The year 2025 saw the passing of numerous prominent figures across various fields, including entertainment, religion, politics, and science. 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 relentless series of losses.
Among those who died in 2025 were Pope Francis, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Dick Cheney, Brian Wilson, Gene Hackman, Ozzy Osbourne, Jane Goodall, Roberta Flack, George Foreman, Tom Stoppard, and Frank Gehry. The passing of these individuals 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, remembered as a charismatic leading man, starred in films such as "The Way We Were" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Keaton, known for her wit and intelligence, captivated audiences in numerous roles throughout her career.
The year's losses extended beyond the entertainment industry. The death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, sparked global mourning and reflection on his papacy. Similarly, the passing of Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, prompted tributes to her groundbreaking work in understanding chimpanzees and advocating for environmental protection. Video courtesy of Alex Wong, via ; The Associated Press; Antonino DAmbrosioLa Lutta Productions; and Jane Goodall Institute documented her life's work.
William McDonald, the obituaries editor of The Times, noted the sheer volume of notable deaths in 2025. "The obituary pages track the deaths of the famous and the mighty in any given year, of course, but in 2025 we witnessed a seemingly unending procession of them," he said. The reasons for the high number of prominent deaths in 2025 were varied, ranging from age-related illnesses to other health complications. The impact of these losses was felt globally, as people mourned the passing of individuals who had shaped culture, politics, and society.
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