July 2025 was a month of profound loss for the entertainment world, as we bid farewell to several beloved celebrities whose talents left an indelible mark on film, music, and television.
Though these stars may be gone, their work continues to inspire. July 2025 reminded us to cherish the artists who shape our lives through their craft.
Celebrity We Lost In July 2025
Hulk Hogan
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, aka Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71.
The iconic WWE Hall of Famer suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24, 2025. He was pronounced dead after emergency responders rushed him to the hospital.
Hogan had battled severe back problems for years, stemming from his decades in the ring, where his body endured punishing bumps and heavy weight-training.
After multiple failed treatments, he underwent spinal fusion surgery in December 2010, which allowed him to continue making appearances.
However, his health struggles persisted. In 2013, Hogan filed a $50 million malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute. He claimed they subjected him to unnecessary surgeries that worsened his condition.
Despite legal victories and further treatments, his back issues were never fully resolved. His death came just one month after another major spinal fusion surgery. Meanwhile, his wife, Sky, insisted it was not directly related to a larger health crisis.
Moreover, Hogan, renowned for his blond mustache, bandanas, and charismatic persona, was one of the most famous wrestlers in the history of the sport.
A key figure in WWE’s rise during the 1980s and WCW’s success in the 1990s, he became a global icon, transcending the realm of professional wrestling.
Chuck Mangione
Charles Frank “Chuck” Mangione was the beloved flugelhorn player and composer whose smooth jazz-pop hit “Feels So Good” became a cultural touchstone.
Sadly, he passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2025, at his home in Rochester. He was 84. His family confirmed his death was due to natural causes.
Born on November 29, 1940, in Rochester, Mangione rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers before forming the Jazz Brothers with his older sibling, Gap Mangione.
His career spanned over six decades, during which he released more than 30 albums and earned a Grammy Award for “Bellavia.”
However, it was his 1977 album “Feels So Good” that catapulted him to international fame, with the title track becoming a crossover sensation and a staple of jazz-pop radio.
Beyond music, Mangione made memorable appearances in television and film, including a recurring role as a fictionalized version of himself on the animated series King of the Hill.
His warm, melodic style and signature hat made him an enduring figure in jazz.
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal icon and former frontman of Black Sabbath, passed away on 22 July 2025 at the age of 76.
His death came just seventeen days after his final performance at the Back to the Beginning farewell concert, marking the end of an era in rock history.
Born on 3 December 1948, Ozzy rose to fame in the 1970s as the electrifying lead singer of Black Sabbath, the band that helped define heavy metal.
He was one of music’s most rebellious and beloved figures. He earned the nickname “Prince of Darkness” with his haunting vocals and wild stage presence.
In later years, Ozzy faced significant health struggles. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, a condition that gradually robbed him of his ability to walk. He also battled emphysema, which further impacted his health.
Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and connect with fans until his final days.
A statement from his family confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. His legacy is immortal, not just as a rock legend, but as a cultural icon who pushed boundaries and inspired generations.
Jimmy Hunt
James Walter “Jimmy” Hunt, the former child actor best known for his role in the 1953 sci-fi classic Invaders from Mars, passed away on July 18, 2025, in Simi Valley, California, at the age of 85.
His death followed complications from a heart attack he suffered six weeks earlier, as confirmed by his family.
Born on December 4, 1939, Hunt began his acting career at the age of five, appearing in 35 films between 1945 and 1953. His most iconic role was as David MacLean, the young boy who uncovers an alien invasion in Invaders from Mars.
Decades later, he made a nostalgic return to the franchise with a cameo as the police chief in the 1986 remake.
Hunt retired from acting at 14, later attending college and serving three years in the U.S. Army as a codebreaker. After his military service, he settled into a quiet life outside Hollywood, working as a sales manager for an industrial supply company in California’s San Fernando Valley.
His wife of 62 years, Roswitha, whom he met in Germany during his Army service; his sons, Randy and Ron; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Bonnie, survive him.
His daughter, Roswitha, predeceased him over a decade ago.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor, musician, and poet Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
He tragically passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54 after an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.
Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province when he was caught in a strong current. The Costa Rican Red Cross responded to the scene around 2:10 p.m. after receiving reports of two men in distress.
Bystanders pulled Warner from the water and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Judicial Investigation Agency later confirmed his cause of death as asphyxia due to submersion.
Warners’ career spanned decades, with notable roles in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Suits, and The Resident. Beyond acting, he was a talented musician, winning a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children.”
Tom Troupe
Tom Troupe, a respected actor renowned for his work in Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Cagney & Lacey, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 20.
His death came just five days after celebrating his 97th birthday and two years after the passing of his wife, actress Carole Cook. He was married for nearly six decades.
Born in 1928 in North Kansas City, Missouri, Troupe served in the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star for his bravery. After his military service, he pursued acting, studying under legendary teacher Uta Hagen at New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio.
He made his Broadway debut in 1957 as Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank, launching a career that spanned the theater, film, and television industries.
