It’s hard enough to come to terms with your own mortality. But there are some iconic stars and public figures who are so bright that you might assume they will be around forever. And yet, just like you and me, they are only on this Earth temporarily.
2025 was a shocking year during which many notable people passed away, leaving behind grieving fans and supporters. Read on for Bored Panda’s feature about the most famous individuals who died last year.
#1 Jane Goodall (Dame Valerie Jane Morris Goodall)
Science textbooks had to be rewritten after Jane Goodall ventured into the Tanzanian forests in 1960. She shattered the idea that humans were unique by discovering that chimpanzees use tools and possess complex emotional lives. Her work evolved from solitary observation into a global crusade for conservation through her institute, inspiring generations of women to enter scientific fields to protect our planet.
The 91-year-old icon passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1 while visiting a friend in Beverly Hills. Her death from natural causes marks the end of a lifetime dedicated to bridging the gap between people and nature.
The 91-year-old icon passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1 while visiting a friend in Beverly Hills. Her death from natural causes marks the end of a lifetime dedicated to bridging the gap between people and nature.
36points
#2 Diane Keaton (Diane Keaton Hall)
Diane Keaton captivated audiences for decades with her quirky charm and signature menswear style. She earned an Academy Award for Annie Hall and played pivotal roles in classics ranging from The Godfather to Something’s Gotta Give. Her ability to switch between heavy drama and lighthearted comedy made her a beloved fixture on the big screen.
The screen legend passed away at age 79 after contracting bacterial pneumonia. She leaves behind a legacy that redefined the image of a Hollywood leading lady.
The screen legend passed away at age 79 after contracting bacterial pneumonia. She leaves behind a legacy that redefined the image of a Hollywood leading lady.
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30points
#3 Ozzy Osbourne (John Michael Osbourne)
Heavy metal wouldn't look the same without the Prince of Darkness leading the charge. Ozzy Osbourne scared parents with Black Sabbath in the 70s and kept rocking with massive solo hits like "Crazy Train." He later showed a softer side as reality TV’s favorite dad, proving he was much more than just the guy who famously bit the head off a bat.
Sharon Osbourne confirmed that the legend passed away in his sleep on November 30 at their home in the UK. He was 76 and had been dealing with Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues for several years.
Sharon Osbourne confirmed that the legend passed away in his sleep on November 30 at their home in the UK. He was 76 and had been dealing with Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues for several years.
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29points
It’s natural to be shocked when a celebrity, whose work has followed you throughout your entire life, passes away. Some people’s impact on the entertainment world and even their fans’ daily routines is so big that they leave a massive vacuum when they’re gone.
As Centered Health explains, fans can develop one-sided, one-way emotional attachments, known as parasocial relationships, with celebs, media figures, or fictional characters. Fans feel connected to these figures, even though they have no real-world interaction. They feel their beloved celebs’ struggles, triumphs, and personal growth.
#4 Robert Redford (Charles Robert Redford Jr.)
Robert Redford was the ultimate golden boy who evolved into the godfather of independent film. He starred in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting before winning an Oscar for directing Ordinary People. His creation of the Sundance Film Festival remains his biggest gift to cinema, giving countless new voices a platform to shine.
The Hollywood veteran died on November 18 at his ranch in Utah at the age of 89. His publicist confirmed that he passed peacefully from natural causes surrounded by family.
The Hollywood veteran died on November 18 at his ranch in Utah at the age of 89. His publicist confirmed that he passed peacefully from natural causes surrounded by family.
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26points
#5 Val Kilmer (Val Edward Kilmer)
Val Kilmer brought an intense, unpredictable energy to the screen that made him a definitive star of the 80s and 90s. He embodied the brooding Iceman in Top Gun and completely disappeared into the role of Jim Morrison for The Doors. While he famously donned the cowl for Batman Forever, his later years were defined by a brave return to acting following a tracheotomy that altered his voice.
