Remembering the Notable Actors and Actresses We Lost in 2025

In 2025, the world of film and television mourned the loss of many beloved and talented actors and actresses. These performers, ranging from classic Hollywood stars to recent TV icons, left a lasting impact on entertainment with their incredible work. We remember them by celebrating their careers and the joy they brought to audiences worldwide. This is a tribute to their lives and the unforgettable stories they helped create.

Claude Jarman Jr.

Claude Jarman Jr., a former child actor known for his role in the 1946 film ‘The Yearling,’ passed away on January 12th at the age of 90. He received a special Juvenile Academy Award for his debut performance and also appeared in films such as ‘Intruder in the Dust’ and ‘Rio Grande.’ Jarman Jr. left acting in the mid-1950s and went on to become a successful businessman, later serving as director of the San Francisco International Film Festival. He represented a connection to Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Leslie Charleson

Leslie Charleson, a well-known actress from daytime television, passed away on January 12th at the age of 79. She was most famous for playing Dr. Monica Quartermaine on ‘General Hospital’, a role she held for over four decades and which made her a fan favorite. Before her long run on the soap opera, Charleson appeared in films such as ‘Day of the Dolphin’ and made guest appearances on several TV shows. She was known and admired for her commitment to acting and her professional work ethic.

Joan Plowright

It’s with real sadness that I report the passing of Joan Plowright, a truly remarkable actress who died January 16th at the age of 95. She was a force on both stage and screen, and one of the few performers to snag two Tony Awards. Many will remember her Oscar nomination for ‘Enchanted April,’ but she had such a diverse career. I particularly enjoyed her work in films like ‘101 Dalmatians’ and ‘Tea with Mussolini.’ She was also a key part of Britain’s theatrical world, and famously married to Laurence Olivier. Sadly, she retired from acting in 2014 as her eyesight began to fail, but her legacy will definitely live on.

Bob Uecker

Bob Uecker, a beloved actor and former baseball player, died on January 16th at the age of 90. Though well-known for his baseball career and announcing, he became famous to many as Harry Doyle in the movie ‘Major League.’ He also appeared in the sitcom ‘Mr. Belvedere’ as George Owens. Uecker was a popular guest on late-night talk shows thanks to his funny, self-deprecating style, and he was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award for his work as a baseball broadcaster.

Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull, the celebrated singer and actress, passed away on January 30th at the age of 78. She first became famous in the 1960s with her song ‘As Tears Go By’ and was a prominent part of the vibrant London cultural scene. Throughout her career, she also acted in films like ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ and ‘Marie Antoinette’. After a period of challenges, her career enjoyed a strong comeback in the late 1970s with the highly praised album ‘Broken English’. Faithfull was known for her strength and her distinctive impact on music and the arts.

Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her role as Shan Cai in the popular TV series ‘Meteor Garden,’ has died at the age of 48. ‘Meteor Garden’ was a huge hit across Asia, launching Hsu to stardom. Beyond the show, she also appeared in films and worked as a well-known TV host in Taiwan. Hsu’s work played a big part in making Taiwanese dramas popular in the early 2000s.

Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts, a well-known actor, died on February 7th at the age of 85. He was particularly famous for working with director Woody Allen in movies like ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’. Roberts also had a strong career in theater, earning two Tony Award nominations. He appeared in many TV shows, including as a lead in ‘The Lucie Arnaz Show’, and was loved for his great comedic skills and lasting impact on American entertainment.

Alice Hirson

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Alice Hirson. She was a wonderful character actress who I always remembered fondly from shows like ‘Dallas,’ where she played Mavis, and ‘Ellen’ as Lois Morgan. She had a really impressive career, appearing in films like ‘The Glass House’ and ‘Being There,’ and guest starring on countless TV shows over the years. What I always appreciated about Alice was how she could make any character feel so real and genuine – she was a truly dependable and respected performer, and she’ll be greatly missed.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman, the celebrated actor, died on February 26th at the age of 95. Throughout his remarkable career, he won two Oscars for his performances in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’. Known as one of the best actors of his time, Hackman was praised for his powerful and adaptable acting style. When he retired in 2004, it signaled the end of a significant period in film history. He will be fondly remembered for his memorable roles in movies like ‘The Conversation’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in ‘Harriet the Spy,’ ‘The Adventures of Pete and Pete,’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ as Dawn Summers, sadly passed away on February 26th at the age of 39. She was also recognized for playing Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl.’ Throughout her three-decade career, Trachtenberg appeared in numerous television shows and films.

