The celebrities and public figures we've lost in 2025

29 December 2025, 11:38 | Updated: 5 January 2026, 15:19

By Radio X

@RadioX

Radio X remembers the musicians, celebrities and other notable public figures that have passed away in 2025.

2025 has dealt huge losses across the world of music, entertainment and politics.

Let's take a moment to reflect on and pay tribute to the stars and notable figures who died in 2025.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive.

Contributors: Jenny Mensah, Martin O'Gorman, Antonia Vlad

• Read more: The Classic Rock stars we've lost in 2025

Read more:

• The Classic Rock stars we've lost in 2025

December 2025

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

The American actor - best known for his roles in The Wire and Veep - passed away on 30th December at the age of 71. His manager, Brian Liebman, shared the news on Instagram, writing: “It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him — you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed.”

Brigitte Bardot

The iconic French actress, model, singer and animal rights activist died on 28th December 2025, aged 91. Bardot achieved international stardom in the 1956 film And God Created Woman and forged a brief but successful music career, working with the French legend Serge Gainsbourg. Bardot retired from the entertainment industry in 1973 and dedicated her life to protecting animal rights. In later years, Bardot was a controversial figure, being fined twice for public insults and six times for inciting racial hatred.

Don Bryant

The veteran Memphis Soul musician and songwriter - best known for co-writing Ann Peebles classic I Can't Stand The Rain - died on 26th December aged 83. The news was shared by his family, who said: "Don loved sharing his music and songs with all of you and it gave him such great joy to perform and record new music. He was so appreciative of everyone who was part of his musical journey and who supported him along the way."

Perry Bamonte

The guitarist and keyboard player with The Cure died after a short illness on 24th December 2025 aged 65. Initially working as Robert Smith's guitar tech, Bamonte joined the band as a full-time member between 1990 and 2005, appearing on the band's first Number 1 album, Wish, in 1992. He rejoined the group in 2022 and performed at the high-profile album launch show for the album Songs Of A Lost World at London's Troxy in November 2024.

John Robertson

The Scottish footballer - who played as a left winger for Nottingham Forest, Derby County and the Scotland national team - died on 25th December 2025 aged 72.

Chris Rea

The Middlesbrough-born musician died after a short illness on 22nd December 2025. Best known for his hits Driving Home For Christmas, The Road To Hell and Fool (If You Think It's Over), Rea sold over 40 million records worldwide between 1978's Whatever Happened To Benny Santini and One Fine Day in 2019; The Road To Hell (1989) and the follow-up Auberge (1991) both topped the UK charts.

James Ransome

The Maryland-born actor, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, died at the age of 46 on 19th December 2025. Ransome also appeared in the films Sinister, The Black Phone and It Chapter Two.

William Rush

The Bury-born actor, best known for his role as Josh Stevenson in the BBC series Waterloo Road, died on 17th December 2025, aged 31.

Gil Gerard

The Arkansas-born actor, best known for playing the title role in the US TV series Buck Rogers In The 25th Century between 1979 and 1981, died died on 16th December, aged 82. He also appeared in the series Little House On The Prairie and Hawaii Five-O and the film Airport '77.

Rob Reiner

The American actor and director was found dead in his Los Angeles home alongside his wife, Michele Singer on 14th December 2026. He was 78 and Singer was 68. He first achieved fame as the character Mike "Meathead" Stivic in the 1970s sitcom All In The Family, before going on to direct films such as This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally... (1989) ans Misery (1990).

Stanley Baxter

The Glasgow-born actor, comedian and impressionist died on 11th December 2025 aged 99. His BBC TV series began in 1963 and he made the move to London Weekend Television on ITV in 1973 for the elaborate Stanley Baxter Picture Show, in which the actor played the majority of parts. Baxter also played the title role of Mr Majeika in the 1990s childrens series and was a popular pantomime dame for over three decades.

