Every Major Actor Who Died in October 2025

October 2025 was a difficult month for film and television, as audiences around the world said goodbye to a remarkable group of performers whose work shaped comedy, drama, arthouse cinema and mainstream hits alike. Below are the names whose legacies span stages, studios and screens big and small—presented with a quick, useful snapshot of who they were and what they did best.

Ed Williams

Ed Williams was best known as the deadpan lab man Ted Olson in ‘Police Squad!’ and the ‘Naked Gun’ films, and he also appeared in ‘Father of the Bride’ and numerous TV series. Remarkably, he came to acting full-time late, after a long career teaching broadcasting and speech. Williams died in Los Angeles on October 2 at 98, his family confirmed. Tributes highlighted how his straight-faced delivery became a beloved part of the Zucker–Abrahams–Zucker comedy universe.

Remo Girone

Italian actor Remo Girone moved fluidly between prestige TV and international films, earning iconic status at home as Tano Cariddi in ‘La piovra’ and recognizability abroad in ‘Live by Night,’ ‘Ford v Ferrari’ and ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Reports in Italy said he had been battling bladder cancer and died at home in Monte Carlo on October 3 at 76. Colleagues and fans praised his quiet intensity and longevity across stage and screen. He remained active into recent years with roles that introduced him to new audiences worldwide.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory

Kimberly Hébert Gregory was celebrated for her scene-stealing turn as Dr. Belinda Brown in ‘Vice Principals,’ and she amassed a wide array of credits including ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘Shameless’ and ‘Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.’ Her death on October 3 at 52 was shared by family and colleagues, with tributes noting her forceful presence and advocacy for better representation. Obituaries reflected her roots in Houston theater and her transition to a busy TV career. Services information and memorials were widely circulated in the days that followed.

Patricia Routledge

Dame Patricia Routledge was a towering comic and stage talent, known globally as Hyacinth Bucket in ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ and widely respected for award-winning work on stage in ‘Darling of the Day’ and ‘Candide.’ She died peacefully on October 3 at 96, according to her agent and family notices. Tributes from colleagues emphasized her precision, musicality and generosity across decades of British theater and television. She was appointed DBE in 2017 for services to theatre and charity.

Ron Dean

Chicago’s Ron Dean became a go-to presence for grounded authority figures in films like ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘The Fugitive’ and ‘The Dark Knight,’ and he worked steadily on television from ‘Frasier’ to ‘Chicago P.D.’ He died on October 5 at 87 after a long illness. Directors who hired him repeatedly praised his reliability and authenticity, rooted in Chicago’s acting community. Obituaries noted nearly 100 screen credits across five decades.

Lotte Ledl

Austrian Kammerschauspielerin Lotte Ledl enjoyed a seven-decade career spanning major stages and popular film and TV, including long-running visibility to German-language audiences. She died on October 5 at 95, with Austrian broadcasters and press honoring her influence across generations. Tributes recalled her work at leading theaters as well as television mainstays. Her passing prompted retrospectives of a richly varied career.

Wanda Perdelwitz

German actress Wanda Perdelwitz, known to many for ‘Großstadtrevier,’ died on October 6 at 41 from injuries sustained in a late-September dooring bicycle accident in Hamburg. Police opened a negligent-homicide investigation, and colleagues and fans held a vigil with a white “ghost bike” at the site. Broadcasters adjusted programming to honor her work, and obituaries emphasized her theater and TV range. Memorial pages continue to collect condolences from the public.

John Woodvine

John Woodvine was a distinguished English actor of stage and screen, recognized for powerful Shakespearean work and roles in ‘Z-Cars,’ ‘An American Werewolf in London,’ and ‘The Crown.’ He died at home on October 6 at 96. Obituaries praised his resonant voice, commanding presence, and decades with the RSC and in major theater companies. He is survived by his wife, actor Lynn Farleigh, and family.

