Necrology – a list of notable people who have died recently. Now a regular feature on our blog.
- Beatrice Arthur, 1926-2009
Actress who went from Broadway to find fame on television as Maude and as one of The Golden Girls
- J. G. Ballard, 1930-2009
Eccentric author of surreal tales, best known for the memoir Empire of the Sun
- Maurice Druon, 1918-2009
Writer, linguist and hero of the Resistance who loved England as much as his native France
- John Matheson, 1928-2009
Dunedin born conductor and coach, associated particularly with the English National Opera and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
