While 2025 saw many farewells, July in particular marked the departure of several renowned figures across film, literature, voice acting, comedy, music, and more. Below is a curated tribute to those whose work touched countless lives.
July 1
Jimmy Swaggart (90), American televangelist and gospel musician famed for his evangelical ministry
Brendan Berg (42), Canadian indie pop bassist with Royal Canoe
July 2–8
Julian McMahon (56), actor of Charmed, Nip/Tuck, also voice actor in animation
Michael Madsen (67), known for Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, passed from cardiac arrest at home
Mark Snow (78), composer famous for The X-Files theme and other TV scores
James Carter Cathcart (71), prolific voice actor behind characters like Professor Oak and Meowth in Pokémon
Mosie Burks (92), gospel singer with Mississippi Mass Choir
Tim Cronin (63), drummer/vocalist of Monster Magnet
Ihor Poklad (83), Ukrainian composer
David Kaff (79), progressive rock keyboardist (Rare Bird, This Is Spinal Tap)
Iris Williams (79), Welsh jazz vocalist
Dany Lademacher (75), Belgian rock guitarist
July 11–15
Andrea Gibson (49), poet and activist who battled ovarian cancer
Rene Kirby (70), actor known for Shallow Hal, died of complications from long-term health issues
Eileen Fulton (91), soap opera icon from As the World Turns
Connie Francis (87), legendary singer behind hits like “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now”
Alan Bergman (99), Oscar- and Grammy-winning lyricist (The Way We Were, Windmills of Your Mind)
July 17–21
Felix Baumgartner (56), Austrian daredevil known for breaking the sound barrier during a stratospheric jump; died in a paragliding accident
Malcolm‑Jamal Warner (54), beloved actor (Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show) and musician, drowned while swimming in Costa Rica
Eileen Fulton repeated? omit
Kenneth Washington (88), final surviving main cast member of Hogan’s Heroes
July 22–24
Chuck Mangione (84), Grammy-winning smooth jazz flugelhornist famed for “Feels So Good”
Ozzy Osbourne (76), legendary heavy metal frontman of Black Sabbath and reality-TV icon, died surrounded by family after health struggles
Sir Roger Norrington (91), classical conductor and pioneer of historically informed performance
Cleo Laine (97), British jazz vocalist with near five-octave range and stage star; Britain’s Dame and musical legend
July 24
Hulk Hogan (71), pro wrestling pioneer and pop culture figure, died of cardiac arrest
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🕊️ Broader Reflections
July 2025 encompassed the loss of influential figures across multiple arenas:
Film & Acting: Julian McMahon, Michael Madsen, Malcolm‑Jamal Warner
Music: Connie Francis, Chuck Mangione, Ozzy Osbourne, Cleo Laine, Mosie Burks
Voice & Composition: James Carter Cathcart, Mark Snow
Theater & Cultural Icons: Kenneth Washington, Sir Roger Norrington
Spiritual & Public Life: Jimmy Swaggart
Their diverse legacies—from soundtrack themes and Grammy-winning songs to iconic TV roles and spiritual guidance—continue to shape our cultural memory.
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