Every year there is reason to memorialise as we look back at those we’ve lost – to commemorate, celebrate and remember the icons, artists and politicians we’ve spent our lives watching from afar.

This decade we’ve lost some huge names. From Prince, Robin Williams, Amy Winehouse, Brittany Murphy and David Bowie, to Whitney Houston, Cory Monteith, Hugh Hefner, Alan Rickman and Michael Jackson.

All huge losses to the world of celebrity – losses grieved not just by their families but by thousands and in some cases millions of beloved fans.

In 2017, Mamamia made this tribute to actor Robin Williams. Post continues after video.

In this article we’re focusing on just a few of the celebrities we’ve lost this year in 2019, both in Australia and overseas.

We remember them and their legacies as we prepare to say goodbye to the decade.

Luke Perry, actor.

Luke Perry died this year aged 52 from a massive stroke. Image: Getty.

American actor Luke Perry, the former star of 1990s television seriesBeverly Hills 90210,died aged 52 after suffering a massive stroke in March.

At the time of his death Perry was part of the cast ofRiverdale, the teenage drama series in which he played main character's Archie Andrews' father.

His fiancé, ex-wife, parents, siblings and kids were by his side when he passed away.

His partner Wendy Madison said in a statement at the time, “The past 11 1/2 years with Luke were the happiest of my life, and I am grateful to have had this time with him. I also want to think his children, family, and friends for their love and support.

“We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed,”

The cast of Beverly Hills 90210. Image: Getty.

Perry became a household name in 1990 for playing the brooding character Dylan McKay in90210,and was catapulted to full-blown teen idol status.

Perry was hospitalised the same dayFoxannounced a six-episode revival of the show, featuring returning cast members Jason Priestley, Jenny Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. Perry had not been announced to return.

Perry is survived by his daughter Sophie and his son Jack, a professional wrestler who goes by the ring name "Jungle Boy" Nate Coy.

Ben Unwin, actor.

Actor Ben Unwin died in August 2019. Image: Patrick Riviere/Getty.

The Australian actor, most known for his role onHome and Away, died in August on the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

A NSW police statement released to Yahoo Lifestyle said police responded to a welfare call on August 14. "His death is not being treated as suspicious," read the statement.

The 41-year-old played bad boy Jesse McGregor on the popular Aussie soap, which was a part especially written for him after he failed to get the role he auditioned for.

He joined the cast ofHome and Awayin 1996, a month after completing high school, and was there until 2005 (with a two year hiatus between 2000-2002).

In 2005, Unwin quit to pursue work in America, and tried his hand in the music world. He directed videos for Boy George and Culture Club (I Just Wanna Be LovedandYour Kisses Are Charity), before packing in show business for law.

His former co-stars spoke about the loss of their mate "Onion" as he was affectionately known.

Lynne McGranger told The Daily Telegraph,"sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends," while Ada Nicodemou told Nine.com.au she woke up to the news and was "deeply saddened".

Karl Lagerfeld, designer.

Karl Lagerfeld died in February 2019. Image: Instagram.

Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel, died in February at the age of 85 after weeks of illness believed to have been pancreatic cancer.

With his iconic white ponytail and dark sunglasses, Lagerfeld was one of the most prolific designers of the modern age.

Celebrities like Rihanna, Marion Cotillard and Keira Knightly packed his front rows and his dresses were - and will likely continue to be - worn by princesses and A-listers.

He is credited by many for changing the fashion game with his success at Chanel giving other luxury brands a blueprint for how to revamp historic fashion houses that had grown dusty - think Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

The designer was mourned widely by celebrities and the fashion industry.