The actor took his final bow in Los Angeles on April 1 after contracting pneumonia. He was 65. His reprise of the Iceman character in Top Gun: Maverick stands as his final on-screen appearance, capping off a complex career.
The actor took his final bow in Los Angeles on April 1 after contracting pneumonia. He was 65. His reprise of the Iceman character in Top Gun: Maverick stands as his final on-screen appearance, capping off a complex career.
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24points
#6 Gene Hackman (Eugene Allen Hackman)
Few actors could command a scene quite like the man who brought Popeye Doyle to life in The French Connection. Gene Hackman racked up two Academy Awards for his gritty work in that film and Unforgiven while also nailing the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman. He famously retired from the spotlight decades ago to write novels, leaving the industry while he was still on top.
Hollywood lost one of its true titans on January 30 when he died at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95 years old. A representative stated that he passed from congestive heart failure.
Hollywood lost one of its true titans on January 30 when he died at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95 years old. A representative stated that he passed from congestive heart failure.
23points
Celebrities often go beyond just entertaining people. They also embody their fans’ values, aspirations, and shared experiences. This can lead to lots of emotional investment, which in turn makes fans feel loyalty and friendship towards stars.
“This attachment can become particularly intense in cases where fans have grown up alongside these figures, experiencing their highs and lows through music, interviews, and social media,” according to Centered Health.
#7 Rob Reiner
Robert Reiner was a legendary actor and filmmaker who directed a series of acclaimed studio films in a career that spanned comedy, drama, romance, and documentary.
Reiner's work encompassed the classic comedies This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, the courtroom drama A Few Good Men, and the tense thriller Misery. His directing career followed a successful spell as a TV star in the 1970s US sitcom, All In The Family. He acted in films such as Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street.
On December 14, 2025, Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, were found in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home, dead from sharp force injuries. The same day, Los Angeles police arrested the Reiners' son Nick.
Reiner's work encompassed the classic comedies This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, the courtroom drama A Few Good Men, and the tense thriller Misery. His directing career followed a successful spell as a TV star in the 1970s US sitcom, All In The Family. He acted in films such as Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street.
On December 14, 2025, Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, were found in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home, dead from sharp force injuries. The same day, Los Angeles police arrested the Reiners' son Nick.
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23points
#8 Roberta Flack (Roberta Cleopatra Flack)
Soul music lost one of its most tender voices in Roberta Flack, the woman who made history by winning Record of the Year in consecutive years. Her timeless hits "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song" dominated the 1970s charts. Beyond her solo success, her emotive duets with Donny Hathaway cemented her status as a titan of R&B who effortlessly bridged the gap between jazz, folk, and pop.
The 88-year-old icon suffered fatal cardiac arrest on February 24 while being transported to a hospital in Manhattan. She had famously retired from performing in 2022 after an ALS diagnosis stole her ability to sing.
The 88-year-old icon suffered fatal cardiac arrest on February 24 while being transported to a hospital in Manhattan. She had famously retired from performing in 2022 after an ALS diagnosis stole her ability to sing.
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22points
#9 Michelle Trachtenberg (Michelle Christine Trachtenberg)
Generations of fans grew up watching Michelle Trachtenberg transform from the titular kid detective in Harriet the Spy to a drama-stirring teen queen. She cemented her place in TV history as Buffy’s sister Dawn Summers and later as the manipulative Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl. Her work in EuroTrip and All My Children rounded out a versatile career that started when she was just a child model.
Tragedy struck on February 26 when she was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment at only 39 years old. Questions initially surrounded her passing after her family objected to an autopsy, but medical examiners later cited diabetes complications linked to organ transplantation.
Tragedy struck on February 26 when she was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment at only 39 years old. Questions initially surrounded her passing after her family objected to an autopsy, but medical examiners later cited diabetes complications linked to organ transplantation.
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21points
Which notable figures passing away in 2025 shocked you the most, and why? How do you feel about the world losing so many celebrities last year? Which stars are you still grieving for, even years and years after they left this Earth?
