Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota was among the famous faces we have lost
Liverpool attacker Jota died along with his brother Andre Silva at the start of July after a car crash in Spain
Liverpool attacker Jota died along with his brother Andre Silva at the start of July after a car crash in Spain
The world lost many of its biggest stars and notable figures throughout 2025. The celebrities we have lost have left a huge legacy behind as their work continues to be recognised and appreciated. Although they may no longer be with us, their memories will live on through those who loved and admired them.
The ECHO has taken a look back on 2025 . Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota was among the famous faces we have lost, others we sadly said goodbye to were The Vivienne, Pope Francis and Ozzy Osbourne.
Hopefully, as we enter a new year, and great achievements some of the legends will be remembered for. Some at the end of their spectacular careers, while others were taken far too soon.
Jeff Baena
Actress Aubrey Plaza and director/writer Jeff Baena
Actress Aubrey Plaza and director/writer Jeff Baena
2. ### The Vivienne
The Vivienne pictured in 2023
The Vivienne pictured in 2023
3. ### Peter Yarrow
Musician Peter Yarrow attends Cousin Brucie Presents Peter Yarrow & Noel "Paul" Stookey: In Studio Performance And Interview For SiriusXM Listeners on November 6, 2014 in New York City.
Musician Peter Yarrow attends Cousin Brucie Presents Peter Yarrow & Noel "Paul" Stookey: In Studio Performance And Interview For SiriusXM Listeners on November 6, 2014 in New York City.
4. ### Tony Slattery
Comedian Tony Slattery, known for his witty humour on popular shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Just A Minute, and Have I Got News For You, died at 65 after suffering a heart attack on January 14. Tony was born on November 9, 1959 and was part of the esteemed Footlights Drama Society at Cambridge University, alongside Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie.
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5. ### Linda Nolan
Linda Nolan died aged 65 after a battle with secondary breast cancer. The pop star's agent confirmed the sad news on January 15 as she died with her famous sisters by her side. Part of the statement read: "As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success, touring the world and selling more than 30 million records, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me and the iconic disco classic I'm In The Mood for Dancing."
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6. ### David Lynch
Director-writer David Lynch, who transformed American film with a dark, surrealistic artistic vision with films like 'Blue Velvet' and 'Mulholland Drive' as well as TV show 'Twin Peaks' died on January 15, aged 78. His family announced his death in a Facebook post, writing: “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us."
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7. ### Alex Connerty
Alex, from Maghull, was a disability activist. The 19-year-old died unexpectedly on January 15, after living his life with the rare condition called Microcephalic Primordial Dwarfism Type II (MPD). Alex's family set up the Walking With Giants Foundation in 2008 to support other families like themselves and look into the causes of MPD. During his life Alex captured the hearts of people across Liverpool and further afield.
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8. ### Paul Danan
Former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan, who was also known for reality TV shows like Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother died at the age of 46 on Wednesday, January 15. Paul's management company said he was "known for his television presence, exceptional talent and unwavering kindness", and had been "a beacon of light to so many".
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9. ### Joan Plowright
The actor Joan Plowright, who was celebrated for her long career in theatre and film, died at the age of 95 on January 16. She won acclaim for performances during the early years of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court and the National Theatre when it was based at the Old Vic and led by her second husband, Laurence Olivier.
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10. ### Phil Hammond
Phil Hammond was a tireless Hillsborough campaigner and a key figure in the fight for justice. The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance shared the news of his death on January 17. Phil, who lost his 14-year-old son, Philip junior, in the Hillsborough disaster put his heart and soul into the battle for truth and justice.
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11. ### John Sykes
British rock guitarist John Sykes, who played with Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, died aged 65 on January 20. A statement on his website said Sykes "passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer". He appeared on two Whitesnake albums and co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs, including Still Of The Night and Is This Love. In 1984, he joined Whitesnake at the invitation of founder and frontman David Coverdale.
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12. ### Michael Baggott
Michael Baggott, an antique expert who appeared on the BBC series Flog It! died from a heart attack aged 51. A statement posted on his X account, said he had suffered a heart attack in October and died on January 28 in hospital. His expertise on the show were focused around antique British silver, boxes and early spoons.
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13. ### Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull died at the age of 78 on January 30. The singer and actress rose to fame in the 1960s for her song 'As Tears Go By', which was written by The Rolling Stones’ Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. In addition to her music career, she also acted in films including 'The Girl on a Motorcycle', as well as theatre productions. A statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
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14. ### Rick Buckler
Rick Buckler died aged 69 in February. He was a member of The Jam from the early 70s until they broke up in 1982.
