Celebrity Deaths 2025: Remembering the Stars We Lost This Year

It’s always a somber task to reflect on the icons we’ve lost. Each year, we say goodbye to stars who shaped our culture, voices that defined generations, and talents that left a permanent mark on our hearts. The past year we have had profound loss, as we have had a multitude of celebrity deaths this year. This is a list of some of the most notable deaths – it is by no means exhaustive. As we bid farewell to these performers who have sadly passed, please join us as we remember their legacies. 

Celebrity Deaths: Remembering Hollywood’s Icons

The silver screen grew dimmer this year with the loss of some true Hollywood legends. Their amazing work defined genres and inspired countless actors who followed in their starry footsteps.

• Gene Hackman (February 27, 2025 | Age 95): A true titan of acting, Gene Hackman passed away at 95. With a career spanning more than five decades, he was one of the most respected performers in Hollywood. Hackman’s unforgettable, Oscar-winning roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” sealed his status as a master of his craft, capable of portraying grit, vulnerability, and intensity with unmatched skill. There was definitely no one better who could portray a good bad guy – and with such ambiguity. 
• Val Kilmer (April 2, 2025 | Age 65): Known for his captivating performances in “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” and as the Dark Knight in “Batman Forever,” Val Kilmer’s passing at 65 left a huge void in Hollywood. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died after contracting pneumonia, following a years-long battle with throat cancer. She remembered him for his creativity and passion. Kilmer was an adept actor who brought unique energy to every role.
• Loretta Swit (May 30, 2025 | Age 87): As the sharp-witted and sarcastic Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on “M*A*S*H,” Loretta Swit quickly became a television icon. Her portrayal was groundbreaking, as she blended strength and moxie with vulnerability. People tuned in to see Hot Lip’s quippy one-liners. The role earned her two Emmy Awards. Beyond this, Swit also was a passionate animal rights activist.
• George Wendt (May 20, 2025 | Age 76): At the bar, everybody knew his name. As the perpetually beer-bound Norm Peterson on “Cheers,” George Wendt created one of television’s most beloved and enduring characters. His deadpan delivery and perfect comedic timing made him a cornerstone of the classic sitcom. Wendt left behind a long legacy of laughter.
• Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (December 4, 2025 | Age 75): His loss is doubly sad for fans of his acting and his martial art skills. Tagawa starred as Shang in “Mortal Kombat,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “The Last Emperor,” to name a few. He was a voice actor, a stunt performer, and a producer. Tagawa often disagreed with the violent nature of martial arts and founded a hybrid of it and healing, called Chuu-Shin.
• Diane Keaton (October 11, 2025 | Age 79): Never has an actress set off such a style like this, “Annie Hall” portrayer. Keaton dominated the big screen playing opposite Woody Allen in this romcom movie, which challenged “Star Wars” for best picture in 1977. Keaton is remembered for her variety of roles and voice work. Fans loved how she stood her ground against Jack Nicholson’s character in 2003 film “Something’s Gotta Give.”  

Honoring Music’s Unforgettable Voices

The music world also lost several pioneers this year, artists whose sounds broke barriers and influenced countless musicians.

