Celebrity deaths of 2025: Stars we have lost so far this year
Even though the new year has only just begun, we’ve already had to bid farewell to a few well-known faces.
These individuals, who ranged from famous musicians and actresses to well-known athletes and artists, who influenced culture and won over millions of fans.
Most recently, we have lost singer-songwriter Bill Fay, known for songs such as The Healing Day.
In a statement on Instagram on Saturday, his label Dead Oceans said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Fay, who died peacefully this morning in London, aged 81.”
Here, we pay tribute to those we’ve lost in 2025.
Wayne Osmond died on January 1
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At the age of 73, the smooth baritone of the pop group the Osmond Brothers, and thereafter the Osmonds, passed away. According to his brother Merrill Osmond, Osmond died at a Salt Lake City, Utah, hospital following a “massive stroke” on January 1.
Merrill Osmond wrote on Facebook: “I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”
Jeff Baena had married Aubrey Plaza in 2021
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Medical examiner documents show that Jeff Baena committed suicide on January 3 at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 47 years old.
Baena was a screenwriter and film director. He wrote and directed Life After Beth, Joshy, The Little Hours, Horse Girl and Spin Me Round and co-wrote I Heart Huckabees. He was known for his frequent collaborations with actresses Alison Brie, Molly Shannon, and his wife Aubrey Plaza.
Emilio Echevarría is known for his roles in Amores Perros and James Bond
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Emilio Echevarría, the actor best known for his roles in Amores perros, The Alamo and the James Bond franchise, died at the age of 81 on January 4.
After starting his career in theatre, Echevarría made the switch to film in the 1980s, securing parts in critically acclaimed films including Babel, Y Tu Mama Tambien, and Amores Perros. In the 2004 production of The Alamo, he also portrayed Antonio LoÁpez de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico.
Jim Short died aged 58
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Comedian Jim Short, who appeared on TV shows including Late Night with Conan O’Brien, died aged 58 on January 5.
Short also appeared on other American chat shows, including The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and The Late Show with David Letterman.
James Lee Williams “The Vivienne”
Drag queen The Vivienne during a catwalk show at RuPaul’s DragCon UK
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RuPaul’s Drag Race star, The Vivienne, also known as James Lee Williams passed away at the age of 32, their publicist said on January 5.
According to authorities, there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.
Williams, who was born in Wales, took on the drag moniker because of their reputation for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Peter Yarrow was part of the US folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary
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The US folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary’s singer, Peter Yarrow, passed away at the age of 86 on January 7. Yarrow had been diagnosed with bladder cancer four years prior.
Sam Moore passed away at the age of 89
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The surviving half and lead singer of the 1960s duet Sam & Dave, who were known for such iconic songs of the time as Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’, passed away at the age of 89 on January 10.
Actors Leslie Charleson and Jill Larson in 2003
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The renowned soap opera veteran Leslie Charleson, who played Dr Monica Quartermaine in the enduring General Hospital series, passed away at the age of 79 on January 12.
Tony Book died at 90 years old
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Tony Book, who led Manchester City to four major championships in the 1960s and 1970s before taking over as manager, passed away on January 13 at the age of 90.
Tony Slattery appeared on multiple shows including Whose Line Is It Anyway?
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After suffering a heart attack in January, comedian Tony Slattery passed away at the age of 65 on January 14. Slattery made an appearance on Whose Line Is It Anyway? a comic improvisation program on Channel 4 and the comedies Have I Got News For You and Just A Minute.
Director David Lynch died aged 78
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“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” his family wrote in a Facebook statement on January 16.
They added: “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole’. It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
It happened five months after Lynch disclosed that, as a result of “many years of smoking”, he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung illness.
Family paid tribute to Linda Nolan
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Two decades after receiving her initial cancer diagnosis, singer Linda Nolan, who was an integral part of the musical trio the Nolans, passed away at the age of 65 on January 15.
Alongside sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, Nolan rose to stardom in the 1970s.
They achieved success with songs including the disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing. After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005 and receiving the all-clear in 2011, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017. By 2023, it had spread to her brain.
TV presenter Coleen Nolan took to Instagram to say she was “utterly devastated” by her sister’s death, describing Linda as a “beacon of love, kindness and strength”.
Actress Diane Langton as Mama Morton during a photocall for the hit West End musical Chicago in 1998
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Diane Langton, the star of Hollyoaks and Only Fools & Horses, passed away on January 15 at the age of 77. In the Channel 4 soap opera, the actress played Nana McQueen. Over the course of her more than 70-year career, she starred in a number of iconic UK television series, including EastEnders.
Paul Danan, well-known for Hollyoaks, died at the age of 46
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The TV personality’s management company, Independent Creative PR, released a statement announcing his death.
It read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
According to the Mail, Danan is thought to have died after a “slip and fall” in his Bristol flat. The police claimed that the star’s death was not “suspicious”.
