As cold winds turn into spring blossoms, we say goodbye to world icons as we celebrate their contributions and achievements throughout their lifetime. From a local Malaysian actor to a hit singer in the 60s, we honour their contributions in their fields and hold them as icons on the world stage.
As we remember Lee Sai Peng, Jay North, Johnny Tillotson, Vito Pirbazari, Val Kilmer, Patty Maloney, and Sian Barbara Allen, we also celebrate their lives and history.
1. Lee Sai Peng
Malaysian actor, Lee Sai Peng, aged 85 years old, sadly passed away on 4th April 2025. It’s believed his death was caused by a brain tumour that he was diagnosed with five years ago. The veteran actor, who is fondly known as Uncle Frankie, rose to fame with his debut film, the 2014 box office hit “The Journey”. His impactful role in the film also earned him the award of “Best Actor” at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival in 2015, making him the oldest person to hold the award. Afterwards, he made appearances in “Special Forces” and a cameo in “Ola Bola” and Lee’s final film, “Fight Lah! Kopitiam” in 2020.
2. Jay North
Jay North, known for his beloved role in “Dennis the Menace” passed away, on 6th April 2025 at age 73. As confirmed by his manager, Bonnie Vent, the veteran actor passed in his home located at Lake Butler, Florida, following a long battle with cancer. North’s friend Laurie Jacobson expressed in a Facebook post about the struggles the veteran actor had to go through in Hollywood, but he did not let it define his life.
3. Vittorio “Vito” Pirbazari
German bodybuilder and actor, Vito Pirbazari, passed away on 1st April 2025, at the age of 44. Pirbazari who acted in the Netflix film “Dogs of Berlin” was said to have collapsed while running on a treadmill and was believed to have suffered a heart attack. A day before his death, the bodybuilder’s dad shared a photo of him getting back into training following a long hiatus caused by a pectoral muscle tear.
4. Johnny Tillotson
Johnny Tillotson, the Grammy-nominated singer of the 1960s hit “Poetry in Motion”, sadly left the world last week, following his Parkinsonism diagnosis. In a heartfelt Facebook post by his wife, Nancy, confirmed his passing on 1st April 2025, “He was funny, generous and kind. A gentleman through and through. He loved and was grateful to his fans, as he once said, they made every dream I ever had come true. Once again on his behalf, I say thank you for that”.
5. Val Kilmer
Known for his roles in “Batman Forever” and “Top Gun”, Hollywood actor Val Kilmer shocked fans after it was revealed that he passed away due to pneumonia on 1st April 2025. His family revealed that the star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which he recovered from after treatment. Kilmer was an acclaimed actor and artist throughout his lifetime, leaving a legacy after his death at 65 years old.
6. Patricia “Patty” Maloney
Former “Little House on the Prairie” star, Patty Maloney, passed away on 31st March 2025 at age 89, while in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida. The little woman with a big personality also played the roles of Chewbacca’s son, Lumpy, in the “Star Wars Holiday Special” and the alien Honk in “Sid & Marty Krofft”. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, told The Hollywood Reporter, “For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do”.
7. Sian Barbara Allen
On 31st March 2025, the world said goodbye to “The Waltson” star Sian Barbara Allen, who passed away at age 78 due to Alzheimer’s. The Golden Globe-nominated actress appeared in dozens of TV shows and was also known for her role in the 1972 film, “You’ll Like My Mother”. Throughout her lifetime, she was known to portray characters who showed great vulnerability and uncommon empathy. Allen also received the key to the city of her hometown and also enjoyed poetry, music and Mac and Cheese.
8. Noor Azizah
Veteran actress Noor Azizah Azizul Hassan has sadly passed away on 7th April 2025 at age 79. Known for her role in “Enam Jahanam” directed by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, the actress has also played in several international films such as the Indonesian film “Malin Kundang” in 1971 and an Australian production called “Bailey Bird”.
We share our condolences with the families of the stars as they leave behind their legacies to be celebrated.
Sources: The Star (1) (2), People
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
