Actresses Who Died in 2025

The entertainment industry faced significant losses throughout the year as many legendary performers passed away. These women left behind incredible legacies in film and television and theater around the world. From Golden Age icons to modern stars their contributions shaped the way audiences experience storytelling. This article honors the memories of the talented actresses we lost during the course of the year.

Alice Hirson

Alice Hirson was a veteran character actress who appeared in numerous television series and films. She was best known for her role as Mavis Crane in the long running soap opera ‘Dallas’. Hirson also played the mother of the title character in the popular sitcom ‘Ellen’ during the 1990s. Her career spanned several decades and included guest appearances on shows like ‘Full House’ and ‘7th Heaven’. She passed away at the age of 96 leaving a legacy of memorable supporting performances.

Alice Kessler

Alice Kessler was one of the famous Kessler Twins who became international stars of stage and screen. Alongside her sister she performed in numerous musical variety shows and films across Europe and the United States. The twins were known for their synchronized dance routines and singing talents in the mid twentieth century. Alice appeared in the film ‘The Thief of Baghdad’ and was a regular guest on ‘The Red Skelton Hour’. She passed away at the age of 89 alongside her sister.

Barbara Clegg

Barbara Clegg was a talented actress and scriptwriter who contributed significantly to British television. She began her career as an actress appearing in series like ‘Emergency Ward 10’ during the 1950s. Clegg later transitioned into writing and became the first woman to write a script for the classic science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. She also wrote for the popular soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ for many years. She passed away at the age of 98 after leaving a unique mark on the industry.

Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu was a prominent Taiwanese actress and singer who rose to fame across Asia. She gained international recognition for her lead role as Shan Cai in the hit television series ‘Meteor Garden’. Hsu also starred in popular films such as ‘Connected’ and ‘Reign of Assassins’ throughout her career. In addition to her acting work she was a successful member of the pop duo SOS with her sister. She passed away at the age of 48 leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for idol dramas.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot was a legendary French actress and fashion icon who became a global sex symbol. She rose to international stardom after her performance in the film ‘And God Created Woman’. Bardot starred in dozens of influential films including ‘Contempt’ and ‘Viva Maria’ before retiring from acting. After leaving the screen she dedicated her life to animal rights activism through her namesake foundation. She died at the age of 91 in France.

Connie Francis

Connie Francis was a world famous singer and actress who defined the musical landscape of the late 1950s and 1960s. While primarily known for her chart topping hits she also starred in several successful films. Her most notable movie role was in the 1960 comedy ‘Where the Boys Are’ where she played Angie. Francis appeared in other musical films such as ‘Follow the Boys’ and ‘Looking for Love’. She passed away at the age of 87 after a lifetime of entertainment excellence.

Diane Keaton

The Academy Award winning actress Diane Keaton passed away at the age of 79 in California. She was best known for her iconic role in ‘Annie Hall’ which earned her the Best Actress Oscar. Keaton also starred in ‘The Godfather’ trilogy and ‘The First Wives Club’ during her prolific career. She was recognized as a fashion icon and a respected director in the film industry. Her legacy continues through her extensive body of work in both comedy and drama.

Diane Ladd

Diane Ladd was a highly acclaimed actress who received three Academy Award nominations for her work. She was recognized for her roles in films like ‘Alice Does Not Live Here Anymore’ and ‘Wild at Heart’. Ladd often collaborated with her daughter Laura Dern in projects such as the television series ‘Enlightened’. Throughout her career she appeared in over 120 film and television productions. She passed away at the age of 89 leaving a legacy of powerful dramatic performances.

Ellen Kessler

Ellen Kessler was one half of the famous Kessler Twins who were stars of European and American entertainment. She performed as a dancer and singer alongside her sister Alice in various films and television specials. The twins were iconic figures in the German and Italian variety show scenes for several decades. Ellen appeared in films like ‘The Red Sheik’ and ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ during the peak of her career. She passed away at the age of 89 in an assisted suicide.

Helen Siff

Helen Siff was a versatile character actress who appeared in many television dramas and feature films. She was known for her ability to bring depth to supporting roles in various genres. Siff appeared in productions such as ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Mad Men’ over the course of her career. Her work was highly regarded by peers and casting directors for its professionalism and range. She passed away at the age of 88 following complications from a surgical procedure.

Jan Shepard

Jan Shepard was a veteran actress of the Golden Age of television and film. She was best known for her roles in several Western series such as ‘Gunsmoke’ and ‘The Virginian’. Shepard also appeared alongside Elvis Presley in the films ‘King Creole’ and ‘Paradise Hawaiian Style’. Her career included guest spots on nearly every major television show of the 1950s and 1960s. She passed away at the age of 96.

Jan Schwieterman

Jan Schwieterman was an actress known for her roles in television and film during the 1990s. She appeared in movies such as ‘Good Burger’ and ‘Along for the Ride’ early in her career. Schwieterman also guest starred on popular television series like ‘Wasted’ and ‘McLeods Daughters’. Her work contributed to the vibrant landscape of young adult media during her time in the industry. She died at the age of 54 in late 2025.

