Dan Ziskie and Other Actors Who Passed Away in 2025

This year, we said goodbye to many talented actors. Their work on television and in movies brought joy and entertainment to people all over the world. From beloved sitcom stars to respected film actors, 2025 saw the passing of numerous artists who left a lasting mark on the industry. Their performances will continue to be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come.

Remembering these actors is a way to honor their contributions. Each one had a unique journey and brought special qualities to their roles. This list pays tribute to the actors we lost in 2025. It serves as a reminder of their talent and the stories they helped tell on screen.

Jon Miyahara

Jon Miyahara was an actor best known for his role as the quiet but ever-present Cloud 9 employee, Brett Kobashigawa, in the NBC sitcom Superstore (2015-2021). He appeared in 105 episodes of the series. Miyahara’s character was a man of few words, often communicating with just a deadpan stare, which made his rare spoken lines all the more memorable for viewers.

Miyahara passed away in August 2025 at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by his family and announced by his Superstore co-star, Colton Dunn. Following the news, other cast members shared their fond memories of working wit

Song Young-kyu

South Korean actor Song Young-kyu passed away in August 2025 at the age of 55. He was found in a parked car in Seoul, South Korea. Authorities have stated there were no signs of foul play. Song was well-known for his role in the 2019 action-comedy movie Extreme Job.

Song had a long and varied career, appearing in numerous films and television shows. His more recent and notable roles included the Netflix series Narco-Saints (2022) and the Disney+ show Big Bet (2022). He also appeared in the popular dramas Hot Stove League and Hwarang. Shortly before his death, he had been investigated for a DUI incident, which led to him being removed from several upcoming projects.

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson was a well-known actress, most famous for her role in the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982). She played Jennifer Marlowe, the smart and charming receptionist at the radio station. This role made her a household name and earned her three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations. Anderson’s portrayal of a character who was both beautiful and intelligent challenged common stereotypes of the time.

Born in Minnesota, Anderson began her acting career with small parts in the 1960s and 70s. After her success with WKRP in Cincinnati, she starred in several movies and television shows. She also famously married actor Burt Reynolds. Throughout her life, Anderson was also an advocate for health awareness, particularly for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She passed away in August 2025 after a prolonged illness.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was a highly respected actor who won two Academy Awards. He was known for his powerful performances in a wide range of films. Some of his most famous roles were in The French Connection (1971), for which he won his first Oscar, and Unforgiven (1992), which earned him his second. Hackman had a long and successful career that spanned several decades.

He retired from acting in the early 2000s to focus on writing novels. Hackman was known for bringing a sense of realism and intensity to his characters, whether he was playing a hero or a villain. He passed away in February 2025 at the age of 95.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer was a popular actor known for his roles in many successful films. He gained fame in the 1980s with movies like Top Gun (1986) and Willow (1988). In the 1990s, he played iconic characters such as Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and Batman in Batman Forever (1995). His ability to transform for different roles made him a versatile and sought-after actor.

Kilmer’s career also included stage work and voice acting. He faced health challenges later in life, including a battle with throat cancer, which he documented in his memoir and a documentary. He passed away in April 2025 at the age of 65.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain was an actor who became a teen idol in the 1960s. He was best known for his leading role in the television series Dr. Kildare (1961-1966). The show was a huge success and made him a major star. After the series ended, he went on to have a long career in film, television, and theater.

He starred in popular miniseries like The Thorn Birds (1983) and Shōgun (1980). Chamberlain was also a respected stage actor, performing in plays like Hamlet and My Fair Lady. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 90.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the hit sitcom The Cosby Show (1984-1992). He grew up on screen, and audiences watched him transition from a teenager to a young adult. His performance earned him widespread recognition and affection from viewers.

After The Cosby Show, Warner continued to act in television, film, and theater. He had recurring roles in shows like Malcolm & Eddie and The Resident. He was also a talented musician and director. Warner passed away in July 2025 at the age of 54.

