Most Notable Celebs who Died in December 2025

The entertainment world lost several influential figures in December 2025, spanning the industries of film, television, and music. These individuals left behind legacies that defined genres and influenced generations of performers and fans alike. From iconic actors of the Golden Age to contemporary television stars, their contributions remain a permanent part of cultural history. This list commemorates twenty of the most notable celebrities who passed away during the final month of the year.

Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper was an influential American guitarist, songwriter, and producer who died on December 3, 2025, at the age of 84. He was best known as the guitarist for the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and for his work with the Blues Brothers. Cropper co-wrote legendary hits such as ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ and ‘In the Midnight Hour’. His soulful playing style helped define the sound of 1960s Memphis soul music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Japanese-American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 75. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of the villainous sorcerer Shang Tsung in the 1995 film ‘Mortal Kombat’. Tagawa also appeared in notable projects like ‘The Last Emperor’, ‘License to Kill’, and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. In later years, he starred as Nobusuke Tagomi in the television series ‘The Man in the High Castle’. His career spanned over four decades across film, television, and voice acting.

Rachael Carpani

Australian actress Rachael Carpani died on December 7, 2025, at the age of 45. She rose to prominence for her role as Jodi Fountain on the long-running drama series ‘McLeod’s Daughters’. Carpani transitioned to American television with roles in the series ‘Against the Wall’ and the film ‘The Finder’. She also appeared in the 2014 television movie ‘If There Be Thorns’. Her work earned her several nominations at the Logie Awards during her time in Australia.

Kim Ji-mee

South Korean film icon Kim Ji-mee passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 85. Often referred to as the “Elizabeth Taylor of Korea,” she appeared in over 300 films during her prolific career. She is well-regarded for her performances in movies such as ‘To the Last Day’ and ‘The Guest in the Den’. Beyond acting, she was a pioneer for women in the industry, establishing her own production company in the 1970s. Her influence was instrumental in the growth of the Korean film industry during the mid-20th century.

Béatrice Picard

Canadian actress Béatrice Picard died on December 9, 2025, at the age of 96. She was a celebrated figure in Quebec’s cultural scene, with a career that spanned more than seven decades in theater and television. Picard was widely recognized as the French-language voice of Marge Simpson in the Quebec dub of ‘The Simpsons’. Her film credits include ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ and ‘My Aunt Aline’. She received numerous honors for her contributions to the arts, including the Order of Canada.

Jeffrey Garcia

American voice actor and comedian Jeffrey Garcia passed away on December 10, 2025, 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. Garcia also provided voices for projects like ‘Barnyard’ and ‘Happy Feet’. In addition to his voice work, he was an accomplished stand-up comedian who appeared on various television specials. His high-energy vocal performances made him a recognizable figure in children’s animation.

Jim Ward

Jim Ward was a versatile American voice actor who died on December 10, 2025, at the age of 66. He was highly regarded for his role as Captain Qwark in the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ video game franchise and television series. Ward also voiced Doug Dimmadome in ‘The Fairly OddParents’ and Diamondhead in ‘Ben 10’. His career included extensive work in radio, commercials, and major film titles like ‘Spider-Man’. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for his contributions to the voice acting industry.

Stanley Baxter

Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 99. He was a major figure in British television, particularly known for his elaborate parody specials such as ‘The Stanley Baxter Picture Show’. Baxter began his career in radio and theater before transitioning to screen roles in ‘The Fast Lady’ and ‘Father Came Too!’. He was celebrated for his talent in mimicry and high-production musical numbers. In 1991, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards.

May Britt

Swedish actress May Britt died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 91. She was discovered by Italian filmmakers and later moved to Hollywood, where she starred in ‘The Young Lions’ and ‘The Blue Angel’. Her marriage to entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960 was a significant cultural event during the American Civil Rights movement. Britt retired from acting shortly after her marriage to focus on her family. She later returned to the arts through painting and occasional television appearances.

Peter Greene

Peter Greene was an American character actor who passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60. He was widely recognized for playing antagonistic roles, most notably Zed in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and Dorian Tyrell in ‘The Mask’. Greene also appeared in ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Under Siege 2: Dark Territory’. His career was defined by his intense screen presence and distinctive voice. He remained active in independent cinema and television guest roles throughout his life.

