Every Notable Celebrity We Lost in 2025

The entertainment industry mourned the loss of several iconic figures throughout 2025. From legendary actors of the Golden Age to modern television stars, these individuals left an indelible mark on global culture. This list commemorates their careers and the legacies they leave behind for future generations. Each entry provides details on their passing and a brief overview of their significant contributions to film and television.

Marianne Faithfull

Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull died on January 30 at the age of 78. She gained early fame in the 1960s with the hit song ‘As Tears Go By’ and became a symbol of the era. Her career spanned decades and included an acclaimed performance in the film ‘Irina Palm’. Faithfull was widely recognized for her distinctively raspy voice and her resilience within the arts.

Kim Sae-ron

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16 at the age of 24. She began her career as a child star and earned widespread acclaim for her role in the film ‘The Man from Nowhere’. Over the years she transitioned into more mature roles in television dramas like ‘Mirror of the Witch’. Her sudden passing shocked fans across the international entertainment community.

Gene Hackman

Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman passed away on February 26 at the age of 95. He was best known for his intense and versatile roles in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’. Hackman retired from acting in the early 2000s to focus on a successful career as a novelist. His legacy includes some of the most memorable and influential performances in American cinematic history.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on February 26 at the age of 39. She first gained major recognition for her title role in the movie ‘Harriet the Spy’. Many fans remember her most fondly for playing Dawn Summers in the hit supernatural series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She also played a recurring antagonist in the popular teen drama ‘Gossip Girl’.

David Johansen

Musician and actor David Johansen died on February 28 at the age of 75. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the influential proto-punk band the New York Dolls. Later in his career he achieved solo success under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter. Johansen also appeared in several films including ‘Scrooged’ where he played the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Richard Chamberlain

Actor Richard Chamberlain passed away on March 29 at the age of 90. He became a major heartthrob in the 1960s starring in the title role of the medical drama ‘Dr. Kildare’. Chamberlain later earned the nickname King of the Miniseries for his work in ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds’. He was a trailblazing figure who remained a steady presence in the industry for over six decades.

Val Kilmer

Versatile actor Val Kilmer passed away on April 1 at the age of 65. He rose to stardom with iconic roles in films such as ‘Top Gun’ and ‘The Doors’. Kilmer also took on the mantle of the Caped Crusader in the blockbuster movie ‘Batman Forever’. His career was marked by a commitment to character acting and a series of transformative performances.

Jay North

Former child star Jay North died on April 6 at the age of 73. He became a household name during the late 1950s for playing the title character in the sitcom ‘Dennis the Menace’. After the show ended he continued to work in voice acting for various animated series. North later retired from the spotlight but remained a significant figure in television history.

Jean Marsh

Co-creator and star of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ Jean Marsh passed away on April 13 at the age of 90. She was an esteemed British actress who won an Emmy for her portrayal of Rose Buck. Her career included notable appearances in films like ‘Willow’ and ‘Frenzy’. Marsh was respected for both her acting talent and her contributions to television writing.

Nora Aunor

Filipino cinema icon Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 at the age of 71. Known as the Superstar she appeared in over 170 films and recorded dozens of albums. Her performance in ‘Himala’ is often cited as one of the greatest in the history of Philippine cinema. She received numerous international awards and was a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.

Priscilla Pointer

Actress Priscilla Pointer passed away on April 28 at the age of 100. She was a prolific character actress who appeared in many notable films directed by her son-in-law Steven Spielberg. Pointer is perhaps best remembered for her role as the mother in the horror classic ‘Carrie’. Her long career included hundreds of television and stage appearances.

Ruth Buzzi

Comedic actress Ruth Buzzi passed away on May 1 at the age of 88. She became a television icon as a regular cast member on the variety show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. Buzzi was famous for her character Gladys Ormphby who frequently hit others with her purse. She earned a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations for her comedic work.

Joe Don Baker

Actor Joe Don Baker died on May 7 at the age of 89. He was widely recognized for his portrayal of Buford Pusser in the action film ‘Walking Tall’. Baker also appeared in several James Bond films playing both a villain and an ally. His rugged screen presence made him a staple of the action and Western genres.

George Wendt

Actor George Wendt passed away on May 20 at the age of 76. He was beloved by audiences for his role as Norm Peterson on the long-running sitcom ‘Cheers’. Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the frequent bar patron. He also appeared in various films and hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ on several occasions.

Loretta Swit

Actress Loretta Swit passed away on May 30 at the age of 87. She was best known for her role as Major Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan on the television series ‘MAS*H’. Swit won two Emmy Awards for her work on the show and remained with the production for its entire run. Beyond television she was a dedicated animal rights activist and stage performer.

Harris Yulin

Prolific character actor Harris Yulin died on June 10 at the age of 87. He appeared in dozens of films including ‘Scarface’ and ‘Training Day’. Yulin was also a familiar face on television with roles in series such as ‘Ozark’ and ‘Frasier’. His career spanned over fifty years and included a wide range of villainous and authoritative characters.

