Every Major Actor who Died in December 2025

The entertainment world mourned the loss of several prolific figures throughout December 2025. This month marked the end of an era for many fans as legendary actors and industry pioneers from across the globe passed away. These individuals contributed significantly to cinema, television, and voice acting, leaving behind a wealth of performances for future generations. Their work spanned decades and genres, ensuring their influence remains permanent in the history of the arts.

Steve Cropper

The influential musician and actor Steve Cropper passed away on December 3 at the age of 84. While best known as a songwriter and guitarist for Stax Records, he gained cinematic fame for his role in the 1980 cult classic ‘The Blues Brothers’. He reprised his role in the 1998 sequel ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ and appeared in various documentaries about the history of soul music. Cropper was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a key architect of the Memphis sound. His crossover into film helped solidify the cultural impact of the rhythm and blues movement.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the versatile actor known for his commanding screen presence, died on December 4 at age 75. He rose to international stardom for his portrayal of the sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 film ‘Mortal Kombat’. His extensive career included significant roles in ‘The Last Emperor’, ‘License to Kill’, and the television series ‘The Man in the High Castle’. Tagawa was highly regarded for his ability to bring complexity to antagonistic characters across various genres. He remained an active participant in the industry until his final years.

Rachael Carpani

Australian actress Rachael Carpani passed away on December 7 at the age of 45. She was most recognized for her long-running role as Jodi Fountain on the hit drama series ‘McLeod’s Daughters’. Her performance on the show earned her multiple nominations for the Logie Awards and made her a household name in her home country. Following her success in Australia, she moved to the United States and appeared in series such as ‘Against the Wall’ and ‘The Glades’. She was celebrated by colleagues for her dedication to her craft and her vibrant personality on set.

Yun Il-bong

Veteran South Korean actor Yun Il-bong passed away on December 8 at age 91. He was a prominent figure during the Golden Age of South Korean cinema, appearing in over 100 films throughout his career. He won the Grand Bell Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 1974 film ‘The Stars’ Heavenly Home’. His work helped shape the national film industry during a period of significant artistic transition. Yun was respected as a mentor to younger generations of Korean performers until his death.

Kim Ji-mee

Renowned South Korean actress and producer Kim Ji-mee died on December 9 at the age of 85. Often referred to as the “Elizabeth Taylor of Korea,” she was one of the most famous stars of the 1960s and 1970s. She starred in landmark films such as ‘The Sea Knows’ and ‘To the Last Day’, earning international recognition for her talent. Beyond acting, she founded her own production company and served as a leader in various cinema organizations. Her influence on the Korean film industry is considered monumental by historians and peers alike.

Béatrice Picard

Canadian actress Béatrice Picard passed away on December 9 at the age of 96. She was a staple of Quebecois culture, known for her work in theater, film, and television over several decades. Picard gained widespread fame for providing the French-Canadian voice for Marge Simpson in ‘The Simpsons’ for over thirty years. Her film credits include notable works such as ‘The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches’. She remained a beloved figure in the Francophone world, admired for her longevity and distinctive voice.

Jeffrey Garcia

Comedian and voice actor Jeffrey Garcia died on December 10 at the age of 50. He was best known for voicing the character Sheen Estevez in the animated film ‘Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius’ and its spin-off series ‘Planet Sheen’. Garcia also provided voices for various characters in projects like ‘The Barnyard’ and ‘Happy Feet’. In addition to his voice work, he was a stand-up comedian who appeared on several television specials. His energetic performances and comedic timing made him a favorite among audiences of all ages.

Jim Ward

Acclaimed voice actor Jim Ward passed away on December 10 at age 66. He was widely recognized for his work in video games, most notably as Captain Qwark in the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ series. His voice was also featured in high-profile animated series such as ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and ‘Spider-Man’. Beyond animation, Ward was a talented radio personality and impressionist who contributed to various media formats. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for his contributions to the industry during his long career.

