Let’s get real—2025 was harsh on anyone who’s on top of film, television, or pop culture. The year was full of nearly constant celebrity death that brought fans to tears, timelines cluttered with obituaries, and an endless count of re-watches to keep the memory of those who passed alive. From trailblazing actors and filmmakers to legendary musicians who opened doors for entire scores, these are the 15 celebrity passings that hurt the worst this year—listed in reverse order, the most shocking last.
15. Ruth Buzzi
Comedy lost a very distinctive voice with Ruth Buzzi, whose offbeat Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In is the face that remains. She passed away at 88 after a fight with Alzheimer’s. Her quirky characters and impeccable timing did so much to establish her as a staple of old-school sketch television.
14. George Wendt
“Norm!” was the slogan of a generation, thanks to George Wendt on Cheers. The actor died peacefully at 76, leaving behind one of TV’s all-time great everyman sitcom actors.
13. Loretta Swit
MASH viewers said goodbye to Loretta Swit, the woman who gave a face to the name Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan. She died at 87, best remembered for a character that defined ensemble comedy-drama television.
12. Kelley Mack
The Walking Dead community bid farewell to Kelley Mack, who was Addy in Season 9. She died of cancer after a short battle at the young age of 33, leaving behind a legacy of infusing the show’s post-apocalyptic world with real humanity.
11. Malcolm-Jamal Warner
More familiar to millions as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in an unfortunate way while on a vacation with his family in Costa Rica at the age of 54. His lovable TV son persona represented the ’80s sitcom family life.
10. Hulk Hogan
Wrestling legend and reality TV star Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) passed away at 71. With his catchphrases, theatrics, and massive pop culture life, Hogan was larger than life both in and out of the ring.
9. Ozzy Osbourne
The world said goodbye to the Prince of Darkness. Ozzy Osbourne, who battled years of health problems, eventually passed away in 2025. Between his pioneering efforts with Black Sabbath, his solo achievements, and reality-TV extravaganzas, Ozzy influenced generations far beyond heavy metal.
8. Chuck Mangione
The world of jazz and animation enthusiasts both mourned the death of Chuck Mangione, who passed away at 84. With his Grammy-winning “Feels So Good” and frequent King of the Hill walk-ons, he was a cult legend with a legacy like no other.
7. Sly Stone
Sly Stone, architect of Sly and the Family Stone, died at 82. His innovative funk sound fueled countless film scores and rewrote the pop music DNA.
6. Brian Wilson
One of music’s greatest minds, Beach Boys creator Brian Wilson, has died at 82. With his rich harmonies and genius experimentation, Wilson gave the world a catalog of classics that set the tone for the 1960s and beyond.
5. Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death at 39 surprised her fans. The Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl were found in her Manhattan apartment. She left an enduring legacy on teen drama and family movies.
4. Gene Hackman
Hollywood is all the poorer for the passing of Gene Hackman, who died at 95, and his wife at their New Mexico ranch. With iconic performances in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others, he made him the gruff, multifaceted leading man like no other.
3. David Lynch
The universe of the movies grew strange once more, this time in tragic circumstances. Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks creator David Lynch passed away, inducing weeks of tributes. His surreal, off-putting sensibility informed decades of film and TV.
2. Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer, aged 65, died of pneumonia in Los Angeles after a lifetime of illness. From Top Gun’s Iceman to Batman and way, way beyond, Kilmer’s eccentric, irreverent acting cemented his legend—and his status as a convention and cosplay crowd favorite guest.
1. Pope Francis
Not an actor himself, but certainly one of the biggest shock deaths on the front pages, Pope Francis passed away at 88. Beyond religion, his vision of openness influenced documentaries, cultural works, and even books. His impact was felt beyond the world, beyond the Vatican.
Their deaths have left lasting gaps in film, television, and music. You may have seen ’80s TV shows, fallen under the spell of surf rock, or been haunted by Lynchian landscapes. 2025 served as a reminder of just how much impact all these artists had on our screens, playlists, and minds. Their films will continue to be watched, although we are going to miss them.