Notable Deaths in 2025

Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. After leaving office, he became one of the most active post-presidents in history, founding the Carter Center and spending decades working on conflict resolution, disease eradication, and Habitat for Humanity. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and lived to 100.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first from the Americas. Known for his humility, progressive social views, and focus on the poor, he reshaped the papacy's public image. He died on Easter Monday 2025 at the age of 88.

Bob Uecker was a beloved figure in baseball, famous for his self-deprecating humour about his modest playing career and his decades-long role as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers. He also starred in the sitcom "Mr. Belvedere" and appeared in Miller Lite commercials. He died of lung cancer at 90.

Gene Hackman was one of the greatest actors of his generation, winning two Academy Awards for "The French Connection" (1971) and "Unforgiven" (1992). His career spanned five decades with over 80 films. He retired from acting in 2004 and lived quietly in New Mexico until his death at 95.

Val Kilmer was an intense, chameleon-like actor who defined 1980s and 90s cinema. He played Iceman in "Top Gun", Jim Morrison in "The Doors", Doc Holliday in "Tombstone", and Batman in "Batman Forever". He battled throat cancer for years and reprised his role in "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022. He died at 65.

Richard Simmons was America's most recognisable fitness personality for decades. His "Sweatin' to the Oldies" videos sold millions of copies, and he was known for his genuine enthusiasm for helping people lose weight. He largely withdrew from public life after 2014. He died the day after his 76th birthday.

Dame Maggie Smith was one of the most celebrated actresses in British history, winning two Academy Awards and five BAFTAs across a career spanning seven decades. She became known to a new generation as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. She died at 89.

Quincy Jones was one of the most influential figures in music history. He produced Michael Jackson's "Thriller" — the best-selling album of all time — and organised "We Are the World." He won 28 Grammy Awards across a career spanning jazz, pop, film scoring, and television. He died at 91.

Pete Rose holds the all-time Major League Baseball record for career hits with 4,256. Known as "Charlie Hustle" for his relentless playing style, his career was permanently overshadowed by his lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 for gambling on games. He died at 83 from cardiovascular disease — the same condition that kills more people than any other cause worldwide.

Dikembe Mutombo was one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, famous for his finger-wag after blocking shots. Off the court, he was one of sports' most dedicated humanitarians, building a hospital in his hometown of Kinshasa and working extensively with the UN. He died of brain cancer at just 58.