As 2025 draws to a close, we remember the actors, musicians, broadcasters, and creatives who left their mark on popular culture and who died this year. from global stars to homegrown favourites, their work shaped what we watched, listened to, and talked about.
January
Wayne Osmond (1 January)
Wayne Osmond, who sang with his brothers in the chart-topping pop group The Osmonds, died aged 73.
The singer, who was best known for tracks such as Crazy Horses, Love Me for a Reason, and Let Me In, was remembered by his daughter amy Cook as a “beloved husband and father” when she announced his death.
In a Facebook post, she said: “Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children.
“His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world.
“He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true,that families are forever,and that banana splits are the best dessert.We love him and will miss him dearly.”
Tony Slattery (14 January)
Actor and comedian Tony Slattery died aged 65 following a heart attack.
Slattery appeared on the Channel 4 comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and the comedy shows Just a Minute and Have I Got News for You.
Born to Irish parents in london on 9 November 1959, Slattery was a contemporary of Emma Thompson, stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie at the University of Cambridge.
He was the former president of the improvisation group Cambridge Footlights. He had been touring a comedy show in England and launched a podcast, tony Slattery’s Rambling Club, in October 2024.
Linda Nolan (15 January)
Irish singer Linda nolan died aged 65 “surrounded by her devoted family” following a long battle with cancer.
The Irish star, who was born in Dublin, was part of the family group The Nolans, which also included her sisters Coleen, Maureen, bernie, Denise, and Anne.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and given the all-clear in 2011. But in 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. In 2020, it spread, and by 2023 was in her brain.
In a statement, her manager Dermot McNamara said: “It is indeed with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record-holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author, and Daily Mirror columnist.
“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most prosperous girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide; touring the world and selling over 30 million records, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me, and the iconic disco classic I’m in the Mood for Dancing.
“Her distinctive voice and magnetic## Remembering Those We Lost: A look Back at Notable Figures Who Died in Early 2024
Gene Hackman (16 February)
Two-time oscar winner Gene Hackman,known for roles in Mississippi Burning,and Unforgiven,was a character actor who often played tough guys before finding his comedic stride in films like Superman and The Royal Tenenbaums. He was a Best Actor oscar winner for The French Connection in 1972 and a best Supporting Actor Oscar winner for Unforgiven in 1993.
Paying tribute, director Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974’s The Conversation, described him as a “great actor” who was “inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity”.
Henry Kelly (25 February)
Broadcaster and journalist Henry Kelly,who presented TV shows such as Going for Gold and Game for a laugh,died aged 78.
Henry Kelly’s family said he “died peacefully after a period of ill health”.
Their statement added: “Henry will be sorely missed by his friends and family, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, Henry’s daughter Siobhan and her mother Marjorie.”
Born in Dublin in April 1946, Henry Kelly spent the first seven years of his life in Athlone, Co Westmeath before returning with his family to Dublin.
Kelly began his career at The Irish Times while doing theater reviews as a student at University College Dublin.
March
Roy Ayers (4 March)
Roy Ayers, the trailblazer of jazz, funk, and neo-soul whose Everybody Loves the Sunshine proved a hugely popular hip-hop sample, died at the age of 84.
The artist’s family shared the news in a Facebook post, saying the vibraphonist, composer, and producer died in New York on 4 March following a long illness.
“he lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,” read the post.
Considered a master of jazz vibraphone, Ayers was also a leading force in introducing soul to jazz with electric instruments and rhythms drawing on R&B and rock.
A rare jazz artist who found consistent commercial success, Ayers released nearly four dozen albums over the course of his career, frequently bouncing into the top albums chart.
Brian James (6 March)
The Damned founding member Brian James died aged 70.
Guitarist James was part of the original line-up of the group, one of the original wave of punk bands in England, whose debut album, 1977’s Damned Damned Damned, was the debut full-length release by a UK punk group.
He wrote the vast majority of songs on that album, and he also penned their debut and the UK’s first-ever punk single, New Rose, which was released in 1976 on the now-legendary Stiff Records label.
Andy Peebles (22 March)
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles, the final interviewer of John Lennon, died aged 76.
He interviewed Le
Remembering Those We Lost: A Roll Call of 2024 & 2025
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Clodagh Rodgers (18 April)
Northern Irish singer and actress Clodagh Rodgers, who represented the UK in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Jack in the Box, died at the age of 78.
The Warrenpoint native finished fourth in the competition, held in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin following Dana’s win the previous year, and went on to a career as an actress on TV shows such as The Bill.
Her son, Sam Sorbie, stated on Facebook: “With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by her family in Cobham. Mum has lived an unbelievable life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing,travelling the world,devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family.”
Julian Benson (18 April)
Julian Benson, dancer, choreographer, talent agent, and former judge of RTÉ One TV series Dancing with the Stars, died in Dublin aged 54.
