November 2025 was a month of profound loss across the globe. We remember 15 famous faces from entertainment, politics, and the arts who passed away, celebrating the vast and varied legacies they leave behind.
Farewell to icons.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a formidable and often controversial figure in American politics, died on November 3 at the age of 84. His long career spanned decades, serving as a Congressman, Secretary of Defense during the Gulf War, and Vice President under George W. Bush. Cheney's powerful and polarizing legacy left a lasting impact on the nation's political landscape. | © CNN Politics / YouTube
Acclaimed actress Diane Ladd has died at 89. The three-time Oscar nominee, known for films like Chinatown and Wild at Heart, was also the mother of Laura Dern. Her celebrated career spanned over six decades in film and television. | © CBS Sunday Morning / YouTube
Japanese cinema lost one of its greatest legends, Tatsuya Nakadai, who passed away on November 8 at the age of 92. With a career spanning over 160 films, he was renowned for his intense performances in classics like The Human Condition and Harakiri. Nakadai's powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft made him an icon, and he later nurtured new talent through his acting school. | © CRITERION / YouTube
Character actress Betty Harford, a familiar face on screen for decades, passed away on November 2 at 97. She was known for voicing Gumby's mother and for her formidable role as Mrs. Nottingham on The Paper Chase. Her versatile career also included parts in films like Inside Daisy Clover, leaving a legacy across animation and television. | © ABC
The motoring world mourns Quentin Willson, who died on November 8 at 68 after battling lung cancer. The former Top Gear host was beloved for his sharp wit and deep car knowledge, remembered by colleagues as a truly entertaining personality. | © AutoMotoTV / YouTube
The film world has lost director Lee Tamahori, who passed away on November 7 at 75. He revolutionized New Zealand cinema with his raw debut Once Were Warriors, which became the country's highest-grossing film. Tamahori later brought his distinctive vision to Hollywood, helming the James Bond adventure Die Another Day and other major productions. | © Te Ao with Moana / YouTube
Hollywood lost a true original with the passing of Sally Kirkland on November 11 at 84. Her remarkable career ranged from Andy Warhol's Factory to an Oscar-nominated performance in Anna, for which she won a Golden Globe. Though she faced health struggles later in life, Kirkland remained a beloved and generous spirit, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable roles in films and television. | © AP
The music world lost a beloved figure with the passing of Cleto Escobedo III on November 11 at age 59. For years, he was the vibrant bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where his group Cleto and the Cletones provided the show's unforgettable soundtrack. A talented saxophonist, he also toured with major artists like Paula Abdul, leaving behind a legacy of rhythm and joy. | © Jimmy Kimmel Instagram
The music world mourns reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, who passed away on November 24 at 81. The Jamaican legend gave us timeless classics like Many Rivers to Cross and starred in the iconic film The Harder They Come. A two-time Grammy winner, Cliff's vibrant spirit made him a global ambassador for Jamaican music. | © CNN World / YouTube
The comedy world lost a brilliant mind with the passing of writer Dan McGrath on November 14 at the age of 61. A graduate of the legendary Harvard Lampoon, he launched his career writing sketches for Saturday Night Live. McGrath then found his greatest success in animation, earning an Emmy Award for his work on the golden years of The Simpsons and later contributing to beloved shows like King of the Hill. | © mclaughlinandsons.com
The music world is mourning the loss of Jellybean Johnson, the dynamic drummer for Prince's famed band The Time, who passed away on November 21 at the age of 69. His powerful beats were a driving force behind the Minneapolis funk sound and were featured in the iconic film Purple Rain. Beyond the stage, Johnson was also a gifted producer, crafting hits like Janet Jackson's Black Cat and Mint Condition's Breakin' My Heart. | © FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul / YouTube
The legendary Kessler Twins, Alice and Ellen, have passed away at 89. The dazzling singing duo, famous for performing with greats like Frank Sinatra, died together on November 17 in Germany. According to reports, they chose to end their lives through legal medical assistance. | © Instagram
The film world has lost a true icon with the passing of German actor Udo Kier on November 23 at the age of 81. With a career spanning over six decades, he became a defining face of arthouse cinema, unforgettable in classics like My Own Private Idaho and Melancholia. Kier was a favorite collaborator of visionary directors, from Lars von Trier to Gus Van Sant, bringing his intense presence to every role. | © Locarno Film Festival / YouTube
The entertainment industry lost a versatile talent with the passing of John Eimen on November 21 at the age of 76. Many will remember him as a familiar young face from classic TV shows like Leave It to Beaver and The Twilight Zone. His life, however, extended far beyond the screen, encompassing careers as a musician, an English teacher in Japan, and a dedicated flight attendant. | © Eimen Family
The entertainment world was saddened by the loss of Canadian actor Spencer Lofranco, who passed away on November 18 at the young age of 33. He was best known for portraying the sons of formidable figures, most recently playing John Gotti Jr. opposite John Travolta in the 2018 film Gotti. Lofranco also showcased his talent in major films like Angelina Jolie's Unbroken and as the lead in the indie drama Jamesy Boy. | © ScreenSlam / YouTube
November 2025 was a month of profound loss across the globe. We remember 15 famous faces from entertainment, politics, and the arts who passed away, celebrating the vast and varied legacies they leave behind.
November 2025 was a month of profound loss across the globe. We remember 15 famous faces from entertainment, politics, and the arts who passed away, celebrating the vast and varied legacies they leave behind.