RadarOnline Honors 110 Legends Lost in 2025: Remembering Gene Hackman, Ozzy, and More
2025 saw the passing of many famous individuals from various fields such as showbiz, politics, and religion. While they may have taken their final bows, the impact they had on our lives will never be forgotten. Their performances, courageous stands, and goodwill continue to inspire us. RadarOnline.com pays tribute to these figures who, though no longer with us, will always be remembered.
Pope Francis
In October 2024, the movie “Conclave” captivated Hollywood audiences. Just six months later, the world witnessed real-life cardinals gathering at the Vatican to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. At 88 years old, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church succumbed to a stroke, coma, and heart failure on April 21.
During his tenure, Pope Francis addressed important issues such as climate change and the mistreatment of migrants. In his final formal interview, he emphasized the importance of forgiveness, stating, “To forgive is a great act of humanity. We have to distinguish – It is one thing to forgive, another thing to forget. One cannot forget.”
Hulk Hogan
The towering figure of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan, faced as much drama outside the ring as inside. His tumultuous life included a leaked sex tape and the use of racist slurs. He passed away on July 24 from a heart attack, with loved ones suggesting that his death could have been prevented if not for alleged malpractice during a prior surgery that severed his phrenic nerve.
In October, his third wife, Sky Daily, and son, Nick Hogan, hinted at a potential malpractice lawsuit. Despite his estrangement from daughter Brooke Hogan, she mourned his passing, saying, “When he left this Earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him. I know he’s at peace now… He used to speak about this moment with such wonder and hope. Like meeting God was the greatest championship he’d ever have.”
Richard Chamberlain
TV heartthrob Richard Chamberlain spent most of his career hiding a secret – he was gay. Known for his role as Dr. Kildare on the NBC series, Chamberlain never married or had children, raising eyebrows in the process. It wasn’t until his 2003 memoir, “Shattered Love,” that he came out at the age of 69.
Reflecting on his past, Chamberlain expressed regret for not being true to himself sooner. Despite maintaining a 33-year relationship with actor Martin Rabbett, the two eventually parted ways. Chamberlain passed away on March 29 in Hawaii at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke. He acknowledged, “I would’ve been a happier person to be out and free, but I was a working actor, and that’s the main thing I wanted out of this lifetime.”