Héctor Alterio

Renowned Argentine actor Héctor Alterio died on December 13, 2025, at the age of 96. He was a central figure in Spanish-language cinema, starring in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Official Story’. Alterio’s other notable works include ‘The Truce’ and ‘Son of the Bride’. He enjoyed a prolific stage career in both Argentina and Spain, where he lived for many years. He received the Goya of Honor in 2004 for his lifelong contribution to the Spanish film industry.

Anthony Geary

Anthony Geary, a legendary figure in daytime television, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 78. He was best known for his role as Luke Spencer on the long-running soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Geary holds the record for winning eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His character’s 1981 wedding to Laura Webber remains the most-watched episode in soap opera history. He retired from the show in 2015 after more than three decades in the role.

Rob Reiner

American filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 78. He first gained fame playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the sitcom ‘All in the Family’, earning two Emmy Awards. Reiner transitioned to a highly successful directing career with classics such as ‘This Is Spinal Tap’, ‘Stand by Me’, and ‘When Harry Met Sally…’. He also directed the legal drama ‘A Few Good Men’, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Reiner was a co-founder of Castle Rock Entertainment and a dedicated political activist.

Gil Gerard

Actor Gil Gerard, best known for his role as Captain William “Buck” Rogers, died on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. He starred in the science fiction series ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’ from 1979 to 1981. Gerard also appeared in numerous television movies and series such as ‘Sidekicks’ and ‘Nightingales’. Later in his career, he focused on hosting documentary programs and appeared in independent films like ‘The Nice Guys’. His portrayal of Buck Rogers made him a prominent figure in 1980s pop culture.

James Ransone

American actor James Ransone passed away on December 19, 2025, 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 starred as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in ‘It Chapter Two’ and appeared in the horror films ‘Sinister’ and ‘Sinister 2’. His television work included roles in ‘Generation Kill’ and ‘Treme’. Known for his versatility, he maintained a steady career in both independent films and major studio productions.

Sreenivasan

Indian actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan died on December 20, 2025, at the age of 75. He was a titan of Malayalam cinema, known for his satirical takes on social and political issues in Kerala. Sreenivasan wrote and starred in classics like ‘Sandesham’, ‘Nadodikattu’, and ‘Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala’. His collaboration with actor Mohanlal resulted in some of the most beloved comedies in Indian film history. He received multiple Kerala State Film Awards for his scripts and performances.

Pat Finn

American comedic actor Pat Finn passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 60. He was a familiar face on television, notably playing Bill Norwood on the sitcom ‘The Middle’. Finn also had recurring roles on ‘The Drew Carey Show’ and ‘Murphy Brown’. His film credits include ‘I Am Chris Farley’ and ‘The Bachelor’. Beyond his acting work, he was a member of the Second City comedy troupe and appeared in hundreds of national commercials.

Vera Alentova

Russian actress Vera Alentova died on December 25, 2025, at the age of 83. She was most famous for her lead role in the 1979 film ‘Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears’, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Alentova was a prominent member of the Pushkin Theatre in Moscow, where she performed for decades. Her other significant films include ‘Tomorrow Was the War’ and ‘The Envy of Gods’. She was honored as a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation in 1992.

Brigitte Bardot

Iconic French actress and activist Brigitte Bardot passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She became a global sex symbol following her role in the 1956 film ‘And God Created Woman’. Bardot starred in 47 films before retiring from the entertainment industry in 1973 at the height of her fame. Following her retirement, she became a world-renowned animal rights activist and established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. Her influence on fashion and cinema remains a defining element of 20th-century popular culture.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

American actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 71. He was best known for his portrayal of the corrupt State Senator Clay Davis on the HBO series ‘The Wire’. Whitlock frequently collaborated with director Spike Lee, appearing in films such as ’25th Hour’, ‘BlacKkKlansman’, and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His television credits also included ‘Your Honor’ and ‘The Good Cop’. His distinctive delivery and character work made him one of the most respected character actors in the industry.

Please share your thoughts on the lives and careers of these influential celebrities in the comments.