Stanley Baxter

Scottish actor and impressionist Stanley Baxter died on December 11 at the age of 99. He was a legendary figure in British comedy, famous for his elaborate television specials like ‘The Stanley Baxter Show’. His ability to mimic public figures and perform in complex sketches made him a household name in the United Kingdom. Baxter received the BAFTA Dennis Potter Award for his outstanding contribution to television. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation in the variety show format.

May Britt

Swedish actress May Britt passed away on December 11 at age 91. She enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood during the 1950s, starring in films such as ‘The Young Lions’ and ‘The Blue Angel’. Her career was notable for her high-profile marriage to entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., which challenged racial prejudices of the era. After retiring from acting in the 1960s, she focused on painting and her family life. Britt is remembered for her striking screen presence and her role in significant cultural shifts in the entertainment industry.

Peter Greene

Character actor Peter Greene died on December 12 at the age of 60. He was best known for his portrayal of menacing villains, most notably the character Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’. His other prominent roles included the primary antagonist in ‘The Mask’ and a supporting role in the thriller ‘The Usual Suspects’. Greene was admired for his intensity and his ability to create memorable characters even with limited screen time. He continued to work in independent films and television throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

Héctor Alterio

Argentine actor Héctor Alterio passed away on December 13 at the age of 96. He was a giant of Spanish-language cinema, starring in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Official Story’. His career spanned both Argentina and Spain, where he became a respected figure in theater and film. Alterio received the Goya Award of Honor in 2004 for his immense contributions to the cinematic arts. He was known for his gravitas and his ability to portray deep emotional complexity in his roles.

Anthony Geary

Television icon Anthony Geary died on December 14 at age 78. He was legendary for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on the long-running soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Geary won a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for this role. His work on the show during the late 1970s and early 1980s helped create one of the most famous storylines in television history. He remained a central figure in the daytime television community until his retirement.

Rob Reiner

The celebrated actor and director Rob Reiner passed away on December 14 at the age of 78. He first achieved fame as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’, for which he won two Emmy Awards. Reiner later transitioned into directing, helming iconic films such as ‘The Princess Bride’, ‘Stand by Me’, and ‘When Harry Met Sally…’. His work as a filmmaker helped define several genres of modern American cinema. He was also a passionate advocate for various social and political causes throughout his life.

Gil Gerard

Actor Gil Gerard, best known for his role as Captain Buck Rogers, died on December 16 at the age of 82. He gained worldwide fame starring in the science fiction series ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’ from 1979 to 1981. Before his breakout role, he appeared in numerous television commercials and the daytime drama ‘The Doctors’. Gerard later worked as a host and producer for reality programs focusing on health and personal transformation. He is fondly remembered by fans of the science fiction genre for his heroic screen persona.

Helen Siff

Helen Siff passed away on December 18 at the age of 88. While she was a noted figure in the theatrical world, she was also recognized for her work within the acting community and her influence on modern performance art. She spent much of her career involved in New York’s vibrant theater scene, contributing to both the creative and administrative sides of the industry. Her dedication to the performing arts was reflected in her support for emerging talent throughout her life. She was the mother of actress Maggie Siff and remained a respected presence in the arts.

James Ransone

American actor James Ransone died on December 19 at the age of 46. He was widely recognized for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of the HBO series ‘The Wire’. Ransone also gained acclaim for his performances in the horror films ‘Sinister’ and ‘It Chapter Two’, where he played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak. Known for his versatility, he moved seamlessly between gritty television dramas and major Hollywood studio productions. His colleagues praised him for his dedication to character work and his unique screen energy.

Celso Bugallo

Spanish actor Celso Bugallo passed away on December 20 at age 78. He was a highly respected character actor, winning a Goya Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘The Sea Inside’. His career included memorable performances in films such as ‘Mondays in the Sun’ and ‘Night of the Sunflowers’. Bugallo was known for his work in Galician theater and his ability to bring authenticity to every role he inhabited. He remained a significant figure in Spanish cinema well into his later years.

