Most Notable Celebs who Died in December 2025

The entertainment industry observed the passing of several influential figures throughout December 2025. These individuals represented diverse fields including acting, directing, music, and voice artistry. Their professional contributions spanned decades and reached global audiences through various mediums. This overview highlights the lives and professional achievements of the most notable celebrities lost during the final month of the year.

Steve Cropper

Influential guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper passed away on December 3 at the age of 84. He was a central figure in the Stax Records sound and a founding member of the band Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Cropper co-wrote legendary tracks such as ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ and ‘In the Midnight Hour’. His work appeared in several films, most notably ‘The Blues Brothers’ where he performed as a member of the band. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected musicians in the history of soul and R&B.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, recognized for his powerful screen presence and martial arts skill, died on December 4 at age 75. He gained international fame for his portrayal of the villainous Shang Tsung in the 1995 film ‘Mortal Kombat’. His extensive career included significant roles in ‘The Man in the High Castle’, ‘Rising Sun’, and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Tagawa also provided voice work for animated projects such as ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. His contributions to the action and science fiction genres spanned over four decades.

Rachael Carpani

Australian actress Rachael Carpani passed away on December 7 at the age of 45. She was best known for her long-running role as Jodi Fountain in the popular drama series ‘McLeod’s Daughters’. Her performance in the series earned her multiple nominations at the Logie Awards and the AFI Awards. Beyond Australian television, she appeared in the thriller film ‘Triangle’ and the American police drama ‘Against the Wall’. Her career was defined by her versatility and consistent presence in major television productions.

Kim Ji-mee

Iconic South Korean actress Kim Ji-mee died on December 9 at the age of 85. Often described as the Elizabeth Taylor of Korea, she was a dominant figure during the Golden Age of South Korean cinema. She appeared in hundreds of films, including the critically acclaimed ‘The Sea Knows’ and ‘To the Last Day’. In addition to her acting career, she was a successful film producer and an advocate for the development of the Korean film industry. Her work helped shape the cultural and cinematic landscape of East Asia.

Béatrice Picard

French-Canadian actress Béatrice Picard passed away on December 9 at age 96. She was a pioneer of television and theater in Quebec, known for her ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic roles. Picard was famously known for providing the French-language voice for Marge Simpson in the long-running animated series ‘The Simpsons’. Her film credits included a role in the Academy Award-nominated animated feature ‘The Triplets of Belleville’. She remained a beloved and active figure in the performing arts for over seventy years.

Jeffrey Garcia

Comedian and voice actor Jeffrey Garcia passed away on December 10 at the age of 50. He was most recognized for voicing the character Sheen Estevez in the film ‘Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius’ and its television spin-offs. Garcia also lent his voice to various animated projects, including ‘Happy Feet’, ‘Barnyard’, and ‘The Casagrandes’. Outside of voice acting, he was an accomplished stand-up comedian who performed on several televised specials. His distinct comedic timing and vocal range made him a prominent figure in 2000s animation.

Jim Ward

Respected voice actor Jim Ward died on December 10 at the age of 66. He was widely celebrated for his portrayal of Captain Qwark in the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ video game franchise. His career spanned across various media, including roles in ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Resident Evil 4’. Ward also worked extensively as a radio personality and a singer for various musical productions. His ability to bring personality to a wide array of characters earned him a dedicated following in the gaming and animation industries.

Stanley Baxter

Scottish comedy legend Stanley Baxter passed away on December 11 at the age of 99. He was a staple of British television for decades, known for his elaborate musical numbers and sharp celebrity impersonations. ‘The Stanley Baxter Show’ and his subsequent television specials were major ratings successes throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Baxter was also a celebrated theater actor, particularly noted for his leading roles in traditional British pantomimes. His lengthy career solidified his status as one of the most enduring figures in UK entertainment.

May Britt

Swedish actress May Britt died on December 11 at the age of 91. She rose to fame in Hollywood during the late 1950s, starring in prominent films such as ‘The Young Lions’ and ‘The Blue Angel’. Britt was also known for her high-profile marriage to Sammy Davis Jr., which became a significant cultural milestone during the Civil Rights era. After retiring from acting in the mid-1960s, she focused on her work as a painter and her family. Her early contributions to cinema remain a notable part of the transition into modern Hollywood.

