It’s hard enough to come to terms with your own mortality. But there are some iconic stars and public figures who are so bright that you might assume they will be around forever. And yet, just like you and me, they are only on this Earth temporarily.

2025 was a shocking year during which many notable people passed away, leaving behind grieving fans and supporters. Read on for Bored Panda’s feature about the most famous individuals who died last year.

#1 Ozzy Osbourne (John Michael Osbourne)

Heavy metal wouldn’t look the same without the Prince of Darkness leading the charge. Ozzy Osbourne scared parents with Black Sabbath in the 70s and kept rocking with massive solo hits like “Crazy Train.” He later showed a softer side as reality TV’s favorite dad, proving he was much more than just the guy who famously bit the head off a bat.

Sharon Osbourne confirmed that the legend passed away in his sleep on November 30 at their home in the UK. He was 76 and had been dealing with Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues for several years.

© Photo: Team Coco

#2 Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio)

Pope Francis shook up the Catholic Church when he arrived from Argentina in 2013 as the first Latin American pontiff. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he became famous for ditching pomp in favor of humility and fighting for the poor. He spent his time in the Vatican tackling heavy issues like climate change and trying to clean up internal scandals while pushing for a more inclusive faith.

The world said goodbye to the pontiff on April 21, just a day after the Easter holiday wrapped up. Officials confirmed he passed away following a cerebral stroke and heart collapse.

© Photo: Republic of Korea

#3 Diane Keaton (Diane Keaton Hall)

Diane Keaton captivated audiences for decades with her quirky charm and signature menswear style. She earned an Academy Award for Annie Hall and played pivotal roles in classics ranging from The Godfather to Something’s Gotta Give. Her ability to switch between heavy drama and lighthearted comedy made her a beloved fixture on the big screen.

The screen legend passed away at age 79 after contracting bacterial pneumonia. She leaves behind a legacy that redefined the image of a Hollywood leading lady.

© Photo: Ruven Afanador

It’s natural to be shocked when a celebrity, whose work has followed you throughout your entire life, passes away. Some people’s impact on the entertainment world and even their fans’ daily routines is so big that they leave a massive vacuum when they’re gone.

As Centered Health explains, fans can develop one-sided, one-way emotional attachments, known as parasocial relationships, with celebs, media figures, or fictional characters. Fans feel connected to these figures, even though they have no real-world interaction. They feel their beloved celebs’ struggles, triumphs, and personal growth.

#4 David Lynch (David Keith Lynch)

Surrealism found its mainstream voice through the strange and wonderful mind behind Twin Peaks. David Lynch confused and delighted audiences with the nightmarish Eraserhead and the puzzle-box noir of Mulholland Drive. His distinct style blended small-town Americana with absolute terror. Beyond film, he was a committed painter and a vocal advocate for Transcendental Meditation.

The visionary director died on October 20 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79. Long-standing struggles with emphysema finally claimed his life, though he continued to work in his studio until the end.

© Photo: Msubrizi

#5 Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani earned the title “King of Italian fashion” by revolutionizing how we dress with his signature minimalist style. He launched his brand in 1975 and quickly became Hollywood’s go-to designer for understated glamour. His eye for clean lines helped him build a massive luxury empire that spanned far beyond just clothing.

The icon took his final bow on September 4, passing away at 91 due to liver failure at his home in Milan. His passing is a huge loss for the design world he dominated for decades. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless elegance that changed the look of modern menswear and womenswear forever.

© Photo: GianAngelo Pistoia

#6 Michelle Trachtenberg (Michelle Christine Trachtenberg)

Generations of fans grew up watching Michelle Trachtenberg transform from the titular kid detective in Harriet the Spy to a drama-stirring teen queen. She cemented her place in TV history as Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers and later as the manipulative Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl. Her work in EuroTrip and All My Children rounded out a versatile career that started when she was just a child model.

Tragedy struck on February 26 when she was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment at only 39 years old. Questions initially surrounded her passing after her family objected to an autopsy, but medical examiners later cited diabetes complications linked to organ transplantation.

© Photo: LLC

Celebrities often go beyond just entertaining people. They also embody their fans’ values, aspirations, and shared experiences. This can lead to lots of emotional investment, which in turn makes fans feel loyalty and friendship towards stars.

