News Beat
Celebrity deaths of 2025: Remembering influential figures we lost this year
From Ozzy Osbourne to Diane Keaton, 2025 has been a heartbreaking year for celebrity deaths.
Fans from around the world have paid tribute to late entertainment stars lost this year, including musicians, presenters, filmmakers, and footballers.
Here, we pay tribute to those we’ve lost in 2025.
Richard Norton, the Australian actor, martial artist and stunt co-ordinator, died on Sunday March 30, in Melbourne, Australia.
He was 75 years old and left behind a legacy of more than 80 films, including roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and collaborations with stars such as Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris.
Richard Chamberlain came out as gay in his memoir Shattered
Frederic J Brown/AFP via Getty Images
Richard Chamberlain, known as the King of the Miniseries, died at the age of 90, just hours before he would have turned 91, according to his publicist, Harlan Boll.
Chamberlain’s death was related to complications following a stroke on Saturday March 29 at his home in Waimānalo, Hawaii.
Chamberlain, who rose to fame as Dr Kildare in the 1960s, earned three Golden Globes and starred in productions such as Shōgun and The Thorn Birds.
Wayne Osmond died on January 1
Yui Mok / PA
At the age of 73, the smooth American baritone of the pop group the Osmond Brothers, and thereafter the Osmonds, passed away. According to his brother Merrill Osmond, Osmond died at a Salt Lake City, Utah, hospital following a “massive stroke” on January 1.
Merrill Osmond wrote on Facebook: “I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”
Jeff Baena married Aubrey Plaza in 2021
Getty Images for SXSW
Medical examiner documents show that Jeff Baena committed suicide on January 3 at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 47.
Baena was an American screenwriter and film director. He wrote and directed Life After Beth, Joshy, The Little Hours, Horse Girl and Spin Me Round and co-wrote I Heart Huckabees. He was known for his frequent collaborations with actresses Alison Brie, Molly Shannon and his wife, Aubrey Plaza.
Emilio Echevarría was known for his roles in Amores Perros and alongside James Bond
Getty Images
Emilio Echevarría, the Mexican actor best known for his roles in Amores Perros, The Alamo and the James Bond franchise, died aged 81 on January 4.
After starting his career in theatre, Echevarría switched to film in the 1980s, securing parts in critically acclaimed films including Babel, Y Tu Mama Tambien, and Amores Perros. In the 2004 production of The Alamo, he also portrayed Antonio López de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico.
Jim Short died aged 58
Getty Images
Comedian Jim Short, who appeared on TV shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, died aged 58 on January 5.
Short also appeared on other American chat shows, including The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and The Late Show with David Letterman.
James Lee Williams – ‘The Vivienne’
Drag queen The Vivienne during a catwalk show at RuPaul’s DragCon UK
Dominic Lipinski/PA
RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne, also known as James Lee Williams, passed away aged 32, their publicist said on January 5.
According to authorities, there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.
The Wales-born Williams assumed the drag moniker because of their reputation for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Peter Yarrow was part of the US folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary
Getty Images
The US folk group Peter, Paul and Mary’s singer, Peter Yarrow, died at 86 on January 7. Yarrow had been diagnosed with bladder cancer four years before.
Sam Moore was half of a Sixties double act
Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive
The surviving half and lead singer of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, known for songs as Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’ died at 89 on January 10.
Actors Leslie Charleson and Jill Larson in 2003
Getty Images
The American soap opera veteran Leslie Charleson, who played Dr Monica Quartermaine in the long-running General Hospital series, died aged 79 on January 12. She portrayed the character for over four decades, becoming one of the most popular actors in daytime television.
Tony Book was one of Manchester City’s most successful captains
Getty Images
Tony Book, who as captain took Manchester City to four major trophies in the late 1960s and early 1970s before later managing the club, died on January 13, aged 90.
He was one of the club’s most influential figures, having dedicated decades of his life to the current Premier League champions as a player, manager and ambassador.
Tony Slattery appeared on multiple shows including Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Neil Munns/PA
British comedian Tony Slattery passed away at age 65 after suffering a heart attack on January 14. Slattery starred on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, a comic improvisation program on Channel 4, and the panel shows Have I Got News For You and Just A Minute.
