Notable Figures Who Left Their Mark in 2025

In 2025, the world bid farewell to a diverse array of influential figures who left an indelible mark on various fields. The year began with the passing of Wayne Osmond, a founding member of The Osmonds, whose music brought joy to many during the 1970s. Rosita Missoni, the matriarch of the iconic Italian fashion house, also passed away, leaving behind a legacy of colorful zigzag-patterned knitwear that became a symbol of high fashion. The year saw the loss of self-help guru James Arthur Ray, whose career was overshadowed by a tragic sweat lodge ceremony that resulted in fatalities. Political figures like Costas Simitis, the architect of Greece’s adoption of the euro, and Jean-Marie Le Pen, a controversial figure known for his far-right views, also passed away. The music world mourned the loss of Peter Yarrow, a member of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, and Sam Moore, half of the legendary duo Sam & Dave.In the realm of cinema, David Lynch, celebrated for his dark and dreamlike visions, and Joan Plowright, an award-winning British actor, left a void in the entertainment industry. The year also saw the passing of Cecile Richards, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and abortion access, and Mauricio Funes, the former president of El Salvador. Sports enthusiasts remembered George Foreman, whose career spanned from boxing to business, and Dick Cheney, a polarizing figure in U. S. politics. The year concluded with the passing of Brigitte Bardot, a French sex symbol turned animal welfare activist, and Khaleda Zia, the first woman elected prime minister of Bangladesh.