Black Celebrities Who Tragically Died in 2025 (So Far)

2025 has been a difficult year, with the loss of beloved Black stars across music, film, television, sports, and culture. Each person below left a clear mark through their work and influence, and their families, colleagues, and fans have shared moving tributes in recent months. Here is a concise look at who they were, what they accomplished, and the key details we know about their passings so far this year.

D’Angelo

The visionary neo-soul artist died on October 14, 2025 at 51 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He broke through with the albums ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo’ and returned with ‘Black Messiah’ to renewed acclaim. Tributes highlighted his singular songwriting and the intimate, groove-driven sound he helped define. Memorials and fan gatherings celebrated his legacy as a towering influence on modern R&B.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

The actor and director died in July 2025 at 54 after an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica. He was widely known for playing Theo Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later appeared in ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ and ‘The Resident’. Authorities confirmed asphyxia by submersion and completed the autopsy that week. Colleagues and friends honored his decades of steady work and his advocacy for thoughtful portrayals on television.

Irv Gotti

The music executive and cofounder of Murder Inc. Records died in early February 2025 at 54. Reports noted he had suffered a stroke as tributes poured in from artists he helped develop. His work with Ja Rule and Ashanti shaped a key era in 2000s hip-hop and R&B. Memorial services in New York drew collaborators who credited him with elevating their careers.

Sam Moore

The legendary soul singer from the duo Sam & Dave died on January 10, 2025 at 89 following complications after surgery. His powerhouse tenor helped make ‘Soul Man’ and ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’’ staples of American music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and remained active in performance and advocacy late in life. Funeral announcements detailed a private service with a public celebration of his catalog.

Ananda Lewis

The former MTV and BET host died on June 11, 2025 at 52 after living publicly with breast cancer. She first reached national audiences with BET’s ‘Teen Summit’ and later hosted ‘Total Request Live’ segments and ‘The Ananda Lewis Show’. Statements from family and networks highlighted her work encouraging early detection and screening. Fans and media organizations organized digital memorials reflecting on her influence on youth culture and journalism.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory

The stage and screen actress died on October 3, 2025 at 52. She was celebrated for her standout turn as Dr. Belinda Brown on ‘Vice Principals’ and a steady slate of film and TV roles. Her death was shared by loved ones, and a cause was not immediately disclosed. Theater communities and former castmates posted tributes noting her range and long commitment to the craft.

Assata Shakur

The activist and former Black Liberation Army member died in Havana on September 25, 2025 at 78. Officials in Cuba announced her passing and referenced age-related health issues. Her life remained a point of debate due to her 1977 conviction, 1979 prison escape, and decades of asylum. Obituaries revisited the legal history and her influence on generations of organizers.

Gus Williams

The former NBA All-Star and 1979 champion with the Seattle SuperSonics died on January 15, 2025 at 71. University and team statements noted he had faced health challenges in recent years. He starred at USC and became one of the league’s elite guards, with his number retired by the franchise. Tributes from the basketball community reflected on his speed, defense, and leadership.

Barry Michael Cooper

The journalist and screenwriter died on January 22, 2025 at 66. He wrote the scripts for ‘New Jack City’, ‘Sugar Hill’, and ‘Above the Rim’ and helped put New York street narratives at the center of 1990s cinema. Obituaries also cited his reporting and the popularization of the term new jack swing. Filmmakers and musicians credited his work with shaping how hip-hop culture was portrayed on screen.

Share the names and memories that meant the most to you in the comments so we can keep honoring their legacies together.