“This attachment can become particularly intense in cases where fans have grown up alongside these figures, experiencing their highs and lows through music, interviews, and social media,” according to Centered Health.

#7 Brigitte Bardot (Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot)

Brigitte Bardot defined the “sex symbol” era of the 1950s and 60s with her messy blonde hair and effortless French style. She became an international sensation after And God Created Woman but famously walked away from stardom in 1973. The second half of her life was entirely devoted to her foundation and a fierce, often controversial, fight for animal welfare.

The cinema legend died on December 28 at her La Madrague estate in Saint-Tropez. She was 91. Her husband revealed she had been battling cancer prior to her death, marking the end of a life that shifted from global adoration to secluded activism.

© Photo: Comet Photo AG (Zürich)

#8 Robert Redford (Charles Robert Redford Jr.)

Robert Redford was the ultimate golden boy who evolved into the godfather of independent film. He starred in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting before winning an Oscar for directing Ordinary People. His creation of the Sundance Film Festival remains his biggest gift to cinema, giving countless new voices a platform to shine.

The Hollywood veteran died on November 18 at his ranch in Utah at the age of 89. His publicist confirmed that he passed peacefully from natural causes surrounded by family.

© Photo: U.S. Embassy London

#9 Michael Madsen (Michael Søren Madsen)

Mr. Blonde’s terrifying dance in Reservoir Dogs turned Michael Madsen into an instant cult icon. He was a favorite of director Quentin Tarantino, delivering unforgettable performances in Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight with his trademark raspy voice and tough-guy swagger. Beyond playing heavies in hits like Donnie Brasco and Thelma and Louise, he surprised fans by publishing poetry and lending his talents to video games.

Emergency responders found the actor unresponsive at his Malibu home on July 3. He was pronounced dead at 67, with medical officials later citing heart failure complicated by heart disease and alcoholism.

© Photo: Ivan Bessedin

Which notable figures passing away in 2025 shocked you the most, and why? How do you feel about the world losing so many celebrities last year? Which stars are you still grieving for, even years and years after they left this Earth?

Are you worried about any particular famous people’s health in 2026? If you feel like sharing your thoughts, feel free to do so in the comments below.

#10 Jane Goodall (Dame Valerie Jane Morris Goodall)

Science textbooks had to be rewritten after Jane Goodall ventured into the Tanzanian forests in 1960. She shattered the idea that humans were unique by discovering that chimpanzees use tools and possess complex emotional lives. Her work evolved from solitary observation into a global crusade for conservation through her institute, inspiring generations of women to enter scientific fields to protect our planet.

The 91-year-old icon passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1 while visiting a friend in Beverly Hills. Her death from natural causes marks the end of a lifetime dedicated to bridging the gap between people and nature.

© Photo: U.S. Department of State

#11 Charlie Kirk (Charles James Kirk)

Turning Point USA turned Charlie Kirk into the face of young conservatism. He spent over a decade touring college campuses to debate students and rallying support for Donald Trump. His radio show and digital presence made him a central figure in the modern right-wing political machine.

Tragedy struck at Utah Valley University where the activist was fatally shot during a rally. He was declared dead at just 31 years old. His shocking assassination has sent waves through the political landscape and left his movement without its most vocal leader.

© Photo: Gage Skidmore

#12 Ace Frehley (Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley)

The “Spaceman” brought an otherworldly energy to KISS with his smoking guitars and melodic solos. Ace Frehley was a founding member who helped define the band’s theatrical hard rock sound in the 1970s. His aggressive style and pyrotechnic stunts, like shooting rockets from his instrument, made him a hero to aspiring guitarists everywhere before he eventually went solo.

Tragedy struck after a series of falls at his home led to severe head injuries in early October. Reports surfaced that he was placed on life support due to brain bleeding, but his condition sadly never improved. The rocker passed away on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, shortly after his family made the difficult decision to withdraw care. He was 74.

© Photo: Casablanca Records

#13 Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea)

The bright yellow bandana and tearing shirt became instant pop culture symbols thanks to Hulk Hogan. He basically dragged professional wrestling into the mainstream during the 1980s and made “Hulkamania” a household phrase. From his role in Rocky III to his twelve world title reigns, he was the undeniable face of the industry who turned the ring into a global spectacle.

