Most Famous Black Actresses Who Died in 2025

The year brought painful losses across film and television, with families and colleagues sharing tributes as audiences revisited the work these women left behind. Below is a roundup of notable Black actresses whose deaths were reported and confirmed in 2025, along with key roles, dates, and details released by families, representatives, or reputable outlets.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory

Known to many as Dr. Belinda Brown on the HBO series ‘Vice Principals’, Kimberly Hébert Gregory died on October 3, 2025 at age 52. Her screen credits include ‘Kevin (Probably) Saves the World’, ‘Better Call Saul’, and ‘The Chi’. She also contributed voice work to ‘Craig of the Creek’ and had an extensive stage background. No cause of death was disclosed at the time of reporting.

Lynn Hamilton

A beloved presence on ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘The Waltons’, Lynn Hamilton died on June 19, 2025 at age 95. Family representatives cited natural causes. She portrayed Donna Harris opposite Redd Foxx and appeared as Miss Verdie on the long-running family drama. Her career spanned decades across stage, film, and television.

Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer, remembered for playing Dee Thomas on ‘What’s Happening!!’, died on August 11, 2025 at age 60 after a long cancer battle. Her passing was confirmed by family and former co-stars. After early fame, she trained as a veterinarian and practiced for years while occasionally returning to the screen. Tributes emphasized her resilience through significant health challenges and her dual careers in entertainment and animal care.

Marlene Warfield

Stage and screen veteran Marlene Warfield died on April 6, 2025 at age 83. Reports cited lung cancer as the cause. She earned wide recognition for roles in ‘The Great White Hope’ and ‘Network’, along with appearances on television. Her obituary traced a career rooted in theater that carried into notable film work.

Ena Hartman

Pioneering television actress Ena Hartman died on April 16, 2025 at age 93. She was noted for her work opposite Burt Reynolds on the series ‘Dan August’. Family and public records cited natural causes and reflected on a career that opened doors for Black women in network TV. Memorial notices recounted her film and television appearances.

Crystal-Donna Roberts

South African actress Crystal-Donna Roberts, known for ‘Krotoa’ and ‘The Endless River’, died on March 6, 2025 at age 40. Her husband and agent confirmed her passing. National outlets reported that she had lived with breast cancer. Colleagues and cultural leaders shared tributes celebrating her range and awards.

Londiwe Nene

Rising South African actress Londiwe Nene, seen on ‘Youngins’, died on October 11, 2025 at age 35. Her family announced her death and asked for privacy. Local coverage noted that authorities were reviewing the circumstances. The regional TV community shared public memorials reflecting the shock felt by fans and peers.

Nkechi Nweje

Nigerian film veteran Nkechi Nweje died in March 2025 following a brief illness. Colleagues and producers shared tributes that highlighted her long presence in Nollywood productions. Industry reports summarized reactions from across the film community. Her recent collaborations and mentorship were frequently cited in remembrances.

Tolani Akintunde

Nollywood actress Tolani Akintunde died in May 2025, with reports indicating a heart attack while in the United Kingdom. Coverage in Nigeria highlighted her television work and community response. Colleagues posted remembrances noting her influence on recent productions. Fans and peers organized tributes across social platforms.

Alicia Nimo

Kenyan actress Alice Wairimu, known professionally as Alicia Nimo and associated with ‘Tahidi High’, died in April 2025. Local reporting confirmed details from colleagues. A postmortem was pending at the time, and memorial plans were discussed publicly. Friends in the acting community shared her career beginnings and roles that built her following.

Share your thoughts and memories of these actresses in the comments so we can honor their work together.