Though primarily a stage actor, Troupe appeared in notable films such as The Devil’s Brigade, Kelly’s Heroes, and My Own Private Idaho. Alongside his wife, Carole Cook, he was honored with the 2002 L.A. Ovation Award for Career Achievements, celebrating their contributions to the arts.
He was a dedicated educator and co-founded The Faculty, an acting school in Los Angeles, with Charles Nelson Reilly. His legacy endures through his performances and the many actors he mentored.
His son, Christopher, his daughter-in-law, Becky, and his granddaughter, Ashley, survive him.
Connie Francis
Connie Francis, the iconic American singer whose powerful voice defined an era with hits such as “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby,” passed away on July 17, 2022, at the age of 87.
Her longtime friend and publicist, Ron Roberts, confirmed her death the following day.
Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, Francis rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She became one of the best-selling female artists of all time with over 100 million records sold.
Her career spanned decades, which marked timeless classics and a resilient spirit that saw her through personal and professional challenges.
Francis’ career was not without hardship. Between 1974 and 1988, she endured traumatic events, including a violent sexual assault, which led to years of psychological and physical struggles.
Despite this, she made a triumphant return to performing in 1989 and continued until her retirement in 2018. In a poignant twist, her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby” experienced a viral resurgence on social media earlier in 2025, reintroducing her music to a new generation.
In her final months, Francis faced significant health struggles. After suffering a hip injury in early 2025, she relied on a wheelchair and underwent stem cell therapy in hopes of recovery.
She reported severe pelvic pain in June, later attributed to a fracture. Hospitalized on July 2 for extreme pain, she underwent extensive tests before being discharged, only to deteriorate rapidly.
She lost consciousness on July 14 and died two days later. Roberts later revealed she had been diagnosed with pneumonia the day before her passing.
Bobby Jenks
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Bobby Jenks, the hard-throwing former Chicago White Sox closer who played a pivotal role in the 2005 World Series championship.
Jenks passed away on July 4, 2025, at the age of 44 after a courageous battle with adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer.
Jenks made his MLB debut on July 6, 2005, and quickly became a key piece of the White Sox bullpen. He etched his name into baseball history by closing out Game 4 of the World Series.
In 2007, Jenks tied a then-MLB record by retiring 41 consecutive batters. He was a two-time All-Star and ranks second in White Sox history in saves among White Sox pitchers. After his time in Chicago, he pitched for the Boston Red Sox before retiring.
In February 2025, Jenks revealed his stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosis, facing the disease with the same determination he displayed on the mound.
Despite his illness, he remained connected to baseball, having previously worked as a pitching coach and manager in the Pioneer League.
Julian McMahon
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian-American actor renowned for his roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and Fantastic Four.
McMahon passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56, after a private battle with head and neck cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his death.
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting, quickly making a name for himself in Australian soap opera Home and Away.
His breakout role came as the demon Cole Turner in Charmed, where he captivated audiences with his charm and intensity.
Similarly, McMahon gained further acclaim as the morally complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. He also brought Marvel villain Doctor Doom to life in Fantastic Four and its sequel, showcasing his versatility.
More recently, he starred as Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted, proving his enduring talent.
McMahon’s death was caused by lung metastasis stemming from his cancer diagnosis. He spent his final days in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. His family has since honored his wishes for cremation, with plans for a private memorial.
Michael Madsen
Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced actor renowned for his roles in Quentin Tarantino classics such as Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Volume 2, has died at the age of 67.
The actor passed away from cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, California, on the morning of July 3.
Emergency responders found Madsen unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. PDT.
His cardiologist later confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure, with underlying heart disease and a history of alcoholism listed as contributing factors. His ashes were initially given to his widow before being laid to rest at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
Born on September 25, 1957, Madsen became a cult favorite for his intense, often villainous performances. His portrayal of the sadistic yet philosophical Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs remains one of his most iconic roles.
He frequently collaborated with Tarantino, appearing in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, as well as starring in other major films like Donnie Brasco, Sin City, and Free Willy.
Beyond live-action films, Madsen lent his distinctive voice to video games, including Grand Theft Auto III and the Dishonored series. He was also the father of actor Christian Madsen and had five other children.
Diogo Jota
The football world is in mourning after the tragic deaths of Portuguese star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a fatal car accident on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain.
The Liverpool forward, just 28 years old, and his 25-year-old brother were returning to England for pre-season training when their Lamborghini Huracán crashed on the A52 motorway.
According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the crash occurred between 00:30 and 00:40 CEST after a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road near Cernadilla, caught fire, and both men died at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that Jota was likely driving and that the vehicle was significantly exceeding the speed limit.
The tragedy came just two weeks after Jota’s wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. He had recently undergone minor lung surgery in Porto and was advised against flying.
A public wake was held in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 4, attended by hundreds, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The funeral took place the next day at the Igreja Paroquial de Gondomar. Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson paid their tributes. Moreover, Portugal’s Rúben Neves served as a pallbearer before the brothers were laid to rest side by side.
