The year 2025 saw the loss of numerous influential figures across a diverse range of fields, from music and acting to science, sports, politics, and activism. These individuals left lasting legacies through their creativity, courage, innovation, and dedication to their crafts and causes. Their contributions shaped culture, inspired generations, and touched countless lives worldwide.
Among the musical icons, Ace Frehley (1951–2025), founding member and lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss, passed away. Frehley’s guitar work and stage persona, “The Spaceman,” helped define glam rock in the 1970s and ’80s. From his early days as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix to his platinum records with Kiss and his solo career, Frehley influenced thousands of guitar players with his distinctive style and showmanship. Similarly, Grammy-winning singer Michael Eugene Archer, known as D’Angelo (1974–2025), left a profound impact on R&B by blending hip-hop, soul, funk, punk, and gospel. Despite personal struggles and long absences, his albums, including “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo,” were seminal in shaping neo-soul and activist music linked to movements like Black Lives Matter.
The music world also mourned the loss of South Korean author Baek Se-hee (1990–2025), whose memoir “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” resonated internationally for its candid exploration of depression and anxiety. Her work helped destigmatize mental health struggles and offered comfort to many. Another musical legend lost was British jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine (1927–2025), renowned for her remarkable four-octave range and versatility across jazz, pop, Broadway, and opera. Laine’s artistry and teaching inspired countless musicians, emphasizing authenticity and individuality.
Rock and heavy metal mourned the passing of Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025), the pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath and a solo artist who became a cultural icon. Known for his powerful voice and engaging personality, Osbourne helped shape the sound and spectacle of heavy metal and later gained fame through the reality TV show “The Osbournes.” His final concert reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup and celebrated a career spanning decades despite health challenges.
Jazz flugelhorn player Chuck Mangione (1940–2025), famed for the hit “Feels So Good,” also passed away. His accessible style bridged jazz and popular music, influencing many and earning Grammy Awards. Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule (1959–2025), known for her witty and socially conscious songs including the first openly gay-themed Billboard Top 20 hit “I Kissed A Girl,” left a legacy of blending personal narrative with cultural commentary.
In the realm of acting, the world bid farewell to several luminaries. Diane Keaton (1946–2025), a versatile actress known for her roles in “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather,” and “Reds,” was celebrated for her quirky style, humor, and artistic courage. Keaton’s career spanned comedy, drama, directing, photography, and fashion, earning her four Academy Award nominations and an American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. Val Kilmer (1959–2025), remembered for “Top Gun,” “Tombstone,” and “The Doors,” was known for his intense performances and complex characters. Despite battles with health and reputation, Kilmer’s commitment to his artistry endured.
British actor Terence Stamp (1938–2025), famous for his Oscar-nominated debut in “Billy Budd” and his portrayal of General Zod in the “Superman” films, left an indelible mark through his magnetic presence and diverse roles. George Wendt (1948–2025), beloved for his role as Norm Peterson on “Cheers,” was a staple of American television comedy, bringing warmth and humor to his performances. Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit (1937–2025), who portrayed Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on “M*A*S*H,” broke ground by portraying a complex female character in a wartime setting, inspiring many women to pursue nursing.
Other notable actors included Tony Roberts (1939–2025), a frequent collaborator with Woody Allen; Jean Marsh (1934–2025), creator and star of the British series “Upstairs, Downstairs”; and Michelle