Loretta Swit

Loretta Swit was an accomplished actress, most famous for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the classic TV series MASH* (1972-1983). Her portrayal of the dedicated and complex head nurse earned her two Emmy Awards. She was one of the few cast members to remain for all 11 seasons of the show.

Beyond MASH*, Swit had an extensive career in theater, appearing in numerous plays on Broadway and other stages. She was also a dedicated animal rights activist. Swit’s work on one of television’s most beloved shows secured her place in entertainment history.

George Wendt

George Wendt became a television icon for his role as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom Cheers (1982-1993). As the friendly bar patron who was always greeted with a loud “Norm!”, he became one of the most recognizable characters on TV. He earned six Emmy Award nominations for his performance.

Wendt’s career included many other roles in film and television. He also had a successful career in theater, including appearing in the musical Hairspray. His portrayal of the lovable and beer-loving Norm made him a favorite among audiences for many years.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, gaining notice for her lead role in the film Harriet the Spy (1996). She successfully transitioned to more mature roles as a teenager and young adult. She was well-known for playing Dawn Summers in the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003).

She later had a memorable role as the scheming Georgina Sparks on the teen drama Gossip Girl (2007-2012). Trachtenberg’s ability to play both sympathetic and villainous characters showcased her versatility as an actress. She passed away in February 2025 at the age of 39.

David Lynch

David Lynch was a celebrated filmmaker known for his unique and often surreal style. While primarily a director, he also acted in several projects, including his own. He was most famous for his role as the hard-of-hearing FBI Regional Bureau Chief Gordon Cole in his television series Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017).

His films, such as Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001), have been highly influential. Lynch’s artistic vision extended beyond film to painting, music, and writing. He passed away in January 2025 at the age of 78.

Madhan Bob

Madhan Bob was an Indian actor and comedian who worked primarily in Tamil cinema. He was known for his supporting roles and his distinct comedic timing. He appeared in many popular films, including Magalir Mattum (1994) and Ayya (2005).

Before becoming an actor, he was also a popular musician. His friendly on-screen presence made him a beloved figure in the Tamil film industry for many years. He passed away in 2025 from cancer at the age of 71.

Shanawas

Shanawas was an Indian actor who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was known for his roles in films from the 1980s, often appearing in supporting and character roles. Some of his notable films include Mylanji (1982) and Irattimadhuram (1982).

He was the son of a famous veteran actor, Prem Nazir, which initially brought him into the spotlight. Though his career was not as extensive as his father’s, he made his own contributions to Malayalam films. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 70.

Song Young-gyu

Song Young-gyu was a South Korean actor who appeared in various television dramas and films. He was a versatile character actor, known for his ability to adapt to different roles, whether they were serious or comedic. He was a familiar face to fans of Korean television.

His work included roles in popular K-dramas, where he often played fathers, officials, or other supporting characters that were crucial to the story. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 55.

David Chen

David Chen was a Canadian actor who was a familiar face on television. He was known for his recurring role as a pragmatic detective in the popular crime series Northwood Mysteries (2010-2018). He was praised for his grounded and relatable performance.

Chen was a strong advocate for more diversity in the Canadian film and television industry. He worked to create more opportunities for actors of Asian descent. He died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2025.

Chloe Williams

Chloe Williams was a former child actress who found renewed fame on a popular reality television show. She was known for her bubbly personality and her candid discussions about the pressures of child stardom. The show followed her as she navigated her life and career as an adult.

Williams used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for former child actors. She was a beloved television personality. She died in a car crash in 2025.

Dan Ziskie

Dan Ziskie was a Detroit-born character actor with a long, steady career across stage and screen. He’s best known for playing C.J. Liguori on HBO’s Treme and the vice president on Netflix’s House of Cards, with memorable turns on Chappelle’s Show and guest roles across dramas like The Blacklist and Person of Interest. Beyond acting, he was an accomplished street photographer whose 2017 collection Cloud Chamber showcased his eye for everyday New York life.

Ziskie died in New York City on July 21, 2025, at age 80. His family said the cause was arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a detail reported in their obituary and by multiple outlets.