Saying “Goodbye” To Some Of The World’s Biggest Stars Who Passed Away In 2025
2025 has been devastating, as we’ve lost some of the most iconic celebrities and famous figures in entertainment, athletics, and more. Those who’ve passed away in 2025 include musical legends such as Ozzy Osbourne and Brian Wilson, and reality TV stars such as Phil Robertson and Anne Burrell.
As we’re more than halfway through the year, people are pausing to reflect on everything that’s happened so far. Amid that reflection, people are remembering the beloved figures, like those mentioned above, who are no longer with us.
This list recognizes dozens of celebrities and famous figures we’ve lost in 2025. Our hearts go out to those who loved them.
Remembering The Superstar Celebrities & Beloved Figures We’ve Lost In 2025…
Wayne Osmond
One of the first celebrities we lost in 2025 was singer Wayne Osmond, the second-oldest member of the Osmond Brothers. He died on January 1, 2025, after suffering a stroke. He was 73 years old.
Wayne’s heartbroken younger brother, Donny, paid tribute to him in an emotional post on social media, writing, “Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.”
Buck White
Country music legend Buck White of The Whites died on January 13. Buck’s daughters shared a statement through his son-in-law, Ricky Skaggs (who’s married to Buck’s daughter Sharon). It read:
“His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family, and music. Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer, but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief. He lived a full life and finished well.”
Prior to his passing, Buck was the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Jan Shepard
Actress Jan Shepard died on January 17 at the age of 96. She passed away in Burbank, California, after a case of pneumonia led to respiratory failure.
Fans likely recognize Shepard from her roles in two Elvis Presley films. She played Mimi Fisher in 1958’s King Creole and Betty Kohana in 1966’s Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa
Gene Hackman was an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in projects such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie & Clyde, Crimson Tide, and three Superman films. Betsy Arakawa was a classical pianist who married Hackman in 1991.
The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe Home on February 26. They were 95 and 65 years old.
Authorities concluded that Arakawa died first, sometime around February 12, due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Authorities believe Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, was unable to process her passing, and he survived for several more days.
Hackman’s pacemaker recorded an abnormal rhythm on February 18 before he passed away. He died due to heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg was another one of the beloved celebrities we lost early in 2025. She died on February 26 at the age of 39.
Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant in the year before her death.
In April, the New York Chief Medical Examiner released their findings, indicating Trachtenberg died due to complications of diabetes. Such complications can sometimes occur after someone receives an organ transplant.
Trachtenberg will always be remembered for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, 17 Again, and Ice Princess, among other projects.
Doug Kiker
Doug Kiker rose to fame as “The Singing Garbage Man” on Season 18 of American Idol. His story and touching performance of “Bless the Broken Road” moved the judges to tears.
Kiker had no singing experience before appearing on Idol. He told the judges he simply enjoyed singing while riding on the back of his garbage truck.
Kiker earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, but was eliminated before the live shows. However, he returned for the finale to sing “Bless the Broken Road” once more.
Kiker lived a mostly private life after appearing on Idol. Still, it came as a shock when news broke that he died on March 10 at the age of 32. His cause of death was later revealed to be an accidental overdose.
Wings Hauser
Actor Gerald Dwight “Wings” Hauser died of natural causes on March 15. He was 78 years old.
Hauser starred in dozens of films and TV shows, including The Young and the Restless and Vice Squad. He earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance in the 1987 movie Tough Guys Don’t Dance.
Additionally, Hauser was the father of Yellowstone star Cole Hauser, who played Rip Wheeler on the hit Paramount series.
George Foreman
Heavyweight boxing champion, author, minister, and businessman George Foreman died on March 21 at the age of 76. Foreman, who was also known for his namesake George Foreman Grills, was with his family when he passed away.
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones,” the Foreman family shared in a statement.
Foreman’s memorial service was held a few weeks later on April 14.
Sian Barbara Allen
Actress Sian Barbara Allen passed away on March 31 at the age of 78. Her obituary stated that she died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Allen became known for appearing in projects such as You’ll Like My Mother, Marcus Welby, M.D., and Gunsmoke. She is perhaps best known for playing Jenny Pendleton, John-Boy Walton’s love interest, in two episodes of The Waltons.
Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer, the actor known for his roles in Tombstone, Batman Forever, and the two Top Gun films, died on April 1 at the age of 65. Kilmer struggled with his health for several years before his passing and was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015.
The actor’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died of pneumonia.
Kilmer’s Top Gun co-star, Tom Cruise, honored him in an emotional speech after his death. He said:
“I think it would be really nice if we could just have a moment all together and just take a moment because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us with his performances with his films. If we could just all take a moment and just think about all the wonderful times that we had with him…Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey.”
Jay North
Jay North, the original star of the Dennis the Menace sitcom, died on April 6 at the age of 73. The actor’s longtime friend, Laurie Jacobson, shared that North died following a years-long battle with cancer.
In addition to starring in Dennis the Menace, North was also known for roles in Zebra in the Kitchen and Maya, and contributed to several projects as a voice actor.