David Johansen

David Johansen, a singer and actor known for his work with the New York Dolls and later as Buster Poindexter, passed away on February 28th at the age of 75. He first gained recognition as the frontman for the groundbreaking proto-punk band, the New York Dolls, and later enjoyed success with the hit song ‘Hot Hot Hot’ as his alter ego, Buster Poindexter. Johansen also appeared in films such as ‘Scrooged’ and ‘Freejack’. He was a talented and diverse performer who left a lasting mark on music and film.

Athol Fugard

Athol Fugard, the celebrated South African playwright and actor, died on March 8th at the age of 92. He was best known for his impactful plays that spoke out against apartheid, such as ‘Master Harold…and the Boys.’ Fugard also acted in films like ‘Gandhi’ and ‘The Killing Fields.’ Throughout his career, he received many honors, including a special Tony Award for his lifelong contributions to theatre. He will be remembered as an important voice in global literature and a dedicated advocate for human rights.

Wings Hauser

Wings Hauser, the actor and director known for his work in films like ‘Vice Squad’ and ‘Tough Guys Don’t Dance,’ passed away on March 15th at age 78. He also appeared on popular TV shows including ‘Roseanne’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210.’ Beyond acting, Hauser was a talented musician and songwriter, releasing several albums throughout his life. He was celebrated for his powerful performances and contributions to independent films.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain, a highly successful actor, died on March 29th at the age of 90. He first became famous in the 1960s for playing Dr. Kildare in the popular medical drama of the same name. Later, he was celebrated for starring in epic miniseries like ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds’, earning him the nickname ‘King of the Miniseries’. Throughout his long career, he also appeared in many successful stage plays. In his later years, he was admired for being open and honest about his personal life, breaking barriers in Hollywood.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer passed away on April 1st at the age of 65 after fighting throat cancer for many years. He became famous for his memorable roles as Iceman in ‘Top Gun’ and Jim Morrison in ‘The Doors’, and showed his range as an actor in films like ‘Tombstone’ and ‘Heat’. Even later in life, he continued to act and shared his experiences in the documentary ‘Val’. Kilmer will be fondly remembered as a dedicated and talented actor.

Jay North

Jay North, the beloved child actor best known for playing Dennis the Menace in the popular 1950s TV show, passed away on April 6th at age 73. He also appeared in the show ‘Maya’ and lent his voice to animated series like ‘The Banana Splits Adventure Hour’. After his acting career, North worked as a correctional officer and dedicated himself to supporting the rights of young performers. He remained a fondly remembered figure in television history for many years.

Jean Marsh

Jean Marsh, the British actress and writer known for co-creating the classic series ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’, passed away on April 13th at age 90. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Rose Buck and also co-created ‘The House of Eliott’. Throughout a career lasting more than sixty years, Marsh appeared in films like ‘Willow’ and ‘Frenzy’, and worked in theater, television, and film in both Britain and the United States. She was a well-known and respected figure in British drama.

Ruth Buzzi

Ruth Buzzi, a beloved comedic actress, passed away on May 1st at the age of 88. She became famous as a regular on the innovative sketch comedy show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,’ winning a Golden Globe for her work there. Viewers loved her portrayal of characters like Gladys Ormphby. Beyond ‘Laugh-In,’ Buzzi lent her voice to numerous animated series, including ‘The Berenstain Bears’ and ‘Sesame Street.’ She enjoyed a six-decade career bringing laughter to audiences on both television and the stage.

Joe Don Baker

Joe Don Baker, the actor best known for playing Sheriff Buford Pusser in the movie ‘Walking Tall,’ has died at the age of 89. Throughout his career, he also appeared in three James Bond films, portraying two separate characters – including CIA agent Jack Wade – and had roles in films like ‘The Natural’ and the popular miniseries ‘Edge of Darkness’. Baker was often cast as strong, commanding figures.

