Saying “Goodbye” To Some Of The World’s Biggest Stars Who Passed Away In 2025 PART III
Anne Burrell
55-year-old celebrity chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell died in her apartment on June 17. A months-long investigation into her death concluded that she died by suicide due to “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.”
Burrell, the longtime host of the Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, filmed Season 29 before her death. The new season premiered on July 28.
Gailard Sartain
Gailard Sartain, who was a regular cast member on Hee Haw for 20 seasons, died on June 19 at the age of 78. The Church Studio, located in his hometown of Tulsa, shared the sad news about his passing, writing, “We are saddened by the loss of Gailard Sartain, an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian.”
On top of appearing on Hee Haw, Sartain got the chance to play “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson in the movie The Buddy Holly Story. He was also an accomplished illustrator, and his artwork was featured on Leon Russell’s Gold-certified album Will O’ the Wisp.
Rick Hurst
Dukes of Hazzard star Rick Hurst was another one of the celebrities we lost in 2025. He passed away on June 26 at the age of 79.
Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on 47 episodes of Dukes, was remembered by his co-stars after his death. John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, said:
“You were [a] remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We’ll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you.”
Julian McMahon
Actor Julian McMahon died on July 2 at the age of 56. His death was the result of lung metastasis caused by head and neck cancer.
McMahon was most well-known for his roles in Home and Away, Nip/Tuck, Profiler, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, among other projects. He was the only son of Sir William McMahon, the former Prime Minister of Australia.
Michael Madsen
Michael Madsen, the star of projects such as Wyatt Earp, The Hateful Eight, and Reservoir Dogs, died on July 3 at the age of 67. According to his representatives, Madsen had been working on a new book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, at the time of his death. That book is currently in the editing process.
Later, PEOPLE reported that Madsen “died from cardiac arrest that was brought on by cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and chronic alcoholism.”
The publication, which viewed Madsen’s death certificate, said the document noted he “was [also] dealing with thromboembolic disease, a condition where blood clots form in blood vessels and then travel to obstruct another vessel, causing a thromboembolism.”
Spud Jones
Spud Jones, the first Navajo to ride bulls in the NFR, died on July 4 at the age of 36. His family shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep after dealing with some health issues.
Jones had an inspiring rodeo career, with 2008 being his breakout year. That year, he placed seventh at the NFR and was ranked 13th in the world standings.
Robin Kaye & Thomas Deluca
Robin Kaye worked as the music supervisor on 288 episodes of American Idol. Her husband, Thomas Deluca, was a musician and songwriter.
The couple, both 70, were found shot to death in their home in Encino, Los Angeles, on July 14. Surveillance videos revealed they were killed four days prior, on July 10.
22-year-old Raymond Boodarian was arrested in connection to the case.
Connie Francis
Beloved singer Connie Francis died on July 16 at the age of 87. Just two weeks prior, she was hospitalized after suffering from “extreme pain.” She reported feeling “much better” on July 4, the last time she ever shared a post on social media.
Francis’ dear friend, Ron Roberts, said she was readmitted into the ICU and diagnosed with pneumonia on July 15. She died the following day.
Francis was the first solo female singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. She accomplished the feat with her song “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Her other hits included “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.”
A few months before her passing, Francis’ 1962 single “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok. The song has since appeared in countless videos, totaling over 10 billion views.
Bryan Braman
Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman died on July 17 after being diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in February of this year. He was only 38 years old.
Braman played in the NFL for seven seasons. He started his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Philadelphia Eagles. He eventually left the Eagles to join the New Orleans Saints for one season before returning to play for the Eagles again.
Braman played for the Eagles when they won Super Bowl LII in 2018.
Kenneth Washington
Another one of the celebrities we lost in 2025 was actor Kenneth Washington. He rose to fame through his role on Hogan’s Heroes. Washington played Sergeant Richard Baker in the show’s sixth and final season.
In addition to Hogan’s Heroes, Washington starred in projects such as Adam-12, A Different World, and That Girl.
Washington was the last surviving main cast member from Hogan’s Heroes prior to his death on July 18 at the age of 88.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically died on July 20 at the age of 54. The actor, known for playing Theo Huxtable, accidentally drowned while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. Officials listed his cause of death as asphyxia.
