2025 marked the loss of influential voices across film, television, music, sports, and culture. From actors and musicians who shaped generations to writers, athletes, and cultural figures whose work left a lasting imprint, these individuals made their mark through the stories they told, the music they created, and the moments they shaped. Whether on screen, on stage, behind the scenes, or in the public eye, their contributions resonated far beyond their time. We remember them not only for their achievements but for the cultural moments they helped create.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54 | July 20, 2025
Actor best known as Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Warner died from an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. He also starred in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Major Crimes, The Resident, 9-1-1, and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. Warner was a poet and musician.
Diane Keaton, 79 | October 11, 2025
Oscar-winning actress known for Annie Hall, The Godfather trilogy, The First Wives Club, and numerous collaborations with Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers, Keaton passed away. She also directed, wrote, and published three memoirs.
D’Angelo, 51 | October 14, 2025
Legendary musician and neo-soul pioneer, D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer) died after a private battle with cancer. He released landmark albums including Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah, earning four Grammys over his career.
Ananda Lewis, 52 | June 11, 2025
Television host known for BET’s Teen Summit and MTV’s Total Request Live, Lewis died after publicly sharing her struggle with breast cancer. She also hosted her own talk show and inspired audiences to prioritize health screenings.
Kevin Arkadie, 68 | Dec. 17, 2025
Television writer and producer Kevin Arkadie, co-creator of the groundbreaking Fox cop drama New York Undercover, died on Dec. 17 at age 68. Arkadie also worked on acclaimed series including Chicago Hope, NYPD Blue, The Shield, and BET dramas The Quad and Sacrifice. He began his television career on NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street and remained a respected voice in crime and character-driven storytelling throughout his career.
Sly Stone, 82 | June 9, 2025
Legendary singer-songwriter and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, Stone passed away after battling COPD and other health issues. He pioneered funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock, with hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.”
Robert Redford, 89 | September 16, 2025
Iconic actor and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford starred in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. He won a Best Director Oscar for Ordinary People.
George Foreman, 76 | March 21, 2025
Two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Foreman later became a successful entrepreneur with his famous grill and appeared on television.
Marshawn Kneeland, 24 | Nov. 6, 2025
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Nov. 6 at 24. A second-round draft pick in 2024, he played 18 NFL games and scored his first touchdown on a blocked punt recovery just days before his death.
Angie Stone, 63 | March 1, 2025
R&B and soul singer behind hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” Stone also acted on Girlfriends and Broadway’s Chicago. She died in a car accident.
Rob Reiner, – | December 14, 2025
Filmmaker and actor, Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in an apparent double homicide. He directed classics like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Danielle Spencer, 60 | August 11, 2025
Child star known as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening! and What’s Happening Now, Spencer became a veterinarian after her acting career. She passed away in August 2025.
Joshua Allen, 36 | Sept. 30, 2025
Season 4 winner of So You Think You Can Dance, Joshua Allen passed away at 36. He won the show at 18, later returning as an All-Star. Allen appeared in Step Up 3D, Freak Dance, Dance Your Ass Off season 2, Footloose (2011), and commercials for Honda and McDonald’s, as well as episodes of Community and American Horror Story.
Lee Weaver, 95 | Sept. 22, 2025
Character actor Lee Weaver, known for Buck Naked on Hill Street Blues, a regular role on Easy Street, and appearances on NYPD Blue, The Bill Cosby Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died at 95. His film credits include How Stella Got Her Groove Back, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Donnie Darko, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
Gene Hackman, 95 | Feb. 26, 2025
Two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, known for The French Connection, Unforgiven, The Royal Tenenbaums, and multiple Superman films, passed away from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s. His career included five Academy Award nominations and iconic roles in Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Conversation.
Michelle Trachtenberg, 39 | Feb. 26, 2025
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl, died at 39. She began on The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All My Children, and appeared in films such as Inspector Gadget, EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
Roberta Flack, 88 | Feb. 24, 2025
R&B singer Roberta Flack, famed for hits including “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” died at 88. A Howard University prodigy, Flack won multiple Grammys and released influential albums like First Take and Chapter Two, continuing to impact music across decades.
Irv Gotti, 54 | Feb. 5, 2025
Record producer and cofounder of Murder Inc., Irv Gotti passed away at 54. He helped launch Ja Rule and Ashanti, producing hits including DMX’s “What’s My Name?” and Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real” remix.
Kimberly Hébert Gregory, 52 | Oct. 3, 2025
Actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory, known for Vice Principals and roles on New Amsterdam, Grey’s Anatomy, and Devious Maids, died at 52. She began in Chicago theater and appeared in shows including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Better Call Saul, and The Big Bang Theory.
Renée Victor, 86 | May 30, 2025
Actress Renée Victor, voice of Abuelita Elena in Coco, died of lymphoma at 86. She performed internationally in music and dance, appeared on Weeds, Gentefied, and other series, and acted in films such as Coco.
Lynn Hamilton, 95 | June 19, 2025
Actress Lynn Hamilton, known for The Waltons and Sanford and Son, died at 95. Her career spanned Broadway and television, including Room 222, Roots: The Next Generation, and Generations.
