Prominent figures we lost in 2025
In 2025 the world said goodbye to many prominent figures. Here are a few of them.
Like every year, 2025 came with its fair share of ups and downs, struggles and uplifting moments, beginnings and endings, and of course life and death.
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When it comes to people who significantly influenced or changed the world, there were many that we had to say goodbye to.
In 2025 we said goodbye to many prominent figures spanning politics, creators and performers in all the arts, the media, the civic arena and the sciences.
Included in this list are not only international figures, but also South African icons who impacted not only the country but the world.
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Here is a list of the prominent figures we lost in 2025
Ace Frehley – Founding Lead Guitarist of KISS
Ace Frehley, born Paul Daniel Frehley, helped define KISS’s signature sound and spectacle with his fiery guitar work and space-age persona. His energetic style influenced generations of rock musicians around the world
Alfred Brendel – Pianist
Alfred Brendel was a Czech-born virtuoso celebrated for his interpretations of Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt. Mostly self-taught, he became especially renowned for his Beethoven recordings, including complete cycles of the piano concertos and sonatas, bringing intellectual clarity and subtle humour to the concert stage.
Athol Fugard – Playwright
Athol Fugard was South Africa’s most internationally acclaimed playwright, known for works rooted in resistance to apartheid and created in collaboration with actors like John Kani and Winston Ntshona. His dramas continue to resonate globally long after the system they protested has vanished.
Baek Se-hee – Author
South Korean memoirist Baek Se-hee gained global recognition with her book 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki', where she wrote honestly about living with depression. Her candid reflections helped readers articulate their own struggles and brought comfort to many.
Bill Moyers – Journalist & Broadcaster
Bill Moyers transitioned from theology student and White House press secretary to one of America’s most respected broadcasters. His long-form interviews and commentary challenged audiences to confront the moral and political forces shaping public life.
Boris Spassky – Chess Grandmaster
Boris Spassky became a global figure during his legendary 1972 world championship match against Bobby Fischer, a Cold War era spectacle that captivated millions. Though he lost the title, he remained a beloved ambassador of the game throughout his life.
Brian Wilson – Musician, Co-founder of The Beach Boys
Brian Wilson shaped the sound of modern pop through intricate harmonies and studio innovations on albums like 'Pet Sounds'. Despite personal struggles, he eventually returned to music and reunited with the Beach Boys, solidifying his legacy as a visionary.
Claudia Cardinale – Actress
Italian actress Claudia Cardinale appeared in more than 100 films, achieving iconic status through roles in Fellini’s '8½' and Visconti’s 'The Leopard'. Later in life she used her platform to advocate for women’s rights as a UN goodwill ambassador.
Cleo Laine – Jazz Singer
Cleo Laine, born Clementine Dinah Bullock, was renowned for her four-octave range and her ability to move effortlessly between jazz, pop, Broadway and classical styles. Her distinctive voice made her one of Britain’s most original and enduring musical talents.
Connie Francis – Singer
Connie Francis scored a string of chart-topping hits, including 'Who’s Sorry Now?', 'Lipstick on Your Collar' and 'Where the Boys Are', becoming one of the most recognisable voices of early pop music. Decades after her retirement, a vintage recording unexpectedly went viral, introducing her to a new generation.
D'Angelo – Singer & Neo-Soul Pioneer
D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, fused soul, funk, gospel and hip-hop to help launch the neo-soul movement. After a decade-long retreat from the spotlight, he returned with the album 'Black Messiah', a landmark of modern Black music and social reflection
Dave Parker – Baseball Player
Dave Parker, nicknamed 'The Cobra', was a powerful hitter and dynamic outfielder whose swagger helped define Major League Baseball in the 1970s and 80s. His impact on the game extended beyond statistics to a bold, charismatic style that inspired younger athletes.
David Lynch – Filmmaker
David Lynch created a world of surreal, dreamlike cinema through films like 'Eraserhead', 'Blue Velvet' and 'Mulholland Drive'. His TV series 'Twin Peaks' became a global cultural phenomenon, cementing him as one of film’s most influential modern auteurs.
