Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2025 – in memoriam
2025 has already seen us say farewell to some famous faces from the world of entertainment and beyond. Here, we pay tribute to stars and celebrities of TV, film and beyond, along with the words of their friends, colleagues and loved ones – gone but never forgotten.
Tony Slattery - comedian and star of Whose Line Is It Anyway? - died January 14, aged 65
"It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack on Sunday evening. A graduate and former president of Cambridge Footlights, where he was a contemporary with Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson, Tony was known and loved for his appearances on comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? as well as many other TV series and films. He had recently been touring a comedy show in England and launched a podcast, Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club, in October." – Mark Michael Hutchinson
"So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew. Not to mention a screamingly funny and deeply talented wit and clown. A cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us just as he had really begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons. He had started live “evenings with” and his own podcast series. Lovely, at least, this past year for him to have found to his joyous surprise that he was still remembered and held in great affection. Love and condolences to Mark, his staunch, devoted life partner of almost 40 years." – Stephen Fry
"Memories of just laughing a lot. Being silly and laughing. He was talented kind funny and beautiful. Sending love and condolences to wonderful Mark. Rest in peace now Tony." – Josie Lawrence
"Really sad news about Tony Slattery. Such a dazzling talent." – Al Murray
James Lee Williams, aka The Vivienne - drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner - died January 5, aged 32
“These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.
"Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other. I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre, Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
"I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.” - Simon Jones, The Vivienne's manager and PR
"I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken." - Michelle Visage
"Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you, Viv."
- Tia Kofi
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