Influencers, icons and titans

>> The world lost some of its greatest in 2025, who showed true grit and mettle.

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From Hollywood legends to a trailblazing pope, a heavy-metal heavyweight and a fashion king, here are some of 2025's most notable deaths.

January

1: David Lodge, British novelist best known for his campus trilogy series, aged 89.

5: Costas Simitis, Greek former prime minister (1996-2004) and architect of the country’s eurozone entry, aged 88.

7: Jean-Marie Le Pen, former French far-right leader and losing presidential runoff candidate who cofounded the National Front party, aged 96.

16: David Lynch, US director behind Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and the cult television series Twin Peaks, aged 78

30: Marianne Faithfull, British singer and actress, best known for her hit song As Tears Go By, aged 78.

February

4: Karim Aga Khan IV, philanthropist and imam of the Ismaili Nizaris, a branch of Shia Islam, aged 88.