Joey D. Vieira
Joey D. Vieira was beloved for playing Sylvester “Porky” Brockway on the Lassie TV series from 1954 to 1957. He used the stage name Donald Keeler at the time.
The actor later became known for roles in projects such as The Patriot, The Pride of the Family, and Hank.
Vieira died on April 7, just one day before his 81st birthday. Jon Provost, who played Timmy Martin on Lassie, mourned his loss, saying:
“When I started lassie, we hit it off and remain[ed] friends forever. Joey was a great guy, a talented actor and even a successful record producer.“
Pope Francis
Although he wasn’t a “celebrity,” Pope Francis was one of the world’s most recognizable figures. He died on April 21, the day after Easter, at the age of 88. Over 200,000 people attended his funeral mass on April 26.
On May 8, Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope from the United States, was revealed as Francis’ successor after a papal conclave.
Lulu Roman
Lulu Roman rose to fame as a cast member on the country music-themed variety show Hee Haw. She also starred on the spin-off program Hee Haw Honeys.
Roman started singing after embracing the Christian faith. She released multiple gospel records and won a Dove Award in 1985. She published her autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song, in 2019.
Roman moved to Bellingham, Washington in 2024 to be closer to her son. Seven months later, she died on April 23 at the age of 78.
Priscilla Pointer
Priscilla Pointer was known for playing Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on the classic TV series Dallas. She also starred in projects such as Carrie, Blue Velvet, and L.A. Law.
Pointer was just a few weeks shy of celebrating her 101st birthday when her daughter, actress and singer Amy Irving, confirmed that she passed away on April 28. She died of natural causes in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Roy Cooper
ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy Cooper, known as “The Super Looper,” tragically died on April 29. He was 69 years old.
Cooper was killed when his home in Decatur, Texas, caught on fire. The one-story home was fully engulfed in flames.
Country music star George Strait was one of Cooper’s closest friends. After his death, Strait honored him by writing:
“He’s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now. God be with the Cooper family and friends. We’ll miss you amigo. I’ll come find you one day.”
Joan O’Brien
Actress Joan O’Brien died on May 5 at the age of 89. Her daughter, Melissa, confirmed the news of her passing, but did not provide any additional details.
O’Brien was beloved for her roles alongside Cary Grant in Operation Petticoat and John Wayne in The Alamo and The Comancheros. Additionally, she played Elvis Presley‘s love interest, Diane Warren, in the 1963 film It Happened at the World’s Fair.
Johnny Rodriguez
Country music icon Johnny Rodriguez was another one of the beloved celebrities we lost in 2025. The singer who brought us tunes such as “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me,” “Desperado,” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart,” died on May 9. He was 73 years old.
His daughter, Aubry, shared the news in a heartbreaking statement. She wrote:
“While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable – and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together.“
Phil Robertson
Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson passed away on May 25, just one month after his 79th birthday. “The Duck Commander” struggled with his health in the last year of his life, as he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder.
Upon sharing the news of his death, the Robertson family honored Phil as a father and man of faith. They said, “We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”
Jonathan Joss
Actor Jonathan Joss was known for his roles in shows such as Parks and Recreation and Taylor Sheridan‘s Tulsa King. From 1998 to 2009, he voiced John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill.
Joss was killed in a shooting following a confrontation with his neighbor in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1. He was 59 years old.
Police are still investigating the shooting that led to Joss’ death.
Brian Wilson
Beach Boys co-founder and frontman Brian Wilson died on June 11 at the age of 82. His family shared the news of his passing in an emotional statement, writing:
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson’s cause of death was later revealed to be respiratory arrest. Sepsis and cystitis, a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease were all listed as underlying problems.
Wilson’s passing sparked a flurry of tributes from artists of all genres, including Jason Aldean, Mick Fleetwood, and Carole King.
Anne Burrell
55-year-old celebrity chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell died in her apartment on June 17. A months-long investigation into her death concluded that she died by suicide due to “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
Burrell, the longtime host of the Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, filmed Season 29 before her death. The new season premiered on July 28.
Gailard Sartain
Gailard Sartain, who was a regular cast member on Hee Haw for 20 seasons, died on June 19 at the age of 78. The Church Studio, located in his hometown of Tulsa, shared the sad news about his passing, writing, “We are saddened by the loss of Gailard Sartain, an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian.”
On top of appearing on Hee Haw, Sartain got the chance to play “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson in the movie The Buddy Holly Story. He was also an accomplished illustrator, and his artwork was featured on Leon Russell’s Gold-certified album Will O’ the Wisp.
Rick Hurst
Dukes of Hazzard star Rick Hurst was another one of the celebrities we lost in 2025. He passed away on June 26 at the age of 79.
Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on 47 episodes of Dukes, was remembered by his co-stars after his death. John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, said:
“You were [a] remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We’ll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you.”