Joanna Trollope

The English writer of romantic fiction, including The Rector's Wife, Marrying The Mistress, Parson Harding's Daughter and Daughters-in-Law died on 11th December 2025, aged 82.

Sophie Kinsella

The British author, best-known for her Shopaholic series of novels, died on 10th December 2025 aged 55 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor diagnosed in late 2022. Her family announced the sad news, saying: "She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy."

Raul Malo

The frontman and lead songwriter of the Miami country band The Mavericks died on 8th December, aged 60. The band's biggest UK hit was Dance The Night Away, which made Number 4 in May 1998.

The Mavericks - Dance The Night Away

Steve Cropper

The Missouri guitarist, known as The Colonel, was a member of Booker T & The M.G.s, who backed numerous Stax label artists, including Otis Redding and Sam & Dave, while having hits with the tracks Green Onions and Soul Limbo. Cropper co-wrote Knock On Wood with Eddie Floyd and In The Midnight Hour with Wilson Pickett and appeared on albums such as Rod Stewart's Atlanic Crossing, John Lennon's Rock 'N' Roll and Ringo Starr's Ringo. Cropper was a member of the Blue Brothers band, supporting John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd and appears in the 1980 movie of the same name. He died on 3rd December 2025, aged 84.

Robin Smith

The former England cricketer - known as "The Judge" - died on 1st December 2025, aged 62. He was a part of the English squad that finished as runners-up at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.

November 2025

Billy Bonds

The former Charlton Athletic footballer played for West Ham between 1967 and 1988 and went on to manage the team between 1990 and 1994, before moving to Millwall. He died on 30th November 2025, aged 79.

Brian Hayes

The Australian-born presenter moved to the UK to join Capital Radio when it launched in 1973, before working for LBC between 1976 and 1990. He presented on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5 Live until he returned to LBC in the mid-2000s. Hayes died on 30th November 2025 aged 87 and gets a namecheck in The Beloved's song Hello.

Sir Tom Stoppard

The Czech-born writer moved to Singapore and then onto Britain, where he became a journalist and then playwright. His most famous work is 1966's Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, and Stoppard also wrote the screenplays to Empire Of The Sun and Shakespeare In Love, among others. Between 1972 and 1993 he was married to television presenter and writer Dr Miriam Stoppard (née Stern). He died on 29th November 2025, aged 88.

Pam Hogg

The Scottish fashion designer died on 26th November 2025, aged 74. She created clothes for Kylie Minogue, Siouxsie Sioux, Björk, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Paula Yates, Debbie Harry and many others.

Jimmy Cliff

The pioneering Jamaican musician died on 24th November 2025, aged 81. His songs include You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers To Cross, Wonderful World Beautiful People and The Harder They Come, with Cliff starring in the film of the same name. One of the key figures in bringing reggae to an international audience, Cliff is the only Jamaican in the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame apart from Bob Marley.

Jack Shepherd

The Leeds-born actor, best known for his role as the title character in the 1990s ITV series Wycliffe, died on 24th November 2025, aged 85.

Udo Kier

The German actor was best known for his show-stopping performances in Andy Warhol's 1970s horror movies Flesh For Frankenstein and Blood For Dracula (both actually directed by Paul Morrissey). He also appeared in the movies Mark Of The Devil (1970), Exposé (1976), Suspiria (1977) and My Own Private Idaho (1991), working with everyone from Werner Herzog to Rob Zombie. He died on 23rd November 2025, aged 81.

Gary "Mani" Mounfield

The Crumpsall-born bassist was a key member of The Stone Roses between November 1987 and October 1996, reuniting with his bandmates for a series of high profile live shows in 2012. Mani also played with Primal Scream between 1996 and 2011 and was part of the short-lived "bass superstars" group Freebass. He died on 20th November 2025, aged 63. Read his full obituary here.

Richard Darbyshire

The frontman with the 1980s band Living In A Box died on 10th November 2025, aged 65.

