Personalities who died in 2025

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.

Roberta Flack, legendary American soul and jazz singer, died at the age of 88 at her Manhattan home, surrounded by her family. Diagnosed in 2022 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), she had stopped singing due to this neurodegenerative disease.

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.