Died February 2025

Melody Beattie (1948–2025), Codependent No More author

Melody Beattie was an author best known for her self-help books, including “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself,” which sold more than seven million copies.

David Johansen (1950–2025), New York Dolls frontman

David Johansen was the frontman for the glammy proto-punk band the New York Dolls, who ended up being one of the most influential of the era, and also had a solo career under the name Buster Poindexter. 

Boris Spassky (1937–2025), Russian chess grandmaster 

Boris Spassky was a Russian chess grandmaster and world champion who famously lost to Bobby Fischer in the so-called “Match of the Century” in 1972.

Gene Hackman (1930–2025), Oscar-winning star of The French Connection

Gene Hackman was an Oscar-winning actor and novelist who starred in films including “The French Connection,” “Mississippi Burning,” and “Unforgiven.”

Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint (1934–2025), psychiatrist who explored racism

Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint was a psychiatrist whose work studying the impact of racism on Black populations filled books and fueled debates about culture and politics. 

Roberto Orci (1973–2025), Star Trek reboot screenwriter

Roberto Orci was a screenwriter and producer who worked on 2009’s “Star Trek” and its sequels, the “Transformers” film series, and other movies.

Robert John (1946–2025), Sad Eyes singer

Robert John was a singer and songwriter best known for his 1979 hit, “Sad Eyes,” and his version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from 1971.

Clint Hill (1932–2025), Secret Service agent at JFK assassination 

Clint Hill was a Secret Service agent under five presidents, best known for jumping onto the presidential car to protect the first lady after President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot in 1963.

Lawrence J. Dolan (1931–2025), Cleveland Guardians owner

Lawrence J. Dolan was an attorney best known as the longtime owner of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians.

Al Trautwig (1956–2025), longtime sports broadcaster 

Al Trautwig was a longtime sports broadcaster whose work ranged from baseball and basketball to the Olympics, hockey, tennis, and auto racing.

John Lawlor (1941–2025), The Facts of Life actor

John Lawlor was a character actor best known for his sitcom roles in “Phyllis” and “The Facts of Life.” 

Eddie Fisher (1936–2025), White Sox All-Star pitcher

Eddie Fisher was a 15-year veteran of Major League Baseball whowon a World Series with the Baltimore Orioles and became an All-Star pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.

Gwen McCrae (1943–2025), Rockin’ Chair singer 

Gwen McCrae was a soul, funk, and disco singer best known for her 1975 hit, “Rockin’ Chair.” 

Lynne Marie Stewart (1946–2025), Miss Yvonne on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse 

Lynne Marie Stewart was a veteran actress known for playing Miss Yvonne on “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” and Charlie’s mother on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” 

Roberta Flack (1937–2025), Killing Me Softly with His Song singer

Roberta Flack was a singer who had No. 1 hits with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”

Jerry Butler (1939–2025), first leader of The Impressions

Jerry “Iceman” Butler was the original lead singer for The Impressions, who went on to a successful solo career and later became a Chicago politician.0

Marian Turski (1926–2025), Holocaust survivor and historian

Marian Turski was a Holocaust survivor who became an historian devoted to ensuring the world’s collective memory of the genocide does not fade.

Peter Jason (1944–2025), Deadwood actor

Peter Jason was a prolific character actor best known for playing Con Stapleton in “Deadwood,” and for his many appearances in the films of director John Carpenter.

Souleymane Cissé (1940–2025), acclaimed Malian filmmaker

Souleymane Cissé was a Malian filmmaker whose work, especially 1987’s “Yeelen,” has been cited as among the greatest-ever examples of African cinema.

Gerd Stern (1928–2025), Beat Generation multimedia artist

Gerd Stern was an influential poet and multimedia artist of the Beat era, as well as the co-founder of the 1960s art collective, USCO. 

David Boren (1941–2025), longtime Oklahoma senator

David Boren was a politician from Oklahoma, serving as the state’s governor, U.S. senator, andthe longtime president of the University of Oklahoma.

Mike Lange (1948–2025), longtime Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster

Mike Lange was a sports broadcaster best known for his 46-year career with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

Alice Hirson (1929–2025), One Life to Live star

Alice Hirson was a veteran actress best known for her work on several high-profile soap operas, including “One Life to Live,” “Another World,” and the primetime hit, “Dallas.” 

Anne Marie Hochhalter (2025), Columbine survivor

Anne Marie Hochhalter was a survivor of the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, who later spoke out about the impact of gun violence.

Biff Wiff (2025), I Think You Should Leave actor

Biff Wiff was a character actor who appeared on “I Think You Should Leave,” “Jury Duty,” Night Court,” “iCarly,” and many other shows.