David Mabuza – Politician
David Mabuza served as South Africa’s deputy president after rising from his beginnings as a teacher and student activist. His political career was influential yet consistently marked by controversy and allegations of corruption.
Diane Keaton – Actress & Director
Diane Keaton became one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers, shifting easily between comedy and drama in films ranging from 'Annie Hall' to 'The Godfather'. She later directed films and wrote bestselling memoirs, all while maintaining an iconic sense of personal style.
Dick Cheney – Former US Vice President
Dick Cheney redefined the American vice presidency, driving foreign policy decisions, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While praised by some for decisive leadership, he remains one of the most polarising figures in modern US politics.
Felix Baumgartner – Extreme Sportsman
Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall when he skydived from the stratosphere. His record-setting jump captured worldwide attention and pushed the boundaries of human endurance.
Feya Faku – Jazz Trumpeter
Feya Faku was an internationally respected trumpeter and flugelhorn player who collaborated with leading South African jazz artists. He brought warmth, creativity and deep musicality to stages across the globe.
Franklin Sonn – Diplomat & Business Leader
Franklin Sonn was democratic South Africa's first ambassador to the United States and a respected educator and businessman. Back home, he held leadership roles in major organisations and continued shaping public life long into retirement.
Frank Owen Gehry – Architect
Frank Gehry revolutionised modern architecture with fluid, sculptural structures like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall. His use of unconventional materials and advanced design software reshaped ideas about what buildings could express.
Gene Hackman – Actor
Gene Hackman delivered some of cinema’s most compelling performances in films like 'The French Connection', 'The Conversation' and 'Unforgiven'. His range spanned intense dramas to memorable villains, leaving behind one of Hollywood’s most admired careers.
George Foreman – Boxer & Entrepreneur
George Foreman won the world heavyweight title twice and became known for his legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle' bout against Muhammad Ali. Later he reinvented himself as a preacher and wildly successful entrepreneur with the George Foreman Grill.
Giorgio Armani – Fashion Designer
Giorgio Armani transformed global fashion with his relaxed, elegant tailoring and the rise of the modern power suit. His brand expanded into a multibillion-rand empire encompassing clothing, interiors, fragrance, hospitality and more.
Hulk Hogan – Professional Wrestler
Hulk Hogan became the face of professional wrestling during its explosion into mainstream entertainment. His outsized persona and catchphrases turned him into a pop culture icon far beyond the ring.
James Lovell – NASA Astronaut
James Lovell flew on four historic space missions, including Apollo 8 and the ill-fated Apollo 13. His steady leadership during the Apollo 13 crisis made him a symbol of calm heroism under extraordinary pressure.
James Watson – Molecular Biologist
James Watson shared the Nobel Prize for helping discover the double-helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that reshaped modern biology. Though his later statements on race and intelligence overshadowed his reputation, his scientific achievement remains foundational.
Jane Goodall – Primatologist & Conservationist
Jane Goodall reshaped the study of primates with her groundbreaking fieldwork documenting chimpanzee behaviour, including tool use once thought unique to humans. She spent decades advocating for wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship worldwide.
Jimmy Cliff – Musician
Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, helped introduce reggae to global audiences with classics like 'Many Rivers to Cross' and 'You Can Get It If You Really Want'. He became one of Jamaica’s most influential musical ambassadors and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Joan Plowright – Actress
Joan Plowright enjoyed a distinguished career on stage and screen, becoming one of Britain’s most respected performers. Her work influenced generations of theatre-makers, including notable South African directors.
Jules Feiffer – Cartoonist & Writer
Jules Feiffer used satire to examine politics, relationships and social anxieties in his long-running comic strip and numerous plays and screenplays. His illustrations for 'The Phantom Tollbooth' remain beloved classics of children’s literature.
June Lockhart – Actress
June Lockhart became an enduring television figure through her roles in 'Lassie' and 'Lost in Space'. She brought warmth and authority to the screen, shaping American family entertainment for decades.