Michael Madsen
Michael Madsen, the star of projects such as Wyatt Earp, The Hateful Eight, and Reservoir Dogs, died on July 3 at the age of 67. According to his representatives, Madsen had been working on a new book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, at the time of his death. That book is currently in the editing process.
Later, PEOPLE reported that Madsen “died from cardiac arrest that was brought on by cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and chronic alcoholism.”
The publication, which viewed Madsen’s death certificate, said the document noted he “was [also] dealing with thromboembolic disease, a condition where blood clots form in blood vessels and then travel to obstruct another vessel, causing a thromboembolism.”
Spud Jones
Spud Jones, the first Navajo to ride bulls in the NFR, died on July 4 at the age of 36. His family shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep after dealing with some health issues.
Jones had an inspiring rodeo career, with 2008 being his breakout year. That year, he placed seventh at the NFR and was ranked 13th in the world standings.
Robin Kaye & Thomas Deluca
Robin Kaye worked as the music supervisor on 288 episodes of American Idol. Her husband, Thomas Deluca, was a musician and songwriter.
The couple, both 70, were found shot to death in their home in Encino, Los Angeles, on July 14. Surveillance videos revealed they were killed four days prior, on July 10.
22-year-old Raymond Boodarian was arrested in connection to the case.
Connie Francis
Beloved singer Connie Francis died on July 16 at the age of 87. Just two weeks prior, she was hospitalized after suffering from “extreme pain.” She reported feeling “much better” on July 4, the last time she ever shared a post on social media.
Francis’ dear friend, Ron Roberts, said she was readmitted into the ICU and diagnosed with pneumonia on July 15. She died the following day.
Francis was the first solo female singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. She accomplished the feat with her song “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Her other hits included “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.”
A few months before her passing, Francis’ 1962 single “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok. The song has since appeared in countless videos, totaling over 10 billion views.
Bryan Braman
Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman died on July 17 after being diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in February of this year. He was only 38 years old.
Braman played in the NFL for seven seasons. He started his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Philadelphia Eagles. He eventually left the Eagles to join the New Orleans Saints for one season before returning to play for the Eagles again.
Braman played for the Eagles when they won Super Bowl LII in 2018.
Kenneth Washington
Another one of the celebrities we lost in 2025 was actor Kenneth Washington. He rose to fame through his role on Hogan’s Heroes. Washington played Sergeant Richard Baker in the show’s sixth and final season.
In addition to Hogan’s Heroes, Washington starred in projects such as Adam-12, A Different World, and That Girl.
Washington was the last surviving main cast member from Hogan’s Heroes prior to his death on July 18 at the age of 88.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically died on July 20 at the age of 54. The actor, known for playing Theo Huxtable, accidentally drowned while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. Officials listed his cause of death as asphyxia.
Warner was remembered by several of his Cosby Show co-stars after his death. Raven-Symoné shared her heartbreak, saying:
“Words cannot describe the pain, and sadness, and surprise I feel with the recent loss of MJW. He was the big brother. He was a beacon. He was one of the most multifaceted, talented men…so gentle.”
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 following a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The rock and roll icon was 76 years old.
The Osbourne family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement released to his official social media pages. They said:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning [July 22]. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.“
It was later revealed that Ozzy died of a heart attack, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease listed as contributing factors on his death certificate.
Ozzy earned a reputation as one of the most influential performers of all time. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted him twice, as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024.
Hulk Hogan
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was another one of the superstar celebrities we lost in 2025. He died in Florida on July 24 at the age of 71.
His family shared their heartbreak in a statement, writing:
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
One week later, it was confirmed that Hogan died of acute myocardial infarction, more often referred to as a heart attack.
Jeannie Seely
Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1 at the age of 85. Her publicist, Don Murray Grubbs, shared that she died at the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, after developing complications from an intestinal infection.
Seely earned respect as a staple performer at the Opry. She set the record for the most performances on the famous stage, singing there 5,397 times since her Opry debut in 1966.
Remembering Seely after her passing, the Opry wrote, “Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, ‘Miss Country Soul,’ We will miss you dearly.“
Loni Anderson
Actress Loni Anderson, of WKRP in Cincinnati fame, died on August 3 in Los Angeles, California, just two days before her 80th birthday.
Anderson’s publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told The Hollywood Reporter the actress passed away from “an acute prolonged illness.“
Kelley Mack
Actress Kelley Mack rose to fame through her roles in TV shows such as 9-1-1, Chicago Med, and Schooled. She is most well-known for playing Addy in five episodes of The Walking Dead‘s ninth season.
Mack shared in January that she had been diagnosed with glioma, a rare form of astrocytoma cancer. Sadly, she passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati on August 2. She was only 33 years old.
Brandon Blackstock
Former talent manager Brandon Blackstock, who worked with artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, died in early August following a private battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.
Brandon was previously married to Kelly Clarkson (they split in 2020), and worked as her manager for several years. They shared two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. Brandon also had two children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage.
Narvel Blackstock, Brandon’s father, was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015. When they married, Brandon was 12 years old, and Reba helped raise him.