Director David Lynch was best known for being the Twin Peaks co-creator
Anthony Harvey/PA
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” his family wrote in a Facebook statement on January 16.
The American’s death came five months after Lynch revealed that he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung disease, due to “many years of smoking”.
Linda Nolan was an integral member of the Irish pop band the Nolans
Yui Mok / PA
Two decades after receiving her initial cancer diagnosis, singer Linda Nolan, who was an integral part of the Irish pop band Nolans (previously the Nolan Sisters), passed away at age 65 on January 15.
Alongside sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, Nolan rose to stardom in the 1970s.
They achieved success with songs including the disco classic I’m In the Mood for Dancing. After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005 and receiving the all-clear in 2011, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2023, it had spread to her brain.
TV presenter Coleen Nolan posted on Instagram that she was “utterly devastated” by her sister’s death, describing Linda as a “beacon of love, kindness and strength”.
Actress Diane Langton as Mama Morton during a photocall for the hit West End musical Chicago in 1998
PA Archive
She played Nana McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. Throughout her 70-plus-year career, she starred in several famous UK television series, including EastEnders.
Paul Danan was “known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness”
Ian West/PA
Paul Danan, well-known for his appearances on Hollyoaks and Celebrity Love Island, died at age 46 on January 15.
The British actor’s management company, Independent Creative PR, released a statement announcing his death.
It read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”
According to the Daily Mail, Danan was thought to have died after a “slip and fall” in his Bristol flat.
The police said the star’s death was not “suspicious”. It added: “During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
The actress was known for her performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April
Fiona Hanson/PA
She was known for appearing in the TV biopic Stalin and the films Enchanted April, The Entertainer and 101 Dalmatians.
Her family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.
“She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.
“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.”
Law, pictured during his Manchester United days, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in 2021
AP
The man called the ‘The King’ and ‘The Lawman’ spent 11 years at Old Trafford, with his 237 goals in 404 appearances placing him third in United’s history behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.
His is the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or, the annual football award presented by France Football to the world’s best player, based on performances over the previous year.
His family said: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle, but finally, he is now at peace.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference.”
The Aberdeen-born football star was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.
.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Claire van Kampen died on her husband’s 65th birthday
Daniel Hambury
Mark Rylance confirmed the passing of his wife, the British director, composer, and playwright, Claire van Kampen, aged 71, on January 18.
Her family said in a statement: “Claire has died of cancer on Mark Rylance’s 65th Birthday. Her youngest daughter having died in 2012, she leaves her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and countless beloved friends in England and America.
“We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love.”
Van Kampen spent about 20 years at Shakespeare’s Globe in various roles.
Guitarist John Sykes made a lasting mark with bands including Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake
Getty Images
On January 20, John Sykes, the renowned guitarist who made a lasting mark with bands including Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, passed away at age 65.
A statement on Sykes’s social media said: “It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
Sykes joined Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. After Thin Lizzy broke up, Sykes joined the hard-rock group Whitesnake.
However, Sykes was asked to leave Whitesnake before the 1987 album’s release because of conflicts with frontman David Coverdale. Sykes formed his own band, Blue Murder, in 1988.
Faithfull found fame with the song As Tears Go By, written by Rolling Stones Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, with whom she had a well-publicised romance
PA Archive
British singer and actress Marianne Faithfull died aged 78, her music promotion company revealed on January 30.
It said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull.
“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
Faithfull found fame with the song As Tears Go By, written by Rolling Stones members Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, with whom she had a well-publicised romance.
She starred in The Girl on a Motorcycle and Irina Palm (2007 version), for which she received a Best Actress nomination at the European Film Awards.
Paquita la del Barrio was known as a defender of women
AFP via Getty Images
Mexican artist Paquita la del Barrio (real name Francisca Viveros Barradas), known best for her fierce defence of women and songs in which she incorporated themes of heartbreak and betrayal with which she captivated audiences, died on February 17.
The musician, who faced struggles with her health, was in her Veracruz home when she passed away at age 77.
“With deep pain and sadness we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz,” a statement on her official social media accounts said. “She was a unique and unrepeatable artist who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who knew her and enjoyed her music.”
