With the news of George Michael’s tragic death at age 53 on Sunday, December 25, Us Weekly takes a look back at his iconic career as a member of the '80s pop group Wham!, a solo artist and an outspoken member of the LGBT community. The musician (né Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou), who was born in East Finchley, London, was a global superstar and had several No. 1 hits. He passed away from heart failure at his London home and was found "in his bed, lying peacefully," according to his manager. Relive the highlights of his legendary, groundbreaking career.
George Michael’s Life in Pictures
With the news of George Michael’s tragic death at age 53 on Sunday, December 25, Us Weekly takes a look back at his iconic career as a member of the '80s pop group Wham!, a solo artist and an outspoken member of the LGBT community. The musician (né Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou), who was born in East Finchley, London, was a global superstar and had several No. 1 hits. He passed away from heart failure at his London home and was found "in his bed, lying peacefully," according to his manager. Relive the highlights of his legendary, groundbreaking career.
With the news of George Michael’s tragic death at age 53 on Sunday, December 25, Us Weekly takes a look back at his iconic career as a member of the '80s pop group Wham!, a solo artist and an outspoken member of the LGBT community. The musician (né Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou), who was born in East Finchley, London, was a global superstar and had several No. 1 hits. He passed away from heart failure at his London home and was found "in his bed, lying peacefully," according to his manager. Relive the highlights of his legendary, groundbreaking career.
He released his first solo record, Faith, in 1987, and the single by the same name hit No. 1 in the United States. The album, which included hits such as "I Want Your Sex," "Father Figure," and "One More Try," has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and made him a global superstar.
Michael’s 1990 “Freedom” video was one of the most iconic music videos of all time. Although the musician didn’t appear in the video, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz lip-synced the song in his place in a video that blended music and fashion.
While his relationship was not public knowledge at the time, Michael wrote the moving, memorable 1996 song “Jesus to a Child” about his partner Anselmo Feleppa, who died from complications related to AIDS. Michael advocated for HIV/AIDS awareness and funding for much of his public life.
The “Father Figure” singer officially came out as gay in a CNN interview in April 1998. "I spent the first half of my career being accused of being gay when I hadn't had anything like a gay relationship," Michael said in the interview. "So I spent my years growing up being told what my sexuality was really ... which was kind of confusing."
After his sudden passing on December 25, hundreds of flowers were left at the entrance to his London home. Michael’s manager confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure and he was found “in his bed, lying peacefully.”
Celebrities and fans also took to social media to pay tribute to the legend, including Michael’s friend Elton John. “I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend — the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," John wrote on Instagram.
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