The year 2025 saw the passing of numerous prominent figures across various fields, including entertainment, religion, science, and politics. The deaths of these individuals, many of whom were household names, were tracked throughout the year in obituary pages, marking what some observers described as an unusually significant period of loss.

Among those who died were Pope Francis, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Dick Cheney, Brian Wilson, Gene Hackman, Ozzy Osbourne, Jane Goodall, Roberta Flack, George Foreman, Tom Stoppard, Frank Gehry, and Rob Reiner. The passing of these figures triggered widespread reflection on their contributions and legacies.

The deaths of actors like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton prompted recollections of their iconic performances. Redford's roles in films such as "The Way We Were" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" were widely remembered, as were Keaton's performances in numerous films.

William McDonald, the obituaries editor of The Times, noted the sheer number of notable deaths, particularly from the realms of music, movies, and television. The passing of these individuals marked the end of an era for many, prompting both mourning and celebration of their lives and work.