35 Famous People We Tragically Lost in 2025

Ted Kotcheff, memorialized as a highly esteemed Canadian director and producer, had fatal heart failure on April 10, just days after his 94th birthday. His career began at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at the young age of 24. In 1971, he directed the Australian film Wake in Fright, which was critically acclaimed in Europe, earning an entry at the Cannes Film Festival. The release of Weekend at Bernie’s in 1989 marked a significant point in his career as a Hollywood director. He later went on to produce the iconic TV show Law & Order: SVU for well over a decade, and also directed other legendary films throughout his career.

If you know the Boston Red Sox, you're probably familiar with their official victory anthem, “Dirty Water”. The garage band, The Standells, released the hit anthem in the 1960s. Larry Tamblyn was the founder, lead vocalist, and keyboard player of the band till his passing on March 21 at 82. The band reunited in 2009, and the members had their final tour in 2014. Tamblyn is survived by his brother, Russ, nephew Dennis, and niece Amber, who named him the coolest member of their family.

Lulu Roman was a go-go dancer and comedian who later became a revered country gospel singer. In 1971, during her time on the country variety show Hee Haw, she battled with drug addiction, which led to her absence for a few seasons of the show. She kicked off her career as a country gospel singer after getting clean and converting to Christianity. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 78 in her son’s home on April 23 after suffering heart failure.

Tony award-winning lyricist and composer William Finn died from pulmonary fibrosis on April 7 at the age of 73. He was known for his emotive and revolutionary musicals such as The Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was praised for writing all of his incredibly witty and innovative lyrics.

Richard Norton was an Australian-born stuntman and martial artist who died at 75 on March 30, leaving behind his wife, Judy. He started off as a bodyguard, soon transitioning into a celebrity trainer and stunt choreographer. His most notable work is on Mad Max, Walker Texas Ranger, Suicide Squad, and Dark Phoenix.

Jesse Colin Young was the lead singer and founding member of the 1960s group The Youngbloods. He died at his home on March 16 at the age of 83. Youngbloods released five albums before separating in 1972. Their 1969 unity-positive anthem "Get Together" smashed records with its number 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Young continued his career as a soloist until 2019, when he released his last album called Dreamers.

Also known as J.P., Jan Schwieterman was an American actor who passed away on February 28 at the age of 52, after battling stage 4 cancer. He is recognised for his role as the dramatic villain in the film Good Burger. Before retiring from acting, he made appearances in TV shows such as ER and films like Along the Way.

Robert John’s career as a musician began at the tender age of 12. The singer was most known for his 1979 Grammy-nominated single “Sad Eyes”. He passed away on February 24 at age 79, after complications of a stroke. John later found chart success with “If You Don’t Want My Love” and his version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” before earning a Grammy nod for his signature ballad.

Youngest on the list, Kirk Medas, tragically lost his life on May 2 at just 33 years old after suffering liver failure. He was best known for appearing on MTV’s Floribama Shore. He had been in the ICU for two weeks prior to his passing, with loved ones starting a GoFundMe to cover his medical bills. His family and friends keep his memory alive through touching messages.

The Sopranos and Horseface star, Charles “Charley” Scalies Jr., died on May 1 at the age of 84, after battling Alzheimer’s. Before assuming an acting career, he had a modest start as a comedian, working at his father’s pool hall. His career blossomed in the 90s through to the 2000s.

After a career spanning decades, Damien Thomas died on April 18, due to a neurodegenerative disease. He was well known for his role in the horror movie Twins of Evil and also had roles in Shogun, Never Let Me Go, and several others. He is survived by a large family with whom he shared his last moments.

Founding member and bass guitarist for the post-punk band called Gang of Four, Dave Allen passed on April 5 at 69 years old, after a battle with dementia. His pioneering bass guitar playing gave the band a uniquely blended sound. He is remembered by his bandmates through cherished memories of their musical journey together.

Young Scooter, aka Kenneth Bailey, a rapper from Atlanta, died on his 39th birthday March 28, after a freak accident involving a fence, which led to severe blood loss. He had over 20 mixtapes like Finessin’ & Flexin’ and Street Lottery under his belt, and also collaborated with other iconic artists such as Future, Juice WRLD, and Gucci Mane.

Beginning his music career in 1973, Brian James, was a songwriter and guitarist who co-founded the English punk rock band The Damned. Sadly, he passed away on March 6 at the age of 60. In 1976, he worked on the band’s first album, Damned Damned Damned, as lead songwriter which led to the birth of their trailblazing single “New Rose". In 1981, after departing from the band, he created The Lords of the New Church with whom he recorded three studio albums before separating in 1989. He also reunited with The Damned for iconic tours in the UK in 1988 and 2022.

Roy Ayers earned the title “Godfather of Neo Soul” through his work as a vibraphonist, composer, and record producer in America. His illustrious career spanned decades, with him releasing almost 50 albums and collaborating with other iconic artists like Whitney Houston. He passed away at the age of 84 after battling a long illness. He was renowned for his classic music and was sampled by popular artists like Tupac.