Yen Cheng-kuo

Taiwanese actor Yen Cheng-kuo, who rose to fame as a child star in ‘The Kung-Fu Kids,’ died on October 7 at 50. Local reports said he had stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma and died at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in New Taipei. He later worked as a filmmaker and continued acting in adulthood, remaining fondly remembered by fans who grew up with his movies. News outlets in Taiwan confirmed his death and shared family statements requesting privacy.

Paolo Bonacelli

Italian character actor Paolo Bonacelli, remembered for intense roles in films including ‘Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom,’ ‘Midnight Express’ and ‘Caligula,’ died in Rome on October 8 at 88. He worked steadily across Italian and international productions for decades. News of his death was carried by industry databases and Italian media. His filmography remains a guide to postwar Italian cinema’s edgier corners.

Mohammad Kasebi

Mohamad Kasebi was an Iranian actor and director, associated with the Art Bureau and remembered for performances such as ‘The Father’ that earned him recognition at the Fajr Film Festival. He died in Tehran in mid-October at 74, with Iranian outlets and databases reporting the news. In addition to acting, he wrote and directed, and served on arts councils over the years. Tributes emphasized his long service to Iranian stage and screen.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton, a defining American screen actor whose work spans ‘Annie Hall,’ ‘The Godfather’ films, ‘Reds,’ ‘Marvin’s Room’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ died on October 11 at 79. Her family confirmed the cause as bacterial pneumonia, and records showed she was cremated days later. Tributes poured in from collaborators across generations, reflecting her influence on acting and style. Her children and siblings survive her, and memorial statements encouraged donations to causes she supported.

Tony Caunter

British actor Tony Caunter was best known to millions of BBC viewers as Roy Evans in ‘EastEnders,’ a role he played in hundreds of episodes. He died on October 13 at 88, just days after the passing of his wife, according to family and industry tributes. Earlier TV work ranged from ‘Juliet Bravo’ to ‘Doctor Who,’ and he trained at LAMDA before a long stage and screen career. Obituaries emphasized his warmth on set and enduring popularity with audiences.

Anna Kyriakou

Greek actress Anna Kyriakou worked in theater, film and television, appearing in popular Greek series and, early on, in the international classic ‘Zorba the Greek.’ She died in Athens on October 13 at 96. Biographical sources note training at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School and in Paris, and a screen career that continued into the 2000s. Greek media and databases recorded her death and career highlights.

Penelope Milford

Penelope Milford earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Coming Home’ and appeared in titles such as ‘Valentino,’ ‘Heathers’ and ‘Endless Love.’ She died on October 14 at 77 at a rehabilitation facility in Saugerties, New York, according to family notices. Industry trades and funeral home notices shared details and career summaries. Her passing prompted revisits of her subtle, affecting screen work from the 1970s onward.

Pankaj Dheer

Indian actor Pankaj Dheer was revered on television for portraying Karna in ‘Mahabharat’ and amassed extensive film and TV credits over four decades. He died on October 15 at 68 after cancer, with funeral rites in Mumbai and tributes from prominent actors. Coverage in Indian media documented industry turnout and his influence on mythological and mainstream programming. His son, actor Nikitin Dheer, shared a public remembrance following the ceremonies.

Samantha Eggar

Samantha Eggar was an English-American actor who won Best Actress at Cannes and earned an Oscar nomination for ‘The Collector,’ and later became a familiar presence in projects including ‘Walk, Don’t Run,’ ‘Doctor Dolittle,’ ‘The Brood’ and numerous U.S. TV series. She died on October 15 at 86, with family confirming her peaceful passing. Obituaries revisited her wide range, from thrillers to voice work as Hera in Disney’s ‘Hercules.’ Tributes highlighted a career that balanced British stage training with Hollywood versatility.

