Every Major Actor who Died in December 2025

December 2025 brought sad news for the entertainment industry, as several beloved and influential figures passed away. These actors and pioneers, from around the world, had a huge impact on film, television, and voice acting, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of work. Their decades-long careers and diverse roles will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come, ensuring they are remembered as true icons of the arts.

Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper, a celebrated musician and actor, died on December 3rd at the age of 84. He was famous for his work as a songwriter and guitarist at Stax Records, and many also remember him from the 1980 film ‘The Blues Brothers,’ where he also appeared in the 1998 sequel, ‘Blues Brothers 2000.’ He also featured in several documentaries about soul music. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Cropper was instrumental in creating the distinctive Memphis sound, and his film work broadened the reach and influence of rhythm and blues.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a talented and recognizable actor, passed away on December 4th at the age of 75. He became famous internationally for playing Shang Tsung in the 1995 movie ‘Mortal Kombat.’ Throughout his long career, he appeared in notable films like ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘License to Kill,’ as well as the TV series ‘The Man in the High Castle.’ Tagawa was celebrated for his skill in portraying complex villains and challenging characters in a wide range of projects, and he continued working in the entertainment industry until recently.

Rachael Carpani

Rachael Carpani, an Australian actress known for her role as Jodi Fountain on the popular series ‘McLeod’s Daughters’, has died at the age of 45. She became a well-known face in Australia thanks to the show, receiving several Logie Award nominations. After finding success in her home country, Carpani moved to the United States and appeared in shows like ‘Against the Wall’ and ‘The Glades’. Friends and coworkers remember her as a dedicated and lively person to work with.

Yun Il-bong

Beloved South Korean actor Yun Il-bong died on December 8th at the age of 91. A star of South Korea’s Golden Age of cinema, he appeared in more than 100 movies over his long career. He won the prestigious Grand Bell Award for Best Actor in 1974 for his role in ‘The Stars’ Heavenly Home.’ His contributions were vital to the growth of Korean film during a time of great change, and he was a respected guide for many younger actors throughout his life.

Kim Ji-mee

Kim Ji-mee, a celebrated South Korean actress and producer, passed away on December 9th at the age of 85. Known as the “Elizabeth Taylor of Korea,” she was a major star in the 1960s and 70s, appearing in important films like ‘The Sea Knows’ and ‘To the Last Day’ and gaining international acclaim. She didn’t just act; she also started her own production company and held leadership positions in film organizations. Experts and colleagues agree that she had a huge impact on Korean cinema.

Béatrice Picard

Béatrice Picard, a celebrated Canadian actress and a cultural icon in Quebec, passed away on December 9th at the age of 96. Throughout her long career in theater, film, and television, she became widely known as the voice of Marge Simpson in the French-Canadian version of ‘The Simpsons’ for over thirty years. She also appeared in films like ‘The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches.’ Picard was a cherished figure in the French-speaking world, remembered for her enduring career and unique voice.

Jeffrey Garcia

Jeffrey Garcia, a comedian and voice actor known for bringing the character Sheen Estevez to life in ‘Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius’ and ‘Planet Sheen,’ passed away on December 10th at the age of 50. He also lent his voice to other animated projects, including ‘The Barnyard’ and ‘Happy Feet.’ Beyond voice acting, Garcia was a popular stand-up comedian who performed in television specials, captivating audiences with his energetic style and impeccable timing.

Jim Ward

Jim Ward, a well-known voice actor, died on December 10th at the age of 66. He was famous for bringing characters to life in video games, particularly as Captain Qwark in the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ series. He also lent his voice to popular animated shows like ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Spider-Man’. In addition to animation, Ward was a skilled radio host and impressionist who worked across many types of media. Throughout his career, he received a Daytime Emmy Award for his work.

Stanley Baxter

Stanley Baxter, a beloved Scottish actor and impressionist, passed away on December 11th at the age of 99. He was a comedy icon in Britain, best known for his elaborate TV shows like ‘The Stanley Baxter Show.’ He became a household name thanks to his incredible impressions of famous people and his skill at performing in complicated comedy sketches. Baxter received a BAFTA award recognizing his significant contributions to television, and will be remembered for his innovative work in the world of variety shows.

