Back in Time Today
The year 2025 marked the loss of numerous influential Americans who shaped our culture, politics, and arts. From Hollywood legends to musical pioneers, political voices to sports icons, their contributions created lasting legacies that continue to inspire future generations. As we remember these remarkable individuals, we celebrate their achievements and the profound impact they had on American society.
1. Gene Hackman: Hollywood’s Gritty Leading Man
Found alongside his wife in their Santa Fe home, the two-time Oscar winner passed away at 95 from a combination of heart disease, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s. Hackman’s rugged authenticity shone through unforgettable roles in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven.’ His career spanned six remarkable decades before his retirement in the early 2000s. His death on February 26, 2025, closed the final chapter on one of American cinema’s most respected actors, known for bringing unvarnished humanity to every character he portrayed.
2. Val Kilmer: From Maverick to Batman
Pneumonia complications claimed the life of this charismatic actor on April 1, 2025, more than a decade after his initial throat cancer diagnosis. He was 65. Kilmer’s versatility dazzled audiences as he transformed into Jim Morrison, Batman, Doc Holliday, and Iceman in ‘Top Gun.’ His career epitomized Hollywood stardom of the 80s and 90s. After his cancer battle, Kilmer documented his journey in the poignant 2021 documentary ‘Val,’ revealing his artistic spirit remained unbroken despite losing his voice to treatment.
3. Richard Chamberlain: Television’s Original Heartthrob
Stroke complications silenced television’s pioneering leading man on March 29, 2025, at his Hawaiian home. He was 90 years old. Chamberlain first captured hearts as ‘Dr. Kildare’ before cementing his legacy in landmark miniseries ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shōgun.’ These performances earned him Golden Globes and Emmy nominations while establishing the template for the modern television star. After coming out in his 2003 memoir, he became an unexpected LGBTQ+ icon in his later years, bringing his signature grace to this final role in his remarkable life story.
4. Loretta Swit: M*A*S*H’s Trailblazing Major
Her portrayal of Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan brought feminism to primetime television and earned her two Emmy Awards. Swit died of natural causes in her New York City home on May 30, 2025. She was 87. Beyond M*A*S*H, few knew of her tireless animal rights advocacy and accomplished watercolor painting career. Her character’s evolution from stereotypical “army nurse” to complex woman mirrored television’s growing maturity. Cast members from the legendary series remembered her as fiercely talented and equally compassionate—much like the character that made her famous during the show’s historic 11-season run.
5. George Wendt: The Man Everyone Knew at Cheers
“NORM!” The sitcom catchphrase that welcomed television’s favorite barfly fell silent when Wendt died in his sleep on May 20, 2025. He was 76. Cardiac arrest claimed the beloved actor who earned six Emmy nominations portraying Norm Peterson on the iconic Boston-set comedy. His perfect comedic timing and everyman charm made him an audience favorite throughout the series’ eleven-season run. Cheers co-stars gathered at his memorial service, sharing stories of his legendary kindness and practical jokes on set. His character’s bar stool at the real Cheers in Boston was permanently roped off in tribute.
6. Michelle Trachtenberg: Child Star Gone Too Soon
Found unresponsive in her New York apartment on February 26, 2025, the actress who grew up before our eyes passed away at just 39. No cause was immediately disclosed. From Nickelodeon’s quirky ‘Pete & Pete’ to battling vampires as Dawn Summers on ‘Buffy,’ Trachtenberg navigated the treacherous path from child actor to adult roles. Her scheming Georgina Sparks on ‘Gossip Girl’ showcased her range. Her death sparked conversations about the pressures faced by former child stars. Co-stars from her various shows expressed shock at losing someone who had been working in entertainment since age three.
7. Leslie Charleson: General Hospital’s Beloved Matriarch
For nearly half a century, she portrayed Dr. Monica Quartermaine, becoming the steady heartbeat of daytime television’s longest-running drama. Charleson died on January 12, 2025, at 79. Her character weathered countless soap opera storms—affairs, deaths, resurrections—while Charleson herself became the show’s emotional anchor both on and off camera. Few actors in television history maintained a single role for so long with such consistent excellence. General Hospital dedicated a week of episodes to honor her legacy, incorporating actual footage from her 45 years on the show. The series’ producers created a medical scholarship in her name.
8. Anne Burrell: The Spiky-Haired Culinary Force
Her trademark platinum spikes and boundless energy made her Food Network’s most recognizable personality. Burrell died at her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025, at just 55. The classically trained chef balanced technical expertise with accessibility, transforming kitchen disasters into competent cooks on ‘Worst Cooks in America.’ Her infectious laugh and no-nonsense coaching style endeared her to millions of viewers struggling with their own culinary challenges. Burrell’s final cookbook, released posthumously, became an instant bestseller. Fellow celebrity chefs honored her by recreating her signature dishes during a Food Network memorial special.
9. Brian Wilson: The Genius Behind California’s Sound
The musical architect who crafted America’s soundtrack departed on June 11, 2025, at 82. His family announced his passing with profound grief but no specific cause. Wilson’s revolutionary production techniques and harmonies with The Beach Boys transcended pop music, creating timeless masterpieces like ‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘God Only Knows.’ His battles with mental illness and eventual creative rebirth became as legendary as his music. A musical savant who heard entire orchestrations in his head, Wilson once explained his gift simply: “I was a busy boy in my mind.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer leaves behind perhaps the most influential American musical legacy of the 20th century.