Quentin Wilson

The British motoring journalist co-presented the BBC's Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson between 1991 and its originan cancellation in 2001. Wilson moved to Channel 5 for the show Fifth Gear and The Classic Car Show. He died on 6th November 2025, aged 68.

Pauline Collins

The British actress, best known for her role as the title character in the play Shirley Valentine and its 1989 film adaptation. Collins had achieved fame in the historical drama Upstairs Downstairs between 1971 and 1973, starring in a spin off show, Thomas And Sarah, with her husband John Alderton. She also appeared in series such as The Liver Birds, Tales Of The Unexpected, Doctor Who, Agatha Christie's Marple and Play For Today. Pauline Collins died on 5th November 2025, aged 85.

Diane Ladd

The American actress, best known for her roles in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990) and Rambling Rose (1991) died on 3rd November, aged 89.

Dick Cheney

The American politician was Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. His time in office coincided with the September 11th attacks and the Iraq War. He died on 3rd November, aged 84.

October 2025

Prunella Scales

The Surrey-born actress was best known for her role as Sybil Fawlty opposite John Cleese in the BBC comedy Fawlty Towers. She also appeared in the 1960s sitcom Marriage Lines with Richard Briers and After Henry in the 1980s. Her film performances include roles in Hobson's Choice (1954), The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1978), The Boys From Brazil (1978) and A Chorus Of Disapproval (1989). She was married to the actor Timothy West from 1963 to his death in November 2024. Scales died on 27th October 2025, aged 93.

Tony Adams

The Welsh actor was best known for his role as Adam Chance in the long-running ITV soap Crossroads. He died on 25th October 2025, aged 84.

June Lockhart

The American actress appeared in such classic movies as A Christmas Carol and Meet Me In St Louis, but became famous for the Lassie TV series, where she played the mother character between 1958 and 1964 and Lost In Space, which saw Lockhart play Dr Maureen Robinson between 1965 and 1968. She died on 23rd October, aged 100.

Dave Ball

One half of the Leed synth-pop duo Soft Cell alongside Marc Almond, Ball played keyboards on the Number 1 hit Tainted Love, and other top 10 singles including What, Bedsitter, Torch and Say Hello Wave Goodbye. When Soft Cell folded in 1984, Ball worked on many other musical projects, including The Grid with producer Richard Norris and had a Number 3 hit in 1994 with Swamp Thing. Soft Cell reunited in the 00s and despite ill health, Ball was still performing up until August 2025; he died on 22nd October 2025, aged 66. A final album from the duo called Danceteria has been recorded and will be released in 2026.

Sam Rivers

A founding member and bassist with the Florida nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, Rivers died on 18th October 2025 aged 48.

Ace Frehley

New Yorker Paul Daniel Frehley, better known to fans as The Spaceman (or Space Ace) was a founding member of the US glam rock group KISS, playing with the band from its beginnings in 1973 until he left in 1982. His subsequent project, Frehley's Comet, had limited success and he rejoined KISS in 1996 until he quit for the final time in 2002. He died on 16th October 2025, aged 74 after a fall at his home.

D'Angelo

Michael Eugene Archer was an American R&B singer-songwriter, best known for his hits Lady, Brown Sugar and Untitled (How Does It Feel). He died from pancreatic cancer on 14th October, aged 51.

Tony Caunter

The Southampton-born actor died on 13th October 2025, aged 88. He was best known for playing Roy Evans in EastEnders between 1994 and 2003, but also had memorable roles in Juliet Bravo, the 1970s sitcom Queenie's Castle and three different appearances in Doctor Who.

Drew Struzan

The American illusrator was best known for his film posters of classics such as the Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Back To The Future series, ET, The Goonies, The Muppet Movie and many more. He died from complications from Alzheimer's diseased on 13th October 2025, aged 78.