Rick Buckler of The Jam in London in 2007
Ben Stansall / Getty Images
His former bandmate Paul Weller confirmed the news on Instagram: “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing. I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking.”
Buckler, who died after a short illness, was a founding member of the three-piece mod-punk band in 1972, with which he featured on six studio albums.
Carry On actor Julian Holloway with his daughter, Sophie Dahl
Yui Mok / PA
British actor Julian Holloway passed away at age 80 on February 16. He enjoyed most of his success through his role in the Carry On films, which mainly aired between 1967 and 1976.
As tributes poured in, Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes said on Facebook: “Oh I am very sad. Wonderful man.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Douglas, who played Ursa in Superman I and II, said: “I lost a dear friend yesterday, and I’m so, so sad.
“I have known Julian Holloway since the early 70s and he has been the best of friends to me all these years. Julian was the wittiest of men and we would laugh and laugh.
She continued: “He was a friend through thick and thin, first in London then LA then back home again. He was also the associate producer of the Brute (1977) but I had first met him professionally in 1973 on a BBC drama called Secrets.
“There will be lots written about him and all his wonderful work but right now he is just a dear and sorely missed friend.”
Peter Jason was perhaps best known for his role in The Karate Kid
Getty Images
Karate Kid and Deadwood star Peter Jason died at age 80 on February 20.
He had 270 acting credits across film, TV and video games in a career that spanned several decades after starting in the 1960s.
Jason made his acting debut as Lieutenant Forsythe in Rio Lobo. Following this success, he gained the part of the soccer coach in The Karate Kid (1984).
The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star died at age 78 on February 21, her close friend Cassandra Peterson confirmed on Instagram.
She wrote: “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland’.”
Stewart rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improv and sketch comedy troupe.
Folk singer Bill Fay died on February 22, his record label confirmed in an Instagram post.
The statement by ‘Bill’s friends at Dead Oceans’ read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Fay, who died peacefully this morning in London, aged 81.”
It continued: “Bill was a gentle man and a gentleman, wise beyond our times. He was a private person with the biggest of hearts, who wrote immensely moving, meaningful songs that will continue to find people for years to come.”
The label noted that Bill’s first two albums, Bill Fay and Time of the Last Persecution, “found a modest but loving audience upon their release at the dawn of the 1970s”. While they did not garner much mainstream attention during that period, they are now considered overlooked.
Other Fay albums include Dead Oceans: Life is People (2012), Who is the Sender? (2015) and Countless Branches (2020).
The label also said a recent album was in the works only a month before Fay’s passing. It said: “Our hope is to find a way to finish and release it, but for now, we remember Bill’s legacy as the ‘man in the corner of the room at the piano’, who quietly wrote heartfelt songs that touched and connected with people around the world.”
Henry Kelly
Ian West / PA
They said in a statement: “Henry will be sorely missed by his friends and family, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, Henry’s daughter Siobhan and her mother Marjorie.”
Kelly, who passed away on February 28, had a decades-long career in journalism that began at the broadsheet newspaper The Irish Times. After rising to the role of editor, he relocated to London and became a reporter and presenter for BBC Radio 4’s long-running current affairs programme, The World Tonight.
He moved to television in the 1980s, gaining widespread recognition as the host of BBC One’s game show Going for Gold, which ran for an impressive 10 seasons.
Roberta Flack died aged 88 on February 24
AP
Grammy-winning US icon Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88 following a health battle with ALS she announced she was suffering from three years ago.
Her publicist Elaine Schock said of The Killing Me Softly singer: “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning on February 24 2025.”
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
The music legend was discovered in the 1960s and continued to reach new heights in her career in the decades that followed as she released hit tunes, including one fan-favourite, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.
Michelle Trachtenberg passed in 2025
Getty
Through toxicology findings, the New York Chief Medical Examiner announced in April that Trachtenberg had passed away from issues related to diabetes, which can occasionally be a side consequence of organ transplantation.
Tributes have poured in for Trachtenberg, including those from former Gossip Girl costars Blake Lively and Ed Westwick who said he was “sending prayers” on a social media post.
Lively meanwhile wrote on her Instagram story: “Everything she did, she did 200%.
