From Ozzy Osbourne, Dames Patricia Routledge and Jilly Cooper, to Rob Reiner: The stars who died in 2025

This year the entertainment industry has said a heartfelt goodbye to stars on and off the screen.

In July, the music world was rocked following the passing of icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died just weeks after his final ever Black Sabbath concert.

The ‘Queen of the bonkbuster’ author, Dame Jilly Cooper, famed for her raunchy romance novels, sold more than 12million books in her career.

On the small screen, fans of Keeping Up Appearances were left bereft by  Dame Patricia Routledge’s passing aged 96.

And just days before Christmas, Chris Rea – the music legend famed for composing and singing Driving Home For Christmas – died suddenly at 74.

Read on as we name the stars who sadly left us this year before 2026 came around…

Ozzy Osbourne

The Black Sabbath legend sadly died on July 22 at the age of 76 following a cardiac arrest.

Before Ozzy’s death, he had been battling Parkinson’s disease and relocated with his wife Sharon to the UK.

A statement at the time read: ‘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. 

‘He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.’  

Chris Rea

The Driving Home For Christmas singer died just days before the festive day on December 22nd at the age of 74.

A statement from his wife Joan and their daughters Josie and Julia, read: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.’ 

James Ransone

The US actor, who was best known for The Wire, tragically died by suicide on December at the age of 46 on December 19. 

He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.

McPhee has since added a fundraiser benefiting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to her social media profile.

Diane Keaton

The legendary US actress’ death was announced in October, following her passing at 79.

Her family initially confirmed her passing after medical personnel were reported as attending her property. 

In recent years, she delighted audiences again with the Book Club films, proving her enduring appeal across generations. 

Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, Keaton grew up with a creative streak that would shape one of the most distinctive careers in Hollywood. 

Dame Patricia Routledge

Dame Patricia, best remembered for playing the iconic Hyacinth Bucket on beloved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, sadly left us aged 96 in October. 

In a statement, Dame Patricia’s agent said: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.

‘Even at 96 years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.

‘She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.’  

Dame Jilly Cooper 

Renowned author Dame Jilly tragically died following a fall at her house in October. 

The ‘Queen of the bonkbuster’ author, famed for her raunchy romance novels, sold more than 12million books in her career. 

Dame Jilly’s children Felix and Emily said her death came as a ‘complete shock’ as they called her the ‘shining light’ of their lives.

Queen Camilla, whose first husband Andrew Parker Bowles was said to have been the inspiration for Dame Jilly’s invented lothario Rupert Campbell-Black, hailed the author as a ‘legend’ and a ‘wonderfully witty and compassionate friend’. 

Linda Nolan

Following a 20-year battle with breast cancer, Linda Nolan died in January of this year after being admitted to hospital with with double pneumonia.

A statement at the time from her agent said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist.’ 

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio died at the age of 91 in September at his home surrounded by his family.

In a statement released, the fashion house announced his death ‘with infinite sorrow’.

Armani died just weeks ahead of a planned 50th anniversary celebration that was set to take place at Milan fashion week.

A spokesperson for the company added at the time: ‘Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.’

Hulk Hogan  

The WWE icon, real name Terry Gene Bollea, passed away in July after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home.

911 operators noted the matter pertained to a cardiac arrest in the disturbing audio of the call.

A Clearwater Police Department spokesman said in a statement at the time: ‘Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. 

‘The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.’

Dame Joan Plowright

Oscar winner Dame Joan died in January of this year, with her family announcing her death at the time. 

The British actress, who was married to Lord Laurence Olivier, was known for her Golden Globe award-winning performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April, for which she was also nominated for an Academy Award.

Brigg-born Dame Joan also starred in Love You To Death with River Phoenix, and was a star of the West End and Broadway before her international movie success.

Her family said in a statement: ‘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.’ 

Diane Ladd 

Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd, best known for her role as the waitress Flo in the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, has died at age 89 at her home in Ojai, California in November.

Her daughter Laura Dern confirmed the devastating news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Dern, 58, wrote: ‘My amazing hero and my profound gift of a mother, Diane Ladd, passed with me beside her this morning, at her home in Ojai, Calif.