George Wendt

Actor George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the hit TV show ‘Cheers,’ passed away on May 20th at the age of 76. He was in every episode of ‘Cheers’ and became a much-loved TV icon. Many also remember his funny appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as part of the popular Superfans sketches. His friendly nature and great comedic skills made him a familiar face to viewers around the world.

Loretta Swit

Loretta Swit, the celebrated TV actress known for her role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the classic series MASH*, passed away on May 30th at the age of 87. She starred in the show for all eleven seasons and won two Emmy Awards for her performance. Beyond television, Swit was a passionate advocate for animal rights and a talented stage actress. She leaves behind a legacy as one of television’s most memorable characters.

Harris Yulin

Harris Yulin, a well-known character actor, passed away on June 10th at the age of 87. He was memorable for roles like the crooked detective Mel Bernstein in the film ‘Scarface’ and had a long and successful career on television, appearing in shows such as ‘Frasier’ and ‘Ozark’. Yulin was also a highly regarded stage actor and director with many Broadway credits. His strong, recognizable voice and dependable performance skills made him a favorite in a wide range of prominent projects.

Bobby Sherman

Bobby Sherman, the popular teen idol and actor, died on June 24th at age 81. He first became famous in the late 1960s with songs like ‘Little Woman’ and ‘Julie, Do Ya Love Me.’ He was a star on the TV show ‘Here Come the Brides,’ which made him well-known to audiences. Later in life, after leaving show business, he worked as a first aid instructor and a reserve deputy sheriff. He remained a cherished figure for those who enjoyed his work during his peak years.

Julian McMahon

Actor Julian McMahon died on July 2nd at the age of 56. He was famous for playing Christian Troy in the popular TV show ‘Nip/Tuck’ and also starred as Cole Turner in the series ‘Charmed’. He also appeared in films, notably as Doctor Doom in the ‘Fantastic Four’ movies. Known for his charm and strong presence, McMahon was a well-loved leading actor on television for many years.

Michael Madsen

I was really saddened to hear about Michael Madsen passing away at 67. He was such a fantastic actor, and I always enjoyed his work. He and Quentin Tarantino clearly had a great working relationship – I mean, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘The Hateful Eight’ are classics! He often played these really tough, intimidating characters – think ‘Kill Bill’ or ‘Sin City’ – but he had this incredible voice and a really unique presence on screen that just made him instantly recognizable. It’s not widely known, but he was also a talented poet and published several books throughout his life, which I think speaks to his depth as an artist. He’ll be greatly missed.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor and director known for his role as Theo Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show,’ passed away on July 20th at the age of 54. Throughout a career lasting over forty years, he also appeared in ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ and ‘The Resident,’ and worked as a director on numerous TV shows. He was a versatile talent who excelled in comedy, drama, and behind the camera.

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, the famous singer and TV personality, passed away on July 22nd at 76. He first became well-known as the frontman of the band Black Sabbath, and later enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. In more recent years, he became a household name thanks to the reality show ‘The Osbournes,’ which followed his family. He also lent his voice to animated movies like ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ and ‘Trolls World Tour.’ Osbourne had a huge impact on both heavy metal music and popular culture.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, the famous actor and wrestling superstar, died on July 24th at the age of 71. Though best known for his career in professional wrestling, he also acted in several films and TV shows, including his own series, ‘Thunder in Paradise,’ and movies like ‘Rocky III’ and ‘No Holds Barred’. Hogan played a huge role in making professional wrestling popular in the 1980s and remained a well-known celebrity throughout his life.

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson, the actress best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’, passed away on August 3rd at the age of 79. She became famous in the late 1970s and early 1980s, receiving several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work on the show. Beyond ‘WKRP’, Anderson also appeared in films like ‘Stroker Ace’ and lent her voice to animated movies such as ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. She was a well-known and beloved figure in television comedy for many years.