Dave Scott, 52 | June 16, 2025
Choreographer Dave Scott, known for You Got Served, Step Up 2, and So You Think You Can Dance, passed away at 52. He helped create teen R&B groups B2K and Mindless Behavior and choreographed for films, TV shows, and video games.
Kenneth Washington, 88 | July 18, 2025
Actor Kenneth Washington, the last surviving cast member of Hogan’s Heroes, died at 88. He appeared on I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek, Westworld, and taught courses on Black actors in film at Loyola Marymount University and Southwest College.
Robbie Pardlo, 46 | July 17, 2025
R&B singer Robbie Pardlo of City High, known for “What Would You Do,” died at 46. He co-founded the group with Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby, released one album, and continued to create music post-disbandment.
Young Noble, 47 | July 4, 2025
Rapper Young Noble, an Outlawz member and Tupac collaborator, died by suicide at 47. He joined the group in 1996, appeared on The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, and released seven solo albums.
Julian McMahon, 56 | July 2, 2025
Actor Julian McMahon, known for Nip/Tuck, Charmed, Fantastic Four, and FBI: Most Wanted, died at 56 from cancer. Son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon, he began his career in modeling and Australian soap operas.
Walter Scott Jr., 81 | June 26, 2025
Singer Walter Scott Jr., founding member of the Whispers, died at 81 from cancer. He helped the group achieve gold albums and hits such as “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady.”
Souleymane Cissé, 84 | Feb. 19, 2025
Award-winning Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, director of Yeelen, died at 84. He was a pioneer of African cinema, earning the Cannes Jury Prize and acclaim for films including Den Muso and Waati.
Wayne Lewis, 68 | June 5, 2025
Wayne Lewis, co-founder and vocalist/keyboardist of R&B group Atlantic Starr, died at 68. The band, founded in 1976, produced hits such as “Circles,” “Always,” and “Masterpiece.”
Sha’Vi Lewis, 38 | Feb. 24, 2025
Fashion designer and Project Runway contestant Sha’Vi Lewis died at 38. He was previously creative director for Stephen F and ran his own line, finishing 10th on season 18 of the show.
Jeffrey Alan Woodley, 71 | Dec. 10, 2025
Celebrity hairstylist Jeffrey Alan Woodley, whose clients included Diahann Carroll, Whitney Houston, Halle Berry, Pam Grier, Angela Bassett, and Denzel Washington, died Dec. 10 in New York from complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome. A Philadelphia native, Woodley was mentored by stylist Walter Fontaine and built a prolific career in fashion and entertainment, with his work appearing in Ebony, Essence, GQ, and major L’Oréal campaigns.
Chris Jasper, 73 | Feb. 23, 2025
Soul artist Chris Jasper, member of the Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley, died at 73 from cancer. He co-wrote hits including “For the Love of You” and “Caravan of Love,” and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Voletta Wallace, 88 | Feb. 21, 2025
Mother of rapper The Notorious B.I.G., Voletta Wallace died of natural causes at 88. She was a key advocate for her late son’s legacy, participating in documentaries including Netflix’s Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.
Pope Francis, 88 | April 21, 2025
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and progressive leader of the Catholic Church, died at 88. He was known for speaking on climate change, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and appeared in films such as Beyond the Sun and documentaries about his life.
Presley Chweneyagae, 40 | May 27, 2025
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, known for Tsotsi, died at 40. Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. Chweneyagae also appeared in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Africa United.
Kirk Medas, 33 | May 2, 2025
Reality star Kirk Medas of Floribama Shore died at 33 from complications of necrotizing pancreatitis. He also appeared on How Far Is Tattoo Far? and Fear Factor.
Val Kilmer, 65 | April 1, 2025
Actor Val Kilmer, known for Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, died of pneumonia following a battle with throat cancer. His last appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
Brandyn Barbara Artis, 81 | March 31, 2025
Actress Brandyn Barbara Artis, known for THX 1138 and TV roles on Knots Landing and General Hospital, died at 81. She also served in the U.S. Air Force and wrote the autobiographical play Sister, Girl.
Young Scooter, 39 | March 28, 2025
Rapper Young Scooter, frequent collaborator with Gucci Mane and Future, died at 39. He released numerous mixtapes including Finessin’ & Flexin and had hits like “Colombia” and his feature on “Jet Lag.”
Jerry Butler, 85 | Feb. 20, 2025
Soul singer-songwriter Jerry Butler, known as the Iceman, died at 85. Former lead of the Impressions, he recorded hits such as “He Will Break Your Heart” and served as Cook County commissioner for over three decades.
Barry Michael Cooper, 66 | Jan. 21, 2025
Screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper, known for the “Harlem trilogy” (New Jack City, Sugar Hill, Above the Rim), died at 66. He began as a Village Voice music critic and became a prominent crime drama screenwriter.