Warner was remembered by several of his Cosby Show co-stars after his death. Raven-Symoné shared her heartbreak, saying:
“Words cannot describe the pain, and sadness, and surprise I feel with the recent loss of MJW. He was the big brother. He was a beacon. He was one of the most multifaceted, talented men…so gentle.”
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 following a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The rock and roll icon was 76 years old.
The Osbourne family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement released to his official social media pages. They said:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning [July 22]. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.“
It was later revealed that Ozzy died of a heart attack, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease listed as contributing factors on his death certificate.
Ozzy earned a reputation as one of the most influential performers of all time. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted him twice, as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024.
Hulk Hogan
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was another one of the superstar celebrities we lost in 2025. He died in Florida on July 24 at the age of 71.
His family shared their heartbreak in a statement, writing:
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
One week later, it was confirmed that Hogan died of acute myocardial infarction, more often referred to as a heart attack.
Jeannie Seely
Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1 at the age of 85. Her publicist, Don Murray Grubbs, shared that she died at the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, after developing complications from an intestinal infection.
Seely earned respect as a staple performer at the Opry. She set the record for the most performances on the famous stage, singing there 5,397 times since her Opry debut in 1966.
Remembering Seely after her passing, the Opry wrote, “Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, ‘Miss Country Soul,’ We will miss you dearly.“
Loni Anderson
Actress Loni Anderson, of WKRP in Cincinnati fame, died on August 3 in Los Angeles, California, just two days before her 80th birthday.
Anderson’s publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, told The Hollywood Reporter the actress passed away from “an acute prolonged illness.“
Kelley Mack
Actress Kelley Mack rose to fame through her roles in TV shows such as 9-1-1, Chicago Med, and Schooled. She is most well-known for playing Addy in five episodes of The Walking Dead‘s ninth season.
Mack shared in January that she had been diagnosed with glioma, a rare form of astrocytoma cancer. Sadly, she passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati on August 2. She was only 33 years old.
Brandon Blackstock
Former talent manager Brandon Blackstock, who worked with artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, died on August 7 following a private battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.
Brandon was previously married to Kelly Clarkson (they split in 2020), and worked as her manager for several years. They shared two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. Brandon also had two children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage.
Narvel Blackstock, Brandon’s father, was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.
Danielle Spencer
Danielle Spencer endeared herself to millions as the hilarious Dee Thomas on the sitcom What’s Happening!! The show aired for three seasons from 1976 to 1979.
As an adult, Spencer pursued a different career path and became a veterinarian in 1996. But she still acted on occasion afterward, though her last roles were in 2001.
Spencer was only 60 years old when she passed away on August 11 following a battle with stomach cancer.
Terence Stamp
Actor Terence Stamp died on August 17 at the age of 87. His family told Reuters:
“He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.”
That body of work includes his roles in Legal Eagles, Young Guns, Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Superman, and Superman II.
Graham Greene
Academy Award-nominated actor Graham Greene died on September 1 at the age of 73. His agent told Deadline he’d been battling “a long illness.”
Greene was known for his roles in 1883, Wind River, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Last of Us, and Dances With Wolves, among dozens of other projects. He earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves.
Charlie Kirk
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. He was 31 years old.
Kirk was survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children. A large, public memorial service honoring Kirk was held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Erika Kirk were among those who gave remarks during the service.
Robert Redford
The legendary actor, director, and producer Robert Redford died on September 16 at the age of 89. His longtime publicist, Cindi Berger, shared that he passed away in his sleep at his home outside of Provo, Utah.
Redford was known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Great Gatsby, Out of Africa, and All the President’s Men. His directorial debut film, Ordinary People, won him the Oscar for Best Director at the 53rd Academy Awards.
Jane Goodall
World-renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall died on October 1 at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute shared that she passed away peacefully in her sleep while on her speaking tour in the United States.
“Dr. Goodall’s life and work not only made an indelible mark on our understanding of chimpanzees and other species, but also of humankind and the environments we all share. She inspired curiosity, hope, and compassion in countless people around the world, and paved the way for many others — particularly young people who gave her hope for the future,” the Institute shared.