Diane Keaton

The Los Angeles-born actress was best known for her collaborations with Woody Allen, notably at the title character in Annie Hall (1977). She also appeared in the Godfather series, Looking For Mr Goodbar, Baby Boom, Reds and Father Of The Bride. She died on 11th October 2025, aged 79.

Jilly Cooper

Born in Hornchurch, Essex, Cooper was best known for her novels Riders, Rivals and the rest of the "Rutshire Chronicles" series. She died on 5th October 2025, aged 88.

Dame Patricia Routledge

The British actress was best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, between 1990 and 1995. She also appeared in Victoria Wood's As Seen On TV series and Alan Bennett's Talking Heads. She died on 3rd October 2025, aged 96.

Dame Jane Goodall

The Hampstead-born primatologist and anthropologist spent over 60 years researching the social lives of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania and was an adocate for wildlife conservation. She died on 1st October 2025, aged 91.

September 2025

Patrick Murray

Best known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the British sitcom Only Fools And Horses. the Greenwch-born acyor died on 29th September aged 68. One of Murray's earliest roles was in the controversial Alan Parker prison drama Scum in 1977, which later became a feature film two years later and his other credits included Quadrophenia (1979) and Breaking Glass (1980).

John Stapleton

The Oldham-born journalist and broadcaster known for his appearances on Nationwide and Watchdog for the BBC and The Time The Place and GMTV for ITV died on 21st September, aged 79. He was married to presenter Lynn Faulds Wood, from 1977 to her death in 2020.

Dickie Bird

Harold Dennis Bird, also known as “Dickie,” was a cricketer and cricket umpire from South Yorkshire. He officiated 66 test matches and was an umpire for three World Cup finals and later became a media personality. He died on 22nd September aged 92.

Robert Redford

The well-known American actor, director, and producer passed on 16th September aged 89. His contributions include founding the ingoing Sundance Film Festival in 1978 and later founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to aid independent filmmakers. He also received two Oscars, one for Best Director for the 1981 film Ordinary People and an Honorary Oscar in 2002 for his lifetime achievements.

Ricky Hatton

Nicknamed “The Hitman”, the Stockport-born boxer was a light-welterweighht and welterweight champion between 1997 and 2012. Hatton remained retired for 13 years before he announced a comeback in July 2025. Tragically, he was found dead at his home on 14th September aged 46.

Charlie Kirk

The entrepreneur and political media personality Charlie Kirk was assassinated on the 10th September as was delivering a speech at an open campus at Utah Valley University. He hosted his own podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, as well as co-founding a student organisation, Turning Point USA, back in 2012. He was 31.

Katharine, Duchess Of Kent

The wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, passed away on 4th September aged 92. She was widely associated with the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and presented the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Trophy between 1976 and 2001 (only missing three years), famously comforting runner-up Jana Novotná in 1993.

Giorgio Armani

The legendary Italian designer gained worldwide fame for his revolutionary fashion creations. He started a medicine degree but dropped out to join the miliary before embarking on his creative adventure, founding his Giorgio Armani house in 1975. Armani died on 4th September aged 91.

Joe Bugner

The Hungarian-born British-Australian heavyweight boxer was famous for unsuccessfully challenging Muhammad Ali twice in the early 1970s. Bugner was a three-time European heavyweight champion and held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles twice. He died on 1st September aged 75.

August 2025

Angela Mortimer-Barrett

The English tennis star won the 1955 French Championship, the 1958 Australian Championship and 1961 Wimbledon Championship. She also won the 1955 womens' doubles at Wimbledon in 1955. She died on 25th August aged 93.

Terence Stamp

The Oscar-nominated actor was probably best known for his role as the villain General Zod in the 1978 Superman and as the veteran drag artist in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Stamp died on 17th August aged 87.

Biddy Baxter

The Leicester-born producer was the editor of the BBC's Blue Peter programme between 1965 and 1988, having helped developed the show's initial idea into a television legend. She died on 10th August 2025, aged 92.

