5 added to the list of personalities we lost this year

Spanish actress Verónica Echegui, known for her leading role in Love You to Death, died at Madrid’s 12 de Octubre Hospital after a private battle with cancer. She was 42 years old.

Jerry Adler, the veteran actor best known for his role as Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin on The Sopranos, died in New York City. After decades working behind the scenes in Broadway theater, he only began his on-screen acting career in his 60s, later earning recurring roles in The Good Wife, Rescue Me and more. He was 96 years old.

Sonny Curtis, American singer-songwriter and longtime member of The Crickets, died in Nashville following complications from pneumonia. Curtis was perhaps best known for writing the song I Fought the Law, made famous by The Crickets and later covered by many artists, and the theme song Love Is All Around for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He had joined The Crickets after Buddy Holly’s death in 1959, taking on a leading role both as vocalist and guitarist, and continued to contribute to rock, country, and pop music across decades. He was 88.

Jane Goodall, primatologist and globally renowned environmental advocate, has passed away while traveling in California, her institute announced. A pioneer in chimpanzee research since the 1960s in Tanzania, she left a lasting mark on science and environmental awareness. She was 91 years old.

Tragedy struck the country music world with the death of Nashville-based songwriter and producer Brett James in a tragic plane crash. He wrote several hits, including Jesus, Take the Wheel for Carrie Underwood, which earned him a Grammy, as well as When the Sun Goes Down and several others for Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, and Dierks Bentley, among others. He was 57.

It is with great sadness that the hockey world learned of the passing of Bernard “Bernie” Parent, legendary NHL goaltender for the Flyers. Born in Montreal, Parent made sports history in Philadelphia. During the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons, he not only won back-to-back Stanley Cups, but he was also twice awarded the Vezina Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Bernard Parent was 80 years old.

The boxing world is in mourning following the news of the death of Richard “Ricky” Hatton, known as The Hitman. He died at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Authorities say his death is not being treated as suspicious. He was 46 years old.

Robert Redford, iconic actor, director and star of cinema classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or All the President’s Men, to name a few, has died. He was also one of the founders of the Sundance Film Festival and a true film lover. He died at his home in Utah, CNN reports, according to his publicist. Robert Redford was 89.

American Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has been shot while speaking at an event at a Utah College. Sadly, the right wing speaker and influencer had died, CNN confirmed. Charlie Kirk was 31. 

Rick Davies, co-founder of Supertramp, has died. The musician co-wrote several of the pop-rock band’s greatest hits, including Goodbye Stranger, Breakfast in America, and Bloody Well Right. Davies, singer and keyboardist for Supertramp, died at his home on Long Island. He was 81.

Ken Dryden, the legendary Montreal Canadiens goaltender who led the 1970 dynasty to six Stanley Cups, has died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, the Montreal Canadiens confirmed in a statement. 

Italian designer Giorgio Armani has died, AFP reports. His death was confirmed by his family in a statement. The international fashion icon was 91 years old.

Graham Greene, from the Six Nations of Grand River in Ontario, was a staple on fans’ screens for years. In 1990, for his work on Dances with Wolves alongside Kevin Costner, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. He was in many films and TV projects, such as the Twilight saga and Green Mile, among others. Graham Greene was 73.

British actor Terence Stamp has died, his family confirmed, according to Reuters. Stamp first rose to prominence in the 1962 film Billy Budd, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He went on to star in numerous films, including Far From the Madding Crowd and Ken Loach’s feature directorial debut. Stamp then played General Zod opposite Christopher Reeve in the 1978 film Superman. He reprised the role in the sequel two years later. More than two decades later, Stamp voiced Superman’s father in the television series Smallville. Stamp had numerous other role credits, including in Wall Street. He was 87.

Famed astronaut Jim Lovell, who commanded the Apollo 13 mission and was forced to abandon his attempt to land on the Moon in 1970, has died, NASA has confirmed. Lovell, whose courage was praised worldwide and by his peers on the mission that made him famous, later made history again when he was portrayed in the 1995 film Apollo 13 by Tom Hanks, under the direction of Ron Howard. Jim Lovell was 97.