“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself…”
Trachtenberg had an illustrious acting career and became a familiar face of the industry from only a young age as she secured roles in Harriet the Spy and Ice Princess, among others.
Actor Gene Hackman won two Oscars during his career (PA)
PA Archive
Officers in Santa Fe said the star, 95, was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their pet dog.
Police have said there are no signs of foul play and investigations have been ongoing.
A pathologist determined that Hackman died from heart disease, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor, while Arakawa, 65, passed away a week earlier due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease.
Mike Berry takes to the stage on The Voice
Guy Levy/ BBC
Are You Being Served? star Mike Berry died aged 82 on April 11.
The actor and singer is fondly remembered for his time on the sitcom as well as Worzel Gummidge.
“A tragic loss to our world of music, and I hope that he is now having a laugh with many of his old pals up in Heaven,” his manager Peter Stockton said on Facebook.
Jonathan Joss was best known for his role on Parks and Rec.
CBS
Parks and Recreation actor Jonathan Joss was killed in a shooting in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 59.
His husband, who survived him, said that this was the result of a homophobic attack, for which the investigations are still ongoing.
Jota was killed in a car crash
PA Wire
The father-of-three, 28, was killed alongside his brother Andre, also a footballer, after the Lamborghini they were travelling in burst into flames in Zamora, Spain.
A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil of Zamora said tests showed Liverpool star Jota was driving the car at the time.
Jota and his brother were found dead after the car crashed on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on July 3.
Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle.
Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner poses at BAFTA Los Angeles
REUTERS
The actor best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died at the age of 54 after an accidental drowning.
Ozzy Osbourne died, aged 76 (David Davies/PA)
PA Archive
Just weeks after he concluded his farewell tour in Birmingham on July 5, iconic rockstar Ozzy Osbourne died surrounded by his family on July 22, at the age of 76.
This came after the Black Sabbath rocker battled Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years.
Ozzy made history for his eclectic personality and renowned musical skill, with decades of experience in the music industry.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the family said in a statement shared to the Press Association. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
AFP via Getty Images
WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan died of cardiac arrest on July 24 at the age of 71.
His death was confirmed by local emergency services after police and fire responded to a medical call in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.
Just a month before, it was reported that Hogan had successful neck surgeries, which sparked various rumours about his health on social media.
Loni Anderon died from a rare and aggressive form of cancer called metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma
AFP via Getty Images
Actor Loni Anderson died after a long illness at the age of 79. Anderson died from metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that starts in the muscles of the uterus and can spread to other parts of the body.
Her most well-known role was as Jennifer Marlowe, the smart, collected receptionist of a failing Ohio radio station in the American sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.
With her glamorous looks and impeccable comedic timing, she became an icon of 1980s television. Anderson also starred in several TV movies and guest-starred on numerous shows throughout her career.
Off-screen, she was known for her advocacy work around COPD awareness, inspired by her father’s illness.
She had a high-profile marriage to actor Burt Reynolds in the 1980s, which attracted significant media attention. Anderson remained active in Hollywood and philanthropy until her later years.
Giorgio Armani passed away in September
PA Wire
The fashion industry lost a titan when Giorgio Armani died on September 4 at the age of 91.
By establishing the Armani brand in 1975, the Italian designer transformed the fashion industry with his sleek, fitted silhouettes and minimalist style, which became synonymous with power dressing in the 1980s and 1990s.
Bringing casual elegance to the red carpet and runway, he was particularly well-known for modernising menswear.
Armani created a luxury lifestyle empire, created costumes for films (most notably American Gigolo), and was actively involved in every facet of his business until his death. His impact went beyond fashion. In the history of contemporary fashion, he is regarded as one of the most significant and enduring designers.
Charlie Kirk was 31-years-old when he was shot and killed
Getty Images
As he participated in a discussion with students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10 famous conservative Charlie Kirk was shot and killed by a sniper.
Public safety officials stated during a morning press conference the next day that they had recovered what they believe to be the weapon used in the attack and had pictures of the gunman, but the suspect has not been revealed yet.
President Donald Trump paid tribute on his social media platform Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Getty Images
Police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow told the inquest that Hatton had last been seen by his family on September 12 and “appeared well”, but missed an event on September 13 that he had been expected to attend.