Bobby Sherman

Singer and actor Bobby Sherman passed away on June 24 at the age of 81. He was a major teen idol in the late 1960s with hit songs like ‘Little Woman’ and ‘Julie, Do Ya Love Me’. Sherman also starred in the television series ‘Here Come the Brides’. After retiring from entertainment he became a technical officer for the police and a first aid instructor.

Kenneth Colley

British actor Kenneth Colley died on June 30 at the age of 87. He was best known to international audiences for playing Admiral Piett in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Colley also worked extensively with director Ken Russell in several film projects. His career included many appearances in British television dramas and theatrical productions.

Julian McMahon

Australian actor Julian McMahon passed away on July 2 at the age of 56. He achieved international fame for his role as the morally complex Christian Troy on the series ‘Nip/Tuck’. McMahon also played the villainous Doctor Doom in the ‘Fantastic Four’ film series. He was a regular on television with starring roles in ‘Charmed’ and ‘FBI: Most Wanted’.

Michael Madsen

Actor Michael Madsen passed away on July 3 at the age of 67. He was a frequent collaborator of director Quentin Tarantino and appeared in films like ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’. Madsen was known for his gravelly voice and his ability to play tough characters. His filmography consists of over two hundred roles across various genres.

Connie Francis

Singer and actress Connie Francis died on July 16 at the age of 87. She was one of the top female vocalists of the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits such as ‘Who’s Sorry Now’. Francis also starred in several successful films including the spring break comedy ‘Where the Boys Are’. She was a global star who recorded music in many different languages.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away on July 20 at the age of 54. He first rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on the classic sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. Warner continued to have a successful career in television with roles in ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ and ‘The Resident’. He was also an accomplished musician and director who worked on various series.

Ozzy Osbourne

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. He first gained fame as the lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Osbourne also had a highly successful solo career and became a reality television star on ‘The Osbournes’. He was known as the Prince of Darkness and influenced generations of musicians.

Hulk Hogan

Wrestling icon and actor Hulk Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71. He was the biggest star in professional wrestling during the 1980s and helped bring the sport into the mainstream. Hogan also appeared in numerous films such as ‘Rocky III’ and ‘No Holds Barred’. His larger than life personality made him a recognizable figure in popular culture.

Loni Anderson

Actress Loni Anderson passed away on August 3 at the age of 79. She became a television star for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’. Anderson earned three Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations for her performance on the show. She remained a frequent guest star on television and appeared in several feature films.

Terence Stamp

Acclaimed British actor Terence Stamp died on August 17 at the age of 87. He rose to fame in the 1960s and earned an Academy Award nomination for his film debut in ‘Billy Budd’. Stamp is well remembered for his role as the villainous General Zod in ‘Superman’ and ‘Superman II’. His long career included diverse roles in movies like ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.

Jerry Adler

Veteran actor Jerry Adler passed away on August 23 at the age of 96. He was a familiar face on television with recurring roles in ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Good Wife’. Adler also had a long career as a theatre director and production manager on Broadway. His naturalistic acting style made him a highly sought after character actor in his later years.

Graham Greene

Canadian actor Graham Greene died on September 1 at the age of 73. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Kicking Bird in ‘Dances with Wolves’. Greene appeared in many other notable films including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘Wind River’. He was a member of the Oneida nation and a prominent figure in Indigenous cinema.

Polly Holliday

Actress Polly Holliday passed away on September 9 at the age of 88. She was best known for her role as the sassy waitress Flo on the sitcom ‘Alice’. Her catchphrase Kiss my grits became one of the most famous lines in television history. Holliday later appeared in films such as ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’.

Robert Redford

Legendary actor and director Robert Redford died on September 16 at the age of 89. He was a massive star in the 1960s and 1970s with roles in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Sting’. Redford won an Academy Award for directing the drama ‘Ordinary People’. He also founded the Sundance Film Festival which became a vital platform for independent cinema.

Claudia Cardinale

Italian film icon Claudia Cardinale passed away on September 23 at the age of 87. She appeared in some of the most acclaimed European films of the 1960s including ‘8 1/2’ and ‘The Leopard’. Cardinale also starred in the classic Western ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’. She was a celebrated beauty and a versatile actress who worked with many great directors.

Patricia Routledge

English actress Patricia Routledge died on October 3 at the age of 96. She was beloved by audiences for her role as the social climbing Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Routledge was also an accomplished stage actress and won a Tony Award for her work in ‘Darling of the Day’. Her career spanned seven decades across theatre and television.

Diane Keaton

Academy Award winner Diane Keaton passed away on October 11 at the age of 79. she rose to fame in the 1970s through her collaborations with Woody Allen in films like ‘Annie Hall’. Keaton also had a significant role as Kay Adams-Corleone in ‘The Godfather’ trilogy. She was known for her unique style and her ability to excel in both comedy and drama.

