Clue: Late actor holding vigil for one of the 8 (4,7)
Answer: RICK WAKEMAN
Explanation: Late actor holding vigil for one of the 8 (4,7)
(Alan) **RICKMAN** ("alte actor") *holding* **WAKE** ("vigil") 
*Rick Wakeman was a member of the progressive rock band, Yes, so was a "Yes man" (see 8dn)