Every Major Actor who Died in December 2025

The month of December 2025 proved to be a significant period of transition for the global entertainment industry as it said goodbye to a diverse group of performers. From icons of the Silver Age of Hollywood and European cinema to beloved character actors of modern television, these individuals left behind extensive bodies of work. Their contributions spanned genres including high-stakes drama, classic comedy, and influential voice acting. This list honors the legacy of those who passed away during the final month of the year.

Steve Cropper

The legendary guitarist and actor Steve Cropper passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 84. While primarily known for his monumental influence on soul music, he reached film fans through his role in the cult classic ‘The Blues Brothers’. He later reprised his role in the sequel ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ and appeared in various music-related documentaries. Cropper’s dual legacy as a songwriter and on-screen personality solidified his status as a cultural icon. He remained an active figure in the industry until his final years.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the versatile actor known for his commanding screen presence, died on December 4, 2025, at the age of 75. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the 1995 film ‘Mortal Kombat’. Tagawa’s career also included significant roles in ‘The Man in the High Castle’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Throughout his decades in Hollywood, he became a sought-after talent for both villainous roles and complex dramatic characters. His work spanned across film, television, and voice acting for major video game franchises.

Rachael Carpani

Australian actress Rachael Carpani passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 45. She was best known to international audiences for her long-running role as Jodi Fountain in the drama series ‘McLeod’s Daughters’. Following her success in Australia, she transitioned to American television with appearances in shows like ‘Against the Wall’ and ‘The Glades’. Carpani was celebrated for her ability to bring warmth and authenticity to her characters. Her untimely death was a significant loss to the Australian television community.

Yoon Il-bong

Veteran South Korean actor Yun Il-bong passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 91. A prominent figure during the Golden Age of Korean cinema, he appeared in over 100 films throughout his prolific career. He is particularly remembered for his performances in ‘The Last Witness’ and ‘The Earth’. In addition to his acting, Yun served as the president of the Motion Pictures Association of Korea. His influence helped shape the modern landscape of the South Korean film industry.

Kim Ji-mi

Kim Ji-mee, often referred to as the Elizabeth Taylor of South Korea, died on December 9, 2025, at the age of 85. She was a dominant force in South Korean cinema starting in the 1950s, starring in hundreds of films including ‘The Sea Village’. Her career was marked by both her immense talent and her work as a film producer. Kim received numerous best actress awards and was a pioneer for women in the Korean film business. Her legacy remains a vital part of Asian cinematic history.

Béatrice Picard

Béatrice Picard, the celebrated French-Canadian actress, passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 96. She was famously known to Quebec audiences as the voice of Marge Simpson in the French-Canadian dub of ‘The Simpsons’. Her stage and screen career spanned eight decades, including a memorable performance in ‘Les Belles-soeurs’. Picard was a recipient of the Order of Canada for her immense contributions to the arts. She continued to work in the industry well into her nineties.

Jeffrey Garcia

Actor and comedian Jeffrey Garcia died on December 10, 2025, at the age of 50. He was best known for his energetic voice performance as Sheen Estevez in the film ‘Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius’ and its spin-off series. Garcia also appeared in live-action comedies and provided voices for projects like ‘Happy Feet’. His distinct comedic timing made him a favorite in the world of animation. He was also a veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit for many years.

Jim Ward

Jim Ward, a prolific voice actor known for his work in animation and video games, passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 66. He was widely recognized for voicing Captain Qwark in the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ franchise. His television credits included ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Biker Mice from Mars’. Ward was also a noted radio personality and a versatile performer capable of a wide range of dialects. His contributions to the gaming industry earned him a dedicated global fan base.

Stanley Baxter

Scottish actor and impressionist Stanley Baxter died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 99. He was a titan of British television comedy, famous for ‘The Stanley Baxter Show’ and his elaborate musical parodies. Baxter’s ability to mimic celebrities and political figures made him a household name in the United Kingdom. He also appeared in films such as ‘Very Important Person’ and ‘The Fast Lady’. His career transitioned from the stage to radio and finally to television, where he redefined the variety show format.

May Britt

May Britt, the Swedish actress who became a Hollywood star in the 1950s, passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 91. She was discovered by producer Carlo Ponti and went on to star in ‘The Young Lions’ alongside Marlon Brando. Britt also appeared in the 1959 remake of ‘The Blue Angel’. Her career and personal life drew significant media attention during her high-profile marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. After retiring from acting, she dedicated much of her life to painting.

Peter Greene

Peter Greene, known for his intense portrayals of antagonists, died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60. He left an indelible mark on cinema with his role as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’. Greene also starred as the villain Dorian Tyrell in the 1994 hit ‘The Mask’. His career included roles in ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Under Siege 2: Dark Territory’. He was frequently praised for his unique ability to bring a menacing edge to gritty crime dramas.

Héctor Alterio

Renowned Argentine actor Héctor Alterio passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 96. He was a central figure in Spanish-language cinema, starring in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Official Story’. His career also included acclaimed performances in ‘Son of the Bride’ and ‘The Truce’. Alterio worked extensively in both Argentina and Spain, bridging the two cultures through his dramatic art. He received the Goya of Honor in 2004 for his lifelong contributions to the industry.