Samantha Eggar

British actress Samantha Eggar passed away on October 15 at the age of 86. She won a Best Actress award at Cannes and received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘The Collector’. Eggar also appeared in movies like ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and the horror film ‘The Brood’. Her career included a wide variety of roles in both film and international television.

Asrani

Veteran Indian actor and comedian Asrani died on October 20 at the age of 84. He was a staple of Bollywood cinema and appeared in more than 350 films over five decades. Asrani is particularly remembered for his comedic role as the jailer in the classic film ‘Sholay’. He was also a director and a respected teacher of acting.

June Lockhart

Actress June Lockhart passed away on October 23 at the age of 100. She became a television icon for her roles as the mother in ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Lockhart won a Tony Award early in her career for her performance in the play ‘For Love or Money’. She remained active in the industry for many years and was a frequent guest at fan conventions.

Prunella Scales

British actress Prunella Scales died on October 27 at the age of 93. She was most famous for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the legendary sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers’. Scales also had a distinguished career on stage and appeared in many films including ‘Howards End’. In her later years she was well known for the documentary series ‘Great Canal Journeys’.

Diane Ladd

Actress Diane Ladd passed away on November 3 at the age of 89. She was a three-time Academy Award nominee for her roles in ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’, ‘Wild at Heart’, and ‘Rambling Rose’. Ladd often collaborated with her daughter actress Laura Dern on various film and television projects. Her career was defined by her powerful and emotionally resonant performances.

Pauline Collins

Actress Pauline Collins died on November 5 at the age of 85. She first gained fame in the series ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ playing the character Sarah Moffat. Collins achieved major international success with the play and film ‘Shirley Valentine’ for which she received an Oscar nomination. She was awarded an OBE for her services to drama in 2001.

Tatsuya Nakadai

Japanese acting legend Tatsuya Nakadai passed away on November 8 at the age of 92. He was a frequent star in the films of Akira Kurosawa including ‘Ran’ and ‘Kagemusha’. Nakadai also played the lead role in the epic ‘The Human Condition’ trilogy. He was considered one of the greatest actors in the history of world cinema.

Sally Kirkland

Actress Sally Kirkland passed away on November 11 at the age of 84. She received an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe for her performance in the film ‘Anna’. Kirkland was a prolific performer with over 250 acting credits in film and television. She was also a prominent acting coach and a member of the Actors Studio.

Udo Kier

German actor Udo Kier died on November 23 at the age of 81. He was a cult cinema icon known for his work in horror films and his collaborations with director Lars von Trier. Kier appeared in over 200 projects including ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ and ‘Shadow of the Vampire’. His striking presence and intense eyes made him a memorable figure in global cinema.

Jimmy Cliff

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24 at the age of 81. He was instrumental in popularizing reggae music worldwide with his starring role in the film ‘The Harder They Come’. Cliff’s hit songs include ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ and ‘I Can See Clearly Now’. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dharmendra

Bollywood legend Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. He was one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema history and starred in hits like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Phool Aur Patthar’. Known as the He-Man of Indian cinema he appeared in over 300 films. He received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the arts.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died on December 4 at the age of 75. He was best known for his role as the villainous Shang Tsung in the movie ‘Mortal Kombat’. Tagawa appeared in many other major films including ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. He was a versatile actor who frequently played powerful and menacing characters.

Anthony Geary

Actor Anthony Geary passed away on December 14 at the age of 78. He was a daytime television legend for his role as Luke Spencer on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Geary won a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. His character’s wedding on the show remains the highest-rated episode in American soap opera history.

Rob Reiner

Director and actor Rob Reiner died on December 14 at the age of 78. He first achieved fame as Meathead on the sitcom ‘All in the Family’. As a filmmaker he directed classics such as ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘A Few Good Men’. Reiner was a significant figure in Hollywood who helped define the romantic comedy and coming of age genres.

Gil Gerard

Actor Gil Gerard passed away on December 16 at the age of 82. He was best known for starring as the title character in the science fiction series ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’. Gerard also appeared in numerous television movies and hosted various reality programs. He remained a beloved figure among science fiction fans throughout his life.

Brigitte Bardot

French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot died on December 28 at the age of 91. She was one of the most famous sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s starring in films like ‘And God Created Woman’. Bardot retired from acting in 1973 to become a dedicated animal rights activist. Her influence on fashion and popular culture remains significant decades after her retirement.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Character actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. passed away on December 30 at the age of 71. He was widely recognized for his role as Senator Clay Davis in the acclaimed series ‘The Wire’. Whitlock also appeared in many films including ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Cedar Rapids’. His unique line delivery and commanding presence made him a favorite among audiences and directors.

Please feel free to share your favorite memories of these legendary stars in the comments.