Are you worried about any particular famous people’s health in 2026? If you feel like sharing your thoughts, feel free to do so in the comments below.
#10 David Lynch (David Keith Lynch)
Surrealism found its mainstream voice through the strange and wonderful mind behind Twin Peaks. David Lynch confused and delighted audiences with the nightmarish Eraserhead and the puzzle-box noir of Mulholland Drive. His distinct style blended small-town Americana with absolute terror. Beyond film, he was a committed painter and a vocal advocate for Transcendental Meditation.
The visionary director died on October 20 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79. Long-standing struggles with emphysema finally claimed his life, though he continued to work in his studio until the end.
The visionary director died on October 20 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79. Long-standing struggles with emphysema finally claimed his life, though he continued to work in his studio until the end.
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21points
#11 Joan Plowright (Joan Ann Plowright)
Dame Joan Plowright was royalty in the acting world long before she charmed audiences as the kindly nanny in 101 Dalmatians or the grumbling neighbor in Dennis the Menace. She originally conquered the British stage alongside her husband Laurence Olivier and earned massive acclaim for her role in Enchanted April.
The legendary actress passed away peacefully on October 28, coinciding with her 96th birthday. Her family confirmed she died of natural causes at her home in Surrey, England.
The legendary actress passed away peacefully on October 28, coinciding with her 96th birthday. Her family confirmed she died of natural causes at her home in Surrey, England.
20points
#12 Jim Lovell (James Arthur Lovell Jr.)
The world watched with bated breath as Jim Lovell guided the crippled Apollo 13 spacecraft back to Earth in 1970. His cool leadership turned a potential tragedy into NASA's "successful failure" after an explosion derailed the mission. Before that high-stakes drama, he helped pave the way to the lunar surface on Apollo 8 by becoming one of the first humans to orbit the Moon.
The space pioneer died on August 7 at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97. He stands as a titan of the space race who proved that ingenuity and courage could overcome impossible odds.
The space pioneer died on August 7 at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97. He stands as a titan of the space race who proved that ingenuity and courage could overcome impossible odds.
20points
#13 James Watson (James Dewey Watson)
James Watson cracked the code of life when he identified the double helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick. This 1953 breakthrough reshaped modern medicine and won him a Nobel Prize. He famously chronicled the discovery in his book The Double Helix, though his legacy later suffered due to repeated controversial remarks about race and intelligence that isolated him from the scientific community.
The geneticist died on March 14 at a care facility near Cold Spring Harbor, New York. He was 96. Relatives confirmed he passed away following a brief illness.
The geneticist died on March 14 at a care facility near Cold Spring Harbor, New York. He was 96. Relatives confirmed he passed away following a brief illness.
18points
#14 Brian Wilson (Brian Douglas Wilson)
California’s "endless summer" had a soundtrack thanks to the creative genius of Brian Wilson. As the mastermind behind the Beach Boys, he turned pop music into high art with the symphonic sounds of Pet Sounds and "Good Vibrations." His well-documented struggles with mental illness never diminished his status as a visionary producer who inspired everyone from The Beatles to modern indie acts.
The 82-year-old icon passed away in his sleep on June 11 at his Beverly Hills estate. Former bandmate Al Jardine noted that Wilson had been fighting the long-term effects of COVID-19 since 2022, which ultimately led to the fatal respiratory and septic complications that claimed his life.
The 82-year-old icon passed away in his sleep on June 11 at his Beverly Hills estate. Former bandmate Al Jardine noted that Wilson had been fighting the long-term effects of COVID-19 since 2022, which ultimately led to the fatal respiratory and septic complications that claimed his life.
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18points
#15 Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio)
Pope Francis shook up the Catholic Church when he arrived from Argentina in 2013 as the first Latin American pontiff. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he became famous for ditching pomp in favor of humility and fighting for the poor. He spent his time in the Vatican tackling heavy issues like climate change and trying to clean up internal scandals while pushing for a more inclusive faith.
