As you may have heard by now, legendary singer George Michael died on Christmas Day at age 53. His publicist and longtime manager confirmed his passing due to heart failure on Dec. 25, according to The Hollywood Reporter. There is no doubt how devastating this loss is, since the British artist was an influential figure in pop culture through the years in the music industry and even in movie scenes with George Michael songs.
His publicist Connie Filippello issued the following statement to USA Today: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."
The British singer became a music superstar in the '80s thanks to pop duo Wham!, which he was apart of with childhood friend Andrew Ridgeley. With Wham!, Michael made hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Everything She Wants," "Last Christmas," and even "Careless Whisper," which was co-written with Ridgeley. Michael embarked on a wildly successful solo career with his 1987 album Faith, which boasted enduring hit songs such as the title track, "Monkey," "One More Try," "Father Figure," and "I Want Your Sex." His other famous tracks include "Freedom '90" and the dance tune "Fastlove" from 1996.
And while Michael's popularity may have mostly been in the '80s and '90s, his influence has endured in pop culture since — especially in movies. Here are some film scenes that would mean nothing without George Michael's music.
1'Keanu'
Released earlier this year, Keanu featured the character Clarence (Keegan-Michael Key), a huge fan of George Michael's music who even has a drug-induced fantasy in which he appears in the "Faith" music video with the singer, seen above.
2'Deadpool'
The recent film ends with Deadpool and Vanessa kissing as he plays "Careless Whisper" from his phone. Aw!
3'Hot Tub Time Machine'
In the 2010 comedy, the song "Careless Whisper" is used in a failed attempt at karaoke, because it's hard to capture the magic of that song.
4'Baby Mama'
Amy Poehler's character sings "Careless Whisper" while playing a video game in this comedy movie co-starring Tina Fey.
5'The Nanny Diaries'
In this 2007 film, Scarlett Johansson and Alicia Keys' characters belt "Freedom '90" from while driving in a convertible in New York City.
6'Beverly Hills Cop II'
Michael's song "I Want Your Sex" plays in a night club in this scene from the Eddie Murphy-led film.
7'Zoolander'
The Wham! song "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" plays throughout an important scene at a gas station in this comedy film.
8'The Rules Of Attraction'
The song "Faith" plays a role in a hotel dance scene in this 2002 film.
9'Starter For 10'
Once upon time (2006), Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy starred opposite each other in the same film. Wham!'s "I'm Your Man" plays as McAvoy's character gets ready for a date (starts at 22:08 above).
10'Happy Feet 2'
Matt Damon's Bill the Krill serenades Brad Pitt's Will the Krill by singing "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" in this animated comedy.
11'Blended'
A band of monkeys play "Careless Whisper" in this scene from the 2014 movie.