‘She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,’ she added. ‘We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.’

Rob Reiner  

Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer were found dead in their Los Angeles home in December, in what police are investigating as a double homicide.

Police confirmed that the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman discovered inside the couple’s $13.5million Brentwood mansion were those of Reiner and his wife.  

Their bodies were cremated, and their remains were released to their eldest son, Jake, according to reports.

The couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on the same day and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

David Lynch 

David’s death was announced in January of this year at the age of 78. 

Famous for directing his iconic TV series and the film Blue Velvet, Lynch had been battling ill health and was homebound due to emphysema. 

In a post, shared on Facebook, his loved ones wrote: ‘It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.’

‘We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us.’

Gene Hackman 

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home in February.

The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found in separate bedrooms as well as one of their dogs of their Santa Fe abode.  

Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus – the rat-borne disease which killed his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the rare but deadly virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. 

Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple’s home alone after his wife’s death.

Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died.

Sly Stone    

The frontman for American funk legends Sly And The Family Stone died at 82 in June of this year.

Sly Stone’s family announced the influential musician’s death in a statement.

They revealed that he had a prolonged battle with Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which was complicated by other underlying health issues.  

Robert Redford  

The Oscar-winner died in his sleep in September at his home in Utah, outside of Provo, The New York Times reported. 

The announcement of his death was made by Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. 

Redford was one of the top Hollywood leading men for decades, appearing in blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.

His first big break came in 1963, when he starred on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, which he would later reprise. 

Roberta Flack  

Singer Roberta Flack died at the age of 88 in Manhattan after suffering a heart attack in February.

The 1970s R&B legend was known for hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. 

‘We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,’ her representatives said in a statement.

‘She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.’

Brigitte Bardot 

Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning to animal rights activism, passed away aged 91 on December 28.

Bardot had been ill in hospital in Toulon, according to local media. The star’s animal rights charity announced her passing on Sunday morning with a statement.

‘The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,’ it said.

June Lockhart  

June Lockhart died at the age of 100 in October.

The actress — best known for her roles in Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction — passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, according to a family spokesperson.

Lockhart’s daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna were by her side. 

June Elizabeth shared a heartfelt tribute: ‘Mommy always considered acting her craft, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA.

‘She cherished her role in ‘Lost in Space’ and was delighted to know she inspired many future astronauts.’

The Vivienne  

Drag Race star The Vivienne was found dead in the bath by a neighbour in January of this year after worried friends had struggled to get in contact, an inquest heard today. 

The reality TV star was discovered with five empty ‘snap bags’ of ketamine in the house, the coroner was told.

A friend said the drag queen –  whose real name was James Lee Williams and used pronouns they and them – had been sober for years but had recently relapsed. 

Announcing The Vivienne’s death, their publicist Simon Jones wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

‘James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

‘They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.

‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’

Val Kilmer  

Hollywood star Val Kilmer – famed for iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman and The Doors – died at 65 in April after a long health battle.

His daughter Mercedes Kilmer, whom he shared with ex-wife Joanne Whalley, revealed he passed from pneumonia in Los Angeles.

The screen icon was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent surgery, including a tracheotomy which significantly impacted his ability to speak. He was later declared cancer free. 

Pauline Collins

Shirley Valentine actor Pauline Collins died aged 85 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on November 5.

The actress passed away ‘peacefully’ in her London care home surrounded by relatives, her family said, having endured the disease for several years. 

Pauline was married to actor John Alderton, 84, who she frequently appeared on stage and screen with, and who led the tributes to the star alongside Dame Joanna Lumley. 

In a statement released, her family said: ‘Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. 

‘A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

‘She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own. 

‘We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.

‘More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years.

‘We particularly want to thank her carers: angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love. She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. 

‘We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her.’ 

Jimmy Cliff

Reggae legend and actor Jimmy Cliff died aged 81 on November 24.

The star was best known for songs such as Many Rivers to Cross and You Can get It If You Really Want – and for recording an officially sanctioned cover version of Hakuna Matata, from Disney’s The Lion King.

Cliff, who won Grammy awards for albums Cliff Hanger and Rebirth, also built a career as an actor. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

His wife Latifa Chambers confirmed his passing on social media.

