George Michael Dead: See the Star's Life In Photos

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George Michael Through the Years

Peter Still/Redferns; Rob Verhorst/Redferns; David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns

George Michael, the former Wham! singer and beloved solo artist, died at the age of 53, his representative announced on Christmas Day. “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,” his representative said in a statement to EW. “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.” Born in London in 1963, Michael kicked off his career in the ‘80s, rising to fame as a part of Wham! before releasing his debut solo album Faith in 1987. In the years since, Michael earned two Grammy Awards and six nominations, as well as American Music Awards, BRIT Awards, and VMAs. See photos of the late star through the years, ahead.

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George Michael With Andre Ridgeley on Solid Gold on November 12, 1982

Ron Wolfson/WireImage

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George Michael at the Hammersmith Odeon on October 28, 1983

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley in 1985

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael in Sydney, Australia in January 1985

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael Performing in Sydney, Australia in January 1985

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley in Japan in January 1985

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England on February 27, 1985

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael at the Wham! Farewell Concert on June 28, 1986

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley at The Final Concert in London on June 28, 1986

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael in London in 1987

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael Performing in Japan in March 1988

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael in the UK in the 1980s

John Rodgers/Redferns

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George Michael Performing in Australia in March 1988

Michael Putland/Getty Images

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George Michael on his Faith Tour in the Netherlands on April 12, 1988

Rob Verhorst/Redferns

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George Michael on His Faith Tour in London on June 15, 1988

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael in the 1980s

Rob Verhorst/Redferns

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George Michael in 1992

Mick Hutson/Redferns

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George Michael at the Concert Of Hope in London on December 1, 1993

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael With Elton John

S Granitz/WireImage

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George Michael in the UK on October 9, 1999

Peter Still/Redferns

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George Michael in the 1990s

Mick Hutson/Redferns

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George Michael Performing in Germany on October 14, 2006

AP Photo/Daniel Maurer

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George Michael Performing in Paris on September 9, 2012

David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images

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Account

George Michael's Life In Photos

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George Michael Through the Years

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George Michael With Andre Ridgeley on Solid Gold on November 12, 1982

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George Michael at the Hammersmith Odeon on October 28, 1983

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley in 1985

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George Michael in Sydney, Australia in January 1985

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George Michael Performing in Sydney, Australia in January 1985

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley in Japan in January 1985

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George Michael at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England on February 27, 1985

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George Michael at the Wham! Farewell Concert on June 28, 1986

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George Michael With Andrew Ridgeley at The Final Concert in London on June 28, 1986

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George Michael in London in 1987

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George Michael Performing in Japan in March 1988

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George Michael in the UK in the 1980s

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George Michael Performing in Australia in March 1988

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George Michael on his Faith Tour in the Netherlands on April 12, 1988

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George Michael on His Faith Tour in London on June 15, 1988

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George Michael in the 1980s

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George Michael in 1992

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George Michael at the Concert Of Hope in London on December 1, 1993

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George Michael With Elton John

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George Michael in the UK on October 9, 1999

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George Michael in the 1990s

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George Michael Performing in Germany on October 14, 2006

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George Michael Performing in Paris on September 9, 2012

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