Remembering 2025: Stars We Lost and Their Lasting Impact
2025 was a tough year for the entertainment world. Many famous faces left us, each leaving behind a unique mark. From Hollywood legends to groundbreaking scientists, their stories remind us of their incredible impact.
Notable Passings
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- Rob Reiner
- Died: December 14
Known for: Emmy-winning actor in “All in the Family,” director of “Stand By Me” and “When Harry Met Sally.”
- Diane Keaton
- Died: October 11 at 79
Known for: Iconic roles in “The Godfather” trilogy and “Annie Hall,” Oscar winner for “Annie Hall.”
- Robert Redford
- Died: September 16 at 89
Known for: Starred in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Oscar-winning director of “Ordinary People.”
- Sally Kirkland
- Died: October 31 at 84
Known for: Oscar-nominated role in “Anna,” battled dementia.
- Roberta Flack
- Died: February 24 at 88
Known for: Grammy-winning singer of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Died: July 22 at 76
Known for: Frontman of Black Sabbath, battled Parkinson’s disease.
- Hulk Hogan
- Died: July 24 at 71
Known for: Wrestling icon, career marred by controversy.
- Anne Burrell
- Died: June 17 at 55
Known for: Celebrated chef on the Food Network, death ruled a suicide.
- David Lynch
- Died: January 16 at 78
Known for: Director of “Mulholland Dr.” and “Twin Peaks,” battled emphysema.
- Val Kilmer
- Died: April 1 at 65
Known for: Roles in “Batman Forever” and “Top Gun,” battled throat cancer.
- Loretta Swit
- Died: May 30 at 87
- Known for: Role in “MAS*H,” animal rights activist.
- Brian Wilson
- Died: June 11 at 82
Known for: Creative force behind the Beach Boys, defined the “California sound” of the ’60s.
- Michelle Trachtenberg
- Died: February 26 at 39
Known for: Roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- Died: July 20 at 57
Known for: Played Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” apparent drowning accident.
- Marianne Faithfull
- Died: January 30 at 78
Known for: ’60s pop icon, overcame addiction and homelessness.
- Gene Hackman
- Died: February 26 at 95
Known for: Two-time Oscar-winning actor, roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.”
- Pamela Bach
- Died: March 5 at 63
- Known for: Role in “Baywatch,” death ruled a suicide.
Other Notable Figures
- Jane Goodall
- Died: October 1 at 91
Known for: World’s leading chimpanzee expert, decades of research on human-chimpanzee similarities.
- Charlie Kirk
- Died: September 10 at 31
Known for: Conservative activist, shot and killed while speaking at an event.
- Pope Francis
- Died: April 21 at 88
Known for: Beloved leader, committed to caring for the vulnerable.
- Giorgio Armani
- Died: September 4 at 91
Known for: Legendary Italian fashion designer, iconic brand.
- George Foreman
- Died: March 21 at 76
Known for: Boxing champion, successful businessman, famous for his grill.
- Dick Cheney
- Died: November 3 at 84
Known for: Controversial former vice president, key figure in the Iraq War.
- Ruth Buzzi
- Died: May 1 at 88
Known for: Beloved comedian from “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” battled Alzheimer’s.
- George Wendt
- Died: May 20 at 76
- Known for: Role as Norm on “Cheers,” passed away on the 32nd anniversary of the show’s finale.
