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20 Jan 2025
30 Beloved Celebrities We Lost in May 2025: A Tribute to Their Lasting Legacies
May 2025 was an emotional month as the world said goodbye to a remarkable collection of artists, writers, performers, athletes, and cultural icons. From legendary musicians and acclaimed actors to groundbreaking photographers and influential public figures, each left a unique mark on global culture.
Here, we honour 30 notable individuals confirmed to have passed away in May 2025, celebrating their achievements, their contributions, and the unforgettable legacies they leave behind.
Film & Television Icons
1. Loretta Swit
Loretta Swit was an iconic figure in American television, remembered for her Emmy-winning role on
| Birthday: | November 4, 1937 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | M*A*S*H |
| Age: | 87 |
| Link to Profile | Loretta Swit |
2. Joe Don Baker
Known for his rugged presence and memorable performances, Joe Don Baker left an indelible mark on both action cinema and classic dramas
| Birthday: | February 12, 1936 |
| Date of Death: | May 7, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 89 |
| Link to Profile | Joe Don Baker |
3. Renée Victor
Renée Victor’s warm voice and commanding screen presence brought characters to life across decades of film and television.
| Birthday: | June 15, 1953 |
| Date of Death: | May 30, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Lymphoma |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | Actress – “Coco,” “Weeds” |
| Age: | 71 |
| Link to Profile | Renee Victor |
4. Charley Scalies
Best known for his memorable role as Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa, Scalies’ contributions to gritty, character-driven drama made him a fan favourite.
| Birthday: | April 7, 1942 |
| Date of Death: | May 1, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Alzheimer's disease |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | Actor – “The Wire” |
| Age: | 83 |
| Link to Profile | Charlie Scalies |
5. George Wendt
A beloved face of sitcom history, George Wendt’s portrayal of Norm earned him seven Emmy nominations and a permanent place in pop culture.
| Birthday: | October 17, 1948 |
| Date of Death: | May 20, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac Arrest |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 76 |
| Link to Profile | George Wendt |
6. Ed Gale
Ed Gale’s physical acting brought iconic characters to life, contributing to some of cinema’s most recognisable cult classics.
| Birthday: | August 23, 1963 |
| Date of Death: | May 27–28, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not disclosed |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | Actor – “Child’s Play,” “Howard the Duck” |
| Age: | 61 |
| Link to Profile | Ed Gale |
7. Valerie Mahaffey
Mahaffey’s Emmy-winning talent and subtle comedic timing made her one of TV’s most delightfully unique performers.
| Birthday: | June 16, 1953 |
| Date of Death: | May 30, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 71 |
| Link to Profile | Valerie Mahaffey |
8. Jill Sobule
A pioneering voice of ‘90s alternative pop, Sobule blended wit, satire, and insight into her iconic songwriting.
| Birthday: | January 16, 1959 |
| Date of Death: | May 1, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 66 |
| Link to Profile | Jill Sobule |
Music Legends
9. Rick Derringer
A guitar hero of the ‘70s, Derringer helped define the sound of classic rock through powerful riffs and timeless performances.
| Birthday: | August 5, 1947 |
| Date of Death: | May 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not specified |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | Musician |
| Age: | 77 |
| Link to Profile | Rick Derringer |
10. Robert Benton
A three-time Oscar winner, Benton reshaped American film with emotionally charged storytelling and humanistic direction.
| Birthday: | September 29, 1932 |
| Date of Death: | May 11, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not announced |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 92 |
| Link to Profile | Robert Benton |
Sports & Athletic Heroes
11. Juan Ramón Verón
A beloved figure in Argentine football, “La Bruja” Verón’s achievements with Estudiantes remain iconic in South American sports.
| Birthday: | March 17, 1943 |
| Date of Death: | May 27, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not disclosed |
| Nationality: | Argentine |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 82 |
| Link to Profile | Juan Ramon Veron |
12. Jochen Mass
Mass’s racing legacy includes victories across major motorsport categories and a respected career marked by resilience.
| Birthday: | September 30, 1946 |
| Date of Death: | May 4, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Stroke |
| Nationality: | German |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 78 |
| Link to Profile | Jochen Mass |
13. Peter McParland
The Aston Villa legend is remembered for his decisive goals and contributions to the club’s historic era.
| Birthday: | April 25, 1934 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Not announced |
| Nationality: | Northern Irish |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 91 |
| Link to Profile | Peter McParland |
14. Nino Benvenuti
One of Italy’s greatest boxing champions, Benvenuti’s Olympic triumph and professional titles cemented his place among boxing’s elite.