Diane Keaton
The world was heartbroken when news broke that Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton died on October 11. She was 79 years old. Her family confirmed that she died of pneumonia.
Reese Witherspoon and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were among those who paid tribute to the Father of the Bride and Annie Hall star after her death.
Williams-Paisley said, “Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”
Ace Frehley
KISS co-founder and guitarist Ace Frehley passed away on October 16 after suffering a fall at home a few weeks prior. He was 74 years old.
Frehley’s family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement, which read:
“In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.“
Isabelle “Izzy” Tate
Isabelle “Izzy” Tate was a rising star in the acting industry. She appeared in the pilot episode of the new ABC series 9-1-1: Nashville, in which she played a character named Julie.
Just a little over a week after that episode aired, Tate passed away on October 19. She was 23 years old.
Her agency, the McCray Agency, confirmed that Tate died following a long battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT). She had a rare form of the condition, which is not typically fatal.
But, as Tate’s agency told TMZ, “the disease affects the legs but can also affect internal organs such as the lungs and heart.”
Diane Ladd
Academy Award-nominated actress Diane Ladd died on November 3 at the age of 89. Later, it was revealed that she died due to “acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure.”
Ladd was beloved for her roles in projects such as Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose.
Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney, who served as the Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, died on November 3 in Northern Virginia. He was 84 years old.
Cheney’s family shared that he died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
Marshawn Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died by suicide on November 6 in Frisco, Texas. The NFL star was 24 years old.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys shared following Kneeland’s passing. “He was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.“
Criscilla Anderson
Criscilla Anderson was a respected dancer and choreographer who worked with artists such as Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Rihanna. Additionally, she worked with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and appeared on their reality show, Making the Team, in 2022.
Criscilla had her own reality show, Country Ever After, in which she appeared with her then-husband, country artist Coffey Anderson.
In 2018, Criscilla learned she had colorectal cancer. She went into a brief remission, but was eventually diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 cancer.
Her close friend, Lindsey, announced on December 2 that Criscilla passed away at the age of 45. The post included a note from Criscilla herself, who shared loving messages for her four children.
Michael Annett
It was announced on December 5 that retired NASCAR driver Michael Annett had died at the age of 39. A cause of death for the XFinity Series champion was not immediately released.
His death was mourned by JR Motorsports, the company he represented for four years before his retirement in 2021. They said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and was an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.“
Raul Malo
Raul Malo was the beloved co-founder and frontman of the country music group The Mavericks. In 2024, he shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Sadly, Malo passed away on December 8 at the age of 60. His wife, Betty, shared the news on his social media pages, writing:
“No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”
Rob & Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner rose to fame through his role on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family. But he found later success and renown as a director, producer, and screenwriter. He directed iconic films such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and film producer. She worked on the set of When Harry Met Sally, where she met and fell in love with Rob. They married in 1989 and had three children. Rob also had a daughter, Tracy, from his first marriage to Penny Marshall.
The Reiners were found deceased in their California home on December 14. The following day (December 15), LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick, “had been booked for murder.“
Nick appeared in court for the first time on December 17.
Anthony Geary
Actor Anthony Geary was most well-known for playing Luke Spencer on the soap opera General Hospital. He won a record-setting total of eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance.
Geary died on December 14 at the age of 78. Variety reported that he passed away “due to complications from a medical procedure.” NPR reported that Geary underwent that procedure three days before his death.
Greg & Cristina Biffle & Children
Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder, and Greg’s daughter Emma were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on December 18. Three others, Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Dennis’ son Jack, also lost their lives.
Greg and Cristina have been remembered by their loved ones and friends as kind and generous people who were devoted to helping those in need.
Melanie Watson
Melanie Watson was known for playing Kathy Gordon in four episodes of the classic sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. Watson had been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta at birth, a connective tissue disorder that causes bones to fracture easily. She used a wheelchair throughout her life.
Watson died on December 26, 2025, at the age of 57. Her brother, Robert Watson, told TMZ she had been suffering from some bleeding issues and was hospitalized before her passing.
Tatiana Schlossberg
Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, died on December 30, 2025. She was 35 years old.
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Via an article published in The New Yorker in November, Tatiana revealed that she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2024.
The JFK Library Foundation shared the news about Tatiana’s passing on December 30, writing, “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.”