The world said goodbye to the pontiff on April 21, just a day after the Easter holiday wrapped up. Officials confirmed he passed away following a cerebral stroke and heart collapse.
The world said goodbye to the pontiff on April 21, just a day after the Easter holiday wrapped up. Officials confirmed he passed away following a cerebral stroke and heart collapse.
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17points
#16 Richard Chamberlain (George Richard Chamberlain)
Richard Chamberlain was the original TV heartthrob who made millions swoon as the young intern in Dr. Kildare. He later dominated the small screen in epic events like Shogun and The Thorn Birds, earning the title "King of the Miniseries." His decision to come out publicly later in life added a brave new chapter to his storied legacy.
The veteran actor passed away on June 12 at his residence in Honolulu. He was 91 years old. A representative stated he died peacefully from heart failure, leaving behind a fanbase that spanned generations of television history.
The veteran actor passed away on June 12 at his residence in Honolulu. He was 91 years old. A representative stated he died peacefully from heart failure, leaving behind a fanbase that spanned generations of television history.
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17points
#17 Michael Madsen (Michael Søren Madsen)
Mr. Blonde's terrifying dance in Reservoir Dogs turned Michael Madsen into an instant cult icon. He was a favorite of director Quentin Tarantino, delivering unforgettable performances in Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight with his trademark raspy voice and tough-guy swagger. Beyond playing heavies in hits like Donnie Brasco and Thelma and Louise, he surprised fans by publishing poetry and lending his talents to video games.
Emergency responders found the actor unresponsive at his Malibu home on July 3. He was pronounced dead at 67, with medical officials later citing heart failure complicated by heart disease and alcoholism.
Emergency responders found the actor unresponsive at his Malibu home on July 3. He was pronounced dead at 67, with medical officials later citing heart failure complicated by heart disease and alcoholism.
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17points
#18 Ace Frehley (Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley)
The "Spaceman" brought an otherworldly energy to KISS with his smoking guitars and melodic solos. Ace Frehley was a founding member who helped define the band's theatrical hard rock sound in the 1970s. His aggressive style and pyrotechnic stunts, like shooting rockets from his instrument, made him a hero to aspiring guitarists everywhere before he eventually went solo.
Tragedy struck after a series of falls at his home led to severe head injuries in early October. Reports surfaced that he was placed on life support due to brain bleeding, but his condition sadly never improved. The rocker passed away on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, shortly after his family made the difficult decision to withdraw care. He was 74.
Tragedy struck after a series of falls at his home led to severe head injuries in early October. Reports surfaced that he was placed on life support due to brain bleeding, but his condition sadly never improved. The rocker passed away on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, shortly after his family made the difficult decision to withdraw care. He was 74.
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17points
#19 Julian McMahon (Julian Dana William McMahon)
TV audiences loved to watch Julian McMahon play the villain. The son of an Australian Prime Minister, he charmed viewers as the demonic Cole Turner on Charmed and the morally questionable Dr. Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck. Whether playing Doctor Doom or leading the squad on FBI: Most Wanted, he brought a magnetic intensity to every role he touched.
The actor passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a battle with head and neck cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. He was only 56 years old at the time of his death.
The actor passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a battle with head and neck cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. He was only 56 years old at the time of his death.
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17points
#20 Sophie Kinsella (Madeleine Sophie Townley)
Readers everywhere learned to laugh at their credit card bills thanks to the hilarious world of Becky Bloomwood. The British author, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, became a global bestseller under her pen name with the Shopaholic series. Her books blended wit and romance in a way that defined the modern "chick-lit" genre and even sparked a Hollywood movie.
Her family shared the heartbreaking news that she passed away on June 15 in London. She was 55 and had been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma since 2022. Her stories brought joy to millions of readers who found comfort in her lighthearted and relatable storytelling.
Her family shared the heartbreaking news that she passed away on June 15 in London. She was 55 and had been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma since 2022. Her stories brought joy to millions of readers who found comfort in her lighthearted and relatable storytelling.
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16points