This month, we say goodbye to several beloved figures who left a lasting impact on their respective fields. From the world of entertainment to sports, tech, and beyond, these individuals touched lives, inspired generations, and made unforgettable contributions.
As we reflect on their legacies, we honour their achievements and remember L.J. Smith, David Steven Cohen, Han Jong-hee, Rahim Abdullah, Manoj Bharathiraja and George Foreman. Let’s look back at the memories they left behind.
1. “Vampire Diaries” Author L.J. Smith
Bestselling author L.J. Smith passed away on 8th March 2025 following a battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Her illustrious career not only included the popular TV-adapted “Vampire Diaries” but also “Night World”, “The Secret Circle”, “Dark Visions” and “The Forbidden Game”.
The 66-year-old author leaves behind her long-time partner Julie Divola, sister Judy Clifford as well as Judy’s children and grandchildren.
2. David Steven Cohen
If you’ve seen the wacky, supernatural cartoon of the iconic pink dog, “Courage the Cowardly Dog” in the early days of Cartoon Network, then you would probably know him. David Steven Cohen, the head writer of the beloved series, passed away at age 66, due to cancer on 15th March 2025. In a heartfelt Instagram post from Cartoon Network, the popular channel thanks Cohen for his contributions with quote, “Thank you, David, for your work on the strangely beautiful world of Courage, lovingly adding to our childhood trauma while teaching poignant life lessons. How you’ve brought to life a scared but courageous little dog reminds us that we can do anything, even if we’re afraid. Rest well”
3. Samsung Co-CEO Han Jong-hee
Sad news has emerged from Samsung as the co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-hee (Hangul), has passed away at the age of 63 after a heart attack. He joined Samsung in 1988 and played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s television division into a global leader. After more than three decades of dedication, the Samsung veteran was appointed co-vice chairman in 2022. Han Jong-hee’s passing is expected to have a profound impact on the company’s future strategy and market position.
4. George Foreman
Heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, has passed away at the age of 76 on 21st March 2025 (Friday). His family announced that he “peacefully departed and surrounded by loved ones”. George Foreman’s career featured winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics and securing two world heavyweight titles, including a historic victory at 45 years old against Michael Moorer in 1994. Tributes from figures such as Mike Tyson have celebrated his profound impact on the sport and his enduring legacy.
5. Rahim Abdullah
Former Malaysian footballer, Rahim Abdullah, who represented Malaysia at the 1972 Summer Olympics with the national team passed away at the age of 77, on 25th March 2025. The well-decorated winger has represented Malaysia in various competitions with him winning the Malaysia Cup five times. As a retired player, Rahim was a coach for the national team in 1991.
6. Wings Hauser
The American actor, Gerald Dwight “Wings” Hauser, famous for his roles in “Vice Squad” and “The Insider”, passed at the age of 78 on 15th March 2025. Dubbed the “Biggest star you’ve never heard of”, Wings Hauser played in over 100 film and TV productions since 1967. His wife, Cali Lili Hauser shares the news on her Instagram page with the caption, “Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film and music partner, Cali Lili Hauser, at their studio this weekend”
7. Manoj Bharathiraja
The Indian film industry mourns the sudden passing of actor and filmmaker Manoj Bharathiraja, aged 48 due to cardiac arrest. He made his acting debut in the movie “Taj Mahal”, a movie directed by his father Bharathiraja. From then he continued to star in several movies such as, “Alli Arjuna”, “Samudhiram”, and “Eeswaran”. Aside from his acting career, Manoj also directed the Marghazi Thingal in 2023, following in his father’s footsteps.
8. Clive Revill
Sad news for geeks worldwide. Actor Clive Revill, best known as the original voice of the villainous Emperor Palpatine in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and Alfred Pennyworth in the “Batman: The Animated Series”, has died at the age of 94. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he passed away on 11th March at a care facility in Sherman Oaks following a long battle with dementia.
9. Yoko Kawanami
Japanese voice actress Yoko Kawanami passed away on 18th March 2025 due to peritoneal carcinomatosis at the age of 67. She is known for voicing Midori Norimaki in “Dr. Slump & Arale Chan” and Bikini from “Dragon Ball Z Kai”. Her company, Aoni Productions, shared the news yesterday (27th March 2025) through an official statement expressing their sincere gratitude for her contributions throughout her lifetime.
Sources: Variety, Trading View, New York Post, Times of India