Lalo Schifrin – Composer
Lalo Schifrin wrote some of the most recognisable music in television and film, including the iconic 'Mission: Impossible' theme. A versatile jazz pianist and conductor, he worked across genres and collaborated with many of the world’s greatest musicians.
Loretta Swit – Actress
Loretta Swit became a television icon as Major 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in 'MASH', a role she deepened over 11 seasons. Her portrayal inspired many viewers to pursue nursing and brought emotional depth to one of TV’s most influential shows.
Louis Moholo – Jazz Drummer
Louis Moholo was a pioneering South African drummer and key member of groups like the Blue Notes and Brotherhood of Breath. Exiled for decades, he helped shape European avant-garde jazz before returning home to continued acclaim.
Marianne Faithfull – Singer & Actress
Marianne Faithfull rose to fame as a 1960s pop star before facing years of personal turmoil and addiction. Her comeback album 'Broken English' revealed a raw, powerful new artistic identity that redefined her legacy.
Matshidiso 'Tshidi' Madia – Journalist
Tshidi Madia was a respected South African political journalist and associate editor at Eyewitness News. Her incisive reporting earned widespread admiration, including a rare one-on-one interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Nathi Mthethwa – Politician & Diplomat
Nathi Mthethwa served as a Cabinet minister before becoming South Africa’s ambassador to France. His career was marked by both influence and controversy, including his role in the Marikana and Nkandla affairs.
Pops Mohamed – Musician
Pops Mohamed, born Ismail Mohamed-Jan, blended indigenous African instruments with jazz, kwela, pop and soul to create a uniquely South African sound. His work bridged generations and traditions, earning him deep respect across the musical landscape.
Pope Francis – Religious Leader
Pope Francis brought a more open, socially engaged voice to the Catholic Church, speaking out on climate change, migration, inequality and LGBTQ inclusion. His compassionate leadership earned him the reputation of being a 'People’s Pope'.
Prunella Scales – Actress
Prunella Scales is best remembered for her iconic role as Sybil Fawlty in the beloved sitcom 'Fawlty Towers'. Beyond that character, she enjoyed a long career spanning Shakespearean theatre and major television dramas.
Richard Chamberlain – Actor
Richard Chamberlain became a household name as Dr Kildare before starring in blockbuster miniseries like 'Shogun' and 'The Thorn Birds'. Late in life he spoke openly about embracing his identity, offering wisdom on love and self-acceptance.
Robert Redford – Actor, Director & Founder of Sundance
Robert Redford captivated audiences in classics like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'The Sting' and 'All the President’s Men'. He also became a celebrated director and founded the Sundance Institute, reshaping independent film worldwide.
Roberta Flack – Singer
Roberta Flack blended jazz, R&B, folk and pop into soulful hits such as 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'. Her gentle vocals and expressive piano style left an enduring mark on modern music.
Sly Stone – Musician
Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, led Sly and the Family Stone in creating a revolutionary mix of funk, rock and soul with a racially integrated band. His music carried powerful messages of unity and social change that continue to influence artists today.
Terence Stamp – Actor
Terence Stamp earned early acclaim for 'Billy Budd' and later gained pop culture fame as General Zod in the 'Superman' films. His decades-spanning career mixed spiritual searching with iconic screen presence.
Tom Lehrer – Satirist & Songwriter
Tom Lehrer used sharp wit and musical talent to lampoon politics, culture and human folly through songs like 'The Elements'. In an unusual act of generosity, he later released his entire catalogue into the public domain.
Tom Stoppard – Playwright
Tom Stoppard wrote some of the most celebrated plays of the past fifty years, including 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead', 'The Real Thing' and 'Leopoldstadt'. His works combined intellectual playfulness with deep emotional inquiry, shaped in part by his own refugee childhood.
Val Kilmer – Actor
Val Kilmer became a fan favourite with roles in 'Top Gun', 'Heat', 'The Doors' and numerous cult classics. His return as Iceman in 'Top Gun: Maverick' offered a poignant reflection on illness, legacy and resilience.
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Images: AFP