Ray Brooks

The British actor was best known for his starring role in Richard Lester's 60s comedy The Knack... And How To Get It, the TV dramas Cathy Come Home and Big Deal, and his recurring role in EastEnders as Joe Macer, who married Pauline Fowler. Brooks was one of the most prolific voice-over artists in the business, and achieved TV immortality by narrating the animated series Mr Benn. He also appeared in the films Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) and Carry On Abroad (1972). He died on 9th August 2025 aged 86.

Jim Lovell

The American astronaut led the crew on the problematic Apollo 13 lunar mission which safely returned to Earth in April 1970. Tom Hanks played Lovell in the movie biopic Apollo 13. Lovell died on 7th August 2025, aged 97.

James Whale

The controversial radio and television broadcaster died after a length battle with cancer on 4th August 2025, aged 74. His Radio Aire programme The James Whale Radio Show was simulcasted from Leeds on national television between 1988 and 1992.

Loni Anderson

The American actress was best known for her role in the sitcom WKRP In Cincinnati between 1978 and 1982. She died on 3rd August aged 79.

July 2025

Hulk Hogan

The wrestling and film and TV star died on 24th July, aged 78, in Clearwater, Florida. The star - whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea - was widely known as one of the most famous wrestling stars of all time, winning multiple championships worldwide and most notably being a six-time WWF Champion.

Ozzy Osbourne

The legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and heavy metal solo star died on 22nd July 2025, aged 76, His family posted: "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."

The star had performed his final, farewell show with Sabbath, Back To The Beginning, at Villa Park in Birmingham on 5th July, a mere two weeks before his death.

Joey Jones

The Welsh footballer, who played for Liverpool, Wrexham and Chelsea, died on 22nd July 2025, aged 70.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

The New Jersey-born actor and musician was best known as his role in as Theodore Huxtable in The Cosby Show. He died from drowning while swimming in Costa Rica on 20th July. He was 54.

Felix Baumgartner

The Austrian extreme sportsman was best known for skydiving from a helium balloon in the stratosphere in October 2012. He died in a paragliding crash on 17th July aged 56.

I Jumped From Space (World Record Supersonic Freefall)

Judy Loe

The British actor died on 15th July, aged 78. Her career included appearances in General Hospital, The Gentle Touch, Inspector Morse, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors. She was married to the actor Richard Beckinsale and is the mother of actor Kate.

David Kaff

The British actor and musician gained immortality for his role as keyboard player Viv Savage in the spoof music documentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984). He was a genuine, accomplished musician, having founded the prg rock band Rare Bird in 1969. He died on 11th July 2025, aged 79. "Have a good time all the time."

Norman Tebbit

The British Conservative politician died on 7th July 2025, aged 94. He's probably best remembered for his controversial sspeech at a party conference in 1981, when he criticised the riots that were then sweeping the UK by saying: "I grew up in the ‘30s with an unemployed father, He didn’t riot. He got on his bike and looked for work, and he kept looking till he found it." Tebbit and his wife survived the IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in 1984, with Margaret Tebbit left permanently disabled.

Mark Snow

The New York-born musician was best known for composing the theme to The X Files; he also worked on the series Smallville and Blue Bloods. He died from blood cancer on 3rd July, aged 78.

Mark Snow - Materia Primoris: The X-Files Theme (Main Title) (Official Audio)

Diogo Jota

The Portuguese footballer was killed in a car crash on 3rd July alongside his brother, André Silva. The pair were in Spain, on their way back to Liverpool where Jota was about to start pre-season training. He was 28.

Michael Madsen

The Chicago-born actor was best known for his work on Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Volume 2, plus roles in Donnie Brasco, Sin City and Die Another Day. He died of heart failure on 3rd July, aged 67.

Gerald Harper

The British actor, best known for the title role in the 1960s fantasy adventure series Adam Adamant Lives!, died in 2nd July 2025, aged 96.

June 2025

Patrick Walden

The guitarist with Pete Doherty's post-Libertines project Babyshambles died on 20th June 2025, aged 46.