Sharing a post to Instagram, the former frontman of The Jam, Paul Weller, wrote: "I'm shocked and saddened by Rick's passing. I'm thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking. To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record. What a journey!"
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15. ### Roberta Flack
One of the top recording artists of the 1970s, Roberta Flack saw a career resurgence in the mid 1990s after The Fugees covered her hit, Killing Me Softly.
Roberta Flack died at the age of 88, her publicist announced in February. The American singer was best known for her hit songs Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
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16. ### Michelle Trachtenberg
Gossip Girl and Buffy The Vampire Slayer actress Michelle Trachtenberg died aged 39 in February. The actress was found dead at her home in New York City by police, as reported by Variety.
New York authorities have confirmed that the actress died from diabetes-related complications. TMZ reports a medical examiner concluded that "complications of diabetes mellitus" were the reason for her death.
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17. ### Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, two-time Oscar-winning actor for the movies The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found dead on February 26 at age 95. The bodies of the Hollywood icon and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered inside their home.
It was later revealed Hackman died from heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor. The actor earned a total of five career Academy Award nods for prestige projects, winning once as Best Actor and and another as Best Supporting Actor.
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18. ### Joey Molland
A guitarist from rock band Badfinger died earlier this year. Joey Molland died on March 1, aged 77. The Liverpool-born star died surrounded by his long-term girlfriend Mary, two sons and other members of his family.
Joey, who was born in Edge Hill in 1947, began his career in 1967, working with Gary Walker as part of the group Gary Walker & The Rain. They released numerous singles, an EP and an album. The following year he was signed by Apple Records.
In 1969 he joined Badfinger as a guitarist and during his association with Apple, he made guest appearances on two George Harrison albums, All Things Must Pass and The Concert For Bangladesh, as well as John Lennon album Imagine, which was released in 1971.
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19. ### Simon Fisher-Becker
Simon Fisher-Becker, who featured in films such as Les Miserables and Harry Potter, died at the age of 63.
Fisher-Becker featured as Master of the House in the Oscar-winning musical, and worked alongside Matt Smith as Dorium Maldovar in BBC's Doctor Who.
In a statement, the actor's agent Kim Barry, of Jaffrey Management, said: "Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing. I shall never forget the phone call I made to him when he was offered the part of Dorium Maldovar in BBC’s Dr Who."
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20. ### George Foreman
George Foreman died on March 21 at the age of 76. A post on the two-time world heavyweight champion's Instagram page said he died peacefully on Friday surrounded by family. The post said: "Our hearts are broken.
"With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. 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."
Foreman was an Olympic gold medallist in 1968 before claiming his first heavyweight title with a stoppage win over Joe Frazier in 1973. He lost the belt a year later to Muhammad Ali in the infamous Rumble In the Jungle bout held in the African nation then known as Zaire.
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21. ### Val Kilmer
Actor Val Kilmer died at the age of 65, his daughter said. In a statement to the New York Times, his daughter Mercedes said the actor had died from pneumonia.
He rose to fame starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 hit Top Gun. Kilmer would go on to play Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever and received critical acclaim for his portrayal of musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.
His final acting role was a cameo on the 2022 blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
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22. ### Jean Marsh
Jean Marsh, the co-creator and star of Upstairs, Downstairs, died at the age of 90. The Emmy-winning star also had a hand in creating the historical drama series, The House Of Eliott.
Her close friend, director Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg, shared through her agent: "Jean died peacefully in bed looked after by one of her very loving carers. You could say we were very close for 60 years.
"She was as wise and funny as anyone I ever met, as well as being very pretty and kind, and talented as both an actress and writer."
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23. ### Pope Francis
Pope Francis had been battling health issues in the lead up to his death on Easter Monday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
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24. ### Charley Scalies
Actor Charley Scalies died aged 84 in May, the star made appearances in The Sopranos and The Wire. His daughter Anne Marie, confirmed the news her dad had died, while at a nursing home in Pennsylvania.
In the critically acclaimed TV series 'The Wire', Charley played Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa in 12 episodes. His role in The Sopranos came as Tony Soprano's childhood football coach, Coach Molinaro.
Daughter Anne Marie told the Hollywood Reporter the actor had died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Charley was the youngest of three children and in the early 1990s took to the stage in community and dinner theatre productions.