Paquita la del Barrio (1947–2025), acclaimed Mexican singer 

Paquita la del Barrio was a Mexican singer, songwriter, and actress whose songs often confronted women’s issues and butted heads with “macho” culture.

Jacqueline van Maarsen (1929–2025), Anne Frank’s best friend

Jacqueline van Maarsen was a Holocaust survivor best known as Anne Frank’s best friend.

Gene “Groove” Allen (1964–2025), Groove B. Chill rapper

Gene “Groove” Allen was a rapper and actor best known for his work in the hip-hop trio Groove B. Chill and for his roles in movies like “House Party” and “House Party 2.” 

Jim Guy Tucker (1943–2025), former Arkansas governor

Jim Guy Tucker served as governor of Arkansas in the years after Bill Clinton left the position for the presidency.

Jerome Drayton (1945–2025), Boston Marathon winner

Jerome Drayton was one of the top long-distance runners of the 1970s and the last Canadian man to win the Boston Marathon. 

Tommy Hunt (1933–2025), Hall of Fame soul singer

Tommy Hunt was a soul singer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with The Flamingos, whose hits include “I Only Have Eyes for You.” 

John Cernuto (1944–2025), poker legend

John Cernuto was a longtime poker pro who won three World Series of Poker bracelets and two World Series of Poker Circuit rings over the years.

Beverly Byron (1932–2025), former congresswoman from Maryland

Beverly Byron represented Maryland in the U.S. House from 1979 to 1993.

Peter Tuiasosopo (1963–2025), Necessary Roughness actor

Peter Tuiasosopo was a former NFL center for the Los Angeles Rams who later became an actor, appearing in films including “Street Fighter and “Necessary Roughness.” 

Sam Nujoma (1929–2025), first president of Namibia

Sam Nujoma was a leader of Namibia’s decades-long War of Independence, later elected its first president.

Dick Jauron (1950–2025), former NFL player and coach 

Dick Jauron was a longtime veteran of the NFL, first playing for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, then coaching the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills.

Bruce French (1945–2025), veteran actor known for Passions

Bruce French was a veteran actor of stage and screen best known for portraying Father Lonigan in over 400 episodes of the NBC daytime drama, “Passions.”

Tom Robbins (1932–2025), Even Cowgirls Get the Blues author

Tom Robbins was a novelist known for quirky cult favorites like “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” and “Skinny Legs and All.” 

Mort Künstler (1927–2025), acclaimed historical artist 

Mort Künstler was an artist best known for his pulp adventure work and paintings of significant historical events in American history, especially those of the Civil War.

Howard Twilley (1943–2025), Miami Dolphins wide receiver

Howard Twilley was a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins for 11 seasons, including the team’s 1972 perfect season.

Virginia Halas McCaskey (1923–2025), Chicago Bears owner 

Virginia Halas McCaskey was the longtime owner of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, heading the team since inheriting it from her father in 1983.

Aga Khan IV (1936–2025), spiritual leader, magnate, and philanthropist

The Aga Khan IV was the spiritual leader of the Isma'ili branch of Shia Islam, a billionaire philanthropist who helped build homes, hospitals and schools throughout the world.

David Edward Byrd (1941–2025), 1960s rock poster artist

David Edward Byrd was an artist known for his psychedelic posters promoting 1960s rock acts and for his logos and posters for significant Broadway musicals. 

Gene Barge (1926–2025), acclaimed saxophonist and producer 

Gene Barge was a saxophonist and producer whose talents crossed paths with generations of music icons, including Natalie Cole, Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Little Richard, and many more.

Kultida Woods (1944–2025), Tiger Woods’ mother

Kultida Woods was the mother of golf legend Tiger Woods, known for being one of his most prominent supporters and for urging him to adopt red as his Sunday color.

Sal Maida (1948–2025), Roxy Music bassist

Sal Maida was a bassist who lent his talents to a wide array of cutting-edge bands, including Roxy Music, Cracker, Milk ’N’ Cookies, The Runaways, Sparks, and other acts.

Rich Dauer (1952–2025), Orioles second baseman

Rich Dauer was a longtime second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, winning a World Series with the team in 1983 and securing a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame.0

Horst Kí¶hler (1943–2025), former president of Germany 

Horst Kí¶hler was the president of Germany from 2004 through 2010, after serving as managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

Fay Vincent (1938–2025), former MLB commissioner

Fay Vincent was a former Major League Baseball commissioner who helped guide it through the 1989 earthquake, a 1993 expansion of the National League, and other key milestones in the sport.