On December 28, the death of legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot hit the headlines. The 91-year-old icon had reportedly spent time in hospital in October to undergo surgery for a "serious illness," according to Vanity Fair. Her passing was announced by the animal rights foundation she established after retiring from acting in 1973.
Bardot had revolutionized cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a symbol of sexual liberation. Some of her most famous films include 'And God Created Woman' (1956) and Jean-Luc Godard's 'Contempt' (1963). French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the nation was in mourning following the loss of "a legend of the century."
Indeed, the death of a famous person loved by many can have a profound impact, leaving fans and communities devastated and grieving the loss. Such moments also prompt us to reflect on and appreciate the legacy they leave behind.
From legendary filmmakers to cultural figures whose deaths made global headlines, click through this gallery to remember the notable lives lost in 2025.