| Birthday: | April 26, 1938 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Famous as: | Famous for: |
| Age: | 87 |
| Link to Profile | Nino Benvenuti |
Writers, Thinkers & Cultural Voices
15. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
A literary titan, Ngũgĩ transformed African literature with his bold political voice and commitment to writing in indigenous languages.Famous as the
| Birthday: | January 5, 1938 |
| Date of Death: | May 28, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Kidney Failure |
| Nationality: | Kenyan |
| Famous as: | Author – “A Grain of Wheat” and “Decolonising the Mind” |
| Age: | 87 |
| Link to Profile | Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o |
16. Sebastião Salgado
Salgado’s dramatic, humanistic photography shaped global awareness of labour, migration, and environmental crises.
| Birthday: | February 8, 1944 |
| Date of Death: | May 23, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Severe Leukaemia |
| Nationality: | Brazilian |
| Famous as: | Famous As: |
| Age: | 81 |
| Link to Profile | Sebastião Salgado |
17. Susan Brownmiller
Brownmiller’s groundbreaking activism and writing changed the global conversation around gender-based violence.
| Birthday: | February 15, 1935 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Complications from a fall after a long illness |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 90 |
| Link to Profile | Susan Brownmiller |
18. George E. Smith
His invention of the CCD sensor revolutionised digital imaging, enabling modern photography, astronomy, and smartphones.
| Birthday: | May 10, 1930 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Not specified |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | Famous as: |
| Age: | 95 |
| Link to Profile | George E. Smith |
19. Charles Strouse
A Broadway legend, Strouse’s melodies defined generations of musical theatre.
| Birthday: | June 7, 1928 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Not stated |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 96 |
| Link to Profile | Charles Strouse |
20. Koyo Kouoh
A leading voice in contemporary African art, Kouoh transformed global museum culture through innovation and representation.
| Birthday: | January 30, 1967 |
| Date of Death: | June 3, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality: | Cameroonian |
| Famous as: | |
| Age: | 58 |
| Link to Profile | Koyo Kouoh |
Public Service Figures
22. José Mujica
Known as “the world’s humblest president,” Mujica inspired millions with his modest lifestyle and dedication to social justice.
| Birthday: | May 20, 1935 |
| Date of Death: | May 13, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality: | Uruguayan |
| Famous as: | Famous as: |
| Age: | 89 |
| Link to Profile | José Mujica |
23. Charles Rangel
| Birthday: | June 11, 1930 |
| Date of Death: | May 26, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not disclosed |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | U.S. Congressman (50 years of service) |
| Age: | 94 |
| Link to Profile | Charles Rangel |
Entertainment & Pop Culture
24. Ruth Buzzi
| Birthday: | July 24, 1936 |
| Date of Death: | May 1, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from Alzheimer’s disease |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | American Actress & Comedian |
| Age: | 88 years |
| Link to Profile | Ruth Buzzi |
25. John Brenkus
| Birthday: | May 1971 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Suicide |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | TV Host – ESPN Sports Science |
| Age: | 54 |
| Link to Profile | John Brenkus |
26. Presley Chweneyagae
| Birthday: | October 6, 1984 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Breathing Difficulties |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Famous as: | Actor – “Tsotsi” |
| Age: | 40 |
| Link to Profile | Presley Chweneyagae |
27. Barbara Ferris
| Birthday: | July 27, 1942 |
| Date of Death: | May 23, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Not revealed |
| Nationality: | British |
| Famous as: | Actress – “Catch Us If You Can” |
| Age: | 82 |
| Link to Profile | Barbara Ferris |
28. Phil Robertson
| Birthday: | April 24, 1946 |
| Date of Death: | |
| Cause of Death | Not specified |
| Nationality: | American |
| Famous as: | TV Personality – “Duck Dynasty” |
| Age: | 79 |
| Link to Profile | Phil Robertson |
International Arts & Culture
29. Malini Fonseka
| Birthday: | April 30, 1947 |
| Date of Death: | May 6, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality: | Sri Lankan |
| Famous as: | Sri Lankan Actress |
| Age: | 78 |
| Link to Profile | Malini Fonseka |
A Lasting Impact
These thirty extraordinary individuals shaped our world in ways that will continue to resonate far beyond May 2025. Their achievements span continents and disciplines — film, literature, science, music, sports, activism, and global leadership.
Their voices, stories, and creations remain with us, inspiring future generations to dream boldly, challenge norms, and pursue their passions with integrity.
Though May 2025 brought profound loss, it also reminded us of the profound power of human creativity — and of the legacies these remarkable people leave behind.
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