Jean Marsh

Jean Marsh was an acclaimed British actress and writer who co created the series ‘Upstairs Downstairs’. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of the housemaid Rose Buck in the beloved drama. Marsh also appeared in the fantasy film ‘Willow’ and the horror movie ‘The Changeling’ during her long career. She was a prominent figure in both British and American television for over six decades. She passed away at the age of 90 due to complications from dementia.

Joan Plowright

Dame Joan Plowright was one of the most distinguished actresses of her generation with a career spanning seven decades. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Enchanted April’ in 1992. Plowright was also a celebrated stage actress and won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘A Taste of Honey’. She was married to the legendary actor Laurence Olivier and remained a pillar of the theater community. She passed away at the age of 95 in England.

June Lockhart

June Lockhart was a beloved actress best known for her roles in the television classics ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’. She played iconic maternal figures who became household names during the golden age of television. Lockhart also had a successful film career and earned an Academy Award nomination early on for ‘Sergeant York’. She was one of the few performers to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She died of natural causes at the age of 100.

Kim Sae-ron

Kim Sae-ron was a talented South Korean actress who began her career as a successful child star. She gained widespread acclaim for her performance in the film ‘The Man from Nowhere’ at age nine. Kim went on to star in numerous television series including ‘Secret Healer’ and ‘The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim’. She was considered one of the most promising young actresses in the Korean entertainment industry. She passed away at the age of 24 in Seoul.

Kim Woodburn

Kim Woodburn was a British television personality and actress known for her bold personality and clean home expertise. She rose to fame as the co host of the series ‘How Clean Is Your House’ which was a major hit. Woodburn also appeared on reality programs like ‘I am a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. She performed in various theatrical pantomimes across the United Kingdom during her later career. She died at the age of 83.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory

Kimberly Hébert Gregory was a gifted actress known for her powerful performances in both comedy and drama. She was best recognized for her role as Dr. Belinda Brown in the HBO series ‘Vice Principals’. Gregory also appeared in films like ‘Five Feet Apart’ and television shows such as ‘Devious Maids’. Her work on stage earned her critical acclaim and a Drama Desk Award nomination. She passed away at the age of 52 in October.

Lar Park Lincoln

Lar Park Lincoln was an actress who gained popularity for her role in the prime time soap opera ‘Knots Landing’. She played the character Linda Fairgate on the series for several seasons during the late 1980s. Lincoln was also known to horror fans for her lead role in the film ‘Friday the 13th Part VII The New Blood’. In addition to acting she authored books and worked as a performance coach for aspiring stars. She passed away at the age of 63.

Lee Joo-Sil

Lee Joo-Sil was a respected South Korean actress who appeared in many high profile films and television dramas. She was known to international audiences for her roles in the film ‘Train to Busan’ and the series ‘Squid Game’. Her career spanned several decades and she was considered a mainstay of Korean cinema and television. She often played maternal or authoritative figures with great emotional resonance. She passed away at the age of 81.

Leslie Charleson

Leslie Charleson was a staple of daytime television who spent over forty years on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. She portrayed the character Monica Quartermaine and became one of the most recognizable faces in the genre. Charleson received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for her long running and influential performance. Before her time on the soap she appeared in films such as ‘Day of the Dolphin’ and guest starred on various prime time series. She passed away at the age of 79.

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson was a famous actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’. Her performance as the intelligent and glamorous receptionist earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Anderson appeared in films like ‘Stroker Ace’ and starred in the television movie ‘The Jayne Mansfield Story’. She was a major television star and fashion icon throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. She passed away at the age of 79 in California.

Lynn Hamilton

Lynn Hamilton was a veteran actress best known for her recurring role as Donna Harris on the sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’. She also played the character Verdie Foster on the long running family drama ‘The Waltons’. Hamilton had a prolific career in television that included appearances on ‘Roots’ and ‘Dangerous Women’. Her work in theater was also extensive and she was a respected member of the acting community for decades. She passed away at the age of 95.

Lynne Marie Stewart

Lynne Marie Stewart was a comedic actress best known for playing Miss Yvonne on ‘Peewees Playhouse’. She was a founding member of The Groundlings comedy troupe and appeared in many films and television shows. Stewart had recurring roles in ‘It is Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and ‘The Tracy Ullman Show’ throughout her career. Her work often showcased her talent for creating unique and memorable characters. She passed away at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer.

Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull was an English singer and actress who became an icon of the 1960s. She rose to fame with the hit song ‘As Tears Go By’ before pursuing a successful acting career. Faithfull starred in films such as ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ and ‘Hamlet’ during the peak of her popularity. In later years she received critical acclaim for her performance in the movie ‘Irina Palm’. She passed away at the age of 78 in London.

