Hollywood Actresses Who Died In 2025

The entertainment world experienced profound losses in 2025 as many legendary performers and rising stars passed away. From icons of the Silver Age to modern television staples these women left behind a rich tapestry of work that influenced generations of viewers. Their contributions to film and theater helped define the industry for decades and ensured their legacies would endure. This year marked the final curtain call for several Academy Award winners and beloved character actresses who touched hearts around the globe. Fans and colleagues alike gathered throughout the year to pay tribute to their remarkable lives and careers.

Alice Hirson

Alice Hirson was a versatile American actress who passed away on February 14 at the age of 95. She was best known for her role as Mavis on the long running television series ‘Dallas’. Her career included a wide range of performances in films like ‘The Glass House’ and recurring roles in sitcoms such as ‘Ellen’. She was praised for her ability to bring warmth and authenticity to the characters of mothers and authority figures. Hirson remained active in the industry for several decades and lived a long life dedicated to her craft.

Alice Kessler

Alice Kessler was one of the famous Kessler Twins who passed away on November 17 at the age of 89. Along with her sister Ellen she became a popular entertainer in Europe and the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. They were known for their synchronized dancing and singing performances in various musical films and television specials. The duo appeared in movies such as ‘The Thief of Baghdad’ and was a staple of international variety shows. Alice died alongside her sister after a lifetime of performing together on stages around the world.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot was a French screen icon and animal rights activist who passed away at the age of 91 on December 28. She first gained international fame for her role in the film ‘And God Created Woman’ which was directed by her then husband Roger Vadim. After retiring from the film industry in the early 1970s she dedicated her life to the protection of animals. Her vibrant presence and feline sensuality made her a significant figure in pop culture during the mid twentieth century. The actress died at her home in France after a long life of advocacy and cinematic achievement.

Connie Francis

Connie Francis was a prolific singer and actress who died on July 17 at the age of 82. While primarily known for her chart topping hits she also starred in several films including ‘Where the Boys Are’ and ‘Follow the Boys’. Her career as an entertainer spanned multiple decades and included numerous television specials and international tours. She was a pioneering female artist in the pop music industry and a significant figure in early 1960s cinema. Francis left behind a massive musical legacy and a collection of films that defined an era for audiences.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton died on October 11 at the age of 79 after a battle with pneumonia at her home in California. She was a prolific actress and director who won an Academy Award for her starring role in the classic film ‘Annie Hall’. Her career featured a variety of notable performances in major productions like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Reds’. Keaton was also recognized as a fashion icon and photographer who constantly challenged Hollywood expectations during her long career. Her loss left a significant void in the industry she helped shape for over fifty years.

Diane Ladd

Diane Ladd was an Academy Award nominated actress who passed away at the age of 89 on November 3 in her California home. She was known for her exceptional range in films such as ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ and ‘Wild at Heart’. Throughout her career she earned three Oscar nominations and a BAFTA for her compelling supporting performances in both film and television. Her daughter Laura Dern was by her side when she passed and shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother’s artistic spirit. Ladd remains a celebrated figure for her dedication to the craft of acting across several decades.

Ellen Kessler

Ellen Kessler was a renowned singer and dancer who died on November 17 at the age of 89. She performed as half of the Kessler Twins alongside her sister Alice in numerous stage and screen productions. The pair gained international fame for their talent and glamorous appearances in both German and American entertainment during the twentieth century. They were particularly celebrated for their work in musical variety programs and films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Ellen and her sister remained inseparable throughout their lives and shared their final moments together.

Jean Marsh

Jean Marsh was an English actress and screenwriter who died on April 13 at the age of 90. She was widely recognized as the co creator of the popular television series ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ in which she also starred as Rose Buck. Her performance in the series earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She also appeared in several notable films including ‘Willow’ and ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ throughout her career. Marsh struggled with dementia in her final years but remained a respected figure for her major contributions to television history.

Joan Plowright

Joan Plowright was a distinguished British actress who passed away on January 16 at the age of 95. She was one of the few performers to win two Tony Awards and two Golden Globes during her illustrious career on stage and screen. Her work included notable roles in films such as ‘Enchanted April’ and ‘101 Dalmatians’. She was also known for her marriage to the legendary Laurence Olivier and her significant contributions to the National Theatre in London. Her grace and dedication to the performing arts earned her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

June Lockhart

June Lockhart was a star of the Silver Age who died of natural causes at the age of 100 on October 23. She was best known for her maternal roles in beloved television series such as ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Her career began on the New York stage when she was only six years old before she moved to Hollywood to pursue film. She made her unbilled film debut in a production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ alongside her parents Gene and Kathleen Lockhart. Lockhart’s legacy as a television matriarch and prolific actress spanned several successful decades in the entertainment industry.

Kim Sae-ron

Kim Sae-ron was a talented South Korean actress who passed away at the age of 24 on February 16. She began her career as a child actress in the film ‘A Brand New Life’ and gained wider recognition in ‘The Man from Nowhere’. Over the following years she starred in various successful television dramas and feature films that showcased her range. Her talent was recognized early with several best new actress awards from major film ceremonies. The young performer had been active in the industry since 2009 and left behind a promising legacy that was unfortunately cut short.