Peter Greene

Character actor Peter Greene passed away on December 12 at age 60. He was best known for playing intense and memorable villains in 1990s cinema, including Dorian Tyrell in ‘The Mask’. Greene also delivered a significant performance as the character Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’. His other film credits included roles in ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Under Siege 2: Dark Territory’. His screen presence often made him a preferred choice for directors working in the crime and action genres.

Héctor Alterio

Argentine acting legend Héctor Alterio died on December 13 at the age of 96. He was a central figure in Spanish-language cinema, starring in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Official Story’. Throughout his career, he worked with prominent directors in both Argentina and Spain across theater and film. Alterio received numerous accolades, including a Goya Award for Lifetime Achievement and several honors at international film festivals. His work helped define the dramatic standard for Hispanic cinema over the course of several decades.

Anthony Geary

Eight-time Daytime Emmy Award winner Anthony Geary passed away on December 14 at age 78. He became a cultural phenomenon for his role as Luke Spencer on the long-running soap opera ‘General Hospital’. The character’s wedding episode remains the highest-rated program in the history of American daytime television. Geary also appeared in various films and television guest spots, including the cult comedy ‘UHF’ and the series ‘Starsky & Hutch’. He is remembered for bringing a unique complexity to the role of the soap opera anti-hero.

Rob Reiner

Acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner died on December 14 at the age of 78. He first achieved fame playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’. As a filmmaker, he directed several iconic movies including ‘The Princess Bride’, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’, and ‘A Few Good Men’. Reiner was also a prominent political advocate and a co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. His contributions to both the comedic and dramatic arts have left a lasting impact on American popular culture.

Gil Gerard

Actor Gil Gerard, best known for his lead role in ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’, passed away on December 16 at age 82. The science fiction series made him a household name during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Before finding success in the science fiction genre, he appeared in the daytime drama ‘The Doctors’ and various stage productions. Later in his career, he worked as a producer and host for several reality and documentary programs. His portrayal of the time-traveling astronaut remains a significant part of science fiction television history.

James Ransone

Actor James Ransone died on December 19 at the age of 46. He was highly regarded for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of the HBO series ‘The Wire’. Ransone also starred in major horror films, including ‘IT Chapter Two’ and the ‘Sinister’ film franchise. His ability to portray complex and often troubled characters earned him critical acclaim in both independent and mainstream projects. He was recognized for his versatility and the emotional depth he brought to his varied roles.

Sreenivasan

Renowned Indian actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan passed away on December 20 at age 75. He was a dominant force in Malayalam cinema, known for his satirical scripts that addressed social and political issues. He scripted and starred in numerous classic films such as ‘Sandesham’ and ‘Vadakkunokkiyantram’. Sreenivasan’s career spanned over forty years and included hundreds of film appearances as well as directorial efforts. His unique storytelling style earned him multiple Kerala State Film Awards and National Film Awards throughout his life.

Pat Finn

Character actor Pat Finn died on December 22 at the age of 60. He was a familiar face on American television, most notably for his recurring role as Bill Norwood in the sitcom ‘The Middle’. Finn also made notable appearances in popular series such as ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Seinfeld’, and ‘Friends’. His career began with the Second City comedy troupe, which helped him develop a natural and relatable comedic style. He was frequently cast in roles that showcased his warmth and accessibility in domestic and workplace comedies.

Vera Alentova

Soviet and Russian actress Vera Alentova passed away on December 25 at the age of 83. She achieved international recognition for her lead role in ‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Alentova was a prominent member of the Pushkin Theatre in Moscow, where she performed in numerous stage productions over several decades. She was honored with the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation for her significant contributions to the arts. Her career left an indelible mark on the history of modern Russian cinema.

Brigitte Bardot

Global icon and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot died on December 28 at the age of 91. She rose to worldwide fame in the 1950s after starring in the provocative film ‘And God Created Woman’. Bardot became a leading figure of the French New Wave and was considered one of the most famous international sex symbols of her era. After retiring from the film industry in 1973, she dedicated her life to animal welfare through the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Her legacy remains a major component of 20th-century cinematic and cultural history.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Versatile actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. passed away on December 30 at the age of 71. He was widely celebrated for his role as Senator Clay Davis in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire’. Whitlock Jr. was also a frequent collaborator with director Spike Lee, appearing in films such as ’25th Hour’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His career included extensive work on Broadway and in various television dramas like ‘Your Honor’ and ‘Veep’. He was known for his distinct voice and his ability to command the screen in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Please share your thoughts on the impact these celebrities had on the world of entertainment in the comments.