Julian McMahon, Diogo Jota, Peter Rufai…top figures who died recently
Peter Rufai and Diogo Jota die same day
The year 2025 has seen the passing of several notable figures across the worlds of entertainment, sports, and culture—individuals whose talents transcended borders and left lasting marks on their industries.
From celebrated actors and musicians to sports legends and filmmakers, each loss has been met with widespread tributes and reflections on their impact.
As fans, colleagues, and countries mourn, this roundup offers a closer look at the lives and legacies of some of the most prominent global stars who have died in recent months.
Julian McMahon (Australian–American Actor, 56)
Actor Julian McMahon, famous for roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and Fantastic Four, died from cancer on 2 July 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. He kept his illness private. McMahon’s career began in Australian soaps before rising to international fame in the U.S. Tributes emphasised his warmth, charisma, and impact, including messages from colleagues like Nicolas Cage, Rose McGowan, and Brian Krause.
Mark Snow (Composer, 78)
Renowned composer Mark Snow, best known for the iconic X-Files theme, died at home in Connecticut. His career spanned multiple Emmy nominations and culturally impactful scores for shows like Smallville. His theme for The X-Files continues to resonate—particularly among younger audiences on platforms such as TikTok.
Diogo Jota (Footballer, 28) and André Silva (28)
Liverpool midfielder Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Spain. Their joint funeral in Gondomar, Portugal on 5 July 2025 was attended by high-profile football figures including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot. Investigators are examining a tyre blowout on a treacherous stretch of the A‑52 motorway as a potential cause.
Presley Chweneyagae (South African Actor, 40)
Presley Chweneyagae, best known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, died on 27 May 2025 due to breathing complications in Johannesburg. The South African government and industry organisations honoured him as a “legend of South African cinema” for his impactful work
Peter Rufai, Football Icon at 61
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai died on 3 July 2025 in Lagos after a brief illness. Renowned for his performances in the 1994 AFCON victory and two World Cups, he earned 65 caps and was celebrated for mentoring young goalkeepers post-retirement. Tributes have poured in from the Nigeria Football Federation, fellow players, and government officials, all acknowledging his legacy on and off the pitch.
Kayode Peters, Nigerian Filmmaker, Aged 49
Kayode Peters, actor, director and producer, passed away in Toronto on 28 June 2025 after a prolonged illness. The creative force behind popular series such as Flatmates, Extended Family and films like 13 Letters, Peters was praised for his warmth, generosity and contributions to both Nigerian and diaspora storytelling.
Michael Madsen, Hollywood Actor, 67
Veteran actor Michael Madsen, best known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight and more, died from cardiac arrest at his Malibu home on 3 July 2025. Known for portraying tough, menacing characters, his son and sister paid tribute to him as a hero, and his manager emphasised his ongoing work in independent cinema and poetry.
Lee Seo‑Yi, South Korean Actress, 43
South Korean actress Lee Seo‑Yi passed away on 20 June 2025 after battling an illness, according to statements confirmed by her agent. She was known for her roles in dramas such as The King and The Divorce Insurance, alongside her academic background in languages and her work as a florist.
Shefali Jariwala, Indian Actress, 42
Actress and model Shefali Jariwala, renowned for “Kaanta Laga” and Bigg Boss 13, died of cardiac arrest on 27 June 2025 in Mumbai. Initial medical reports indicate complications from an anti-aging injection and fasting. Mumbai authorities have opened an investigation, and her death has drawn widespread mourning in the entertainment community.
Meme Ditshego, South African Actress, 60
Veteran South African actress Meme Ditshego passed away on 25 June 2025. With a career spanning nearly four decades across theatre, sitcoms, and dramas like Ga Re Dumele, she received SAFTA recognition and was widely respected for her versatility and charm.
Kylie Page, Adult Performer, 28
American adult performer Kylie Page, also known as Bonnie Kinz, died on 25 June 2025 in Los Angeles, aged 28. Her early death has shocked colleagues; she was remembered not only for her performances but also for being a gifted artist and musician.
This wave of losses includes figures from sports, cinema, television, and niche industries across multiple countries. Each brought distinct talent and legacy—from Rufai’s mentorship in Nigerian football to Madsen’s enduring presence in American cinema, from Jariwala’s impact in Indian pop culture to Ditshego’s beloved roles in South African entertainment.
