Every Major Actor who Died in October 2025

October 2025 was a difficult month for film and television, with audiences around the world saying goodbye to a sweeping range of performers—from beloved character actors to international stars and industry legends. Below is our month-long roll call, highlighting actors and the work that made them memorable.

Ed Williams

Ed Williams, instantly recognizable as the deadpan lab whiz Ted Olson in ‘Police Squad!’ and the ‘Naked Gun’ films, died in Los Angeles on October 2 at 98. Before acting full-time, he taught broadcasting and speech, then parlayed his timing into memorable bits in ‘Father of the Bride’ and guest roles across network TV. His family confirmed the news to multiple outlets, which shared tributes and career retrospectives.

Remo Girone

Italian-Eritrean actor Remo Girone was acclaimed at home for ‘La Piovra’ and known internationally for turns in ‘Ford v Ferrari’ and ‘The Equalizer 3’. He died on October 3 at 76 in Monte Carlo after illness, according to Italian reports cited by the trade press. Obituaries traced his path from theatre to screen and his signature roles as formidable industrialists and crime figures.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory

Kimberly Hébert Gregory, celebrated for her breakout as Dr. Belinda Brown on HBO’s ‘Vice Principals’, died on October 3 at 52. The Houston-born performer moved from acclaimed stage work into steady TV and film roles and was remembered by colleagues for her wit and generosity. News of her death was confirmed by her family and co-stars, with tributes spanning theatre and television circles.

Patricia Routledge

Dame Patricia Routledge, the revered British actor best known as Hyacinth Bucket in ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ and as the title sleuth in ‘Hetty Wainthropp Investigates’, died peacefully in Chichester on October 3 at 96. Her career stretched from Shakespeare and musical theatre—earning both Tony and Olivier awards—to enduring TV fame. Tributes from colleagues and the BBC underscored her range and lasting influence.

Ron Dean

Chicago character actor Ron Dean brought flinty authenticity to films like ‘The Breakfast Club’, ‘The Fugitive’, and ‘The Dark Knight’, as well as to numerous TV series. He died on October 5 at 87 after a long illness. Obituaries highlighted his collaborations with directors who prized his no-nonsense presence and his decades-long ties to the Chicago stage scene.

Lotte Ledl

Austrian Kammerschauspielerin Lotte Ledl was a prolific stage and screen performer who appeared in popular series such as ‘Derrick’, ‘Der Alte’, and ‘Schlosshotel Orth’. She died on October 5 at 95. Coverage in Austria recalled her Burgtheater work, lifetime honours, and the affection audiences held for her character roles.

Wanda Perdelwitz

German actor Wanda Perdelwitz, known to TV viewers for ‘Großstadtrevier’ and other long-running series, died on October 6 at 41 following injuries from a bicycle “dooring” accident in Hamburg. Police confirmed the circumstances as investigations proceeded, and colleagues honored her with a dedicated theatre performance in Hamburg. Her management and German media recounted her stage roots and screen versatility.

John Woodvine

Veteran English performer John Woodvine, whose credits range from ‘An American Werewolf in London’ to early police dramas, died on October 6 at 96. A distinguished stage actor with the RSC and beyond, he also became a familiar figure on British television. Tributes surveyed a seven-decade career marked by commanding voice, range, and professionalism.

Yen Cheng-kuo

Taiwanese actor Yen Cheng-kuo, who became a household name as a child in the ‘Kung-Fu Kids’ films before returning to adult roles, died on October 7 at 50. Local reports in Taiwan confirmed his passing and noted his recent health struggles. Fans and colleagues in the Mandarin-language industry commemorated his early fame and later work.

Paolo Bonacelli

Italian actor Paolo Bonacelli, remembered for powerful turns in ‘Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom’ and ‘Midnight Express’, died in Rome on October 8 at 88. A graduate of Rome’s national drama academy, he worked with leading directors across stage and screen and collected major awards during his career. Obituaries reflected on his range from arthouse drama to mainstream thrillers.

Mohammad Kasebi

Iranian actor and director Mohamad Kasebi, a founding figure in Tehran’s post-revolution arts circles and a Fajr Film Festival awardee for ‘The Father’, died in Tehran on October 11 at 74. He also worked extensively behind the scenes in theatre and cultural councils. Local media and databases recorded his passing and long service to Iranian performing arts.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ whose career spanned landmark films from ‘The Godfather’ to ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, died on October 11 at 79. Her death certificate listed bacterial pneumonia, and tributes poured in from collaborators and admirers across the industry. Coverage emphasized her singular screen persona, directing and writing work, and lasting cultural influence.

Tony Caunter

Tony Caunter, best known to UK audiences as Roy Evans in ‘EastEnders’, died on October 13 at 88. His decades on British television included prominent stints in ‘Juliet Bravo’ and ‘Doctor Who’, following early stage work after training at LAMDA. Obituaries and family announcements paid tribute to his prolific career and impact on British soap history.

Anna Kyriakou

Greek actor Anna Kyriakou, known internationally for appearing in ‘Zorba the Greek’ and domestically for popular TV comedies, died in Athens on October 13 at 96. Career retrospectives in Greek media traced her training, long theatre tenure, and frequent screen roles over several decades. Filmographies and databases updated her passing alongside her notable credits.

