Summer is almost over, but we come together to mourn the loss of the iconic stars who left the world in the month of July. While the season is often filled with warmth and celebration, it has also brought moments of reflection and sorrow as we say goodbye to a number of beloved figures from the worlds of film, music, and television. Their passing reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the lasting power of their creative legacies.
In this list, we remember the artists and entertainers whose talents touched audiences across generations and continents. From legendary performers to cultural trailblazers, each played a role in shaping the landscape of popular culture. As we look back on their lives and contributions, we honour not only what they achieved but the deep emotional connections they formed with fans around the world.
Ozzy Osbourne
On 22nd July (Tuesday), Black Sabbath lost their close friend and legendary frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76. Well known for his electrifying stage presence and signature vocal style, Osbourne helped pioneer the heavy metal genre as the face of Black Sabbath. With iconic tracks like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs,” he became a defining voice in rock history, cementing his status as the Prince of Darkness.
Beyond the music, Osbourne became a pop culture icon, notably starring in the reality show “The Osbournes”, which showcased his eccentric family life and endeared him to new generations. Despite health challenges in his later years, his passion for performing never faded. Fans will remember him for his rebellious spirit, unmatched influence on rock and metal, and the unforgettable mark he left on music history. His legacy will live on through his groundbreaking work and the millions of fans he inspired.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Fans of “The Cosby Show” were shocked by the tragic loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as the show’s beloved brother. On 20th July (Sunday), Warner was vacationing with his family in Costa Rica when he and his 8-year-old daughter were swept up by a strong rip current while swimming. A nearby surfer was able to rescue his daughter, but despite CPR efforts, Warner could not be revived.
The 54-year-old was widely known as a creative force—an actor, musician, poet, and director. His breakout role on “The Cosby Show” earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a household name. His talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft left a lasting mark on fans and fellow artists alike.
Suet Nay (熊雪妮)
Suet Nay (雪妮), born Li Chao-chun, was best known for her roles in martial arts and Cantonese opera films. She gained fame through classics like “The Female Black Heroine Mulan Hua” and “The Blue-Eyed Demoness”, becoming a key figure in Hong Kong cinema. After marrying martial arts legend Tong Gai, she briefly paused her career but returned in 1997. She sadly passed away on 3rd July (Thursday) after a long battle with cancer.
Suet Nay’s legacy lives on through her films and her enduring love story with Tong Gai. Despite battling hearing loss and cancer, she stayed strong and devoted. Their partnership became a symbol of loyalty in the industry, and her influence continues to inspire women in martial arts cinema.
Connie Francis
“Pretty Little Baby” hitmaker Connie Francis passed away at the age of 87 on 17th July (Thursday). Known for her chart-topping hits like “Stupid Cupid”, “Where the Boys Are”, and the recently viral “Pretty Little Baby”, she was a defining voice of the late 1950s and 1960s. Her music reached a new generation after “Pretty Little Baby” took off on TikTok and Instagram, where it became the soundtrack to heartfelt and humorous videos alike.
Her passing was confirmed by longtime friend Ron Roberts, president of Concetta Records. Just weeks earlier, Francis had shared that her health was improving after a recent hospital stay. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, her legacy continues to shine. Through her timeless voice and renewed online popularity, Connie Francis remains a beloved icon whose music lives on in both memory and modern-day playlists.
Tom Troupe
“Live Long & Prosper”. Tom Troupe, the face of the iconic Lt. Harold in the original Star Trek series, passed away after living a long and full life at 97 years old. According to reports, he died on 20th July (Sunday) due to natural causes. After nearly seven decades in the industry, he became a familiar presence in both film and television, appearing in classics like “Cheers”, “Frasier”, and “Kelly’s Heroes”.
Beyond the screen, Troupe was also active on stage and known for his deep commitment to the craft of acting. He shared the spotlight with his wife in several productions and spent years mentoring young talent. His legacy, built on dedication, passion, and longevity, will live long and prosper.
Bhairappa Saroja Devi
B. Saroja Devi was one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses, known for her work across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Rising to fame in the 1950s, she became a leading lady of her era, admired for her grace, charm, and powerful screen presence. She starred opposite many of the industry’s most iconic actors and left an enduring mark on Indian film history.
Even after her passing at 87 on 14th July (Monday), her influence remains deeply felt across generations. With a career spanning several decades and over 200 films, she helped define the golden age of South Indian cinema. Honoured with prestigious awards and remembered for her timeless performances, her legacy continues to inspire both audiences and future artists.
Chuck Mangione
Chuck Mangione, the celebrated jazz flugelhorn player and composer, passed away peacefully at his home in Rochester, New York, on 22nd July (Tuesday), at the age of 84. Known for his smooth, melodic sound and crossover appeal, Mangione was a key figure in popularising jazz during the 1970s and 80s. His music bridged the gap between jazz and pop, earning him a devoted fan base around the world and securing his place as one of the genre’s most beloved artists.
He was best known for his 1978 hit single “Feels So Good,” a defining jazz-pop fusion track that reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over his career, Mangione released more than 30 albums, earned two Grammy Awards out of 14 nominations. His legacy will continue to live on as one of the people who made jazz what is was today.
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was one of the most famous professional wrestlers, known for popularising wrestling worldwide in the 1980s with his charismatic persona and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”. He was a major star in WWE and WCW, winning multiple championships and leading the legendary New World Order faction.
Hogan passed away on 24th July (Thursday), at age 71, from cardiac arrest. His legacy lives on not only as a wrestling icon but also as a cultural phenomenon who helped bring professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Despite facing some controversies, his impact on the sport and his role in shaping its global popularity remain undeniable.
Sources: CNN, CNA, People (1)(2), LaTimes, HindustanTimes, USAToday, BBC
