The world has lost many famous and notable figures in 2025. From the Pope to the Prince of Darkness and beyond, fans said goodbye to several iconic celebrities and legends who inspired countless people through their lives and careers.
As the year draws to a close, let’s take a moment to remember the icons we lost who once brought smiles and inspiration to all of us.
David Lynch
One of the most distinctive directors of his time, David Lynch was known for his surreal, genre-defying films and shows, including Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, and The Elephant Man, among others.
His unique style, often described as “Lynchian,” combined dream logic, psychological depth, and unsettling imagery, helping to revolutionize modern storytelling and inspiring countless filmmakers and artists.
Sadly, Lynch passed away on January 16 from complications of emphysema, stemming from years of smoking, at the age of 78.
Gene Hackman
Who would have thought that one of Hollywood’s most respected actors would pass away at home, quietly with his wife, without anyone knowing?
That was the tragic fate of the iconic Gene Hackman, a paragon of the New Hollywood movement, whose career spanned four decades and delivered powerful performances in every role he played.
While he is perhaps best remembered as Lex Luthor in Superman, Hackman also showcased his exceptional talent in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, and Hoosiers.
Celebrated for his versatility, from gritty tough guys to nuanced character roles, Hackman unsurprisingly earned numerous awards throughout his career.
Hackman died of natural causes, primarily severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor, at his Santa Fe home around February 18, 2025. He was 95.
Jane Goodall
Regarded as a pioneer in primate ethology and described by many publications as "the world's preeminent chimpanzee expert," Jane Goodall was best known for more than six decades of field research on the social and family life of wild chimpanzees in the Kasakela community at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.
Her groundbreaking research greatly advanced the public’s understanding of primate behavior, demonstrating that chimpanzees have complex social lives similar to humans.
She founded the Jane Goodall Institute and the global youth program Roots & Shoots, and her advocacy for animal welfare and environmental conservation have greatly influenced scientific research and activism worldwide.
Goodall passed away on October 1 at the age of 91 due to natural causes.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, bringing numerous firsts to the Vatican.
A transformative figure in modern religion, he prioritized social justice, poverty alleviation, interfaith dialogue, and care for the environment.
In addition to choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he lived in St. Martha’s, launched an Instagram account, washed women’s feet, addressed the US Congress, visited Middle Eastern nations such as Iraq and the UAE, appointed women to high Curia roles, and held synods that included women and lay voters.
Beloved for his inclusive approach and commitment to reform, he left a lasting impression on the global Catholic community and world affairs.
Sadly, he passed away in April at the age of 89 from a stroke, followed by irreversible cardiac arrest.
Robert Redford
Celebrated for his magnetic presence as a leading man during the American New Wave, Robert Redford was one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures.
He was renowned for his commitment to independent filmmaking, co-founding the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival in 1978, which provided a platform for new generations of filmmakers.
With a career spanning over six decades, Redford earned widespread recognition and numerous awards, known for his iconic roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and more.
On September 16, the world lost a star when he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 89.
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton rose to prominence during the New Hollywood movement, becoming famous for her quirky style and authentic portrayals of complex women in films such as Something’s Gotta Give, The First Wives Club, and Father of the Bride.
She was also celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most original talents, earning acclaim for her performances in Annie Hall and The Godfather series.
Keaton passed away from bacterial pneumonia following a period of declining health on October 11 at the age of 79.
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne was known for many things. In addition to being the “Prince of Darkness” and pioneering heavy metal as the frontman of Black Sabbath, he was famous for his wild stage antics – most notably the infamous bat-biting incident – his successful solo career, and his role as a beloved reality TV star.
With a career spanning decades, marked by both musical innovation and a larger-than-life persona, he became an icon admired by countless musicians and fans worldwide.
He openly battled substance abuse and later Parkinson’s disease but ultimately passed away from a heart attack on July 22, just weeks after his final concert, at the age of 77.
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson wasn’t just an ordinary musician, singer, and songwriter. In addition to co-founding the Beach Boys, he was the creative force behind Pet Sounds and earned widespread recognition as one of the most innovative and significant musical figures of his era.
He pioneered compositions and production techniques that reshaped popular music, inspiring artists across generations.
Unfortunately, one of the most influential figures in modern music passed away in June at the age of 82 from respiratory arrest, following years of struggling with dementia and a major neurocognitive disorder.
Jimmy Cliff
A reggae luminary and cultural ambassador, Jimmy Cliff left behind a legacy of timeless music that brought Caribbean rhythms to audiences around the world.
He was widely regarded as one of Jamaica's most celebrated musicians and was dedicated throughout his life to spreading joy and cultural pride through his work.
Cliff’s influence on music and culture remains profound, even after his passing on November 24 at the age of 81 from a seizure followed by pneumonia.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani was one of the most influential figures in the fashion world, known for his minimalist, deconstructed silhouettes that redefined masculine and feminine elegance in a contemporary form.
His elegant designs shaped fashion across decades, blending sophistication with accessibility and influencing the wardrobes of celebrities, world leaders, and everyday people alike.
He passed away from liver failure at his home in Milan on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91.
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