• Brian Wilson (June 11, 2025 | Age 82): The genius behind the great, infamous band The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, was a true musical visionary. His unique intricate harmonies and revolutionary production on albums such as “Pet Sounds” forever changed the landscape of pop music. Responsible for timeless hits like “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations,” his family remembered him as “a gentle soul with an unparalleled gift for melody.”
• Angie Stone (March 1, 2025 | Age 63): A powerhouse of neo-soul, Angie Stone’s passing in a tragic car accident shocked the R&B community. With a voice that was both raw and smooth, she gave us classics like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” earning multiple Grammy nominations and a place as one of the genre’s best voices.
• Sly Stone (June 9, 2025 | Age 82): As the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, this funk pioneer blended rock, soul, and psychedelia to create a memorable sound that was his own. Anthems like “Everyday People” and “Family Affair” weren’t just hits; they were calls for unity and for social change that still resonate today.
• Roy Ayers (March 4, 2025 | Age 84): Dubbed the “godfather of neo-soul,” this jazz-funk musician’s warm and super smooth vibes left a wonderful mark on music. His iconic track, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” remains a timeless groove to this day; it’s a perfect encapsulation of his soulful, innovative sound.
• Ozzy Osbourne (July 22, 2025 | Age 76): It was a sad day when the Prince of Darkness passed. He was responsible for bringing heavy metal mainstream and influencing hundreds of artists. Known for Black Sabbath and for his solo work, he was a beloved metal artist.
• Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley (October 16, 2025 | Age 74): Like a comet ripping through the night sky, Frehley’s bright effect on rock guitar – and the music world – cannot be overstated. He was best known as the Spaceman in KISS, but he had a variety of projects, including his own successful band, Frehley’s Comet. 
• Jimmy Cliff (November 24, 2025 | Age 77): A pioneering figure in the world of reggae and an actor, Cliff has greatly influenced numerous artists and paved the way for musicians to share their work. He was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit for his amazing music. 

Tragic Losses and Unexpected Farewells in 2025

Some losses this year came far too soon, leaving fans and the industry in shock. These stars had so much more to give, and their sudden departures are a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility.

• Michelle Trachtenberg (February 26, 2025 | Age 39): The actress, known for her roles in “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Gossip Girl,” was found deceased in her Manhattan apartment at just 39 years old. Trachtenberg grew up on screen, and her passing was a sudden, tragic loss for a generation that watched her evolve from a child star to a talented adult actress.
• Malcolm-Jamal Warner (July 20, 2025 | Age 54): This one hit hard. The beloved Theo actor from the “Cosby Show” drowned on vacation in Costa Rica. Warner was known for Theo then playing law enforcement characters later his career. A true tragic loss of a great talent in 2025
• DJ Unk (January 24, 2025 | Age 43): The Atlanta hip-hop artist, who got everyone on the dance floor with his 2000s snap hit “Walk It Out,” died unexpectedly at 43. His music was a defining sound of an era, and his sudden death was a major shock to the hip-hop community.
• Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea, July 24. 2025 | Age 71): Another surprising death in July was wresting king Hulk Hogan. Even if someone didn’t watch wrestling, they were sure to know Hogan. He was the ambassador for the sport, known for his antics and kay fabe, both in and out of the wrestling ring. 
• Ananda Lewis (June 11, 2025 | Age 52): The former MTV VJ and “it girl” of hip hop also had her own talk show. She continued to do work and was a host on “The Insider” and “America’s Top Dog.” She passed away at a young age from a brave battle with breast cancer. 

Farewell to Other Notable Figures

We also want to honor other beloved figures from the world of entertainment and beyond who left us in 2025.

• Pope Francis (April 21, 2025 | Age 88): A global figure of pious and immense influence, Pope Francis passed away after a life devoted to the Church. Known for his humility and his focus on social justice, his papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Vatican and to advocate for the poor and the marginalized worldwide.
• Bill Moyers (June 26, 2025 | Age 91): Moyers was a giant of American journalism. He was celebrated for his thoughtful, in-depth interviews and his documentaries on PBS. From his beginnings as a White House press secretary to his Emmy-winning career as a news broadcaster, he was a trusted voice of reason and integrity.
• Ruth Buzzi (May 1, 2025 | Age 88): A comedic star of the classic show “Laugh-In,” Ruth Buzzi’s quirky characters, especially the purse-wielding Gladys Ormphby, brought joy to millions. She passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
• Drew Struzan (October 13, 2025 | Age 78): If you have seen posters for “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Big Trouble in Little China” – which feature incredible renditions of the casting ensemble of these iconic films, then you’ve seen Struzan’s work. Besides designing these wonderful move posters, he did art for album covers. He was the go-to artist for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.  

A Few Final Words

We grew up with their movies and their songs were the soundtrack to our lives. These celebs’ performances made us laugh and cry. As we continue to honor their memories, we’re reminded not just of their incredible contributions, but of the indelible impact they had on us. These stars may no longer be with us but their work and the memories they created will live on through their amazing performances forever.