Celebrity deaths: Stars who have died in 2025 so far

Legendary boxer George Foreman died on March 21 at the age of 76, his family announced in a statement.

"Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announced the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman St. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones," they began.

"A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose."

The statement continued: "Humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name – for his family.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own," they concluded.

At the time of writing, his cause of death is unknown.

Angie Stone, a co-founder of hip-hop trio The Sequence, died at the age of 63 after a terrifying car accident.

A publicist for the RnB star confirmed in a press release that she died on Saturday, March 1, while her daughter Ladi Diamond also posted on Facebook, writing: "My mommy is gone."

Angie was killed in a car crash as she was leaving a performance in Montgomery, Alabama. 

No further details are known at time of writing, but video of the crash showed a black van on its side and smoke coming out of the wreck.

There were nine people in the van, and it is thought Angie was the only fatality.

Her backup singers and her crew were also in the vehicle that crashed on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County. 

The group had performed at Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball and were on their way to another performance at the CIAA basketball tournament in Baltimore, Maryland.

Gene Hackman died aged 95 on February 26. The Superman star was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their New Mexico home.

At the time of their deaths, no foul play was suspected but their causes of death were not revealed.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said: "We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.

"This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor. All I can say is that we're in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant."

Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead on February 26 at her home in New York City. She was 39.

The New York police department confirmed her death to HELLO! in a statement, confirming they responded to an emergency call at around 8 am on Wednesday to One Columbus Place and Michelle was later confirmed dead after emergency medical services attended.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and the police said the medical examiner will determine her cause of death.

The actress reportedly recently underwent a liver transplant.

In February, it was confirmed that Julian Holloway had passed away at the age of 80. An icon of British television, the Oxford-born star was known and loved for his comedic roles in the Carry On film series. Among his other noted performances, Julian appeared in episodes of The Sweeney (1975), Doctor Who (1989) and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2010-20). 

Away from the cameras, Julian was the father of fashion model, Sophie Dahl, whom he welcomed with actress Tessa Dahl in 1977. Tessa was the daughter of beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and his wife, Patricia Neal. 

Sophie, 47, had since welcomed two children of her own with her musician husband, Jamie Cullum, making Julian a grandfather. 

Following the news of Julian’s death, tributes have poured in from stars, including Miriam Margoyles and Sarah Douglas. 

Days of Our Lives star Francisco San Martin passed away aged 39. The actor – who famously portrayed Dario Hernandez – died at his home on January 16. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office listed his cause of death as suicide.

Following the news of his passing, Francisco's Days of Our Lives co-star, Camila Banus, penned a tribute. "Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend," she began. 

"My only witness that Pau sang happy birthday to me in the middle of a concert in Hollywood, you couldn't believe it. Love you mucho mucho mucho; I wish I had told you more."

British actress Dame Joan Plowright, who enjoyed an illustrious career across theatre, film, and TV over seven decades, passed away "peacefully" on January 16 aged 95.

The Oscar-nominee's family said in a statement: "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."

They added: "We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.

"She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did. Rest in peace, Joan..."

Twin Peaks creator David Lynch died on January 15 at the age of 78.

"It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch," the filmmaker's family shared on Facebook.

"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."

While a cause of death was not given, Lynch was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, and his health reportedly took a turn for the worse after he was forced to evacuate his home due to the LA wildfires.

General Hospital star Leslie Charleson passed away at the age of 79. Her death was confirmed by the show's executive producer Frank Valentini on Sunday, January 12.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson," he wrote on Instagram.

"Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.

“I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time."

Former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs pitcher Brian Matusz died aged 37 on January 7.

His sudden passing was announced by the Orioles – who he played for from 2009 until 2016 – in a heartfelt statement on social media.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz," the statement began. A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched.

"He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face. Brian's family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was 32 when they died on January 5.

The news was announced by The Vivienne's publicist, Simon Jones, who wrote that the performer was an "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person".

The statement read: "James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.

"We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."

Police confirmed that there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding The Vivienne's sudden passing.

Aubrey Plaza's husband Jeff Baena died by suicide aged 47 on January 3. The filmmaker was pronounced dead at his LA home after police and the fire brigade were called to the property.

In his obituary published in The Miami Herald, where Baena was born, his family described him as a "very special person," a "gifted filmmaker," and called his life "woefully short."

Plaza, who deleted her Instagram account following her husband's passing, shared a statement via her representative which read: "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."

Former member of the iconic family music group The Osmonds, Wayne Osmond passed away aged 73 on January 1.

His daughter, Amy Cook took to Facebook to announce her father's death, calling him a "beloved husband and father". She said he "passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children".

His brothers Merrill and Donny Osmond confirmed that he died in his sleep after he suffered a stroke. 

A family statement read: "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."