Maureen Hingert

Maureen Hingert was a Sri Lankan actress and dancer who made history as the first woman from her country to place in a major beauty pageant. She appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1950s and 1960s including ‘The King and I’. Hingert was also a professional dancer who performed in various international venues. Her career helped pave the way for South Asian performers in Western media. She passed away at the age of 87.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in a New York City apartment at the age of 39. The former child star gained fame for her role as Dawn Summers in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She later portrayed the character Georgina Sparks in the popular television series ‘Gossip Girl’. Trachtenberg also led the film ‘Harriet the Spy’ and starred in the Disney movie ‘Ice Princess’. Authorities stated that her passing was not considered suspicious.

Patricia Routledge

Dame Patricia Routledge was a legendary British actress of the stage and screen. She was most famous for her role as the snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Routledge also starred as the title character in the mystery series ‘Hetty Wainthropp Investigates’ during the late 1990s. She was a highly decorated performer who won a Tony Award for her work on Broadway. She passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Pauline Collins

Pauline Collins was an Oscar nominated British actress who achieved international fame for her role in ‘Shirley Valentine’. She first played the character on stage before reprising the role in the successful film adaptation. Collins also starred in the popular television series ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ and ‘Thomas and Sarah’ alongside her husband. She was a respected figure in the British acting community and was appointed an OBE for her services to drama. She passed away at the age of 85.

Polly Holliday

Polly Holliday was a beloved actress best known for her role as Florence Jean Castleberry on the sitcom ‘Alice’. Her character’s catchphrase became an iconic part of television history during the late 1970s. Holliday also appeared in films such as ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ in supporting roles. She had a long and successful career on Broadway earning several Tony Award nominations. She passed away at the age of 88.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales was a celebrated British actress famous for her role as Sybil Fawlty in ‘Fawlty Towers’. Her performance as the sharp tongued wife of John Cleese’s character is considered a masterpiece of comedic timing. Scales appeared in many other television series including ‘Mapp and Lucia’ and the documentary series ‘Great Canal Journeys’. She also had a distinguished career on the stage and in films like ‘Howards End’. She passed away at the age of 93.

Rachael Carpani

Rachael Carpani was an Australian actress who rose to fame for her role as Jodi Fountain on ‘McLeods Daughters’. She was a lead cast member for several years and became a popular figure in Australian television. Carpani also appeared in American series such as ‘Against the Wall’ and the film ‘The Umbrella Man’. Her career included work in both dramatic series and independent feature films. She passed away at the age of 45.

Ruth Buzzi

Ruth Buzzi was a legendary comedian and actress who became a household name on ‘Rowan and Martins Laugh-In’. She was best known for her character Gladys Ormphby who became a staple of American comedy. Buzzi won a Golden Globe for her work on the series and appeared in dozens of other television shows and films. She was also a prolific voice actress for various animated programs over several decades. She passed away at the age of 88 following health complications.

Sally Kirkland

Sally Kirkland was an acclaimed actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Anna’. She was known for her dedication to her craft and appeared in over 200 films and television shows. Kirkland had roles in notable movies such as ‘The Sting’ and ‘JFK’ throughout her career. She was also a respected acting coach and a member of the Actors Studio for many years. She passed away at the age of 84 in Los Angeles.

Samantha Eggar

Samantha Eggar was a British actress who gained international fame for her performance in the film ‘The Collector’. She won a Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Miranda Grey. Eggar appeared in other notable films such as ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and the horror classic ‘The Brood’. Her career spanned several decades and included numerous guest roles on American television series. She passed away at the age of 86.

Sian Barbara Allen

Sian Barbara Allen was an actress known for her roles in films and television during the 1970s. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the movie ‘You Will Like My Mother’. Allen also appeared in various television series such as ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Ironside’ as a guest star. She was recognized for her emotional depth and her ability to portray vulnerable characters. She passed away at the age of 79.

Sophie Nyweide

Sophie Nyweide was a former child actress who appeared in several films and television series early in her life. She was known for her role in the film ‘The Lost Girl’ and guest appearances on various dramas. Nyweide was considered a talented young performer with a bright future in the entertainment industry. Her work as a child star left a lasting impression on those who followed her career. She passed away at the age of 24 in New York.

The Vivienne

The Vivienne was a celebrated drag performer and actress who became the first winner of ‘RuPauls Drag Race UK’. She was known for her incredible celebrity impressions and her talent for comedic performance. After her victory she starred in her own series ‘The Vivienne Takes Hollywood’ and appeared on ‘Dancing on Ice’. Her work as a performer helped bring drag culture into the mainstream of British entertainment. She passed away at the age of 32.

Valerie Mahaffey

Valerie Mahaffey was an Emmy Award winning actress known for her versatile roles in television and theater. She won an Emmy for her performance in the series ‘Northern Exposure’ during the early 1990s. Mahaffey also had recurring roles in ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Devious Maids’ later in her career. Her film work included appearances in ‘Sully’ and ‘The Client’ among many others. She passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

Please share your thoughts on the incredible legacies of these performers in the comments.