Lar Park Lincoln

Lar Park Lincoln passed away at the age of 63 on April 22 after a dedicated career in entertainment. She was widely recognized for her role as Linda Fairgate on the popular prime time soap opera ‘Knots Landing’. Horror fans also remember her for starring as the psychic protagonist Tina Shepard in ‘Friday the 13th Part VII The New Blood’. In addition to her acting work she was an author and career coach who helped aspiring performers navigate the complexities of Hollywood. Her career spanned television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Leslie Charleson

Leslie Charleson was a staple of daytime television who died on January 12 at the age of 79. She was best known for her long running role as Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Her tenure on the show began in 1977 and lasted for over four decades of dramatic storylines that captivated viewers. Before her success in soaps she appeared in various prime time programs and commercials during the 1960s. Fans of the daytime drama community mourned the loss of one of their most enduring and beloved figures in television history.

Lynne Marie Stewart

Lynne Marie Stewart was a comedic actress who passed away at the age of 78 on February 21. She was best known for her portrayal of Miss Yvonne on the beloved program ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’. Her long standing collaboration with Paul Reubens led to roles in several of his films and television specials over the years. She also made numerous guest appearances on popular sitcoms and provided voices for various animated series. Stewart’s unique comedic style and memorable characters made her a beloved figure in the alternative comedy scene for decades.

Mara Corday

Mara Corday was a model and actress who died at the age of 95 on February 9. She was a prominent figure in science fiction and horror films during the 1950s including roles in ‘Tarantula’ and ‘The Giant Claw’. Before her film career she worked as a dancer and was featured in several popular national magazines. She also had a recurring role in several movies starring her close friend Clint Eastwood such as ‘The Gauntlet’. Her passing marked the loss of another veteran from the classic era of Hollywood genre filmmaking.

Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull was an English singer and actress who passed away on January 30 at the age of 78. She rose to fame during the 1960s with her music and became a significant figure in the London cultural scene. Her acting career included roles in films such as ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Irina Palm’. She was known for her unique voice and her resilience throughout a long and varied career in the performing arts. Faithfull remained an influential icon for her work in both the music industry and independent cinema.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39 on February 26 in New York City. She first rose to prominence as a child star in the title role of ‘Harriet the Spy’ before moving on to major television roles. Audiences fondly remember her for playing Dawn Summers on the hit supernatural series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She also achieved success as a series regular on ‘Gossip Girl’ and in various feature films like ’17 Again’. Her sudden passing was a shock to the entertainment community where she had been a steady fixture since her childhood.

Patricia Routledge

Patricia Routledge was a highly respected actress and singer who passed away during the year at the age of 96. She was best known for her comedic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the popular television series ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Her career was incredibly diverse and included a Tony Award winning performance on Broadway and numerous roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Routledge was also a classically trained singer who appeared in many musical theater productions throughout her long life. She was appointed a Dame for her services to theater and charity in the New Year Honors.

Pauline Collins

Pauline Collins was a beloved British actress who passed away in November at the age of 85. She captivated international audiences with her portrayal of the title character in ‘Shirley Valentine’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her extensive career included major roles in ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ and the film ‘Quartet’ directed by Dustin Hoffman. She was honored with multiple awards including a BAFTA and a Tony for her exceptional work in theater and on screen. Collins was known for her ability to balance humor and pathos in her widely celebrated performances.

Polly Holliday

Polly Holliday was a celebrated stage and screen actress who died on September 9 at the age of 88. She is perhaps best remembered for her iconic portrayal of the waitress Florence Jean Castleberry on the sitcom ‘Alice’. Her performance popularized the catchphrase Kiss My Grits and earned her two Golden Globe Awards for her work. She also had a successful career on Broadway with several Tony Award nominations for her performances in theater. Holliday continued to act in various television roles and films like ‘Gremlins’ until her retirement from the industry.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales was a legendary British actress who died on October 27 at her home. She achieved international fame for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers’ alongside her co star John Cleese. Her career spanned over sixty years with a vast array of roles on television and the stage including her work in ‘Great Canal Journeys’. She was widely respected for her impeccable comedic timing and her significant contributions to British television culture. Scales was married to fellow actor Timothy West and remained an active figure in the arts until her final years.

Sally Kirkland

Sally Kirkland was an Academy Award nominated actress who died on November 11 at the age of 84. She gained critical acclaim for her performance in the film ‘Anna’ which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Over the course of her lengthy career she appeared in over two hundred films and numerous television projects across different genres. Kirkland was also a dedicated acting coach and member of the Actors Studio where she influenced many younger performers in the industry. Her work was characterized by an intense commitment to her roles and a lifelong passion for the arts.

Samantha Eggar

Samantha Eggar was a British American actress who passed away on October 15 at the age of 86. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Collector’ and won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her diverse filmography included appearances in ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and ‘The Brood’ along with various prominent television guest spots. She was known for her distinctive voice and striking screen presence throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Eggar maintained a steady career in both the United Kingdom and Hollywood for over five decades of work.

Sophie Nyweide

Sophie Nyweide was a former child actress who died on April 14 at the age of 24. She appeared in several television series and films during her youth including a role in the movie ‘The Odd Life of Timothy Green’. Her early career showed great promise as she worked alongside notable Hollywood talent in various major productions. Despite her transition away from the spotlight in later years she remained known to fans of her early acting work. Her passing at a young age was reported by several media outlets and saddened those who followed her career.

Please share your thoughts in the comments.