R&B musician D’Angelo, often called a visionary in neo-soul music, passed away on October 14, following several other high-profile deaths so far this year.
The 51-year-old from Virginia had been privately suffering from pancreatic cancer, and it was his family who announced the news of his death to the media.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” his family said in a statement to magazine Variety. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today.”
D’Angelo, who first started playing piano at just 3 years old, was behind hits including “Lady,” “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”
Numerous figures in entertainment, from Beyoncé to John Legend and Jamie Foxx, have shared heartfelt tributes in light of his passing.
The neo-soul pioneer’s death sadly follows a long list of other famous faces whose passing was announced this year.
Here are just some of the stars spanning film, fashion and sport that we lost in 2025.
Diane Keaton
The actress and style icon, best known for collaborating with Woody Allen, passed away on in Los Angeles, California, on October 11 at the age of 79. Her health had declined in the preceding months, though she and her family remained private about her condition. Stars from Keanu Reeves to Robert De Niro have come out to honor Keaton’s legacy in film and popular culture following her death.
Robert Redford
The actor, best known for taking on leading-man roles in big-budget Hollywood movies, passed away on September 16 at the age of 89. He reportedly died in his sleep at his home in Sundance, Utah.
Ozzy Osbourne
The rock icon and Black Sabbath frontman passed away on July 22, at the age of 76, in Buckinghamshire, England. He was reportedly surrounded by family, including his longtime wife Sharon Osbourne, in his final moments.
The rock singer passed away just two weeks after performing at his farewell concert with Black Sabbath.
Val Kilmer
The actor died of pneumonia, with several underlying health factors contributing toward his death in California on April 1. He was 65 years old. The former Batman was best known for starring in Top Gun and several other action-adventure movies.
George Foreman
The two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and an Olympic gold medalist passed away in Houston, Texas, on March 21 at the age of 76.
Pat Crowley
The Golden Globe-winning actress, who appeared on television classics Dynasty and Friends, died in Los Angeles, California, on September 14 at the age of 91.
Rudi Johnson
The professional football player had been a running back for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson died in Florida on September 23 at the age of 45. The investigation into his death is ongoing.
Giorgio Armani
The Italian designer, who founded the Armani fashion house, is best known for the status he had as a leading figure in luxury fashion. Throughout his career, he dressed fashion stars such as Cindy Crawford and Monica Bellucci and received rave reviews at fashion weeks. He passed away on September 4 in Milan, Italy, at the age of 91.
Terence Stamp
The British actor, who took on both cult and mainstream projects in several countries, died on August 17, at the age of 87. Stamp had received multiple accolades including a Golden Globe Award, a Cannes Film Festival award and nominations for an Academy Award and BAFTA awards. Following his death, stars spanning film, screenwriting and music paid public tribute to his career.
Connie Francis
Francis became the first woman to have a solo No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1960, with her 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” seeing a revival on TikTok after being popularized through lighthearted reels by younger listeners. Francis passed away at the age of 87 on July 16.
Diogo Jota
Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, known as Diogo Jota, was signed to Liverpool Football Club when he passed away on July 3 at the age of 28. The Portuguese soccer player, and his brother André who also died in the crash, had traveling through Zamora province in Spain. He had married his high-school sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before the accident, and he leaves behind three children.
Claudia Cardinale
The Italian actress, who was born in French Tunisia, gained recognition for starring in several high-profile European productions, with directors Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti, before starring in U.S. films Once Upon a Time in the West and The Pink Panther. She passed away in France on September 23 at the age of 87.