His family announced: “It is indeed with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson. Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.”
Mr. Benson was celebrated for his creative talent,endless enthusiasm,colourful dress style,and cheeky sense of humour. Born in Adelaide, Australia to Irish parents, he returned to Ireland with his family at age 10, having begun dancing classes at four, leading to a “life-long passion for dance”.
Jiggly Caliente (27 April)
RuPaul’s Drag Race star and Pose actress Jiggly Caliente died at the age of 44.
The drag performer, who appeared on season four of the original US competition, had undergone a leg amputation due to a “severe infection”.
Her family shared on Instagram: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4.42 am,surrounded by her loving family and close friends. A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”
May
George Wendt (20 May)
George Wendt, who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy cheers and later crafted a stage career that…
Remembering Those We Lost: A Roll Call of 2024
Brian Wilson (11 june)
The Beach Boys’ co-founder, singer, arranger, and chief songwriter Brian Wilson died at the age of 82.
Wilson – universally recognised as one of the greats of 20th-century music – was the eldest and last surviving of the three musical brothers who made up the American rock band, alongside their cousin Mike Love and school friend Al Jardine.
The band’s many hits included I Get Around, California Girls, Surfin’ USA, Barbara Ann, Help Me Rhonda, and Good Vibrations, and their most famous album, 1966’s Pet Sounds, is considered one of the greatest albums ever made.
kim Woodburn (16 June)
Television star Kim Woodburn, best known for presenting How Clean Is Your House? and her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, died after a short illness aged 83.
Her Channel 4 series How Clean Is Your House?, which she co-presented with Aggie MacKenzie from 2003 – 2009, became a cult hit for its mix of tough love and heartfelt advice.
Nicknamed the “Queen of Clean”, Woodburn’s blunt, no-nonsense style won her a devoted following.
Lord Henry Mount Charles (18 June)
Lord Henry Mount Charles, best known for staging iconic rock concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath, died at the age of 74.
His family confirmed that he had passed away peacefully following a long battle with cancer.
He became a household name in the 1980s as some of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll stars took to the stage at his picturesque Meath venue for era-defining concerts.
July
Julian McMahon (2 July)
Julian McMahon,best known for his roles in the Fantastic Four movies and the television shows Nip/Tuck and Charmed,died aged 56.
The Australian actor died in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer.
His first role was in the short-lived Australian daytime soap The Power, the Passion in 1989 before he landed a role in Home and Away in 1990, appearing in 150 episodes as Ben Lucini.
Michael Madsen (3 July)
Michael Madsen,whose menacing characters in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill made him a standout performer in Quentin Tarantino’s films,died aged 67.
His career spanned more than 300 credits stretching back to the early 1980s, many in low-budget films.
But his most memorable screen moment may have been the s
remembering Those We Lost: A Roll Call of 2024
August
George Morrison (4 August)
Pioneering documentary-maker George Morrison died aged 102.
He is best remembered for Mise Éire in 1959, a documentary produced by Gael Linn and whose celebrated score was written by composer Seán Ó Riada, and its follow-up, Saoirse.
Mise Éire explores one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods, culminating in the 1916 Rising and Sinn Féin’s electoral victory in 1918.It was the first full-length feature film ever produced in the irish language.
Terence Stamp (17 August)
Veteran British actor Terence Stamp, who starred in the original Superman films, died aged 87.
The Academy Award-nominated actor,who played Kryptonian villain General Zod in Superman and Superman II,was also known for 1994’s The Adventures of Priscilla,Queen of the Desert,which earned him a BAFTA award.
Born in the East End of London in 1938, Stamp rose to acting fame in the 1960s after he won a drama school scholarship.
Jerry Adler (23 August)
Jerry Adler, who spent decades behind the scenes of storied Broadway productions before pivoting to acting in his 60s, died aged 96.
Adler’s acting credits included the Sopranos, on which he played tony Soprano’s adviser, Hesh rabkin, across all six seasons, and The Good Wife, where he played law partner Howard Lyman.
But before Adler had ever stepped in front of a film or television camera, he had 53 Broadway productions to his name – all behind the scenes, serving as a stage manager, producer, or director.
September
Giorgio Armani (4 September)
Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, king of a high-end lifestyle empire, died at the age of 91.
Armani opened his fashion house in Milan in 1975, quickly rising to the top of the industry and going on to dress the stars.
The Italian icon was credited with inventing red-carpet fashion, but he also moved into a younger and less expensive range through Emporio A## Remembering Those We Lost in October
Patricia Routledge (3 October)
Actress Patricia Routledge, best known for her starring role in the TV comedy series Keeping Up Appearances, died aged 96.
She became a household name with her hilarious performances as the unspeakably snobbish Hyacinth Bucket – pronounced ‘Bouquet’ – in the TV hit Keeping Up Appearances, which captivated audiences in the 1990s.
