Remembering Celebrities Lost in 2025: Icons & Legacies
Notable cultural figures who passed away in 2025, leaving impactful legacies across entertainment, music, film, and journalism.
In Memoriam: Global Celebrities We Lost in 2025
2025 was a sobering year for global culture, as the world said goodbye to some of its most influential voices across film, music, television, journalism, and the arts. These individuals were more than celebrities—they were storytellers, innovators, and cultural markers who shaped generations and crossed borders with their work. Their talent entertained us, their voices inspired us, and their legacies continue to influence how we create, perform, and connect.
As we reflect on their lives, we honor not only the moments that made them famous, but the human stories behind them, the battles they fought, the impact they left, and the memories they gifted to millions around the world.
1. Robert Redford (August 18, 1936 – September 2025)
Legendary Hollywood actor and director known for The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival.
Cause of death: Passed away in September at age 89 after age-related health decline.
2. Diane Keaton (January 5, 1946 – October 11, 2025)
Oscar-winning actress famed for Annie Hall, The Godfather series, and numerous iconic roles across decades.
Cause of death: Bacterial pneumonia at age 79.
3. Gene Hackman (January 30, 1930 – February 2025)
Prolific actor known for The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many classics.
Cause of death: Heart disease and complications in advanced age at 95.
4. David Lynch (January 20, 1947 – January 15, 2025)
Visionary filmmaker behind Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, and Blue Velvet.
Cause of death: Natural causes at age 78.
5. Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 – July 22, 2025)
Iconic rock musician and frontman of Black Sabbath, known as the “Prince of Darkness.”
Cause of death: Heart attack with complications from Parkinson’s disease at 76.
6. Michelle Trachtenberg (October 11, 1985 – February 26, 2025)
Actress known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.
Cause of death: (Reported by media) at age 39.
7. Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – 2025)
Actor best known for The Cosby Show, died at 54 in a tragic accident.
Cause of death: Drowning in Costa Rica.
8. Tatiana Schlossberg (May 5, 1990 – December 30, 2025)
Journalist and environmental advocate, granddaughter of JFK.
Cause of death: Acute myeloid leukemia at 35.
9. Brigitte Bardot (September 28, 1934 – December 28, 2025)
French film icon and animal rights activist.
Cause of death: Natural causes at 91.
10. Nora Aunor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025)
Filipino singer and film superstar beloved across Asia.
Cause of death: Acute respiratory failure after medical complications at 71.
11. Gloria Romero (December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025)
Legendary Filipino actress and cultural icon.
Cause of death: Age-related health issues at 91.
12. Rob Reiner (March 6, 1947 – December 14, 2025)
Actor and director (This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally).
Cause of death: Tragically found dead alongside his wife in a homicide.
13. Claudia Cardinale (April 15, 1938 – September 2025)
Italian cinema legend of Once Upon a Time in the West and 8½.
Cause of death: Natural causes at 87.
14. Val Kilmer (December 31, 1959 – April 2025)
Actor known for Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever.
Cause of death: Pneumonia after long-term health battles at 65.
15. Isiah Whitlock Jr. (September 14, 1954 – December 30, 2025)
Acclaimed actor (The Wire), known for his memorable roles and signature presence.
Cause of death: Passed peacefully after a short illness at 71.
2025 was a year of significant loss across entertainment, music, film, journalism, and global culture. From legendary Hollywood icons like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton to music pioneers like Ozzy Osbourne and influential voices like Tatiana Schlossberg, these figures shaped eras and left lasting legacies.