May Britt

May Britt, the Swedish actress who found fame in 1950s Hollywood with roles in films like ‘The Young Lions’ and ‘The Blue Angel,’ passed away on December 11th at the age of 91. She’s also remembered for her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr., a relationship that bravely challenged the racial biases of the time. After leaving acting in the 1960s, she dedicated herself to painting and her family. Britt will be fondly remembered for her captivating presence on screen and her contribution to positive change in the entertainment world.

Peter Greene

Peter Greene, a character actor known for playing intimidating villains, passed away on December 12th at age 60. He was particularly famous for his role as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction,’ and also appeared as the main villain in ‘The Mask’ and had a part in the thriller ‘The Usual Suspects.’ Greene was praised for his powerful performances and ability to make a lasting impression, even in smaller roles. He continued acting in independent films and on television until the 2010s.

Héctor Alterio

Héctor Alterio, a celebrated actor from Argentina, died on December 13th at the age of 96. He was a major figure in Spanish-language film, famously appearing in the Oscar-winning movie ‘The Official Story’. Throughout his career, which included work in both Argentina and Spain, he earned respect as a talented performer on stage and screen. In 2004, he received a lifetime achievement award, the Goya Award of Honor, recognizing his significant impact on cinema. Alterio was known for his dignified presence and his ability to portray characters with great depth and emotion.

Anthony Geary

I’m saddened to report the passing of Anthony Geary, a true television legend, who died on December 14th at the age of 78. He’ll forever be remembered as Luke Spencer on ‘General Hospital,’ a role he absolutely owned and which helped create some of the most iconic moments in soap opera history, particularly during the late 70s and early 80s. And the accolades? Incredible. He took home a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for that performance. Geary was a fixture on daytime TV for decades, and his retirement left a real void. He’ll be deeply missed.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner, the well-known actor and director, died on December 14th at the age of 78. He first became famous playing Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the hit TV show ‘All in the Family,’ and won two Emmy Awards for his work on the series. He later became a successful director, creating beloved films like ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand by Me,’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally…’. His films had a significant impact on American cinema. Throughout his life, he was also a dedicated supporter of many important social and political issues.

Gil Gerard

Gil Gerard, the actor famous for playing Captain Buck Rogers, passed away on December 16th at the age of 82. He became a global star in the science fiction series ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,’ which aired from 1979 to 1981. Before that, he appeared in many TV commercials and the soap opera ‘The Doctors.’ Later in his career, Gerard hosted and produced reality shows centered around health and self-improvement. Science fiction fans will always remember him as a heroic figure on screen.

Helen Siff

Helen Siff, a well-known figure in theater, passed away on December 18th at the age of 88. She was a dedicated member of the acting community and helped shape modern performance art. Throughout her career in New York City’s lively theater world, she worked both creatively and behind the scenes. She was passionate about supporting new artists and remained a respected figure in the arts until her death. She is survived by her daughter, actress Maggie Siff.

James Ransone

I was really sad to hear about James Ransone passing away on December 19th at just 46. For me, he’ll always be Ziggy Sobotka from season two of ‘The Wire’ – that role really stuck with me. But he was so much more than that! He was fantastic in those horror movies, ‘Sinister’ and ‘It Chapter Two’ – he totally nailed the adult Eddie Kaspbrak. He was one of those actors who could just disappear into any role, whether it was a tough TV drama or a big Hollywood movie. Everyone who worked with him always talked about how committed he was and how he just had this amazing presence on screen.

Celso Bugallo

Celso Bugallo, a celebrated Spanish character actor, died on December 20th at the age of 78. He was highly regarded for his authentic performances and won a Goya Award for his supporting role in ‘The Sea Inside’. Throughout his career, he appeared in well-known films like ‘Mondays in the Sun’ and ‘Night of the Sunflowers’, and was a prominent figure in Galician theater. Bugallo continued to be an important part of Spanish cinema throughout his life.