But her versatility – a word she did not relish because it implied, she said, “not being very good at anything” – took her career far beyond the range of TV sitcoms.
She appeared in Shakespeare and played a pensioner-turned-detective, Hetty Wainthropp, in the BBC series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
Jilly Cooper (5 October)
author Jilly Cooper, the best-selling writer of Rivals, Riders, and Polo, died aged 88.
Cooper was best known for her books in The Rutshire Chronicles, featuring the show-jumping lothario Rupert Campbell-Black.
One of the books,Rivals,was recently adapted for television by Disney+.
Her adapted works also included an ITV series of The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous with Coronation Street star Stephen Billington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, while Marcus Gilbert starred in a Riders series during the 1990s.
Diane Keaton (11 October)
American actress Diane Keaton, best known for roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather, and Something’s Gotta Give, died at the age of 79.
Keaton shot to fame in the 1970s with her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy, and also her collaborations with Woody Allen.
She won a Best Actress Oscar for Allen’s influential film Annie Hall and became associated with the title character’s menswear-centric wardrobe.
Her many beloved films included Baby boom, The First Wives Club, Father of the Bride, The Family Stone, and the Book Club movies.
Tony Caunter (13 October)
Actor Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans in EastEnders, died at the age of 88.
Caunter played the character from 1994 through to 2003, with the car dealer introduced as a love interest for the character of Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement.
## Remembering the Stars We Lost in November
November brought farewells to a constellation of talented individuals who left indelible marks on film, television, and music. Here, we remember a few of the luminaries who passed away during the month.
Diane Ladd (17 November)
Actress Diane Ladd, a prolific performer known for her raw and honest portrayals, died at the age of 86.
Ladd was the mother of actress Laura Dern and grandmother to grace and Jasper.
Dern described her mother as possessing a “spirit that onyl dreams could have seemingly created.”
“we were blessed to have her.
“She is flying with her angels now.”
Ladd was a three-time oscar nominee for her performances in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990), and Rambling Rose (1991), all in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Pauline Collins (5 November)
Actress Pauline Collins, who starred in Shirley Valentine, died at the age of 85.
She starred in the first series of sitcom The Liver Birds but did not become a household name until getting a regular role in Upstairs Downstairs in 1971.
Her role in the 1989 film Shirley Valentine, playing the lead character of the bored Liverpudlian housewife,earned her an Oscar nomination.
She had first played the role in the 1988 West End production at the Vaudeville Theatre,winning an Olivier Award for Best Actress.
Danny Seagren (10 November)
Danny Seagren, the first live-action Spider-Man and a former Sesame Street puppeteer, died at the age of 81.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seagren became the first actor to portray Spider-Man on television on the children’s show The Electric Company.
Alongside his work as a writer, dancer, and producer, he was a puppeteer and puppet maker for Muppets creator Jim Henson.
Sally kirkland (11 November)
Sally Kirkland, best known for sharing the screen with Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting and her Oscar-nominated title role in the 1987 movie Anna, died aged 84.
Her biggest role was in 1987’s Anna as a fading Czech movie star remaking her life in the US and mentoring a younger actor, played by Paulina Porizkova.
Kirkland won a Golden Globe for her role in Anna and was an Oscar nominee alongside Cher in Moonstruck, Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, Holly Hunter in Broadcast News, and Meryl Streep in Ironweed.
Remembering Notable Figures Lost in December 2023
December 2023 saw the passing of several influential figures across various fields. Here, we remember their lives and contributions.
Hugh Wallace (1 December)
Hugh Wallace, the well-known architect and television personality best known for his role on Home of the Year, died at the age of 68.
Wallace became a familiar face on RTÉ One through shows such as Home of the Year, The Great House Revival and My Bungalow Bliss, where his enthusiasm, sharp eye for design and warm on-screen presence made him a favorite with viewers.
He was the only judge to appear in every series of Home of the Year, fronting the hit property show since it first aired in 2015.
Steve Cropper (3 December)
Steve Cropper, the storied guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped define the Southern soul sound at the legendary Memphis music label Stax Records, died aged 84.
Cropper was the lead guitarist for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Booker T and the MG’s, whose biggest hit was the 1962 single Green Onions. He also played with many other legendary R&B figures, from Otis Redding to BB King to Wilson Pickett.
As a songwriter, Cropper had co-writer credits on genre-defining hits such as In the Midnight Hour and (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, and he was famed for his guitar playing on the hit soul Man.
Sophie Kinsella (December 2023)
Sophie kinsella, the beloved author of the Shopaholic series, revealed in December 2023 that she is battling cancer. While not a passing, her announcement is a significant event for her many fans.
Kinsella, whose real name is Madeleine Wickham, is known for her humorous and heartwarming novels, notably the Shopaholic series featuring Becky Brandon. She has sold millions of books worldwide.
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