What you might not know about the American author
Pope Francis, who made a final public appearance on Sunday, April 20, died at age 88 on April 21. Known for his humility and reformist vision, his passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. As the world reacts with sorrow, the Vatican faces the challenge of choosing his successor.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, known for his humility and progressive stance on global issues. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, promote social justice, and foster interfaith dialogue.
Indeed, 2025 has seen the loss of impressive individuals, including great actors, directors, musicians, athletes, authors, and philanthropists. Click through the following gallery to bid farewell to the famous figures who have passed away so far this year.
Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, who died in Lima at 89 on April 13, was not only a literary giant but also a prominent political figure. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010, his works spanned political fiction, personal narratives, and sharp critiques of power. He tackled themes of corruption and authoritarianism, while his political career included a presidential run in Peru in 1990. A key figure in the Latin American literary "boom" alongside Gabriel García Márquez and Julio Cortázar, Vargas Llosa's influence continues to resonate, leaving an enduring mark on global literature.
Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in 'Top Gun' (1986) and 'Batman Forever' (1995), passed away on April 1 in Los Angeles due to complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had battled throat cancer since 2014 and, though he later recovered, a tracheotomy permanently altered his voice and slowed his career. He was 65 years old.
George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist who later became a successful entrepreneur known for his signature indoor grills, passed away on March 21, at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
A statement on Foreman's Instagram page expressed, "Our hearts are broken." The post continued, "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully left us on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family."
On February 26, legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, was found dead at his Santa Fe home, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, citing police sources. Authorities have reported no signs of foul play. The cause of death was heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg died at the young age of 39. Famous for her TV roles in hits such as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl,' Trachtenberg was found unconscious in her Manhattan apartment by police on February 26. The star's cause of death was ruled a natural death from complications of diabetes.
Legendary singer Roberta died peacefully at her home at the age of 88, on February 24. With hits such as ‘Killing Me Softly,’ she is widely considered one of the greatest soul and R&B singers of all time. Her family said of her passing, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away … Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Singer and musician Wayne Osmond, known for performing alongside his siblings in the Osmond Brothers, passed away on January 1. He resigned from the band in 2012 following treatment for a brain tumor that left him deaf. He was 67 at the time of his death.
Filmmaker Jeff Baena passed away unexpectedly at the age of 47 on January 3. He was known for films like 'Life After Beth' (2014) and 'The Little Hours' (2017), both of which featured his wife, Aubrey Plaza. The medical examiner determined that he took his own life.
Soul singer Brenton Wood passed away at the age of 83 on January 3. He was famous for a series of '60s hits including 'The Oogum Boogum Song' and 'Catch You on the Rebound.'
'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' winner The Vivienne passed away on January 5 at the age of 31. The drag superstar also appeared on shows like 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' and 'Dancing on Ice.'
Mike Rinder was a former senior executive of the Church of Scientology, who became famous when he later denounced the church and appeared in several documentaries, including the Emmy- and Peabody-winning HBO documentary 'Going Clear in 2015.' He also co-hosted the Emmy-winning docuseries 'Scientology and the Aftermath' With Leah Remini. Rinder died on January 5 at the age of 69.
Former MLB star Brian Matusz passed away on January 6 at the age of 37 from what appeared to be a drug overdose. Mutsz played for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs from 2009 to 2016.
The controversial French politician, who founded France's highly influential far-right party the National Front, died on January 7. He was 96 years of age.
Legendary singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow passed away at 86 on January 7. Yarrow was one-third of the famous folk band Peter, Paul and Mary.
Soul singer Sam Moore passed away on January 10 at the age of 89. The Grammy winner was best known for his work in the R&B duo Sam & Dave.
Leslie Charleson was a beloved veteran of the long-running soap opera 'General Hospital.' She played the role of Monica Quartermaine on the show for almost 50 years. Charleson passed away at the age of 79 on January 12.
British actor and comedian Tony Slattery was best known for his consistent appearances on the improv show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' Slattery passed away at the age of 65 on January 14 of a heart attack, according to his partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson.
French director Jeannot Szwarc, known for films like 'Jaws 2' (1979) and 'Supergirl' (1984), passed away at the age of 87 on January 14.
The unparalleled David Lynch, director of films such as 'Blue Velvet' (1986) and 'Mulholland Drive' (2001), as well as the hit TV show 'Twin Peaks,' passed away on January 15 at the age of 78. Lynch has been suffering from emphysema before his death following a lifetime as an avid smoker.
British actor and reality star Paul Danan passed away at the age of 46 on January 15. Danan was known for his appearances in the long-running soap opera 'Hollyoaks' and 'Celebrity Big Brother.' He was open about his struggles with substance abuse for many years.
British actress Dame Joan Plowright passed away on January 16 at the age of 95. The award-winning actress of stage and screen appeared in films like 'Equus' (1977) and 'Tea with Mussolini' (1999). She is also remembered as the widow of Sir Laurence Olivier.
Nicknamed "Mr. Baseball," beloved sportscaster and comedic actor Bob Uecker was a Hall of Fame broadcaster and appeared in the 'Major League' film trilogy. He passed away on January 16 at the age of 90.
Lynn Ban, famed jewelry designer and star of Netflix's 'Bling Empire: New York,' died at 52 on January 20. The sad news came weeks after she underwent emergency brain surgery following a ski accident.
Multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson passed away on January 21 at 87. He was the last surviving member of the influential rock and roll group The Band. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
Atlanta hip-hop artist DJ Unk passed away at the age of 43 on January 24 due to a heart attack, according to his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt.
British sixties icon Marianne Faithfull passed away at the age of 78 on January 30. Faithfull was a Grammy-winning pop singer, an actress, and an influential figure in British music throughout the '60s and '70s. Faithfull famously dated Mick Jagger from 1965 to 1970, after which time she struggled with substance abuse and homelessness, only to reemerge at the end of the '70s to release more award-winning music.
Aga Khan IV was akin to royalty in his position as the Imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslims, believed to be the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The billionaire dedicated his life to philanthropy. He passed away on February 4 at the age of 88.
Sources: (CNN) (Entertainment Weekly) (BBC) (The Guardian)
See also: Famous people who died of overdoses
The Pope and other famous figures who have died in 2025
The Pope had recently survived a severe case of double pneumonia, raising hopes for his recovery
CELEBRITY Deaths
Pope Francis, who made a final public appearance on Sunday, April 20, died at age 88 on April 21. Known for his humility and reformist vision, his passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. As the world reacts with sorrow, the Vatican faces the challenge of choosing his successor.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, known for his humility and progressive stance on global issues. His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, promote social justice, and foster interfaith dialogue.
Indeed, 2025 has seen the loss of impressive individuals, including great actors, directors, musicians, athletes, authors, and philanthropists. Click through the following gallery to bid farewell to the famous figures who have passed away so far this year.