2025 has been a really tough year for fans of music, movies, and television, with the world having to bid adieu to some of its most loved personas. From pioneering artists to visionary filmmakers, these losses have left a mark on both pop culture and personal hearts. Here’s a look back at ten of the most shocking celebrity deaths of the year, remembering the lives, achievements, and legacies they leave behind.
10. Wayne Osmond
Wayne Osmond, an integral part of the Osmond family music dynasty, died after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 73. With his warm presence on stage and harmonious vocals, Wayne defined the family’s signature sound that dominated the pop charts for decades. Beyond his life in the limelight, he had been a loving husband and father of five, surrounded by his adoring family during his last moments. The great influence of his contributions to music and memories of the Osmonds will always be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
9. Brenton Wood
R&B and pop crooner Brenton Wood, who enjoyed a 1967 hit that still gets people smiling today with “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has died in California at the age of 83, surrounded by friends and family. With his smooth voice and catchy melodies, Wood epitomized classic soul and R&B. His music crossed generations, with many of his songs being covered or rerecorded by contemporary artists, and his influence continues to resonate in the rhythm and blues world. His infectious charm and timeless songs will be remembered for decades to come.
8. Jeff Baena
Indie filmmaker Jeff Baena died from a reportedly self-inflicted death in Los Angeles at the age of 47. With sharp-witted, quirky, and often heartwarming indies, Baena cultivated a loyal following with films like Horse Girl and Spin Me Round. Baena’s distinctive storytelling voice and dedication to perspectives that fall outside of more mainstream film tropes cemented his place as one of the most unique contemporary cinematic voices. What’s devastating to the film community is the loss of his talent and the stories he had yet to tell.
7. The Vivienne
The passing of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, at just 32 years old, sent shockwaves through the drag world and fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The winner of the first season, The Vivien, was a star of razor-sharp wit, striking fashion sense, and a pioneering spirit in the world of drag culture. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but her passing leaves a chasm in the community that celebrated her as both a performer and a role model. Vivienne’s talent and confidence will continue to be an inspiration for performers around the world.
6. Sam Moore
Sam Moore, half of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, died in Florida at 89 after complications following surgery. Famous for timeless hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s powerful voice and magnetic stage presence helped define the sound of 1960s soul music. Beyond his music, Moore’s influence on rhythm and blues, along with the generations of artists he inspired, makes him truly an icon. His fans will continue celebrating the joy and energy he brought to every performance.
5. Leslie Charleson
Leslie Charleson, the heart of the Quartermaine family to General Hospital fans, has died at 79 after nearly 50 years on the soap. Charleson’s consistent performances and bringing depth and authenticity to the characters she portrayed made her a stalwart of daytime television. Generations followed her storylines, and to that world of daytime drama, her commitment would be etched in their minds forever. She’ll be remembered for her kindness, professionalism, and talent by fans and colleagues alike.
4. David Lynch
Visionary filmmaker David Lynch has died at the age of 78, and with his passing, the world is a quieter place without his surreal, haunting, and endlessly imaginative touch. With Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet among his repertoire of cinematic masterpieces, Lynch created a universe in which the bizarre and beautiful coexisted, muddying audiences’ perceptions of reality. Emphysema took the life of a director whose influence extended into the work of many artists and filmmakers. More than his movies, Lynch’s commitment to his work and to evoke curiosity and wonder in everyone meant his voice would continue to ring out for generations.
3. Lynn Ban
Reality star and jewelry designer Lynn Ban, star of Bling Empire: New York, has died aged 52, less than a month after undergoing emergency brain surgery following a skiing accident. With her elegance, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and dynamic screen presence, Ban impressed in both television and the fashion world. Friends, family, and fans have mourned her sudden death by remembering her for the warmth, creativity, and trail she blazed in bringing her cultural heritage to the spotlight.
2. DJ Unk
DJ Unk, the Atlanta-based DJ and hip-hop artist behind the 2006 club hit “Walk It Out,” has passed away at 43, leaving behind a legacy of infectious beats and dancefloor anthems. DJ Unk’s influence on Southern hip-hop and the crunk scene helped define an era of music that brought people together across the country. Beyond the hits, he was remembered as a mentor to younger artists and a vibrant figure in the music community, whose energy and charisma will be missed both on stage and off.
1. Ryan Whyte Maloney
Ryan Whyte Maloney, a powerhouse of a vocalist and an alum from The Voice, died by suicide at 44. Known for his unforgettable four-chair turn on the show, Maloney had captured the hearts of the audience with his range, emotion, and dedication to his craft. It’s another heartbreaking reminder that for all the greatness people experience in public, there’s often some type of struggle behind closed doors. But the fans continue to celebrate Maloney’s music and the joy he brought to audiences. Maloney’s talent and spirit will live on through the performances he’s left and the inspiration he’s left for other aspiring singers.
2025 has been a year of profound loss, and the following celebrities account for only a small part of the talent, creativity, and inspiration that the world has lost. Be it in music, television, movies, or drag culture, each one of these figures has left their marks, which go much beyond their art. Their work lives on, moving, entertaining, and inspiring fans who are reminded of the voices, performances, and visions shaping the current cultural landscape.