Terence Stamp

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Terence Stamp, a truly iconic British actor. He died on August 17th at 87. I remember being blown away by him even in his first film, ‘Billy Budd’ – he even got an Oscar nomination for it! He really was a symbol of that swinging sixties era. Of course, a lot of people will always remember him as the brilliantly menacing General Zod in the ‘Superman’ movies, and that’s totally understandable – it’s such a memorable performance. But he was so much more than that; his role in ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ was fantastic. Throughout his career, he just had this incredible screen presence and always took on such interesting, varied characters. He’ll be deeply missed.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene, a well-known actor, passed away on September 1st at the age of 73. He became famous for his role as Kicking Bird in the movie ‘Dances with Wolves’, earning him an Academy Award nomination. A proud First Nations actor, Greene appeared in many films and TV shows, including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’. He was known for bringing Indigenous stories and characters to a wider audience, and was admired for his powerful yet understated acting style.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford, a celebrated actor and director, died on September 16th at the age of 89. He was a major figure in American movies, famous for films like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Sting’. He also created the Sundance Film Festival, which has been incredibly important for independent filmmakers. Redford won an Academy Award for directing ‘Ordinary People’ and will be remembered for his talent both on screen and his support of creative storytelling.

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale, a celebrated Italian actress, died on September 23rd at the age of 87. She was a star in many important European films of the 1960s, including classics like ‘8 1/2’ and ‘The Leopard,’ and also found success in Hollywood with films such as ‘The Pink Panther’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in the West.’ Widely considered one of the most beautiful and gifted actresses of her time, she later dedicated her efforts to women’s rights as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador.

Patricia Routledge

Beloved British actress Patricia Routledge passed away on October 3rd at the age of 96. She was most famous for playing the snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the hit comedy series ‘Keeping Up Appearances,’ and also starred in the detective show ‘Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.’ A talented stage actress, Routledge won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Darling of the Day,’ and received numerous BAFTA nominations for her brilliant comedic skills and memorable characters.

Diane Keaton

Beloved actress Diane Keaton died on October 11th at age 79. She was famous for winning an Academy Award for her role in the classic film ‘Annie Hall’. Throughout her career, she often worked with director Woody Allen, appearing in movies like ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Love and Death’. She’s also remembered for playing Kay Adams Corleone in ‘The Godfather’ films. For more than 50 years, audiences loved her distinctive style and talent for comedy.

Samantha Eggar

Samantha Eggar, the acclaimed actress, passed away on October 15th at the age of 86. She became internationally recognized for her performance in ‘The Collector’, earning an Academy Award nomination and the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Eggar also appeared in popular films such as ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and ‘The Brood’, and enjoyed a diverse career in television and theater across both the UK and Hollywood. She was celebrated for her captivating presence on screen and her ability to play a wide range of characters.

June Lockhart

June Lockhart, a well-loved TV actress, passed away on October 23rd at the age of 100. She was famous for her roles as a caring mother on the classic shows ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Lockhart started her acting career in movies in the 1930s, but she became a regular face on television. She was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her work in both film and TV, and was known for a long and successful career, leaving a positive impact on the entertainment world.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales, the beloved British actress known for playing Sybil Fawlty in the iconic comedy ‘Fawlty Towers,’ has died at the age of 93. Throughout her impressive career, she excelled on stage and in film, earning a BAFTA nomination for ‘A Question of Attribution.’ In recent years, she also charmed audiences in the travel series ‘Great Canal Journeys,’ which she co-hosted with her husband, Timothy West. She was a cherished presence on British television for many years.

Diane Ladd

Beloved actress Diane Ladd passed away on November 3rd at the age of 89. Throughout her impressive sixty-year career, she earned three Academy Award nominations for her roles in films like ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ and ‘Wild at Heart’. She often worked alongside her daughter, Laura Dern, on both movies and TV shows, including the series ‘Enlightened’. Ladd was known for her compelling performances and will be remembered as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

Tatsuya Nakadai

Tatsuya Nakadai, a celebrated Japanese actor, died on November 8th at the age of 92. He was known for his frequent work with director Akira Kurosawa, appearing in iconic films like ‘Ran’ and ‘Kagemusha’. Nakadai also starred in the epic ‘The Human Condition’ trilogy and the acclaimed movie ‘Harakiri’. Throughout a career lasting over 70 years, he was widely considered one of the finest actors in film history and continued working in Japanese cinema into his eighties.