Arif Erkin Güzelbeyoğlu

Turkish actor, musician and architect Arif Erkin Güzelbeyoğlu was remembered for beloved TV roles such as “Memik Dede” in ‘Yabancı Damat’ and appearances recognized by international audiences from ‘Magnificent Century.’ He died on October 16 at 90, with funeral ceremonies held in Istanbul. Turkish and regional outlets shared statements from his family and colleagues, noting his cross-disciplinary career. His passing was marked by theater and TV communities alike.

Martine Brochard

Paris-born Martine Brochard became a familiar face in Italian cinema after moving there in the 1970s, working in genres from giallo to poliziottesco, and later writing children’s books. She died on October 18 at 81 at her home near Rome, according to Italian media and reference sources. Retrospectives noted early work linked to François Truffaut and a long Italian television presence. Local officials in Morlupo publicly marked her passing.

Nabil Shaban

Nabil Shaban was a Jordanian-British actor, writer, and disability-rights pioneer who co-founded Graeae, the UK theatre company championing deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. On screen he was widely known to ‘Doctor Who’ fans as the villain Sil, a role he originated in the 1980s and later revisited in audio and web projects. He died on October 25 in Edinburgh at 72, with tributes highlighting his decades of advocacy as much as his stage and screen work. Obituaries noted his early life with osteogenesis imperfecta and his long association with the National Theatre.

Govardhan Asrani

Govardhan “Asrani,” a stalwart of Hindi cinema and television, died in Mumbai on October 20 at 84 following a prolonged illness. Celebrated for comic turns from ‘Sholay’ to dozens of hit comedies, he worked across languages and remained a popular supporting lead for more than five decades. His manager confirmed details of his passing and industry colleagues marked his funeral and prayer meet with public tributes. Coverage in Indian media emphasized his prolific output and enduring popularity.

June Lockhart

June Lockhart, beloved for ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica on October 23 at 100. Born to actors Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, she moved from child roles in classic films to decades of TV work and stage appearances. Obituaries noted her two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and honors from NASA for championing space exploration. Family notices confirmed private services and encouraged donations in her memory.

Paul Hüttel

Danish actor Paul Hüttel, familiar to generations for roles including Herbert Schmidt in ‘Matador,’ died on October 24 at 90. Trained in the early 1960s, he appeared in more than 50 films and series and worked extensively on stage. Danish outlets carried the news of his death, and filmographies highlight entries from arthouse dramas to family favorites. He was married to actress Birthe Neumann and remained active late into life.

Tony Adams

Welsh-born actor Tony Adams, best known as Adam Chance in ITV’s ‘Crossroads’ and Dr. Neville Bywaters in ‘General Hospital,’ died on October 25 at 84 after heart issues. He trained at the Italia Conti school and worked on stage and screen before joining ‘Crossroads,’ where he became a mainstay. Later appearances included a cameo in ‘Nolly,’ the drama about the soap’s history. Tributes from colleagues and obituaries in the UK press marked his long association with British television.

Björn Andrésen

Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrésen, who became internationally known as Tadzio in ‘Death in Venice,’ died on October 25 at 70. Later credits included work in Scandinavian film and TV and a supporting role in ‘Midsommar,’ as well as a candid appearance in the documentary ‘The Most Beautiful Boy in the World.’ Obituaries recounted the pressures of early fame and his later return to acting and music. Swedish and international outlets confirmed his death and career highlights.

Mauro Di Francesco

Milanese actor and comic Mauro Di Francesco—“Maurino” to colleagues—died on October 25 at 74. A familiar face of Italian comedies, he worked with popular ensembles and remained a recognizable TV guest and stage personality. Italian media reported condolences from friends like Diego Abatantuono and Jerry Calà. Additional coverage reviewed his health struggles and later years away from the limelight.

Satish Shah

Satish Shah, a fixture of Indian film and television and beloved as Indravadan in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,’ died in Mumbai on October 25 at 74 due to kidney failure. Hospital and industry sources confirmed the circumstances, and colleagues gathered for funeral rites and a prayer meet. National outlets published tributes and footage from commemorations. His passing was widely described as the end of an era for Indian television comedy.