Concerns about his health had swirled since a neck surgery in May, though his camp insisted he was recovering well. Sadly, the wrestling icon died on July 24 at his residence in Clearwater, Florida.

© Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Kristin Fitzsimmons, USN

#14 Joan Plowright (Joan Ann Plowright)

Dame Joan Plowright was royalty in the acting world long before she charmed audiences as the kindly nanny in 101 Dalmatians or the grumbling neighbor in Dennis the Menace. She originally conquered the British stage alongside her husband Laurence Olivier and earned massive acclaim for her role in Enchanted April.

The legendary actress passed away peacefully on October 28, coinciding with her 96th birthday. Her family confirmed she died of natural causes at her home in Surrey, England.

© Photo: Craig Anderson Productions

#15 Val Kilmer (Val Edward Kilmer)

Val Kilmer brought an intense, unpredictable energy to the screen that made him a definitive star of the 80s and 90s. He embodied the brooding Iceman in Top Gun and completely disappeared into the role of Jim Morrison for The Doors. While he famously donned the cowl for Batman Forever, his later years were defined by a brave return to acting following a tracheotomy that altered his voice.

The actor took his final bow in Los Angeles on April 1 after contracting pneumonia. He was 65. His reprise of the Iceman character in Top Gun: Maverick stands as his final on-screen appearance, capping off a complex career.

© Photo: Georges Biard

#16 Richard Chamberlain (George Richard Chamberlain)

Richard Chamberlain was the original TV heartthrob who made millions swoon as the young intern in Dr. Kildare. He later dominated the small screen in epic events like Shogun and The Thorn Birds, earning the title “King of the Miniseries.” His decision to come out publicly later in life added a brave new chapter to his storied legacy.

The veteran actor passed away on June 12 at his residence in Honolulu. He was 91 years old. A representative stated he died peacefully from heart failure, leaving behind a fanbase that spanned generations of television history.

© Photo: Electric Entertainment

#17 James Watson (James Dewey Watson)

James Watson cracked the code of life when he identified the double helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick. This 1953 breakthrough reshaped modern medicine and won him a Nobel Prize. He famously chronicled the discovery in his book The Double Helix, though his legacy later suffered due to repeated controversial remarks about race and intelligence that isolated him from the scientific community.

The geneticist died on March 14 at a care facility near Cold Spring Harbor, New York. He was 96. Relatives confirmed he passed away following a brief illness.

© Photo: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

#18 Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner won America over as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show and became one of the few child stars to build a steady adult career. He went on to star in Malcolm & Eddie and gained a new wave of fans as Dr. AJ Austin on The Resident. Outside of acting, he was a serious bass player and spoken word artist who earned a Grammy nomination for his music.

The industry was stunned when he died suddenly from a ruptured aneurysm on October 9 in Los Angeles. He was 55 years old. His unexpected passing sparked a wave of tributes from colleagues who admired his professionalism and his smooth transition from teen idol to respected dramatic actor.

© Photo: FX Networks

#19 Sophie Kinsella (Madeleine Sophie Townley)

Readers everywhere learned to laugh at their credit card bills thanks to the hilarious world of Becky Bloomwood. The British author, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, became a global bestseller under her pen name with the Shopaholic series. Her books blended wit and romance in a way that defined the modern “chick-lit” genre and even sparked a Hollywood movie.

Her family shared the heartbreaking news that she passed away on June 15 in London. She was 55 and had been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma since 2022. Her stories brought joy to millions of readers who found comfort in her lighthearted and relatable storytelling.

© Photo: torre.elena

#20 Claudia Cardinale (Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale)

Italian cinema found its most enchanting muse in the woman who lit up the screen in 8½ and The Leopard. Claudia Cardinale defined European glamour in the 1960s and famously held her own against Henry Fonda in Once Upon a Time in the West. Her distinct raspy voice and refusal to fit the typical Hollywood mold allowed her to build a rich career that spanned dozens of international masterpieces.

The legendary actress died on March 15 at her apartment in Paris, the city she called home for decades. She was 87. Her family stated she passed peacefully in her sleep, drawing the curtain on the golden age of Italian filmmaking that she helped bring to life.