DJ Unk, 43 | Jan. 24, 2025
Atlanta rapper and DJ Unk, famous for 2006 hit “Walk It Out,” died at 43. He released albums including Beat’n Down Yo Block, 2econd Season, and Fresh Off Dem Papers.
James McEachin, 94 | Jan. 11, 2025
Actor James McEachin, known for All in the Family and Clint Eastwood films, died at 94. A Korean War veteran, he received the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and later wrote books on military topics.
Sam Moore, 89 | Jan. 10, 2025
Grammy-winning soul singer Sam Moore, half of Sam & Dave, died at 89. The duo had hits including “Soul Man,” “Hold On! I’m Comin’,” and “I Thank You,” and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Brenton Wood, 83 | Jan. 3, 2025
Soul singer Brenton Wood, known for “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” died at 83. Born Alfred Jesse Smith, he performed and toured for decades, beginning in the 1950s.
T-Hood, 33 | Aug. 8, 2025
Rapper T-Hood, known for “Ready 2 Go” and “Percolator,” died after being shot in a domestic dispute in Georgia. He had released several singles and collaborated with B.o.B.
Joan Plowright, 95 | Jan. 16, 2025
Dame Joan Plowright, celebrated stage and screen actress and widow of Laurence Olivier, died at 95. She starred in Equus, The Entertainer, Enchanted April, and won multiple Tony and Golden Globe awards.
DJ Funk, 54 | March 5, 2025
Chicago music producer DJ Funk, pioneer of ghetto house music, died from cancer at 54. Known for Booty House Anthems series, he sold over 1 million copies of his 1999 release.
Roy Ayers, 84 | March 4, 2025
Vibraphonist and composer Roy Ayers, “Godfather of Neo Soul,” died at 84. He is known for “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” and released nearly four dozen albums influencing hip-hop and R&B.
D’Wayne Wiggins, 64 | March 7, 2025
R&B musician and co-founder of Tony! Toni! Toné!, D’Wayne Wiggins died at 64. The group produced hits including “Feels Good” and “If I Had No Loot,” and he later worked with artists like Destiny’s Child, Zendaya, and H.E.R.
Michael Sumler | May 25, 2025
Member of Kool & the Gang, Michael Sumler, passed away. He contributed to the band’s hits and legacy.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, 75 | Dec. 4, 2025
Japanese-American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for Mortal Kombat, The Last Emperor, and The Man in the High Castle, died Dec. 4 at 75. His career spanned film and television, with notable roles in License to Kill, Pearl Harbor, Heroes, and Nash Bridges.
Graham Greene, 73 | Sept. 1, 2025
Actor Graham Greene, Oscar-nominated for Dances With Wolves, died Sept. 1 at 73. His career included roles in The Green Mile, The Last of Us, Reservation Dogs, American Gods, Maverick, and The Twilight Saga. He was also a longtime supporter of Indigenous theater in Canada.
Reggie Carroll, 52 | Aug. 20, 2025
Comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll died Aug. 20 at 52 after being fatally shot. The Baltimore-born entertainer toured nationally and collaborated with Mo’Nique and Katt Williams, with appearances on Showtime at the Apollo, Knockout Kings of Comedy, and The Parkers.
Rolling Ray, 28 | Sept. 3, 2025
Social media personality Rolling Ray (born Juan Raymond Harper) died Sept. 3 at 28. Rising to fame after appearances on Catfish: Trolls and Divorce Court, he became a viral sensation known for catchphrases like “purr” and “you’re not that girl.” A cause of death was not disclosed.
Ike Turner Jr., 67 | Oct. 4, 2025
Ike Turner Jr., musician and producer and son of Tina Turner and Ike Turner, died Oct. 4 at 67. He won a Grammy in 2007 as a producer on his father’s album Risin’ With the Blues and later performed with tribute group The Love Thang Band.
Carl Carlton, 72 | Dec. 14, 2025
R&B and funk singer Carl Carlton died Dec. 14 at 72. He was best known for hits “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” the latter earning him a Grammy nomination. His 1981 self-titled album went gold.
Jubilant Sykes, 71 | Dec. 8, 2025
Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes died Dec. 8 at 71 after being fatally stabbed in his Santa Monica home. He performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera and collaborated with artists such as Julie Andrews, Renée Fleming, and Terence Blanchard.
Donyelle Jones, 46 | Dec. 2, 2025
Former So You Think You Can Dance contestant Donyelle Jones died Dec. 2 at 46 after a long battle with breast cancer. She finished third on season 2 of the series and appeared in films including Be Cool and Spirited.
Jimmy Cliff, 81 | Nov. 24, 2025
Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff died Nov. 24 at 81. A pioneer of the genre, he was known for songs like “Many Rivers to Cross” and “I Can See Clearly Now,” and starred in the influential film The Harder They Come. He won two Grammy Awards and received Jamaica’s Order of Merit.
Jellybean Johnson, 69 | Nov. 21, 2025
Jellybean Johnson, drummer for Prince-associated funk group The Time, died Nov. 21 at 69. He appeared in Purple Rain, produced hits for Janet Jackson and New Edition, and released his solo album Get Experienced in 2021.