In 2025, the world said goodbye to many beloved figures in entertainment, arts, sports and culture. While fans celebrated the successes of stars throughout the year, we also pause to remember those who passed away and honor the legacies they left behind.
January
David Lynch died on January 15 at the age of 78. Lynch was a visionary filmmaker and artist known for works like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and the TV series Twin Peaks. His surreal and influential style left a lasting mark on cinema and television.
February
Gene Hackman died in February at the age of 95. Hackman was an Oscar-winning actor whose long and versatile career included roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven. His performances made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and iconic stars.
March
Brian Wilson died in June, but for March, we can use Roy Ayers, a celebrated jazz-funk vibraphonist and composer who passed away in March 2025. Ayers was known for his influential music that helped bridge jazz, soul, and R&B, creating timeless grooves that resonated across generations
April
Mario Vargas Llosa died on April 13 at the age of 89. Vargas Llosa was a Peruvian author and Nobel Prize winner whose novels and essays explored political and social themes with deep insight and literary brilliance.
May
Loretta Swit died on May 30 at the age of 87. Swit was an Emmy-winning actress best known for her role as Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic TV series MASH*. Her career spanned decades with memorable performances on screen and stage.
June
Brian Wilson died on June 5 at age 82. Wilson was the co-founder and creative heart of The Beach Boys, crafting enduring hits like “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows.” His innovative songwriting and production helped shape the sound of American pop music.
July
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 76. Osbourne was an English singer and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the godfathers of heavy metal music as the frontman of Black Sabbath and later as a solo artist.
August
Terence Stamp died in August at the age of 87. Stamp was a British actor known for his charismatic portrayals in films from Billy Budd to Superman II, and his long career made him a distinguished figure in international cinema.
September
Giorgio Armani died in September at the age of 91. Armani was a world-renowned Italian fashion designer whose elegant, minimalist style revolutionized modern fashion and built one of the most influential luxury brands in the world.
October
D’Angelo died in October at the age of 51. D’Angelo was a trailblazing neo-soul singer and musician whose work pushed the boundaries of R&B with his expressive voice and deeply emotional songwriting.
November
Jimmy Cliff died in November at the age of 81. Cliff was a Jamaican singer, musician, and actor who helped bring reggae music to international audiences with hits like “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers to Cross.”
December
Richard Dimitri died on December 18 at the age of 83. Dimitri was an actor known for his roles in television comedies and films, having worked in both performance and writing during his long career in entertainment.
2025: A Year of Farewells
In 2025 the world lost many beloved and influential figures whose work touched millions — from groundbreaking filmmakers and actors to music legends and cultural icons. Each of these individuals made lasting contributions to their fields and will be remembered for the joy, creativity, and inspiration they shared with the world. If you’d like to hear more about celebrity deaths, you can take a look at 2024’s celebrity death lists.
