As 2025 draws to a close, the year has been marked the loss of several influential figures whose work shaped music, television, film, and culture in ways that still echo today. Their contributions spanned genres and generations, leaving behind performances, songs, and moments that became part of everyday life for millions, and we remember all who passed this year.
This in memoriam reflects on the high-profile names we have lost so far this year, honoring their lives with a brief look at who they were and why they mattered. Each entry offers a snapshot of their legacy, whether it impacted the world of music, world politics, faith, environmentalism, science, film, and beyond.
Wayne Osmond
The Osmond Brothers (clockwise from lower left): Jimmy Osmond, Merrill Osmond, Jay Osmond, Wayne Osmond, Alan Osmond, Donny Osmond, 1973. ph: Gene Trindl / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection
Wayne Osmond was 73 when he died on January 1. He was a singer and musician, best known as a member of the Osmond family, performing with his siblings in The Osmonds.
Peter Yarrow
Everett Collection
On January 7, The Guardian reported Peter Yarrow died at the age of 86. He was an American singer, songwriter, and activist who was a key member of the influential folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary.
On January 9, Bill Byrge died at the age of 86. He was an American actor and comedian. His claim to fame was playing the character Bobby alongside Gailard Sartain’s “Chuck” in the popular Ernest P. Worrell film franchise and commercials.
Sam Moore
Sam Moore/ImageCollect
Sam Moore was 89 when he died on January 10. He was an American soul and R&B singer who achieved fame as one half of the duo Sam & Dave, known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’”.
Dalyce Curry was 95 when she died on January 10. Known as “Mama D,” she was an American actress. Her career included small roles in notable films like The Ten Commandments and The Blues Brothers.
Leslie Charleson
GENERAL HOSPITAL, Robin Christopher, Leslie Charleson, John Ingle, (aired week of Jan. 7, 2008), 1963-. photo: Adam Larkey/ © ABC / courtesy: Everett Collection
On January 12, Leslie Charleson died at the age of 79. She was an American actress. She was best known for her long-running role as Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital.
Big Chuck
Big chuck and Little john/Instagram
On January 19, Big Chuck died at the age of 90. Born Charles “Chuck” Shidowski, he was a Cleveland, Ohio, television personality. His claim to fame was hosting the late-night comedy and horror movie show Big Chuck and Little John for nearly 30 years.
Marianne Faithfull
Jagger e Faithfull, em Amsterdã, 1967./Wikimedia Commons
Marianne Faithfull was 78 when she died on January 30. She was an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “As Tears Go By” and maintained a long career known for her distinctive voice and personal struggles.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
On February 18, Gene Hackman died at the age of 95. He was a highly acclaimed American actor. His illustrious career, spanning over four decades, included Academy Award-winning performances in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven. Betsy Arakawa was 63 when she passed away. She was a musician and businesswoman, and was the wife of actor Gene Hackman from 1991 until her death.