Kelley Mack died after suffering from serious health problems. She was battling a glioma, a tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord, according to TMZ. The young actress, who had been working since childhood, was known for her role as Addy in season 9 of The Walking Dead, as well as for her numerous television and film appearances, including Chicago Med and 9-1-1. Kelley Mack was 33 years old.

Loni Anderson, a popular actress from the 1980s and star of hit television show WKRP in Cincinnati, has died in Los Angeles. Anderson was also the ex-wife of actor Burt Reynolds, as both were 80’s icons. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement. Loni Anderson was 79.

American singer Connie Francis, known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Stupid Cupid,” has passed away, according to a report by TMZ. Her death was confirmed by her agent, Ron Roberts, who shared the news on Facebook. She was a prominent figure on the pop music scene in the 1960s, achieving international success, selling millions of records, and recording in multiple languages. Recently, her song “Pretty Little Baby” experienced a resurgence in popularity after going viral on TikTok. Connie Francis was 87 years old.

Former WWE superstar Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea has died. TMZ confirmed the news. The legendary wrestler was 71.

Ozzy Osbourne, founding member of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, his family announced in a statement. He rose to prominence with the band in the 1970s, a decade during which he earned the nickname “The Prince of Darkness.” Following his departure from the band, Ozzy was picked up by Sharon, who would become his manager and wife. A prolific solo career ensued, including 13 albums. Ozzy also starred with his family on The Osbournes, a pioneering reality TV show on MTV.

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner died during a family vacation. Sources say he drowned. TMZ was first to report the death of the former ‘Cosby Show’ star. Warner and his family were in Costa Rica at the time of the tragedy. Malcolm-Jamal Warner was 54.

Actor Julian McMahon, best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on the hit series Nip/Tuck, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination, has died after a battle with cancer. His wife confirmed the sad news to Deadline. He also starred in projects such as Charmed, FBI: Most Wanted, and The Fantastic Four. McMahon was 56.

Actor Michael Madsen, known for starring in several hit films by director Quentin Tarantino, among others, including Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, has died, according to multiple sources. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Madsen was found unconscious at his Malibu residence by police officers responding to a 911 call. He was 67.

Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota died after his Lamborghini crashed in northern Spain, two weeks after his wedding. The Portuguese player was with his younger brother, Andre Silva, who also died in the crash. Diogo Jota was 28 years old.

Actor and comedian Rick Hurst, best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on the television series Dukes of Hazzard, died in Los Angeles. His colleagues and loved ones shared a complete shock and praised his beautiful personality. Actor and co-star Ben Jones said Hurst had “a heart as big as Texas.” Rick Hurst was 79 years old.

Brian Wilson, elite pop musician and composer, leader of the Beach Boys and founder of California pop-rock sound, has died, Billboard reports.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now.” his family wrote on social media. Brian Wilson was 82.

Sylvester Stewart, known as Sly Stone, iconic frontman of the legendary funk band Sly and The Family Stone, has died, multiple sources confirm. His family released a statement saying he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family.” Sly Stone was 82.

Emmy-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey has died, her family has confirmed. Mahaffey’s team confirmed to THR that the star had been diagnosed with cancer. She starred in Desperate Housewives and, more recently, Young Sheldon and Big Sky. She was 71.

She won two Emmy Awards for her performance on the hit television series M*A*S*H and had a long career in television and theater. She was 87 years old.

The acclaimed director and darling of cinephiles David Lynch has died. Lynch directed such works as the critically acclaimed The Elephant Man (1980) and Blue Velvet (1986). Twin Peaks (1990-1991), redefined TV series with its blend of mystery, drama and the supernatural. Lynch also penned the infamous first Dune (1984) and the highly original Lost Highway (1997). Lynch was 78 years old.