Sally Kirkland

Sally Kirkland, the acclaimed actress, died on November 11th at age 84. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 1987 film ‘Anna’ and had a prolific career, appearing in over 200 movies and numerous television shows, including memorable performances in ‘The Sting’ and ‘JFK’. A long-time member of the Actors Studio, Kirkland was also a passionate teacher and a strong supporter of independent films.

Kamini Kaushal

Kamini Kaushal, a beloved actress from India’s golden age of cinema, passed away on November 14th at the age of 98. She was a prominent leading actress in Bollywood during the 1940s and 50s, known for her role in the Cannes Film Festival-winning film ‘Neecha Nagar.’ Throughout her impressive career, which spanned over seven decades, she successfully moved into supporting roles and also worked as a writer of children’s stories and a producer of TV shows for kids. She was a highly respected figure in the Indian film industry.

Udo Kier

Udo Kier, a well-known German actor, passed away on November 23rd at the age of 81. He was famous for his striking blue eyes and often appeared in horror and independent films. Throughout his career, he collaborated with acclaimed directors like Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Werner Herzog, and starred in over 200 films, including ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Blade’. Kier was a beloved and distinctive figure in the film world, celebrated for his captivating and sometimes disturbing performances.

Dharmendra

Dharmendra, a beloved and iconic Bollywood actor, passed away on November 24th at the age of 89. Throughout his impressive career, he appeared in over 300 films and became one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. He was particularly famous for his role in the classic movie ‘Sholay,’ a true milestone in Indian film history. Known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, Dharmendra excelled in both action-packed roles and romantic leading parts. His contributions to the arts were recognized with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

I was really saddened to hear about the passing of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa at 75. He was a fantastic actor, and for many, myself included, he’ll always be remembered as the iconic villain Shang Tsung from ‘Mortal Kombat’. But he was so much more than that one role. He brought a real intensity to everything he did, whether it was in films like ‘Rising Sun’ or the series ‘The Man in the High Castle’. He had a truly diverse career, appearing in everything from ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ to the heartwarming ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’. Beyond his acting, he was incredibly respected for his martial arts background and just had this amazing, commanding presence whenever he was on screen. He’ll be greatly missed.

Anthony Geary

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Anthony Geary. He was a true legend of daytime television, best known for playing Luke Spencer on ‘General Hospital’ for over thirty years. It’s incredible that he won eight Daytime Emmy Awards – more than anyone else! I remember everyone gathering to watch Luke and Laura’s wedding; it was a huge moment in TV history. He retired in 2015, but his impact on the show, and on all of us fans, will never be forgotten.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner, a talented actor and director, died on December 14th at the age of 78. He became well-known for his role as Michael Stivic in the popular TV show ‘All in the Family.’ Reiner later directed many classic films from the 80s and 90s, including favorites like ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ Films such as ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘A Few Good Men’ further established him as a highly skilled director. Throughout his life, he was also a dedicated activist for various political issues.

James Ransone

James Ransone, an actor known for his work in popular shows like ‘The Wire’ and ‘Treme’, passed away on December 19th at the age of 46. He also appeared in horror films like ‘Sinister’ and its sequel, and played a memorable role as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the movie ‘It Chapter Two’. Throughout his career, Ransone was praised for his ability to portray complicated and often troubled characters.

Brigitte Bardot

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Brigitte Bardot, a true icon of world cinema. She died on December 28th at the age of 91. For me, and for so many others, she burst onto the scene in the 50s and 60s, becoming a global sensation – especially after ‘And God Created Woman’. It wasn’t just about her beauty, though; she really changed how women were portrayed on screen. She actually left acting back in 1973, which surprised a lot of people, and devoted the rest of her life to animal welfare. Even after stepping away from films, she remained a prominent figure in France, and her impact on fashion and film is still felt today.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr., a beloved character actor, passed away on December 30th at age 71. He was best known for playing Senator Clay Davis on the acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire,’ and frequently worked with director Spike Lee, appearing in films like ‘25th Hour’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods.’ Whitlock Jr. was praised for his ability to add both humor and depth to his performances, earning him a devoted following. Before his work in film and television, he had a thriving career performing on stage in New York.

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

2026-01-06 17:22