© Photo: Manfred Werner

#21 Roberta Flack (Roberta Cleopatra Flack)

Soul music lost one of its most tender voices in Roberta Flack, the woman who made history by winning Record of the Year in consecutive years. Her timeless hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” dominated the 1970s charts. Beyond her solo success, her emotive duets with Donny Hathaway cemented her status as a titan of R&B who effortlessly bridged the gap between jazz, folk, and pop.

The 88-year-old icon suffered fatal cardiac arrest on February 24 while being transported to a hospital in Manhattan. She had famously retired from performing in 2022 after an ALS diagnosis stole her ability to sing.

© Photo: John Mathew Smith

#22 D’angelo (Michael Eugene Archer)

D’Angelo practically invented the neo-soul sound when he dropped his debut album Brown Sugar in 1995. He became a global sensation with Voodoo and the unforgettable video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” After stepping away from fame for years, he made a triumphant return with Black Messiah, reminding everyone why he was considered a musical genius.

The singer died on the morning of October 14 in New York City after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was just 51 years old.

© Photo: Roquai

#23 Katharine, Duchess Of Kent (Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley)

Tennis fans will miss the warmth Katharine, Duchess of Kent, brought to Wimbledon for over thirty years. She famously stepped back from royal duties to teach music in Kingston upon Hull under the humble alias “Mrs Kent.” As the wife of Prince Edward, she dedicated her life to the arts and co-founded Future Talent to support gifted young musicians.

The oldest living member of the British royal family passed away in 2025. Her departure was marked by a historic Catholic funeral service, which was a rarity for the monarchy.

© Photo: Queensland State Archives

#24 Jim Ward (James Kevin Ward)

Cartoon fans and gamers instantly recognized Jim Ward even if they didn’t know his face. He voiced the hilariously arrogant Captain Qwark in Ratchet & Clank and the tall-hatted Doug Dimmadome in The Fairly OddParents. His vocal range allowed him to play multiple aliens in Ben 10 and work in talk radio on The Stephanie Miller Show before his health declined.

The industry mourned when Stephanie Miller announced he passed away on December 10 at a care home in Los Angeles. He was 66. He had fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease since 2017 which was further complicated by COVID-19.

© Photo: Kuhnster

#25 Mani (Gary Mounfield)

Gary “Mani” Mounfield anchored the iconic rhythm section of The Stone Roses before lending his talents to Primal Scream for acclaimed albums like Vanishing Point. His steady playing defined an era of British music that bridged the gap between indie guitars and dance floor grooves until the Roses finally bowed out in 2017.

Friends and fans mourned his passing on November 20 following a battle with emphysema at the age of 63. A veritable Who’s Who of Britpop attended the funeral, where Liam Gallagher and former bandmates carried a coffin decorated with the Roses’ famous splatter-paint artwork.

© Photo: Katherine Barton

#26 Mick Ralphs (Michael Geoffrey Ralphs)

Classic rock radio owes a massive debt to the riffs of Mick Ralphs. As a founding member of both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, he was the driving musical force behind hits that defined the 1970s. His ability to switch from crunching power chords to delicate acoustic picking made him a songwriting powerhouse who appeared on every studio album his bands released.

The guitarist spent his final years bedridden following a debilitating stroke. He passed away on June 23 at a care facility in Henley-on-Thames at the age of 81.

© Photo: wonker

#27 Jim Lovell (James Arthur Lovell Jr.)

The world watched with bated breath as Jim Lovell guided the crippled Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth in 1970. His cool leadership turned a potential tragedy into NASA’s “successful failure” after an explosion derailed the mission. Before that high-stakes drama, he helped pave the way to the lunar surface on Apollo 8 by becoming one of the first humans to orbit the Moon.

The space pioneer died on August 7 at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97. He stands as a titan of the space race who proved that ingenuity and courage could overcome impossible odds.

© Photo: NASA

#28 Rob Reiner

Robert Reiner was a legendary actor and filmmaker who directed a series of acclaimed studio films in a career that spanned comedy, drama, romance, and documentary. 

Reiner’s work encompassed the classic comedies This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, the courtroom drama A Few Good Men, and the tense thriller Misery. His directing career followed a successful spell as a TV star in the 1970s US sitcom, All In The Family. He acted in films such as Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street.

On December 14, 2025, Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, were found in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home, dead from sharp force injuries. The same day, Los Angeles police arrested the Reiners’ son Nick on suspicion of murder.

