordan

Dolores O'Riordan performing in concert. /VCG Photo

Dolores O'Riordan, the lead singer of The Cranberries, the Irish rock band died on January 15 in London. The cause of her death was not specified.

Cranberries sold over 40 million records and is the second-best-selling irish band after U2. O'Riordan wrote lyrics and music for the band including the hits “Linger” and “Dreams.”

Avicii

DJ Avicii performs during a concert at Brooklyn's Barclay's Center in New York, June 28, 2014. /Reuters Photo

Avicii, who's name is Tim Bergling was found dead on April 20 at the age of 28.

The Swedish D.J. and electronic dance music producer became famous with his 2011 hit “Levels” and was nominated for two Grammy Awards for best dance recording. According to New York Times, his songs have been streamed more than a billion times on Spotify.

Hubert de Givenchy

Graphics by CGTN

Hubert de Givenchy, described as the epitome of a French aristocrat by the New York Times, died on March 10, 2018 at the age of 91.

Givenchy's style represented the golden age of elegance just as he said: “You must, if it's possible, be born with a kind of elegance. It's part of you, of yourself.”

Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, and is famous for making the “little black dress.”

Joel Robuchon

French Chef Joel Robuchon attends the opening of the Taste Festival at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, May 21, 2015. /Reuters Photo

Besides comic creators, musicians, and fashion designers, the world also lost one of the world's most decorated chefs in 2018.

Joel Robuchon, “Chef of the century,” died on August 6 at the age of 73.

Robuchon founded a string of restaurants across three continents, and still owned 24 Michelin stars at the time of his death.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke highly of him: "His name and his style embodied French cuisine around the world, symbolizing an art of living and the insistence on work well done, and expressing the richness of our traditions.”

(Video editor: Wang Dawei; Top image designer: Jia Jieqiong.)