10. Roberta Flack: The Velvet Voice of Soul
Her haunting rendition of ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ defined an era of soulful introspection. Flack passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at 88, after living with ALS since 2022. The classically trained pianist brought extraordinary depth to pop music, earning four Grammy Awards including Record of the Year twice consecutively—a feat unmatched until Christopher Cross. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway remain masterclasses in vocal harmony. Before fame, Flack worked as a music teacher in Washington D.C., bringing that educator’s patience to her performances. Her songs provided the emotional backbone for countless films, including Clint Eastwood’s ‘Play Misty For Me.’
11. Sly Stone: Funk’s Revolutionary Mastermind
The musical innovator who integrated America’s airwaves with Sly and the Family Stone succumbed to COPD complications on June 9, 2025. He was 82. Stone’s groundbreaking fusion of funk, soul, psychedelia, and rock created anthems like ‘Everyday People’ that defined the late 1960s counterculture. His band’s explosive 1969 Woodstock performance remains one of the festival’s defining moments. After decades of reclusion following his meteoric rise, Stone made peace with his legacy in his final years. The pioneering musician who once sang “I Want To Take You Higher” fundamentally changed American music by bringing Black and white musicians together in one revolutionary band.
12. Sam Moore: The Legendary Soul Man
Half of the electrifying duo Sam & Dave departed following surgical complications on January 10, 2025, in Florida. He was 89. Moore’s tenor voice powered soul classics ‘Soul Man’ and ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’,’ influencing generations of vocalists with his gospel-infused delivery. His energetic performances with Dave Prater helped define the Stax Records sound that rivaled Motown in the 1960s. The Rock Hall inductee continued performing well into his 80s, collaborating with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Zucchero. Moore once reflected on his longevity: “The good Lord gave me this voice, and I figure I better use it until He wants it back.”
13. Peter Yarrow: Folk Music’s Activist Voice
The man who taught generations about a magic dragon named Puff lost his battle with bladder cancer on January 7, 2025. He was 86. As one-third of Peter, Paul and Mary, Yarrow created folk anthems that soundtracked the civil rights and anti-war movements. Their rendition of Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ at the 1963 March on Washington stands as a defining moment in American protest music. Beyond music, Yarrow founded Operation Respect, an anti-bullying program that reached millions of schoolchildren. His final public performance came at a voter registration rally just months before his death—still singing for social change until the end.
14. Jill Sobule: The Original ‘I Kissed a Girl’ Singer
The songwriter whose witty lyrics challenged social norms perished tragically in a Minnesota house fire on May 1, 2025. She was 66. Sobule’s 1995 hit ‘I Kissed a Girl’ became an anthem for sexual fluidity years before Katy Perry’s song of the same name. Her clever wordplay and social commentary shone through songs like ‘Supermodel’ from the ‘Clueless’ soundtrack. A musical chameleon, Sobule crowdfunded her albums before it became common practice. Denver’s music community, where she was scheduled to perform the day after her death, held a memorial concert featuring local artists performing her extensive catalog of thoughtful, humorous songs.
15. George Foreman: From Heavyweight Champ to Grill Guru
The boxing legend who reinvented himself as an entrepreneur passed peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 76. Foreman’s extraordinary life included Olympic gold in 1968, two heavyweight championships decades apart, and an unlikely third act as the face of the wildly successful George Foreman Grill. His 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” with Muhammad Ali remains boxing’s most famous bout. After retiring from boxing, Foreman became an ordained minister and devoted family man. The father of 12 children (including five sons named George) once joked: “I named them all George so when I yell ‘George!’ someone always answers.”
16. Bob Uecker: Baseball’s Beloved ‘Mr. Baseball’
The self-deprecating voice of the Milwaukee Brewers lost his battle with cancer on January 16, 2025. He was 90. Uecker transformed his mediocre playing career (.200 lifetime batting average) into comedy gold through Tonight Show appearances and his role in the ‘Major League’ films. His catchphrase “Juuust a bit outside!” entered the lexicon of baseball fans everywhere. For over 50 years, his radio broadcasts made him Milwaukee’s most beloved figure. The Brewers’ home stadium features a statue of Uecker in the last row—a nod to his famous quip: “I must be in the front row!”—alongside one honoring his genuine broadcasting excellence.
17. Dick Button: Figure Skating’s Revolutionary Champion
The first American to win Olympic gold in figure skating died on January 30, 2025, at 95, after declining health in recent years. Button revolutionized his sport by introducing now-standard jumps and bringing athleticism to what had been a relatively staid discipline. His achievements included two Olympic golds, five World Championships, and the first double axel and triple loop in competition. His second career as television’s preeminent skating analyst spanned decades. Button’s commentary combined technical expertise with unfiltered opinions that skaters both feared and respected. “If you don’t fall, you’re not trying hard enough” became his personal motto and advice to generations of skaters.
