The majority of entertainment news headlines naturally feature the latest actors, films and musicians as they release their latest productions – but all is not lost for stars of yesteryear who continually prove they can still deliver the goods.
At the same time, 2025 was also a stellar year for iconic names from Hollywood and the global music scene. Actors, musicians and bands whose peak may have occurred many years ago are still going strong, fuelled not by a desire to simply never go away but because the demand for their work is still as strong as ever. Similarly, those who have passed on still find their work celebrated in new ways, pushed back into mainstream for their universal and enduring appeal.
So pop those thinking caps on and reflect on a banner year for many of your favourite identities as they showed no signs of slowing down.
- Which veteran actor returned to the role of Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in 2025?
- At age 81, which legendary action star made headlines in 2025 for appearing in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?
- Which acclaimed director reunited audiences with historical epics when Gladiator II dominated cinema conversations in early 2025?
- Which Oscar-winning actor in his 70s starred in the 2025 political thriller The Apprentice, portraying a controversial real-life figure?
- Which long-running franchise saw Sylvester Stallone officially confirm in 2025 that he would no longer appear as Rocky Balboa?
- Which 80-year-old British actor continued his late-career resurgence by appearing in a major 2025 streaming drama following The Crown?
- Which classic 1980s sci-fi film received renewed attention in 2025 after its original star discussed a possible sequel revival?
- Which celebrated actress in her late 70s received a lifetime achievement award at a major international film festival in 2025?
- Which legendary filmmaker behind The Godfather was honoured globally in 2025 as he marked more than six decades in cinema?
- Which actor known for Taxi Driver and Raging Bull was praised in 2025 for continuing to take demanding film roles well into his 80s?
- Which former Beatle surprised fans in 2025 by announcing new tour dates despite being in his early 80s?
- Which iconic rock band led by Mick Jagger celebrated more than 60 years together with a major world tour in 2025?
- Which singer known as the “Queen of Disco” was widely honoured in 2025 for her lasting influence on dance music, decades after her biggest hits?
- Which 75-year-old folk legend released a new album in 2025 that critics called one of his strongest late-career works?
- Which famous guitarist from the British blues scene returned to the charts in 2025 through a high-profile collaboration?
- Which pop icon in her late 70s continued her farewell touring era into 2025, performing to sold-out arenas worldwide?
- Which former member of Fleetwood Mac received renewed attention in 2025 after a documentary revisited the band’s turbulent history?
- Which iconic soul singer’s classic recordings surged in popularity again in 2025 following a biographical film release?
- Which Australian rock musician from the 1970s era was celebrated in 2025 with a national honour for services to music?
- Which American singer-songwriter, famous since the early 1970s, announced in 2025 that he was finally retiring from live performances?
- Which classic rock star had his life story adapted into a major feature film released globally in 2025?
- Which veteran composer in his 90s was still scoring major Hollywood films in 2025?
- Which 1970s band saw their music heavily featured in a hit 2025 movie soundtrack?
- Which legendary actress-turned-singer was rediscovered by younger audiences in 2025 through viral clips and documentaries?
- Which legendary singer-songwriter from the 1970s made headlines in 2025 by returning to the stage for special live appearances despite previously announcing retirement?
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