© Photo: Montclair Film

#29 Jimmy Cliff (James Chambers)

Jimmy Cliff helped introduce reggae to the planet long before the genre became a global phenomenon. Born James Chambers, he starred in the cult film The Harder They Come and created a soundtrack that remains essential listening. His soulful voice on tracks like “Many Rivers to Cross” and the spirited “I Can See Clearly Now” secured his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The music icon died on August 5 at a hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica, at the age of 81. Reports indicate he passed away following a short battle with a respiratory infection.

© Photo: Thesupermat

#30 Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa had a stare that could freeze you in place and a voice made for playing the ultimate villain. He became a legend to 90s kids as the soul-stealing sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat movie. Later in his career, he showed a softer, dignified side in The Man in the High Castle, proving he was far more than just a martial arts bad guy.

News broke that the actor died on May 19 at his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He was 74. His family stated that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

© Photo: Ivan Bessedin

#31 Gene Hackman (Eugene Allen Hackman)

Few actors could command a scene quite like the man who brought Popeye Doyle to life in The French Connection. Gene Hackman racked up two Academy Awards for his gritty work in that film and Unforgiven while also nailing the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman. He famously retired from the spotlight decades ago to write novels, leaving the industry while he was still on top.

Hollywood lost one of its true titans on January 30 when he died at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95 years old. A representative stated that he passed from congestive heart failure.

© Photo: Christopher Michael Little

#32 Brian Wilson (Brian Douglas Wilson)

California’s “endless summer” had a soundtrack thanks to the creative genius of Brian Wilson. As the mastermind behind the Beach Boys, he turned pop music into high art with the symphonic sounds of Pet Sounds and “Good Vibrations.” His well-documented struggles with mental illness never diminished his status as a visionary producer who inspired everyone from The Beatles to modern indie acts.

The 82-year-old icon passed away in his sleep on June 11 at his Beverly Hills estate. Former bandmate Al Jardine noted that Wilson had been fighting the long-term effects of COVID-19 since 2022, which ultimately led to the fatal respiratory and septic complications that claimed his life.

© Photo: Takahiro Kyono

#33 Ricky Hatton (Richard John Hatton)

“The Hitman” was a working-class hero who brought thousands of screaming fans to Las Vegas for his legendary bouts. Ricky Hatton conquered the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions with a ferocious body-punching style that toppled giants like Kostya Tszyu. Even after hanging up his gloves, his 2024 Hall of Fame induction solidified his status as one of Britain’s most beloved sporting figures.

The boxing world was left reeling when his body was discovered at his home in Gee Cross on September 14. His manager found him after he missed a flight for a press conference regarding a planned comeback fight. An inquest later indicated that the former champion died by hanging, marking a heartbreaking end for a fighter who always wore his heart on his sleeve.

© Photo: SamboD

#34 George Foreman (George Edward Foreman)

George Foreman pulled off one of the greatest second acts in history when he regained the heavyweight title at age 45. He originally terrified the division in the 1970s before his legendary clash with Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Later generations knew him best as the smiling pitchman for his famous grill, which turned the former brawler into a lovable business tycoon.

The two-time champion died on March 21 at a hospital in Houston at the age of 76. His death closes the book on a remarkable life that saw him transform from a menacing knockout artist into a gentle minister and entrepreneur.

© Photo: Gage Skidmore

#35 Julian McMahon (Julian Dana William McMahon)

TV audiences loved to watch Julian McMahon play the villain. The son of an Australian Prime Minister, he charmed viewers as the demonic Cole Turner on Charmed and the morally questionable Dr. Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck. Whether playing Doctor Doom or leading the squad on FBI: Most Wanted, he brought a magnetic intensity to every role he touched.

The actor passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a battle with head and neck cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. He was only 56 years old at the time of his death.

© Photo: Danny Casillas

#36 Andrew Pyper

Andrew Pyper knew exactly how to blend the supernatural with the psychological to keep readers on edge. The Canadian author built a reputation for smart, scary storytelling with hits like The Demonologist and Lost Girls. His novels frequently crossed genre lines and earned him critical praise for treating horror with literary seriousness.

He passed away on January 3 at his home in Toronto following complications from bile duct cancer. He was only 56 years old.

© Photo: Dan Harasymchuk

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