18. Cecile Richards: Reproductive Rights Champion
The longtime Planned Parenthood leader succumbed to glioblastoma on January 20, 2025, at 67. She had continued her advocacy work even after her 2023 diagnosis. As the daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards, activism ran in her blood. During her 12-year tenure leading Planned Parenthood, Richards transformed the organization into a political powerhouse while expanding healthcare services to millions of Americans. Her final public appearance came at a women’s rights rally just weeks before her death. There, despite visible frailty, she delivered a characteristically fiery speech: “The fight for equality doesn’t end with any one person—it lives in all of us.”
19. Leonard A. Lauder: Beauty Industry Titan
The visionary who transformed his mother’s kitchen-table business into a global cosmetics empire died on June 14, 2025. He was 92. As CEO of Estée Lauder Companies, Lauder pioneered modern beauty marketing while acquiring brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Jo Malone. His business acumen was matched by his philanthropy, including donating his billion-dollar Cubist art collection to the Metropolitan Museum. The Whitney Museum’s Lauder Building stands as testament to his cultural contributions. Leonard’s famous management philosophy—”Beauty is an attitude”—applied equally to his products and his approach to business leadership that emphasized dignity and personal connection in an increasingly impersonal corporate world.
20. Jules Feiffer: The Satirical Cartoonist Who Defined an Era
The Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist whose pen skewered American politics and culture died from congestive heart failure on January 17, 2025. He was 95. Feiffer’s distinctive, scratchy drawing style and incisive social commentary graced the Village Voice for 42 years. His neurotic characters voiced the anxieties of postwar America with wit that never sacrificed substance for an easy laugh. Beyond cartooning, Feiffer wrote plays, screenplays, children’s books, and novels. The screenplay for ‘Carnal Knowledge’ and his play ‘Little Murders’ revealed his gift for dialogue that captured the uncomfortable truths beneath polite conversation—just as his cartoons exposed the hypocrisies of American politics.
21. Jiggly Caliente: Drag Performer and Trans Advocate
The vibrant performer who won hearts on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ died from post-surgical complications on April 27, 2025. She was 44. Born Bianca Castro, Jiggly’s journey from reality TV contestant to transgender activist inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about her transition after her initial Drag Race appearance helped normalize transgender visibility in mainstream media. Beyond drag, she built an acting career with roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘Search Party.’ Fellow Drag Race alumni organized a benefit show in her honor, raising funds for transgender healthcare initiatives—continuing the advocacy work that became increasingly important in the final chapter of her too-brief life.
22. Mike Rinder: Scientology’s Most Prominent Whistleblower
The former high-ranking Scientology executive who became its most vocal critic died from esophageal cancer on January 5, 2025. He was 69. Rinder spent 25 years in the church’s upper echelons before his dramatic 2007 departure. His subsequent revelations about alleged abuses within the organization fueled media investigations and the Emmy-winning series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ which he co-hosted with Leah Remini. His 2022 memoir ‘A Billion Years’ provided an insider’s account of the secretive organization. Despite legal challenges and reported harassment, Rinder never wavered in speaking out, often saying: “The truth doesn’t fear investigation—only lies need protection.”
23. Ruth Buzzi: Laugh-In’s Comedic Powerhouse
The comedian whose purse-swinging Gladys Ormphby delighted television audiences died from Alzheimer’s complications on May 1, 2025. She was 88. Buzzi’s remarkable physical comedy and character work on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ earned her a Golden Globe and five Emmy nominations. Her fearlessness in transforming her appearance for laughs paved the way for future female comedians. Few knew she was also an accomplished voice actress in children’s programming. Buzzi once said her greatest achievement was “making three generations laugh at the same joke.” Her Laugh-In castmate Lily Tomlin remembered her as “the funniest woman who never got enough credit for changing comedy.”
24. Al Trautwig: The Voice Behind Olympic Moments
Cancer claimed the respected sports broadcaster on February 23, 2025, at his Long Island home. He was 68. Trautwig’s versatile commentary spanned from New York Knicks and Rangers games to Olympic gymnastics and figure skating coverage. His knowledgeable yet accessible style made complex sports comprehensible to casual viewers during multiple Olympic broadcasts. Colleagues remembered his meticulous preparation and ability to capture historic moments with just the right words—or sometimes, perfect silence. NBC Sports chairman said of Trautwig: “He understood that sometimes the most powerful commentary is letting the moment speak for itself, a rare gift in broadcasting.”
25. Chris Jasper: The Musical Genius Behind the Isley Brothers
The keyboard wizard who helped define the Isley Brothers’ sound died after a brief cancer battle on February 23, 2025. He was 73. Jasper joined his brothers-in-law in the Isley Brothers during their influential 3+3 period, contributing songwriting and distinctive keyboard work to classics like ‘Fight the Power’ and ‘For the Love of You.’ His musical training brought sophisticated harmonies to the group’s funk foundation. After forming Isley-Jasper-Isley in the 1980s, he maintained a solo career focused on gospel and R&B. Fellow musicians revered Jasper as a pioneer of the synthesizer in soul music—his innovative keyboard textures became the blueprint for countless R&B productions.