The world lost many legendary stars in 2024, including Shannen Doherty from 90210 and Little House on the Prairie and Carl Weathers in the Rocky films. Unfortunately, 2025 has been no different. These stars have brought tears of joy and sorrow to people around the world over the decades, gaining their glory on tiny televisions, movie theaters, and, eventually smart devices. Let’s pay our respects by remembering the stars we have lost this year.
Val Kilmer – Iceman and Batman
Best known for his role in as Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” in Top Gun and Batman Forever, Val Kilmer will forever be remembered in Hollywood and homes around the world.
Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 of pneumonia. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and a tracheostomy. Despite publicly sharing that he was deemed cancer-free in 2021, the disease made it difficult for him to speak and breathe for the rest of his life.
The actor appeared as alongside Tom Cruise and Meg Ryan in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, which went down in history as one of the most iconic films of all time. The late actor went on the record in the documentary “Kilmer” and admitted that he did not want to star in the action film and was contractually forced into doing it.
Jay North – Dennis the Menace
The young troublemaker from the CBS television series, Dennis the Menace, died peacefully at age 73 on April 6, 2025, after battling colorectal cancer. North was cast at six years old to play the role of a mischievous boy next door who loved to terrorize his old neighbor, Mr. Wilson. The show brought laughter to families across the United States from 1959 to 1963 and is still popular on streaming platforms.
George Foreman – Big George
Olympic Gold medalist to World Heavyweight boxing champion “Big George” died at age 76 on March 21, 2025. His family reported that he died peacefully in Texas, surrounded by loved ones.
Forman started his fight to fame when he won the world heavyweight championship title with a knockout of Joe Frazier in 1973. in 1974, he went on to fight Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” which was recognized as one of the greatest sporting events of the century. Ali the underdog came in and beat the undefeated Foreman, shaking the boxing industry. Despite losing the fight, Foreman earned his name as a legend in the boxing industry and went on to become a successful businessman-yes, the Foreman grill!-, preacher, and author.
Other Stars We’ve Lost
- Clem Burke – The lead drummer of the legendary rock band Blondie passed away on April 6, 2025. His band commented that he had been battling cancer.
- Richard Norton spent his life mastering martial arts and working as a stunt coordinator. He trained stars including Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson. The actor died on March 30, 2025.
The Legend Lives On
The best way to pay your respects to the stars we have lost is by watching and sharing their legacies. These stars may have left this planet, but they will live on through our screens and hearts for decades. Consider planning and weekend movie night with your family. Just think twice before inviting your young children to watch “Dirty Dancing.”
