2025 saw the passing of many iconic figures from film, music, television, sports, science, and beyond. Here are some of the most prominent losses, based on widespread reporting from major outlets like Entertainment Weekly, People, Variety, BBC, and others.
Film and Television Actors/Directors
- Robert Redford (age 89): Legendary actor and director known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President's Men, and founding the Sundance Film Festival. He passed away in September at his home in Utah.
- Diane Keaton (age ~79): Oscar-winning actress famous for Annie Hall, Something's Gotta Give, and collaborations with Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers.
- Gene Hackman (age 95): Two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven; starred in The Poseidon Adventure, Superman, and many classics. Found dead in February alongside his wife.
- Rob Reiner (age 78): Director of The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and This Is Spinal Tap; also known as "Meathead" from All in the Family. Died in December.
- David Lynch (age 78-79): Visionary director of Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks. Died in January from complications related to emphysema.
- Val Kilmer (age 65): Star of Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors.
- Michelle Trachtenberg (age ~40): Known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as Dawn) and Gossip Girl.
- Brigitte Bardot (age 91): French icon and sex symbol of the 1950s-60s, starred in And God Created Woman; later an animal rights activist. Died in late December.
Music
- Ozzy Osbourne (age ~76-77): "Prince of Darkness" and Black Sabbath frontman; solo hits like "Crazy Train". Performed a final show in July before passing soon after.
- Brian Wilson (age ~83): Co-founder of The Beach Boys, genius behind Pet Sounds and hits like "Good Vibrations".
- Roberta Flack (age ~88): Soul singer known for "Killing Me Softly" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".
- Sly Stone (age 82): Funk pioneer and leader of Sly and the Family Stone ("Everyday People", "Dance to the Music").
- D'Angelo (age 51): Neo-soul innovator with albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo.
- Ace Frehley (age 74): Original guitarist and co-founder of KISS.
Other Notables
- Jane Goodall (age 91): Renowned primatologist and conservationist, famous for chimpanzee research and advocacy.
- George Foreman (age 76): Two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and grill entrepreneur.
- Giorgio Armani (age 91): Iconic Italian fashion designer who revolutionized menswear and dressed countless stars.
- Pope Francis: Leader of the Catholic Church, died after a public appearance on Easter.
- Terence Stamp (age 87): British actor known for Superman (General Zod) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
- Frank Gehry (age 96): Architect behind the Guggenheim Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Many younger or less globally famous figures also passed, including reality stars, soap opera actors, and emerging talents. The year brought tributes from fans and colleagues worldwide, highlighting the enduring impact of these individuals on culture and society.