Brian Wilson

The hugely-influential founding member of The Beach Boys died on 11th June, aged 82. Wilson masterminded the songwriting and arrangement of the group's music, but in 1964 the pressure became too great and he withdrew from performing live to focus on production work from that point on. This led to the band's peak of creativity, culminating in the brilliant single Good Vibrations and the accompanying album Pet Sounds, which also featured God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice.

While problems with his mental health affected his life and ability to work during the 1970s and 80s, Wilson continued to release music through the 1990s and the 2000s, and he reunited with the Beach Boys for one last time in 2011.

Brian leaves behind six children, including daughters Carnie and Wendy who made up two-thirds of the pop vocal group Wilson Phillips.

Sly Stone

The pioneering funk and soul legend died on 9th June 2025, aged 82, after a lengthy health battle, surrounded by his loved ones. “After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” a family statement read. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”

May 2025

Alan Yentob

The TV executive and presenter of arts series Imagine died on 24th May aged 78. Yentob held the position of controller of BBC-2 - introducing such shows as Have I Got News For You and Absolutely Fabulous and controller of BBC-1, where he commissioned Middlemarch, Pride & Prejudice and Ballykissangel, among many others. He was also chairman of the board of trustees of the charity Kids Company from 2003 until it collapsed in 2015.

George Wendt

The Chicago born actor, best known for his role as Norm in the TV sitcom Cheers died on 20th May, aged 76. Wendt also appeared in the films Airplane II, Fletch, House and Spice World.

April 2025

Mike Peters

The Alarm frontman died after a long battle with blood cancer on 29th April 2025. The 66-year-old Welsh musician was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia more than 30 uears ago, and in October last year, Peters found out he had Richter syndrome – an aggressive form of lymphoma. The Alarm officially formed in 1981 in Rhyl, and their debut album Declaration from February 1984 was their biggest hit in the UK, spawning the singles 68 Guns and Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke? The band's other hits include Rain In The Summertime and Spirit Of '76.

Philip Lowrie

The Ashton-under-Lyne born actor, best known for his recurring role as Dennis Tanner in Coronation Street, died on 25th April 2025, aged 88.

Pope Francis

The former Jorge Mario Bergoglio took over the role as head of the Catholic church in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He died on 21st April 2025, aged 88, a day after giving his final Easter Sunday address at the Vatican. The Pope had been suffering from a respiratory illness since February. The papal funeral took place five days later and he was interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Jean Marsh

The British actor and writer died on 13th April, aged 90. She was best known for co-creating and starring in the ITV drama series Upstairs Downstairs, which ran between 1971 and 1975. Marsh later co-created the BBC series The House Of Elliott and her long and varied career saw her work with Alfred Hitchcock on his 1972 film Frenzy, and appear in TV shows like Doctor Who (on three separate occasions), The Twilight Zone, The Saint, Play For Today, The Waltons and Hawaii-Five-O, while taking roles in films as diverse as Cleopatra (1963), The Eagle Has Landed (1976), Return To Oz (1985) and Willow (1988). She was briefly married to former Doctor Who and Worzel Gummidge star Jon Pertwee in the late 1950s. Her friend, the director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, paid tribute to Marsh, calling her "wise and funny... very pretty and kind, and talented both as an actress and writer".

Roy Thomas Baker

The hugely successful British record producer died on 12th April, aged 78. Baker produced five albums by Queen, including A Night At The Opera, which included their most complex recording, Bohemian Rhapsody. The producer also worked with The Cars, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, The Stranglers, Cheap Trick, Devo, The Darkness and Smashing Pumpkins.

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (original version)

Clem Burke

Blondie drummer Clem Burke died on 6th April, aged 70, after losing his battle with cancer. Founding members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein shared the news in a statement, where they described him as the "heartbeat of Blondie". Taking to social media, the duo said: "IClem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie."

