All Major Celebrity Deaths in September 2025 (So Far)

September 2025 was a difficult month, marked by the passing of many notable people from the worlds of film, fashion, music, and sports. This summary provides key information about those we lost, including when they died and what they were famous for.

Each profile features key life dates, age at passing, notable achievements, organizations they were involved with, and how their death was reported. This serves as a quick guide to help you follow important obituaries and stay updated on the latest news.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford, a celebrated actor and director, passed away at his Utah home on September 16th at the age of 89. He was known for his roles in iconic movies like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, ‘The Sting’, ‘All the President’s Men’, and ‘Out of Africa’, and he won an Oscar for directing ‘Ordinary People’. Redford also established the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, which have been instrumental in supporting and developing independent film.

People from across his industry and the organizations he helped praised him after his death. He is remembered by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, and their two daughters. He was also predeceased by two sons. Those honoring his life highlighted his lifelong dedication to protecting the environment, and the ongoing work of The Redford Center, which focuses on sharing stories about climate change and supporting conservation.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani, the iconic fashion designer, passed away in Milan on September 4th at the age of 91. He transformed the Armani brand into a worldwide luxury leader and revolutionized tailoring with his relaxed, streamlined designs that impacted both men’s and women’s fashion for decades. His company announced his death, stating he continued to be involved in the creative and business side of things until very recently.

After his passing, Milan held both public tributes and a private funeral. The company announced its future leadership would come from within its established team and family. Throughout the industry, people remembered Milan’s impact on fashion for celebrities and athletes, as well as the vastness of his business, which included clothing, cosmetics, home goods, and hotels. His five decades of creative work were also celebrated in large museum exhibits.

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale, the Tunisian-born Italian actress who became a celebrated star of European cinema, passed away on September 23rd in Nemours, France, at the age of 87. Known for her roles in classics like ‘8½’, ‘The Leopard’, and ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’, she also appeared in popular films such as ‘The Pink Panther’. Throughout her long career, she collaborated with prominent directors in Italy and France and remained dedicated to European filmmaking.

She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Throughout her celebrated career, she received numerous awards and worked as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador, passionately advocating for the preservation and appreciation of classic European films at festivals and events worldwide.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor known for his roles in films like ‘Dances with Wolves’ and ‘The Green Mile’, and recently in the TV series ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Longmire’, passed away on September 1st at the age of 73. He received an Oscar nomination for his work in ‘Dances with Wolves’. Representatives confirmed he had been battling an illness for some time before his death.

It was so sad to hear about his passing. So many groups – arts organizations and Indigenous ones especially – were sharing how much he did over the years, not just as a performer, but as a mentor. Everyone talked about how he started in theatre and built a huge career, playing all sorts of roles. But what really struck me was how much he did to open doors for other Indigenous actors in film and TV. He truly made a difference and will be deeply missed.

Ken Dryden

Ken Dryden, the legendary hockey goaltender, passed away on September 5th at the age of 78. He famously won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was named playoff MVP in 1971, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He also received multiple Vezina Trophies recognizing him as the league’s best goalie. After his playing career, Dryden became a celebrated author with his book ‘The Game,’ and later served as a Member of Parliament and cabinet minister for Canada.

The NHL and the Montreal Canadiens honored him for his success as a player and his contributions to sports leadership and helping young people. Universities, publishers, and government officials also praised his work in education, athlete well-being, and community sports programs.

Dickie Bird

Dickie Bird, the celebrated cricket umpire, passed away on September 23rd at the age of 92. Born in Yorkshire, he became globally recognized for his officiating in numerous Test matches and One Day Internationals, including several World Cup finals. Cricket organizations and clubs have announced his death and are planning tributes at the grounds where he umpired.

He was known for making smart, consistent choices, connecting well with players, and a popular autobiography that made him famous even outside of the cricket world. His commitment to charitable foundations and supporting young people means his legacy will continue through scholarships and community coaching programs.

Diane Martel

Diane Martel, the music video director known for her work with pop stars like Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake, died in New York on September 18th at age 63. She directed popular videos like ‘Blurred Lines’ and ‘We Can’t Stop’ and had a significant impact on pop culture visuals. Her family announced that she died after a long struggle with breast cancer.

People in the music and film industries remembered her by sharing stories about her work, highlighting her beginnings in choreography and documentary filmmaking. Industry organizations also gathered collections of her most famous music videos and announced plans to honor her memory by creating scholarships for up-and-coming directors and choreographers.

Joe Bugner

Joe Bugner, a heavyweight boxer born in Hungary who later became a British and Australian citizen, passed away in Brisbane on September 1st at the age of 75. He was known for fighting top opponents, including two matches against Muhammad Ali, and continued his career in Australia, even appearing in films, TV shows, and the ‘Street Fighter’ video game. Boxing officials confirmed his death and shared details of his successful career.

People involved in boxing – including former trainers, promoters, and commentators – spoke about his successful career winning European and Commonwealth titles and how he remained relevant through many different periods of the sport. Boxing charities, particularly those focused on brain health, also highlighted the care he received later in life and the importance of support systems for retired boxers and their families.

I’m thinking about how much these incredible people influenced their areas of work, and I’d love to hear your thoughts too. I’m also wondering what piece of their work I’ll go back to appreciate in their memory – feel free to share what you’ll revisit in the comments!

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2025-09-26 06:45