Anthony Geary

Anthony Geary, the legendary star of American daytime television, died on December 14, 2025, at the age of 78. He became a cultural phenomenon for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Geary won a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Beyond daytime television, he appeared in films such as ‘UHF’ and various stage productions. His work on television redefined the popularity of the medium during the 1980s.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 78. He first rose to fame as Michael Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’. Reiner eventually transitioned into a powerhouse director, helming classics like ‘The Princess Bride’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’, and ‘Stand by Me’. His career earned him multiple Emmy Awards and Academy Award nominations. He was a significant figure in Hollywood both for his creative output and his political activism.

Gil Gerard

Gil Gerard, best known for his lead role in the science fiction series ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’, died on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. The show made him a television icon of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Gerard’s career also included roles in films like ‘Airport ’77’ and numerous guest appearances on various television dramas. He remained a popular figure at fan conventions, where he celebrated the legacy of his most famous role. Later in life, he focused on producing and voice work.

Helen Siff

Helen Siff, a veteran of the theater and character acting, passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 88. She was known for her disciplined approach to the craft and her work in various off-Broadway productions. Siff also appeared in guest roles on several long-running television dramas during the 1990s. Her career was characterized by a deep commitment to the artistic community and the mentoring of younger performers. She is remembered by colleagues for her profound knowledge of dramatic literature.

James Ransone

James Ransone, the talented character actor known for his gritty and emotional roles, died on December 19, 2025, at the age of 46. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of ‘The Wire’. Ransone also starred in the horror franchise ‘Sinister’ and played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in ‘It Chapter Two’. His ability to navigate between independent cinema and major studio blockbusters made him a unique talent in Hollywood. He was frequently praised for his collaborations with director Sean Baker in films like ‘Tangerine’.

Celso Bugallo

Spanish actor Celso Bugallo passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 78. He was highly regarded for his supporting role in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Sea Inside’, for which he won a Goya Award. Bugallo was a staple of Spanish cinema, appearing in works such as ‘Mondays in the Sun’ and ‘The Night of the Sunflowers’. His career was built on a foundation of theatrical experience in his native Galicia. He was known for bringing a quiet intensity to every role he inhabited.

Anatoliy Lobotskiy

Anatoly Lobotsky, a distinguished Russian stage and film actor, died on December 20, 2025, at the age of 66. He was a prominent member of the Mayakovsky Theatre in Moscow, where he led numerous classic productions. Lobotsky gained international recognition for his role in the film ‘The Envy of Gods’. His contributions to Russian culture were recognized with the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. He was a respected figure who successfully balanced a career in traditional theater and modern cinema.

Sreenivasan

Sreenivasan, the legendary Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and director, passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 75. He was a pivotal figure in Indian cinema, known for his satirical takes on social and political issues in films like ‘Sandesham’. His career spanned decades and included over 200 films as an actor. Sreenivasan’s unique style of humor and storytelling left a lasting impact on the Malayalam film industry. He was a multiple-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Awards.

Pat Finn

Pat Finn, the versatile American character actor and comedian, died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 60. He was best known for his recurring role as Bill Norwood on the sitcom ‘The Middle’. Finn also made numerous appearances on popular shows such as ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Seinfeld’, and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. His background in improvisational comedy at The Second City helped define his naturalistic and relatable acting style. He was a constant presence in American television for over three decades.

Vera Alentova

Vera Alentova, the iconic Russian actress, passed away on December 25, 2025, at the age of 83. She rose to international stardom for her lead role in ‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Alentova was a long-time member of the Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre and appeared in numerous Russian films. Her work earned her the title of People’s Artist of the RSFSR. She remained a beloved figure in the Russian arts community throughout her life.

Peter Sattmann

German actor and musician Peter Sattmann died on December 25, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a familiar face on German television, appearing in popular series like ‘Tatort’ and ‘The Old Fox’. Sattmann was also an accomplished stage actor and a composer who wrote scores for several theater productions. His career was marked by a wide variety of roles ranging from light comedy to intense psychological drama. He was considered one of the most reliable and talented character actors of his generation.

Brigitte Bardot

The legendary Brigitte Bardot, one of the most famous faces in the history of cinema, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She became an international sex symbol following her role in the 1956 film ‘And God Created Woman’. Bardot’s work with directors like Jean-Luc Godard in ‘Contempt’ cemented her status as an icon of the French New Wave. After retiring from acting in the 1970s, she became a world-renowned animal rights activist. Her influence on fashion, film, and culture remains unparalleled.

Pablo Moret

Argentine actor Pablo Moret died on December 28, 2025, at the age of 92. He was a significant figure during the 1960s, starring in films such as ‘The Unfaithful’ and ‘The Blonde from Buenos Aires’. Moret worked across Argentina and Spain, appearing in numerous dramas and comedies. He was known for his leading-man looks and his versatility on the theatrical stage. His career helped define the cinematic landscape of South America during a period of great artistic transition.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr., the acclaimed American character actor, passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 71. He was best known for his iconic role as Senator Clay Davis in the HBO series ‘The Wire’. Whitlock Jr. also collaborated frequently with director Spike Lee, appearing in films like ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ’25th Hour’. His career included extensive work on Broadway and a variety of roles in television dramas and comedies. He was celebrated by fans and critics alike for his distinct delivery and screen presence.

Candy Raymond

Australian actress Candy Raymond died on December 31, 2025, at the age of 75. She was a prominent figure in Australian television and film during the 1970s and 1980s, starring in the soap opera ‘The Box’. Raymond also appeared in films like ‘Don’s Party’ and ‘Monkey Grip’. Her work was a staple of the Australian New Wave, and she was known for her ability to play bold and complex characters. She remained a respected figure in the Australian performing arts community throughout her retirement.

Please share your favorite memories of these performers in the comments.