Jimmy Cliff, the reggae singer and actor, has died at the age of 81 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia, as confirmed by his wife. His career, which began in the early 1960s, saw him become a global icon with hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and the lead role in the film “The Harder They Come”, a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema. Cliff’s music brought reggae to a wider audience, and he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit. He collaborated with various artists throughout his career and continued to release albums, including his most recent, “Refugees,” in 2022.
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James Watson, a pivotal figure in 20th-century science, has died at 97. He is best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1962, alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. Watson’s career included leadership roles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and heading the Human Genome Project. However, he also courted controversy, including the under-acknowledgement of Rosalind Franklin’s contributions and making offensive statements, leading to his retirement. Nevertheless, his groundbreaking work revolutionized biology, fostering advancements in genetics and medicine.
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June Lockhart, known for her roles as a mother figure on television, has passed away at the age of 100. She was most famous for her role as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space.” Lockhart also appeared in various films and continued to act in episodic television throughout her career, including “Petticoat Junction” and several soap operas. Her portrayals of warm, caring mothers endeared her to generations of viewers.
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Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who was 101, passed away Friday morning in Oita. Murayama, born in 1924, served as prime minister in the mid-1990s, leading a coalition government and issuing a historic apology for Japan’s World War II actions. He was known for his “people-centered politics” and leadership during significant crises, including the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo sarin gas attack. Murayama also worked to address the issue of Minamata disease.
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Diane Keaton, the beloved actress known for her unique warmth and wit, has died at the age of 79. Best known for her roles in films like *Annie Hall* and *The Godfather*, Keaton’s career spanned over five decades. Her performances earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and several nominations. The actress also directed several films and was a dedicated animal welfare activist, with many Hollywood figures paying tribute to the legendary actress.
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The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79 in California. Known for her iconic roles, Keaton rose to fame in the 1970s with her work in *The Godfather* films and her collaborations with Woody Allen, including her Oscar-winning performance in *Annie Hall*. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous acclaimed films such as *The First Wives Club* and *Something’s Gotta Give*. Keaton is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke.
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Dame Patricia Routledge, beloved for her portrayal of the hilariously pretentious Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom *Keeping Up Appearances*, has passed away at the age of 96. The actress, also known for her roles in Alan Bennett’s *Talking Heads* monologues and as the amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp, enjoyed a diverse career spanning stage and screen. Routledge’s talent extended beyond comedy, with acclaimed performances in both musical theatre and serious drama, earning her a Tony Award and an Olivier Award. Her iconic performance as Hyacinth Bucket, a character recognized and loved globally, solidified her legacy as a remarkable and versatile actress.
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It is with deep sadness that the Jane Goodall Institute announced the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. A renowned primatologist and anthropologist, Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania, starting in 1960, revolutionized the field of ethology. Goodall’s observations of chimpanzee behavior, including tool use, blurred the lines between humans and animals, raising awareness of their emotional and social complexity. She also dedicated her life to conservation efforts, advocating for the protection and restoration of the natural world, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
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It is with great sadness that the world mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking work as an ethologist revolutionized the field, particularly her observations of chimpanzees in east Africa, where she documented their complex social behaviors, tool use, and distinct personalities. Goodall’s research, including giving chimps names instead of numbers, transformed our understanding of primates, paving the way for future female primatologists and conservationists, and ultimately shifted towards climate advocacy. Awarded a damehood in 2003 and the US Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year, her legacy will continue to inspire generations.
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Dr. Jane Goodall, the esteemed chimpanzee researcher and animal advocate, passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes. Her groundbreaking ethological research revolutionized science, particularly her work with chimpanzees, and she dedicated her life to conservation efforts. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, and through her work she developed an innovative approach to species conservation, recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment. The renowned scientist was in California at the time of her death, on a speaking tour.
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John Q. Hosedrinker