She wrote: ‘It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

‘I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.

‘Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.’

Sophie Kinsella

Celebrated author Sophie Kinsella, who penned worldwide hit Confessions Of A Shopaholic, died aged 55 following a three-year battle with brain cancer.

The writer and mother-of-five, real name Madeleine Sophie Wickham, received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma in 2022.

A statement posted to her Instagram account on December10,  read: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy).

‘She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.

‘We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life.

‘Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career.

‘She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.’

Sir Tom Stoppard

Playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, who won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the screenplay Shakespeare In Love, died aged 88 on November 29.

He died peacefully at his home in Dorset surrounded by his family, his agency announced.

His contribution to the dramatic arts won him a host of Tony and Olivier awards, as well as a Golden Globe and an Academy Award with Marc Norman for their 1998 screenplay Shakespeare In Love – starring fellow Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow. 

The legendary writer’s other stage work included The Real Thing, and Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead.  

Announcing his death, United Agents said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend, Tom Stoppard, has died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.

‘He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.’

Claudia Cardinale

Italian actress Claudia Cardinale died at 87, following a decades-long film career that spanned both Hollywood and Europe.

Her best-loved roles in English include a prostitute turned rancher in the 1968 spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West, as well as a drunken princess who owns the world’s biggest diamond in the 1963 comedy The Pink Panther.

The peak of her stardom was the 1960s, when French and Italian cinema exploded dazzlingly across the world stage, and she acted with leading men like Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Marcello Mastroianni, Alain Delon, Burt Lancaster and Sean Connery.

Cardinale died with her children present on Stepmber 23 in the commune of Nemours near Paris, her agent Laurent Savry told AFP.

‘She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste,’ Savry said in a message announcing her passing.

Terence Stamp

British actor Terence Stamp, who played the arch-villain General Zod in the ‘Superman’ and ‘Superman II’ movies, died August 17 aged 87.

The Oscar-nominated actor starred in films ranging from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s ‘Theorem’ in 1968 and ‘A Season in Hell’ in 1971 to ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ in 1994 in which he played a transgender woman.

His family said in a statement this afternoon: ‘He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.’

Stamp, who made his name as an actor in 1960s London, cause of death was not made public.

Ace Frehley

KISS legend Ace Frehley died at the age of 74 on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, after suffering a devastating brain bleed that left him on life support.

After being hospitalised and placed on a ventilator, the iconic musician passed away when his family made the difficult decision to turn off life support, per TMZ. 

The musician reportedly collapsed in his home studio a few weeks prior, hitting his head in a frightening fall that triggered the medical crisis, per the outlet.

Their rep Lori Lousararian told Rolling Stone that the musician’s health deteriorated following a ‘recent fall at his home,’ though details beyond that were not immediately clear.

Frehley’s family issued a statement obtained by Rolling Stone saying they ‘are completely devastated and heartbroken’ by his passing, but relieved they were able to provide him with comfortable conditions at the end.

Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper, the guitarist and songwriter who helped anchor the celebrated Memphis backing band Booker T. and the MG’s at Stax Records and co-wrote the classics Green Onions, (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay and In the Midnight Hour, died. He was 84.

Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, said Cropper´s family told her that Cropper died on December 3 in Nashville.

The foundation operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, located at the site of the former Stax Records, where Cropper worked for years.

A cause of death was not immediately known. Longtime associate Eddie Gore said he was with Cropper on a day before at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville, where Cropper had been after a recent fall. Cropper had been working on new music when Gore visited, he said.

‘He’s such a good human,’ Gore said. ‘We were blessed to have him, for sure.’

Julian McMahon

Julian McMahon – who starred in Nip/Tuck and FBI: Most Wanted – has passed away at 56 after a private health battle on July 2.

The 56-year-old Australian-American actor had been secretly battling cancer, his wife Kelly revealed in a heartbreaking statement.

His wife said : ‘With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer.’ 

Marianne Faithfull

Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, her spokesperson has said.

She became well known for her hits including As Tears Go By, which was written by The Rolling Stones’ Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

The statement from her spokesperson read: ‘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.’