All the celebrities who have died this year as 2025 dubbed ‘the worst year for deaths’
From Hollywood icons to music legends, 2025 has seen the loss of an extraordinary number of famous faces.
Over the past 12 months, the worlds of film, music, sport and fashion have been left reeling as figures who shaped entire generations - and some more controversial figures - passed away, often in sudden or deeply tragic circumstances.
Week after week, fans have been left stunned to learn names that defined entire eras of popular culture are no longer with us.
It’s felt as though we haven’t been able to go a single week without opening our phones or turning on the TV to news of another devastating death.
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We take a look back at some of the stars who have died in 2025 in what social media users are calling 'the worst year ever for celebrity deaths.'
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, were both found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 25 2025.
It was initially believed they'd died from carbon monoxide poisoning but further investigations proved otherwise.
Police concluded that they died on different days from separate health-related causes.
Hackman, an Oscar-winning actor credited as the greatest of his generation, died aged 95 on February 18, around a week after Arakawa, who was 65 years old.
Hackman’s autopsy revealed he suffered from severe cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease, with records showing multiple previous heart issues as well as a pacemaker fitted.
Arakawa was found to have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal illness linked to exposure to infected rodent droppings.
The couple had been married for 36 years and the unusual circumstances surrounding their deaths initially sparked major speculation.
Ozzy Osbourne
The 'Prince of Darkness' Ozzy Osbourne died at the age of 76 on July 22 2025.
His cause of death was confirmed as a heart attack.
The heavy metal legend passed away at his home in Buckinghamshire, England, where he was surrounded by his family and 'love,' according to a statement released by his loved ones.
Osbourne, famously known as the frontman of Black Sabbath, suffered a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction also listed as contributing factors on his death certificate.
Despite years of serious health issues, including his 2019 Parkinson’s diagnosis, Osbourne had reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a farewell performance days before his death.
His wife Sharon Osbourne later revealed Ozzy's last words to her were: "Kiss me. Hug me tight."
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71 after suffering a heart attack, officials in Florida confirmed.
Records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center show the WWE legend, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24 2025 from acute myocardial infarction (cardiac arrest), with his death ruled as natural.
The documents also revealed that Hogan had a history of leukemia CLL; a type of cancer which affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Hogan was one of the most recognizable and influential figures in professional wrestling history.
A central star of WWE’s boom period in the 1980s and 1990s, he helped take wrestling into the mainstream with his larger-than-life persona, headlining multiple WrestleManias and winning numerous world championships.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg died at the age of 39 on February 26 2025.
Authorities ruled her death as natural following toxicology testing and an external examination.
Her cause of death was eventually confirmed as complications related to diabetes.
Trachtenberg began her career as a child actor on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete before going on to become a familiar and much-loved face on television and film.
Diane Keaton
Actor Diane Keaton died at the age of 79, a spokesperson for her family announced.
She died in California on October 11 2025, with her loved ones later confirming she passed away from pneumonia.
Keaton was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, winning an Oscar for Annie Hall with Woody Allen and earning global acclaim for roles in The Godfather, The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give, leaving behind a legacy that defined generations of film fans.
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall, the world-renowned British primatologist, ethologist and conservationist, died at the age of 91 on October 1 2025, in Los Angeles, California, while on a speaking tour. According to her death certificate, her cause of death was cardiac arrest (heart failure), and she passed away naturally in her sleep.
Goodall was best known for her groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, which began in 1960 and transformed scientific understanding of primate behaviour.
Rob and Michele Reiner
Film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele died after being killed at their home in California in the early hours of December 14 2025.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed both died from multiple sharp force injuries, with their deaths ruled a homicide.
Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers, best known for directing iconic movies including When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is due to return to court on January 7.
In an emotional statement, Rob and Michele’s children Jake and Romy said the loss of their parents was 'unimaginable,' describing them not only as their mom and dad, but also as their 'best friends'.
Val Kilmer
Actor Val Kilmer died at the age of 65, with his daughter confirming he passed away from pneumonia on April 1 2025.
Rising to fame as Iceman in Top Gun, Kilmer went on to star in movies including Batman Forever and The Doors, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jim Morrison.
Despite long-term health struggles following a throat cancer diagnosis in 2014, Kilmer made an emotional final appearance in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and beloved actors.
James Ransone
Actor James Ransone died at the age of 46 on December 19 2025.
Police said he died by suicide and was discovered after officers were called to a property in the Fairfax area, with no signs of foul play reported.
Ransone was best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire and for a string of prominent film appearances, including Sinister, The Black Phone and It: Chapter Two, where he played Eddie Kaspbrak.
Giorgio Armani
Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91 on September 4 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
One of the most influential figures in modern fashion, the Italian-born billionaire built a global empire over five decades, redefining elegance with his minimalist vision and expanding his influence far beyond the runway.
In a statement, the Armani Group described him as its 'inventor, founder and tireless engine.'
Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died aged 31 after being shot in the neck at a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10 2025.
Tributes poured in following the announcement, including from president Donald Trump, who described Kirk as a 'very, very good friend'.
Political figures across the spectrum condemned the attack and warned against political violence.
The alleged gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, made his first in-person court appearance in Provo, Utah, on December 12.
Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea, is next due to appear in court on January 16, 2026, as the case continues through the legal system.
Robert Redford
Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, died aged 89 on September 16 2025, his publicist confirmed.
A defining Hollywood star of the 1960s and 1970s, he was best known for films including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, and for directing Ordinary People.
Redford died peacefully at his home in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by family, with his publicist describing it as 'the place he loved'.
D'Angelo
Influential R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist D'Angelo died on October 14, 2025 at the age of 51.
He had a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed. They described his legacy as 'extraordinarily moving music' and asking fans to celebrate the gift of song he left behind.
The Grammy-winner was famed for defining the neo-soul genre with albums including Brown Sugar, Voodoo and Black Messiah.
Roberta Flack
American Grammy-winning singer and pianist was best known for soulful hits including 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'.
She died from a heart attack at the age of 88 on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family.
Her health had been affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which she announced in 2022 and which eventually ended her singing career.
Sophie Kinsella
British author Sophie Kinsella died at the age of 55 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022.
Her family confirmed the sad news of her death on December 10.
Kinsella - real name Madeleine Wickham - was behind the popular Shopaholic book series published in the early 2000s. The first two novels were adapted into the hit Isla Fisher-lead romcom, Confessions of a Shopaholic.
Kinsella is survived by her husband of 34 years, Henry Wickham, and their five children.
Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Gene Hackman, Hollywood, Ozzy Osbourne, Social Media, Charlie Kirk, Film and TV, Books, Music, US News, UK News, World News
Ellie Kemp