Celebrities Who Died in 2025: Notable Losses

The year 2025 saw the passing of numerous influential figures in entertainment, music, politics, and science. Actors such as Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, James Ransone, Rob Reiner, and Michelle Trachtenberg left lasting legacies in film and television. Musicians including Ozzy Osbourne, D'Angelo, Brian Wilson, Roberta Flack, and Sly Stone shaped genres from heavy metal to neo-soul and reggae.

Other notables included former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, fashion icon Giorgio Armani, director David Lynch, and primatologist Jane Goodall. Additional losses encompassed TV stars like Loni Anderson and Anne Burrell, athletes such as George Foreman, and broadcasters including Bob Uecker. These individuals' contributions to culture, innovation, and society are remembered through their groundbreaking works and enduring influence.

Diane Keaton, aged 79, starred in iconic films including Woody Allen's Annie Hall, which earned her an Oscar in 1978, and Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather trilogy as Kay Adams-Corleone. She also appeared in Reds, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Marvin's Room. Keaton died on October 11 in California.

Robert Redford, 89, dominated 1970s cinema with roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, All the President's Men, and The Sting, the latter earning an Oscar nomination. He directed acclaimed films like Ordinary People, which won him an Oscar, and co-founded the Sundance Film Festival. Redford passed away on September 16.

Gene Hackman, 95, delivered versatile performances from Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 to The French Connection, earning an Oscar as gritty cop Popeye Doyle. He played Lex Luthor in the Superman films and retired in 2004 to write novels. Hackman and his wife were found dead on February 26 in Santa Fe, New Mexico; an investigation is ongoing.

Supporting Roles and Indies

James Ransone, 46, gained recognition as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire and appeared in HBO's Generation Kill, Spike Lee films like Inside Man, and indies such as Tangerine. He died by suicide on December 19.

Rob Reiner, 78, starred as Mike Stivic in All in the Family, earning two Emmys, and directed classics including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., and A Few Good Men. Reiner and his wife were found dead on December 14 in Los Angeles; their deaths are under homicide investigation.

Other actors included Michelle Trachtenberg, 39, known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, found dead on February 26; Richard Chamberlain, 90, face of The Thorn Birds and Shogun, died March 29 from stroke complications; and Joe Don Baker, 89, tough guy in Walking Tall and James Bond films, passed May 7.

Ozzy Osbourne, 76, the Prince of Darkness, fronted Black Sabbath in the 1970s and launched a solo career with multi-platinum Blizzard of Ozz. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he starred in MTV's The Osbournes and battled Parkinson's since 2003. Osbourne died July 22.

Brian Wilson, 82, founding member of The Beach Boys, wrote hits like Good Vibrations and produced the innovative Pet Sounds album in 1966, influencing The Beatles. He struggled with mental illness and was diagnosed with dementia in 2024. Wilson's death was announced in June.

Roberta Flack, 88, achieved fame with Grammy-winning hits The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song, becoming the first artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years. Her work was covered by The Fugees in 1996. Flack died February 24.

Genre Pioneers

Sly Stone, 82, founded Sly and the Family Stone, creating psychedelic-soul classics like Dance to the Music and Everyday People. His family praised his groundbreaking influence on pop, funk, and rock. Stone died June 9 after battling COPD.

D'Angelo, 51, ushered in neo-soul with platinum debut Brown Sugar and Grammy-winning Voodoo, featuring (Untitled) How Does It Feel. He died October 14 following cancer.

Additional musicians: Jimmy Cliff, 81, reggae pioneer in The Harder They Come, died November 24 from seizure and pneumonia; Marianne Faithfull, 78, 1960s icon with As Tears Go By, passed January 30; and Sam Moore, 89, of Sam & Dave's Soul Man, died January 10 post-surgery.

Loni Anderson, 79, portrayed the smart receptionist in WKRP in Cincinnati, earning three Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations. Her marriage to Burt Reynolds fueled 1980s tabloids. Anderson died August 3 from prolonged illness.

Anne Burrell, 55, Food Network star with spiky platinum hair, rose via Iron Chef America and hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America. Burrell died June 17.

Richard Chamberlain also shone in TV miniseries, while Michelle Trachtenberg featured in Harriet the Spy and EuroTrip. Anthony Geary, 78, played Luke Spencer on General Hospital for 39 years, winning eight Daytime Emmys; his character's wedding drew 30 million viewers. Geary died December 14 from procedure complications.

Broadcasters and Game Show Icons

Bob Uecker, 90, MLB broadcaster for the Brewers and actor in Major League, earned the nickname Mr. Baseball on The Tonight Show. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, he died January 16 from lung cancer.

Wink Martindale, 91, hosted game shows like Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough, and Trivial Pursuit from the 1960s onward. Martindale died April 15.

Others: Leslie Charleson, 79, Dr. Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital for 50 years, died January 12 from long illness; Gil Gerard, 82, starred as Buck Rogers, passed December 16 from cancer; and Loretta Swit, 87, Major Houlihan on M*A*S*H with 10 Emmy nods, died May 30 naturally.

Dick Cheney, 84, served as the 46th U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush, leading post-9/11 responses including the war on terror. Portrayed by Darrell Hammond on Saturday Night Live and in films like W. and Vice, he died November 3 from pneumonia and cardiac issues.

Giorgio Armani, 91, synonymous with high fashion for 50 years, dressed celebrities and costumed films like American Gigolo, The Untouchables, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Dark Knight. Armani died September 4.

David Lynch, 78, directed surrealist works Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks. Diagnosed with emphysema in 2024, Lynch died January 16.

Activists, Athletes, and More

Jane Goodall, 91, chimpanzee expert since 1960 in Tanzania, revealed primate behaviors akin to humans. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, she died October 1 naturally.

George Foreman, 76, two-time heavyweight champion, fought Muhammad Ali in The Rumble in the Jungle and endorsed the George Foreman Grill. Foreman died March 21.

Further losses: Dick Button, 95, figure skating pioneer with two Olympic golds, died January 30; Jeff Baena, 47, director of Life After Beth, died by suicide January 3; and Terence Stamp, 87, villain in Superman II, passed August 17.

The deaths in 2025 of these celebrities and leaders highlight the profound impact of their work on global culture. From reshaping cinema and music to advancing science and policy, their innovations continue to inspire. As society reflects on these losses, their stories remind of the enduring power of creativity and dedication.

Many faced personal challenges, including health battles and tragedies, yet their contributions remain timeless. Families and fans honor them through preserved works and shared memories, ensuring their influence persists.