Gennadiy Nazarov

Russian stage and screen actor Gennady Nazarov, known for ‘Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin’ and other 1990s films, died on October 26 at 58. Announcements from Moscow theatre circles acknowledged his work across prominent stages and in film and television. Reports noted long-term illness preceding his death. Biographical listings and press items summarized his leading roles and accolades.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales, celebrated worldwide as Sybil in ‘Fawlty Towers’ and acclaimed on stage and screen, died peacefully at home in London on October 27 at 93. Her sons announced the news, noting she had lived with dementia in recent years. Obituaries highlighted her BAFTA-nominated portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in ‘A Question of Attribution’ and her long theatre career. Colleagues and audiences paid tribute to a defining figure of British comedy.

Benz Hui Siu-Hung

Hong Kong actor Benz Hui (Hui Shiu-hung), affectionately dubbed the “King of Supporting Actors,” died on October 28 at 76 from multiple organ failure caused by cancer. His family conveyed the news through media friends, with funeral arrangements set in mid-November and all condolence money pledged to charity. Hui appeared in more than 160 productions, spanning TVB dramas and hit films. Regional outlets documented his final days and the family’s plans to honor his wishes.

Ilona Kassai

Hungarian actress and renowned dubbing performer Ilona Kassai died on October 28 at 97. Local media and databases recorded her long tenure on stage, her celebrated voice work, and her family connection as mother of musician Ganxsta Zolee. Biographical entries note major national honors, including the Kossuth Prize and Jászai Mari Prize. She remained active into later life and was widely mourned by the theatre community.

Héctor Noguera

Héctor “Tito” Noguera, a towering figure in Chilean theatre and television, died on October 28 at 88. Chilean outlets and his family confirmed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer months earlier. Universities and cultural institutions announced public vigils and services, reflecting his central place in national arts. Coverage emphasized his award-winning body of work and decades of mentorship.

Maria Riva

Maria Riva, Emmy-nominated actor and daughter of Marlene Dietrich, died in New Mexico on October 29 at 100. After hundreds of live teleplays for CBS, she later authored a best-selling biography of her mother and periodically returned to acting. Family notices said she died peacefully in her sleep. Major U.S. outlets published extensive retrospectives on her unusual upbringing and long career.

Yakub Akhmedov

Uzbek stage and screen star Yoqub Ahmedov, a People’s Artist of the USSR and of Uzbekistan, died in Tashkent on October 30 at 87. National media and encyclopedias highlight his leading roles at the Uzbek National Academic Drama Theatre and in popular films. Officials and colleagues marked his passing with statements on his cultural impact. Reports also noted his influential family connections in Uzbek theatre.

Jorunn Kjellsby

Norwegian actress Jorunn Kjellsby, a longtime member of Det Norske Teatret and a familiar face in film and television, died on October 30 at 81. Family confirmed she passed away after a period of illness, with colleagues praising her warmth and range. Press tributes recalled roles in popular series and award-winning performances on stage. National listings updated her date of death and summarized her career milestones.

Stanley Fung Shui-Fan

Hong Kong actor-director Stanley Fung Shui-fan, a key member of the ‘Lucky Stars’ ensemble in 1980s action-comedies, died on October 31 at 81 in Taiwan. Local and regional media reported that he had struggled with health issues earlier in the year. Colleagues noted the poignancy of his passing days after the death of friend and co-star Benz Hui. Outlets in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong carried announcements and remembrances.

Tchéky Karyo

French-Turkish actor Tchéky Karyo, known internationally for ‘La Femme Nikita,’ ‘GoldenEye’ and as Julien Baptiste in ‘The Missing,’ died of cancer on October 31 at 72. Family statements released via French media confirmed the cause and date. Obituaries surveyed a career that bridged French auteur cinema and English-language thrillers over four decades. Tributes hailed his defining television role in the ‘Baptiste’ spinoff.

If we missed someone meaningful to you from October, tell us who they were and what you remember them for in the comments.