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25. ### Michael McStay
Actor Michael McStay died aged 92 in May. A representative for Michael confirmed the veteran performer died of heart failure on Sunday, May 18 after spending his final moments surrounded by family.
A spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades.”
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26. ### Lorna Raver
Lorna Raver, the actress known for her roles in numerous popular films and TV shows from the 90s and 00s, died at the age of 81. Her death happened on May 12.
Ms Raver is perhaps best remembered by horror fans for her role as Mrs Ganush in the demon film Drag Me To Hell, where she starred alongside Justin Long and Alison Lohman. In the film, her character, an elderly woman, seeks revenge after being denied a mortgage extension from the bank, a decision made by Lohman's character, leading to Mrs Ganush cursing her.
Over the years, Raver also made cameo appearances in several major TV shows such as ER, Star Trek: Voyager and Desperate Housewives.
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27. ### George Wendt
George Wendt died at the age of 76 in May. He was renowned for his role as Norm Peterson in the hit American sitcom Cheers, which ran from 1982 until 1993.
The actor, who was the uncle of Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis, died in his sleep at home. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement made to the Hollywood Reporter.
It said: "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time." George is survived by his wife Bernadette Birkett and their three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel.
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28. ### Henry Kelly
Henry Kelly died at the age of 78, a statement from his family said. The Irish radio and television presenter began his career in journalism before moving into television in 1980.
The TV personality became a household name over the decades and was part of the team presenting LWT's practical joke show Game for a Laugh in the 1980s. In June 1983 he joined TV-am and become the host of the Saturday edition of "Good Morning Britain" with Toni Arthur.
Henry Kelly's family said he "died peacefully" after a period of ill health. Their statement said: "Henry will be sorely missed by his friends and family, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, Henry's daughter Siobhan and her mother Marjorie."
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29. ### Kathryn Apanowicz
Former EastEnders and Coronation Street actress Kathryn Apanowicz died at the age of 64. The actress and presenter's death was announced on Monday, March 3, after a long illness.
Kathryn began her career as a child performer for Yorkshire Television before playing caterer Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders and later having minor roles in both Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
In Coronation Street she played barmaid Carol Starkey in 1995 in the famous Rovers Return. In her later years, she turned her hand to presenting with shows on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York.
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30. ### Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff
Pamela Bach, the former Baywatch actress and ex-wife of David Hasselhoff, died aged 62 in March. She was found at home in the Hollywood Hills on March 5 after she died by suicide, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's office said.
She met Hasselhoff while acting with him on the set of TV series Knight Rider, and the two married in 1989. She went on to star alongside him on lifeguard TV drama Baywatch before their divorce in 2006.
Her acting credits included soap opera The Young and the Restless, Cheers, The Fall Guy, T.J. Hooker, Superboy and Viper.
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31. ### Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain died aged 90 in March. The death of the famous actor was confirmed by his publicist Harlan Boll, who said Richard died on Saturday, March 29 of complications following a stroke.
A statement released said: "Our beloved Richard is with the angels now." His longtime partner Martin Rabbett said: "He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Richard played a number of well known roles in TV in an incredible career. He played Father Ralph de Bricassart in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds. The Emmy-winning series, which was adapted from Colleen McCullough’s romance novel of the same name, followed the story of forbidden love in the Australian outback.
The actor also starred in the 1980 miniseries Shogun, an adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, as John Blackthorne, and played the titular character in Dr. Kildare
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32. ### Philip Lowrie
Coronation Street legend Philip Lowrie, best known for playing Dennis Tanner, died at the age of 88 in April. His publicist confirmed the sad news.
Philip's publicist and close friend Mario Renzullo shared the sad news with ITV News: "My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88. His death marks the end of an era for the world's longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling."
Philip, who first appeared on Coronation Street in the soap's first episode in 1960 at just 24, played the on-screen son of Elsie Tanner until 1968. He reprised his role as Dennis Tanner in 2011, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between appearances as the same character.
Apart from Coronation Street, the actor enjoyed a successful stage career, including West End roles in The Mousetrap and The Case of the Frightened Lady. He also appeared on TV shows such as Doctors, Casualty, and Andy Capp.
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33. ### Jiggly Caliente
RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente died at the age of 44, just days after undergoing surgery to amputate her right leg. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Bianca Castro's family members on social media.
The tribute read: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arebejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025 at 4.42am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends."
The statement added: "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity."
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