2025 was a reflective year for film, music, and science, as we said goodbye to some of the brilliant minds, and at the same time, we were celebrating the accomplishments of living legends. It includes a wide range of personalities from actors who won the Oscar to rock icons, as well as the scientists who paved the way; these people became the culture, and their influence was boundless. To begin with, it’s the list of 10 important figures whose loss or recognition marked the year 2025, plus the imprint they left on their way.
10. Diane Keaton (79, October 11)
Diane Keaton—the iconic one-of-a-kind queen whose hats were as memorable as her sharp blazers and whose roles could hardly be forgotten has left this world at the age of 79. The amazing aura of her personality, which was different in every single way from Annie Hall to The Godfather and Father of the Bride, touched the whole generation of movies in a very profound way. It was through her last movie in Summer Camp that the audience saw that she still had the power to make the world laugh and cry with her. A lot of stars, Goldie Hawn, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, and Jane Fond, among others, could not help but send their love and respect to her original, after she was gone.
9. Diane Ladd (89, November 3)
Three-time Oscar nominee Diane Ladd left behind a legacy that spanned decades, from Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore to Wild at Heart. She also formed one of Hollywood’s most famous acting dynasties with daughter Laura Dern, who called Ladd “my amazing hero” and “profound gift of a mother.” Ladd passed peacefully at home in California, surrounded by family.
8. Robert Redford (89, September 16)
The iconic Robert Redford, star of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away at 89 in his beloved Utah home. Redford’s influence on Hollywood and independent cinema is immeasurable, and his dedication to storytelling, activism, and film culture leaves behind a legacy to inspire for decades.
7. Jane Goodall (91, October 1)
Renowned primatologist and environmental activist Jane Goodall, 91, died while on a speaking tour through the United States. Her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees redefined science and inspired global conservation. The recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, Goodall’s lifetime of work will continue to shape the way we understand and protect the natural world.
6. Val Kilmer (65, April 1)
Versatile actor Val Kilmer, known for the films Top Gun, Batman Forever, and his portrayal of Jim Morrison, died from pneumonia following a long battle with health issues stemming from throat cancer. Kilmer’s talent spanned decades, and his final appearance in Top Gun: Maverick reminded audiences of his enduring star power.
5. David Lynch (78, January 15)
The surrealist mastermind David Lynch died just shy of his 79th birthday. From Blue Velvet to Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, Lynch transformed cinema with his strange, dreamlike visions. His influence on filmmakers and audiences alike is impossible to overstate-anyone who’s ever watched a movie and thought, “What did I just see?” owes a debt to Lynch’s creativity.
4. Ozzy Osbourne (76, July 22)
The Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, died at 76 with family by his side. As the frontman of Black Sabbath and a reality TV personality, Ozzy’s influence on rock music and pop culture is the stuff of legend. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2003, he continued to perform with unrelenting energy, leaving behind a career chock-full of iconic moments.
3. Brian Wilson (82, June 11)
Brian Wilson, who led The Beach Boys to some of their most identifiable harmonies, died at 82 after an ongoing dementia illness. Songs like Good Vibrations and albums like Pet Sounds reimagined pop music, and the influence of Wilson can still be heard today, from indie rock to hip-hop.
2. Gene Hackman (95, February 26)
Gene Hackman, winner of two Oscars over his six-decade-long career, has died alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. From The French Connection to Superman, the iconic roles of Hackman have left an indelible mark on film. His passing was a dual loss, coming shortly after his wife’s death from hantavirus.
1. Cyndi Lauper (Inducted 2025 – Not deceased)
Still alive and well, 2025 celebrated the legendary career of Cyndi Lauper. Her 68-date Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour ended with a GRAMMY Salute at the Hollywood Bowl, with performances by Cher, SZA, and John Legend. The special aired on October 5 and streams now on Paramount+, saluting her lasting influence on music and culture.
2025 reminded us of both the fragility and brilliance of life. From actors and musicians to scientists and activists, each of the individuals on our list has made particular, indelible impressions on our world. Whether through groundbreaking achievements or heartfelt tributes, their legacies will continue to inspire, entertain, and educate for generations to come.