In a statement, the police said: “During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
The actress was known for her performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April
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The actress was known for her performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April, as well as The Entertainer and 101 Dalmatians.
Her family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.
“She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.
“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.”
The football player was diagnosed with dementia in 2021
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In a statement, his family said: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle, but finally, he is now at peace.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference.”
The football star from Aberdeen previously revealed in August 2021 that he was diagnosed with dementia.
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Claire van Kampen died on her husband’s 65th birthday
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Mark Rylance confirmed the passing of his wife, Claire van Kampen at the age of 71, on January 18.
Her family said in a statement: “Claire has died of cancer on Mark Rylance’s 65th Birthday. Her youngest daughter having died in 2012, she leaves her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and countless beloved friends in England and America.
“We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love.”
Van Kampen was a concert pianist, composer, playwright and theatre director who spent about 20 years at Shakespeare’s Globe in a variety of roles.
John Skye grew to fame with Thin Lizzy
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On January 20, John Sykes, the renowned guitarist who shook the world with bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, passed away at the age of 65.
A statement was shared on Sykes’s social media: “It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
Sykes joined Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. After Thin Lizzy broke up, Sykes joined the hard-rock group Whitesnake.
However, Sykes was asked to leave Whitesnake prior to the 1987 album’s release because of conflicts with frontman David Coverdale. Sykes would go on to form his own band, Blue Murder.
Tributes have been paid to Marianne Faithfull
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Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull died at the age of 78, her music promotion company revealed on January 30.
The company said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull.
“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
Faithfull grew to fame with the song As Tears Go By, written by fellow Rolling Stones member Keith Richards and Sir Mick Jagger, with whom Faithfull had a well publicised romance.
In addition, she starred in The Girl on a Motorcycle and Irina Palm (2007 version), for which she received a nomination for Best Actress at the European Film Awards.
Paquita la del Barrio was known as a defender of women
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Mexican artist Paquita la del Barrio, known best for her fierce defence of women and songs in which she incorporated themes of heartbreak and betrayal with which she captivated audiences, died on February 17.
The musician, who faced struggles with her health, was in her Veracruz home when she passed away at the age of 77.
“With deep pain and sadness we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz,” a statement on her official social media accounts said. “She was a unique and unrepeatable artist who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who knew her and enjoyed her music.”
Rick Buckler of The Jam in London in 2007
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His former bandmate Paul Weller confirmed the news, saying on Instagram: “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing. I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking.”
Buckler, who died after a short illness, was a founding member of the three-piece mod punk band in 1972, with which he features on six studio albums.
Carry On actor Julian Holloway with his daughter, Sophie Dahl
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As tributes poured in, Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes took to Facebook, writing: “Oh I am very sad. Wonderful man.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Douglas, who played Ursa in Superman I and II, said: “I lost a dear friend yesterday and I’m so, so sad.
“I have known Julian Holloway since the early 70s and he has been the best of friends to me all these years. Julian was the wittiest of men and we would laugh and laugh.
She continued: “He was a friend through thick and thin, first in London then LA then back home again. He was also the associate producer of the Brute (1977) but I had first met him professionally in 1973 on a BBC drama called Secrets.
“There will be lots written about him and all his wonderful work but right now he is just a dear and sorely missed friend.”
Peter Jason is perhaps best known for his role in The Karate Kid
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Karate Kid and Deadwood star Peter Jason passed away, also at age 80, on February 20.
He left behind some 270 acting credits across film, TV and video games in a career that spanned several decades after it started in the 1960s.
Jason’s acting career really kicked off when he made his acting debut in Rio Lobo as Lieutenant Forsythe. Following this success, he gained the part of the soccer coach in The Karate Kid (1984).
The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star has died at the age of 78, her close friend Cassandra Peterson confirmed on Instagram.
She wrote: “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland’.”
The Groundlings member Stewart rose to fame in the 1970s. She died last Friday.
Folk singer Bill Fay died on February 22, as confirmed by his record label on an Instagram post.
The statement by ‘Bill’s friends at Dead Oceans’, released on Saturday, read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Fay, who died peacefully this morning in London, aged 81.”
It continued: “Bill was a gentle man and a gentleman, wise beyond our times. He was a private person with the biggest of hearts, who wrote immensely moving, meaningful songs that will continue to find people for years to come.”
The label noted that Bill’s first two albums, Bill Fay and Time of the Last Persecution, “found a modest but loving audience upon their release at the dawn of the 1970s”. While they did not garner much mainstream attention during that period, they are now considered overlooked.
Other Fay albums include Dead Oceans: Life is People (2012), Who is the Sender? (2015), and Countless Branches (2020).
The label also said a recent album was in the works only a month before Fay’s passing, adding: “Our hope is to find a way to finish and release it, but for now, we remember Bill’s legacy as the ‘man in the corner of the room at the piano’, who quietly wrote heartfelt songs that touched and connected with people around the world.”