Dave Allen

The bassist of the legendary post-punk band, Gang of Four died at the age of 69. The news was confirmed on Sunday 6th April by drummer Hugo Burnham, who revealed that Allen had been battling early onset dementia for several years. "It is with broken yet full hearts that we share the news that Dave Allen, our old music partner, friend, and brilliant musician, died on Saturday morning. He was at home with his family," said Burnham. "We’ve been so very lucky to have had the Ace of Bass in our lives."

John Saint Ryan

The Coronation Street star died, aged 72, on 3rd April 2025. from a heart attack. His wife Joyce announced on Facebook: "I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April. We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral." Ryan was best known for his role as Charlie Whelan in Coronation Street, and he appeared in Emmerdale, GBH and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Val Kilmer

The California-born star of Top Gun, Batman and Heat died of pneumonia on 1st April, aged 65. Kyle Maclachlan, who co-starred with Kilmer in The Doors, wrote: "You'll always be my Jim. See you on the other side my friend." Francis Ford Coppola said: "Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life." Tom Cruise pais tribute at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, saying: "I'd like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. I can't tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick. I wish you well on the next journey."

March 2025

Richard Chamberlain

The American actor, who became famous as Dr Kildare in the TV soap of the same name, died on 29th March aged 90. He also appeared in the television mini-series The Thorn Birds and Shogun.

Paul "Wags" Wagstaff

The guitarist of the short-lived Manchester band had an indie hit with Perfume (All On You). He later worked with Black Grape, the reformed Happy Mondays and The Charlatans. His death, aged 60, was announced on 24th March.

paris angels - perfume

George Foreman

The two-time heavyweight boxing champion died on 21st March, aged 76. He was best known for his high profile bout against Muhammed Ali in Zaire in 1974, nicknamed The Rumble In The Jungle. In later years, he lent his name to a fat-reducing grilling machines, which shifted over 100 million units since its launch in 1994.

Eddie Jordan

The Dublin-born racing driver and head of the Jordan Racing Formula 1 team died on 20th March 2025, aged 76. His team featured drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Martin Brundle and Damon Hill and won four Grands Prix over 15 years. He later became a pundit for the BBC and then Channel 4.

Simon Fisher-Becker

The London born actor, who made appearances in Doctor Who, Afterlife and Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone, died on 9th March 2025, aged 63.

Brian James

One of the founding members of The Damned, James died on 6th March 2025, aged 70. He wrote Britain's first punk single, New Rose, which was released on the Chiswick label in October 1976, appearing a month before the Sex Pistols' Anarchy In The UK. After composing most of the material on the first two Damned albums, he left the band at the end of 1977, later working with Iggy Pop and Duff McKagan, among many others. In 1981, James launched a new band The Lords Of The New Church with ex-Dead Boys singer Stiv Bators. He reunited with his Damned colleagues for a series of shows in 2022; his bandmate Captain Sensible wrote on social media: "We’re shocked to hear that creator of The Damned, our great chum Brian James, has sadly gone. A lovely bloke that I feel so lucky to have met all those years ago and for some reason chose me to help in his quest for the music revolution that became known as punk."

Angie Stone

Acclaimed R&B and soul singer Angie Stone, tragically died in a car crash in Montgomery, Alabama on 1st March 2025 at 63 years old. The US musician gave her last performance at the 2025 Grand Marshal's Ball in Mobile just the night before. She is survived by her son Michael Archer (whom she shares with neo soul singer D'Angelo), daughter Diamond Stone, who she shares with ex husband Rodney Stone, and her two grandchildren.

February 2025

David Johansen

The lead singer of the "proto-punk" band The New York Dolls died on 28th February 2025, aged 75. He was the last surviving original member, following the deaths of Sylvain Sylvain in 2021, Arthur Kane in 2004, Jerry Nolan in 1992 and Johnny Thunders in 1991.