The star of several cult films and series of the 2000s, including Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Euro Trip, had been suffering from serious health problems for several years, according to several sources. Michelle Trachtenberg was 39 years old.

The Vatican confirmed the pontiff’s death on Holy Monday morning, the day after Easter Sunday 2025. Pope Francis was 88 years old.

George Wendt, the American actor famous for his iconic role as Norm Peterson in the sitcom Cheers, died in his sleep at the age of 76, at his home.

James Foley, American film director and screenwriter, died in Los Angeles of brain cancer at the age of 71.

American rapper Young Scooter, whose real name was Kenneth Edward Bailey, died tragically in Atlanta on his 39th birthday.

Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife and dog at their home in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Gene Hackman was 95 years old.

Robert Benton, American director and screenwriter, died at the age of 92 at his home in Manhattan. Benton won three Oscars during his career.

Richard Chamberlain, iconic American actor of the 1960s to 1980s, has died in Waimānalo, Hawaii, aged 90, following complications from a stroke.

George Foreman, American boxing legend and successful entrepreneur, died in Houston, Texas, at the age of 76.

American actor Nicky Katt has died at the age of 54 in Burbank, California. His body was discovered by his landlord. Authorities believe he committed suicide.

The death of iconic actor Val Kilmer is sad news. Kilmer charmed a generation of moviegoers with his roles in Top Gun, Heat and as Jim Morrison in The Doors. Val Kilmer had been battling serious health problems for many years, but had appeared in Top Gun 2, alongside Tom Cruise, in particular, in recent years. Val Kilmer was 65.

Renowned Canadian director Ted Kotcheff died of heart failure at the age of 94 in Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico.

Greg Millen, former NHL goaltender and Canadian sports commentator, passed away suddenly at the age of 67. He played 14 seasons in the NHL between 1978 and 1992, playing for six teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Scott Sauerbeck, former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher, died at age 53 in Bradenton, Florida.

Alice Hirson, American actress renowned for her roles in iconic TV series such as Dallas and Ellen, has died aged 95.

Tony Roberts, an American actor renowned for his roles in theater and film, died at the age of 85 of lung cancer at his home in Manhattan .

Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, American actor and former professional football player, died in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 61, following heart complications.

Kim Sae-ron, a South Korean actress, died at the age of 24 at her home in Seoul. She was pronounced dead by a friend who went to her home after she failed to show up for an appointment. The authorities ruled her death a suicide.

Mike Lange, legendary commentator for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has died at the age of 76 at his home in Pittsburgh. He was the iconic voice of the team for 46 seasons, from 1974 to 2021, covering all of the franchise’s Stanley Cup conquests in 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of The Band, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 87, in a nursing home in Woodstock, New York.

Joan Plowright, renowned British actress, died peacefully at the age of 95, surrounded by her family at Denville Hall, an artists’ retirement home in Northwood, England.

Al MacNeil, former National Hockey League (NHL) player, coach and executive, died in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 89.

Anita Bryant, American singer, has died at the age of 84. After leaving the public eye, Bryant founded Anita Bryant Ministries International and remained active in conservative religious circles.

Linda Lavin, American actress renowned for her starring role in the TV series Alice, died in Los Angeles at the age of 87. She died of cardiopulmonary arrest. She had been suffering from lung cancer.

Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was the longest-living American president and the first to reach the age of 100.

Paul Danan, British actor known for his role in Hollyoaks and appearances on reality shows such as Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, has died aged 46 at his home in Brislington, Bristol.

Brian Matusz, former left-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs, died in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 37. According to a Phoenix police report, his mother found him lifeless in his home.

Jeff Baena, American screenwriter and director known for his independent comedies, died at the age of 47 at his home in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed that it was suicide. He was married to actress Aubrey Plaza.

Jan Patrick Schwieterman, American actor best known for his role as Kurt in the cult comedy Good Burger (1997), died at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, aged 52. His death was confirmed by his brother, Chad, who said Jan had been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive stage 4 cancer.