Anatoliy Lobotskiy

Russian actor Anatoly Lobotsky died on December 20 at the age of 66. He was a prominent performer at the Mayakovsky Theatre and appeared in numerous Russian films and television series. Lobotsky gained international recognition for his leading role in the film ‘Envy of Gods’. He was awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation for his significant contributions to the dramatic arts. His career was marked by a wide range of roles that showcased his classical training and modern sensibilities.

Sreenivasan

Legendary Indian actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan passed away on December 20 at age 75. He was a towering figure in Malayalam cinema, known for his satirical scripts and relatable on-screen characters. Sreenivasan wrote and starred in classics such as ‘Sandesham’ and ‘Nadodikkattu’, which are considered milestones in Indian film history. He received multiple Kerala State Film Awards for his work as both a writer and an actor. His loss is deeply felt across the Indian film industry, where he was revered for his wit and social commentary.

Pat Finn

Character actor and comedian Pat Finn died on December 22 at the age of 60. He was best known for his recurring role as Bill Norwood on the popular sitcom ‘The Middle’. Finn had an extensive career in television comedy, appearing in shows such as ‘Seinfeld’, ‘The Drew Carey Show’, and ‘Murphy Brown’. He was also a veteran of the Second City comedy troupe, where he honed his improvisational skills. His warm screen presence and comedic timing made him a consistent favorite for television audiences.

Vera Alentova

Acclaimed Russian actress Vera Alentova passed away on December 25 at the age of 83. She was internationally famous for her leading role in the film ‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Alentova was a leading actress at the Pushkin Theatre in Moscow, where she performed in dozens of productions. She received numerous state honors, including the People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. Her legacy is defined by her elegant performances and her status as an icon of Soviet and Russian cinema.

Peter Sattmann

German actor and musician Peter Sattmann died on December 25 at age 77. He was a familiar face on German television, starring in numerous films and long-running series like ‘Tatort’. Sattmann was also a talented composer who wrote music for theater and television productions throughout his career. In addition to his screen work, he was a published author, writing several books and memoirs. He was highly regarded for his versatility and his contributions to the cultural landscape of Germany.

Brigitte Bardot

Global cinema icon Brigitte Bardot passed away on December 28 at the age of 91. She became an international sensation in the 1950s after starring in ‘And God Created Woman’, redefining the concept of the modern starlet. During her career, she appeared in 47 films, working with legendary directors like Jean-Luc Godard in ‘Contempt’. After retiring from acting in 1973, she became one of the world’s most famous animal rights activists through her foundation. Her impact on fashion, culture, and the film industry remains unparalleled.

Pablo Moret

Argentine actor Pablo Moret died on December 28 at the age of 92. He was a prominent figure in the Argentine film industry during the 1950s and 1960s, starring in movies such as ‘The Unfaithful’ and ‘The Candy Man’. Moret was known for his leading man looks and his ability to transition between romantic and dramatic roles. He later worked in theater and television, maintaining a presence in the South American entertainment world for decades. He is remembered as one of the classic stars of his generation.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Character actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. passed away on December 30 at age 71. He was most famous for his role as Senator Clay Davis in the acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire’, where he originated a popular catchphrase. His extensive career included roles in films such as ‘Da 5 Bloods’, ‘Cedar Rapids’, and ’25th Hour’. Whitlock was a veteran of the stage and a frequent collaborator of director Spike Lee. He was highly respected in the industry for his consistency, comedic timing, and commanding vocal delivery.

Candy Raymond

Australian actress Candy Raymond died on December 31 at the age of 75. She rose to fame in the 1970s for her role as Jane Price in the controversial soap opera ‘The Box’. Raymond also appeared in various Australian television dramas, including ‘Prisoner’ and ‘Sons and Daughters’. Her film work included the 1976 classic ‘Don’s Party’, where she showcased her dramatic talent. She remained a recognized figure in the Australian entertainment industry, contributing to its growth during its most transformative years.

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