Michelle Trachtenberg

The American actress, who was best known for her roles in Harriet The Spy, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, sadly died on 26th February aged 39. Gary Mantoosh, a representative for Trachtenberg, confirmed her death "with great sadness" in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday. "The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time."

Gene Hackman

The actor, who won Oscars for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found dead at his home in New Mexico together with his wife Betsy Arakawa on 26th February 2025. He was 95. Hackman also starred as Lex Luthor in the 1978 reboot of Superman and appeared in Bonnie And Clyde (1967), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Conversation (1974), Under Fire (1983), The Firm (1992) and Crimson Tide (1995).

Henry Kelly

The Irish former journalist first came to fame as one of the presenters of ITV's Saturday night show Game For A Laugh alongside Jeremy Beadle, Matthew Kelly and Sarah Kennedy. He later was a presenter on TV-am and fronted the daytime BBC quiz show Going For Gold between 1987 and 1996. Kelly was also one of the first presenters on Classic FM and later did a stint on LBC. He died on 25th February 2025, aged 78.

Roberta Flack

The North Carolina-born singer was best known for her performances of Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which both won a Grammy for Record Of The Year. She died on 24th February 2025, aged 88.

Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Video)

Rick Buckler

The drummer with The Jam died on 17th February after a short illness aged 69. He had been part of the mod outfit with bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton since the mid-1970s until their much-publicised split in December 1982.

Brian Murphy

The Isle of Wight-born actor was best known for his role as the hapless George Roper in the ITV sitcoms Man About The House and George And Mildred alongside the legendary Yootha Joyce. He later appeared in series such as Last Of The Summer Wine and Mrs Merton And Malcolm. He died on 2nd February 2025, aged 92.

January 2025

Marianne Faithfull

The Hampstead-born actor and musician died on 30th January 2025 aged 78. Her first single was a Mick Jagger-Keith Richards composition As Tears Go By her relationship with Mick Jagger fascinated the newspapers in the late 60s - particularly after she was present when Mick and Keith were arrested for possession of drugs in February 1967. In 1979, Faithfull's musical career was given a boost with the "comeback" album Broken English, which spawned the hit The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan.

Denis Law

The Aberdeen-born footballer spent played for Manchester United for 11 years between 1962 and 1973 and was part of the squad for their 1983 FA Cup final triumph. Law also played for Scotland in the 1974 World Cup. He died on 17th January, aged 84.

David Lynch

The influential director - best known for Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and iconic TV series Twin Peaks - died on 15th January, aged 78, a year after revealing his emphysema diagnosis.

Linda Nolan

The singer, actress and TV personality, best known as a member of The Nolans, died on 15th January at the age of 65. Linda, who went public with her terminal cancer diagnosis in recent years, was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in January and fell into a coma, dying of double pneumonia "embraced with love and comfort" with her siblings by her side.

Tony Slattery

The British actor and comedian - best known for his regular appearances on on the Channel 4 improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? - died on 14th January, aged 65 following a heart attack

Paul Danan

The former Hollyoaks actor's shocking death at just 46 years old was recored on 15th January. Danan was buried a week later, but the cause of his death still remains unknown. Danan leaves behind his nine-year-old son DeNiro, who he shared with a former partner.

Tony Book

The English footballer and coach died on 13th January 2025 aged 90. He played for Manchester City between 1966 and 1974 and managed the team between 1974 and '79.

Sam Moore

Sam Moore, best known for being half of the duo Sam & Dave - along with partner Dave Prater - that performed Soul Man and Hold On I'm Coming, died on 10th January at age 89 from surgery complications.

The Vivienne

The former Ru Paul's Drag Race winner - whose real name is James Lee Williams - died on 5th January at 32 years old.

Jeff Baena

The American screenwriter and film director - known for Life After Beth, Joshy and The Little Hours - sadly died aged 47 years old on 3rd January 2025 due to suicide. He is survived by his actor wife Aubrey Plaza, who is known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus.

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