Black Celebrities Who Died in 2025: Actors, Musicians, Icons Gone Too Soon
From actors and musicians to cultural icons who shaped generations, this tribute remembers the black celebrities who died in 2025.
Living in Cape Town, South Africa, Jarrod Saunders (the founder of Fortress of Solitude) is a multi-talented professional with a wealth of experience in various creative fields, including filmmaking, graphic design, web design, sound engineering and copywriting. As an award-winning creative director, Jarrod Saunders has established himself as a respected voice in the world of pop culture, with expertise in film, television, video games, and comics.
Beginning his writing career as a film and gaming critic for Vision Magazine in 2007, Jarrod has gone on to write for and establish multiple entertainment sites, including Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress. Along the way he has secured interviews with famous actors, game developers and industry professionals from around the globe. He also regularly contributes to MyFaith Magazine writing articles for the kid's section.
As someone who watches over 500 movies a year and over 20 years of experience in media, Jarrod understands trends and has worked alongside industry professionals to create award winning content – including directing, writing and editing a feature film on Showmax (The Lifesaver) and South Africa’s first deaf film (Home).
Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys time with his family, shopping for the latest sneakers (with a personal collection stacked with over 100 pairs), and serving in his local church (where is ordained as a deacon).
Expertise: Filmmaking, Entertainment Journalism, SEO, Web Development
Past Titles: Senior Content Creator @ CV Africa
Current Title: Editor in Chief @ Fortress Entertainment
Connect: jarrodsaunders@fortressza.com
From actors and musicians to cultural icons who shaped generations, this tribute remembers the black celebrities who died in 2025.
James Ransone, the actor who brought Ziggy Sobotka to life on The Wire, has died.
A wild allegation buried in an estate lawsuit pulls Riley Keough and John Travolta into a claim that’s raising eyebrows...
These are the top 10 best Black actors of all time.
We’re counting down the 20 greatest actors of all time — the icons, the chameleons, the ones who made us...
These 10 actors quit or retired from acting, walking away from Hollywood and the spotlight.
These 10 Disney child actors fell hard from the spotlight, showing just how tough life after early fame can be.
A look back at celebrity deaths in December 2025, including those that didn’t make the news.
Rihanna showed up to enjoy Mariah Carey in Las Vegas, started singing and dancing, and a fellow fan shouted at...
Jack Nicholson, 88, made a rare public appearance in New York City, walking with a cane as he greeted fans.