Hatton’s body was found on September 14 by his long-time manager Paul Speak, who had been due to drive him to Manchester Airport for a flight to Dubai, where Hatton was scheduled to promote his exhibition fight against Eisa Al Dah in December.
The full inquest will take place in 2026.
Robert Redford died aged 89
PA Archive
He passed away in “the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” and “will be missed greatly,” she added.
Meryl Streep led the tributes to her long-time co-star. The actress, who appeared alongside him in Out of Africa and Lions for Lambs, wrote: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
The order of service for Matt Beard
PA Wire
Beard had two spells in charge of Liverpool and led the Reds to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. He returned to the club in 2021 but was sacked in February.
Beard’s wife, Deb, wrote on social media: “It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight [Saturday] at 7.28pm. He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.”
The FA called Beard a “key figure” in women’s football and the WSL said in a post on social media: “Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”
Patrick Murray played Mickey Pearce in Only Fools And Horses
PA
Only Fools and Horses star Mickey Pearce died aged 68 after cancer battle on October 1.
The actor, best known for playing wheeler dealer Mickey Pearce in the beloved sitcom, had battled lung cancer in recent years and revealed in 2023 that the illness had spread to his legs and pelvis.
News of his death was confirmed in a statement shared on an Only Fools fanpage, which read: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death of our friend Patrick Murray – Mickey Pearce to so many.”
Dame Patricia Routledge died aged 96
PA Wire
Keeping Up Appearances star Patricia Routledge passed away at the age of 96.
Dame Patricia was described as an actress of “versatility” and “humanity”, who was also a “prodigiously generous philanthropist” at her funeral on November 6.
Dame Jilly Cooper pictured at Windsor Castle in 2024
PA Archive
Getty
Oscar winning actress Diane Keaton died aged 79 on October 11. She shot to fame in the 1970s through her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films, as well as her collaborations with Woody Allen.
She passed away as a result of pneumonia, her family revealed in a statement.
They said: “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11.
“She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Director Rob Reiner died in December 2025
PA Wire
Actor and activist Rob Reiner was found dead at his Los Angeles home alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, on December 14.
Investigators at the scene found stab wounds on the body, and their younger son, Nick Reiner, was taken into police custody under suspicion of murder.
Sophie Kinsella died aged 55
PA Archive
Author Sophie Kinsella, most well-known for the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” series, died at the age of 55 years old.
Kinsella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2022, which ultimately led to her death.
Throughout her career, she published 10 “Shopaholic” novels, along with other books, that went on to sell over 45 million copies globally.
Former US Vice President Dick Cheney died at the age of 84
AFP via Getty Images
Former US Vice President Dick Cheney died at the age of 84 on November 3, with politicians and celebrities alike paying tribute.
Former President George W Bush described his death as “a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends”.
Cheney died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
Kiss guitarist and founding member Ace Frehley died in October
Getty Images
Kiss guitarist and founding member Ace Frehley died on October 16, surrounded by his family in Morristown, New Jersey.
His passing came a few weeks after a serious fall left the 74-year-old with facial fractures near the eyes and left ear, as well as bruising on his left abdomen and thigh area and his right hip and upper thigh.
Famed for the song Driving Home for Christmas, musician Chris Rea died at 74 years old just before Christmas in 2025, following a short illness.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” a statement from a spokesperson, on behalf of his wife and two children, read after his death on December 22.
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Brigitte Bardot in A Very Private Affair in 1962
Alamy/PA
French star Brigitte Bardot died at the age of 91 on December 28.
The popular actress, singer, activist, and controversial far-right supporter in later life had initially shot to fame for her role in various 60s films and enjoyed a successful career in the limelight.
Tributes have flooded in for Bardot, including messages from French President Emmanuel Macron, who called her “a legend of the century”.
Isiah Whitlock Jr died aged 71
HBO
The actor, who also appeared in several Spike Lee films, passed away after a short illness in New York, his manager revealed.
He became famous for his character’s catchphrase, which he himself developed, a long drawn-out pronunciation of “s**t” that was delivered like “sheeeeee-it”.