Anatoliy Lobotskiy

Actor Anatoly Lobotsky, known for his work at the Mayakovsky Theatre and in many Russian films and TV shows, passed away on December 20th at the age of 66. He was especially recognized internationally for his leading role in the film ‘Envy of Gods.’ Lobotsky received the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation for his dedication to acting, bringing both classic technique and a contemporary feel to his diverse roles.

Sreenivasan

Sreenivasan, a celebrated Indian actor, writer, and director, died on December 20th at the age of 75. He was a major influence in Malayalam cinema, famous for his clever writing and characters that audiences connected with. He created and starred in iconic films like ‘Sandesham’ and ‘Nadodikkattu,’ which are considered landmarks in Indian film. Throughout his career, he won numerous Kerala State Film Awards for his writing and acting. His death is a significant loss for the Indian film industry, where he was highly respected for his humor and insightful observations about society.

Pat Finn

Pat Finn, a character actor and comedian known for playing Bill Norwood on the sitcom ‘The Middle’, passed away on December 22nd at age 60. Throughout his career, he appeared in many popular comedy shows, including ‘Seinfeld’, ‘The Drew Carey Show’, and ‘Murphy Brown’. He was a long-time member of the Second City comedy troupe, where he developed his talent for improvisation. Audiences loved his warm personality and great comedic timing.

Vera Alentova

Vera Alentova, a celebrated Russian actress, died on December 25th at the age of 83. She was best known for her starring role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’. Alentova spent much of her career at the Pushkin Theatre in Moscow, appearing in many plays. She received several awards from the Russian government, including the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. She will be remembered for her graceful acting and as a major figure in both Soviet and Russian film history.

Peter Sattmann

Peter Sattmann, a well-known German actor and musician, passed away on December 25th at the age of 77. He appeared in many German films and TV shows, including the long-running crime series ‘Tatort’. Beyond acting, Sattmann was a gifted composer, creating music for both stage and television. He also wrote several books, including his memoirs. He was a versatile artist who made a significant impact on German culture.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot, a beloved movie star known around the world, died on December 28th at the age of 91. She rose to fame in the 1950s with the film ‘And God Created Woman,’ changing how people thought about movie stars. Throughout her career, she acted in 47 films, including ‘Contempt’ directed by the famous Jean-Luc Godard. After leaving acting in 1973, she dedicated her life to animal welfare, becoming a prominent activist through her foundation. Her influence on fashion, film, and popular culture is still felt today.

Pablo Moret

Pablo Moret, a well-known Argentine actor, passed away on December 28th at the age of 92. He was a major star in Argentine films during the 1950s and 60s, appearing in popular movies like ‘The Unfaithful’ and ‘The Candy Man’. Moret was celebrated for his good looks and versatility, easily moving between romantic and serious roles. He continued acting in theater and television for many years, remaining a familiar face in South American entertainment. He will be remembered as a classic star of his time.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr., a well-known character actor, passed away on December 30th at the age of 71. He was best remembered for playing Senator Clay Davis on the hit HBO show ‘The Wire,’ where he created a now-famous saying. Throughout his long career, he also appeared in films like ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ ‘Cedar Rapids,’ and ‘25th Hour.’ A seasoned stage performer, Whitlock frequently worked with director Spike Lee and was admired by colleagues for his reliable performances, great comedic sense, and powerful voice.

Candy Raymond

I was really sad to hear about Candy Raymond passing away on New Year’s Eve. She was 75. As a classic TV and movie fan, I remember her best as Jane Price in ‘The Box’ – it was a pretty daring soap opera for its time! She was a familiar face on Australian TV throughout the 70s and 80s, popping up in shows like ‘Prisoner’ and ‘Sons and Daughters’. And she was great in the film ‘Don’s Party’ back in ’76. She was a real pioneer and helped shape Australian entertainment during a really exciting period, so it’s a loss for all of us who appreciate that era.

Please share your thoughts on these performers and their lasting legacies in the comments.

2026-01-07 21:48