The year 2025 saw the entertainment and sporting worlds rocked by a series of devastating losses. From rock and roll royalty and cinematic icons to beloved television personalities and sporting heroes, the passing of these famous faces left fans across the globe in mourning.
A Year of Heartbreaking Goodbyes
The year began with profound sadness for fans of RuPaul's Drag Race, as The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) died at just 32 years old on January 3. Their death was attributed to a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of ketamine. Mere days later, on January 15, the nation mourned pop star and Daily Mirror columnist Linda Nolan, who passed away at 65 following a long journey with secondary breast cancer, surrounded by her famous sisters.
January also claimed the lives of comedian Tony Slattery (65) on January 14 and actor Paul Danan (46) on January 15. The artistic world was dimmed further on January 16 with the death of visionary director David Lynch at 78, known for Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet.
Shocking Losses in Sport and Hollywood
Summer brought seismic news for music fans. On July 22, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died at 76, less than three weeks after his farewell concert with Black Sabbath. His family confirmed he was "surrounded by love" at the end. Just two days later, the wrestling world was stunned by the death of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan at 71 after a reported cardiac arrest.
In a tragic incident for British sport, former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home on September 12 at the age of 46. Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious. The autumn saw Hollywood endure a double tragedy when acclaimed director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele were found dead at their Los Angeles home on December 14. Their son was later charged in connection with their deaths.
Farewell to Enduring Icons
The latter part of the year bid farewell to several cultural titans. Beloved TV personality Kim Woodburn, of How Clean Is Your House fame, died aged 83 on June 16. Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton passed away at 79 on September 21 after a battle with Parkinson's disease.
October saw the loss of Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, who died in California at the age of 79 on October 11. The year ended on a sombre note with the announcement that French film icon and style legend Brigitte Bardot had died at her home on December 28 at the age of 91. Her foundation noted she had left her glittering career to devote her life to animal welfare.
Other notable passings included Hollywood star Gene Hackman, 95, who was found deceased alongside his wife Betsy at their New Mexico home on February 26. As we move into 2026, the legacies of these iconic figures in music, film, television, and sport continue to be celebrated by their heartbroken fans and admirers worldwide.