Penelope Milford

Penelope Milford, Oscar-nominated for ‘Coming Home’ and familiar to many as the guidance counselor in ‘Heathers’, died on October 14 at 77. Family notices and trade press confirmed her passing in New York state. Obituaries revisited a career that crossed Broadway, television movies, and a string of feature roles.

Pankaj Dheer

Indian actor Pankaj Dheer, revered for portraying Karna in the landmark TV epic ‘Mahabharat’ and for numerous film and television roles, died of cancer on October 15 at 68. Public tributes from family and colleagues accompanied coverage of final rites and commemorations. Reports summarized his long career in Hindi entertainment and his influence on a generation of TV viewers.

Samantha Eggar

Samantha Eggar, the English star whose breakout in ‘The Collector’ earned Cannes and Oscar recognition, died on October 15 at 86. She later appeared in major studio films and cult favorites alike, and worked in television and voice roles including Disney’s ‘Hercules’. Her family and trade outlets confirmed her passing and reflected on her five-decade career.

Arif Erkin Güzelbeyoğlu

Turkish actor and musician Arif Erkin Güzelbeyoğlu, known to contemporary audiences for roles in popular Turkish series and films, died on October 16 at 90. Career summaries noted early theatre work, an architecture background, and later-life recognition for warm, grandfatherly screen characters. Regional outlets announced his passing and shared tributes from collaborators.

Martine Brochard

French-Italian actor and author Martine Brochard, a familiar face in Italian genre cinema and television, died on October 18 at 81. Obituaries recalled her early work with François Truffaut, later stardom in Italy, and her published children’s books. Italian and international notices confirmed her death and revisited her career highlights.

Nabil Shaban

The pioneering British actor and writer Nabil Shaban co-founded Graeae Theatre Company in the 1970s, creating a lasting platform for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent performers. On screen he was widely recognized for playing the villain Sil in ‘Doctor Who’, while his stage career championed disability rights and accessible casting. He died in late October at 72, prompting tributes from UK theatre figures and fans. Obituaries detailed his advocacy and influence across five decades.

Govardhan Asrani

Govardhan “Asrani” Asrani, one of Hindi cinema’s most prolific comic actors, died in Mumbai on October 20 at 84. Across more than 300 films, he became a household name—especially for his spoofing jailer in ‘Sholay’—and worked repeatedly with stars like Rajesh Khanna. Indian media reported he had been hospitalized shortly before his death, and colleagues shared public tributes. Coverage recapped his parallel work in Gujarati cinema and his turns as a director.

June Lockhart

June Lockhart, beloved for matriarch roles in ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’, died on October 23 at 100. Beginning as a child in films like ‘A Christmas Carol’, she moved primarily to television in the 1950s and 1960s and later joined ‘Petticoat Junction’. Tributes emphasized her long career and her landmark TV presence. Reference sources noted she died of natural causes at home in Santa Monica.

Paul Hüttel

Danish actor Paul Hüttel, a stalwart of stage and screen whose career began in the 1960s, died on October 24 at 90. He appeared in dozens of films and series and was long associated with Denmark’s theatre institutions. Danish and international databases recorded his death and highlighted his marriage to actress Birthe Neumann. His film ‘Ballad of Carl-Henning’ competed at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Tony Adams

Welsh actor Tony Adams, best known to TV audiences as Dr. Neville Bywaters in ‘General Hospital’ and Adam Chance in ‘Crossroads’, died on October 25 at 84. Obituaries traced his training at Italia Conti, his early theatre work, and later stage roles including ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. He also appeared in ‘Doctor Who’ and returned for the 2001 revival of ‘Crossroads’. Family and colleagues shared tributes celebrating his long career.

Björn Andrésen

Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrésen, who shot to international fame as Tadzio in ‘Death in Venice’, died in late October at 70. Later credits included the documentary ‘The Most Beautiful Boy in the World’ and a role in ‘Midsommar’. Obituaries revisited the pressures of early fame and his subsequent life and work. Tributes reflected on his enduring cultural impact.

Mauro Di Francesco

Italian actor and comedian Mauro Di Francesco, a familiar face in popular comedies and TV from the 1970s through the 1990s, died on October 25 at 74. Italian officials and media shared condolences noting films such as ‘Sapore di mare 2 – Un anno dopo’ and ‘I fichissimi’. He worked across cinema and television for decades. Biographical listings and press notes were updated to reflect his passing.

Satish Shah

Satish Shah, veteran Indian actor revered for his ensemble work in ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’, ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, and scores of films, died in Mumbai on October 25 at 74. Indian outlets reported a prayer meet attended by co-stars and industry friends; coverage varied on the precise cause, with reports of kidney failure and a co-star later stating it was a heart attack. His filmography includes key comic turns in ‘Main Hoon Na’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’. Colleagues and fans paid widespread tribute.

Gennadiy Nazarov

Russian stage and screen actor Gennady Nazarov, known for roles with the Fomenko Workshop and films including ‘The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin’, died on October 26 at 58. Moscow theatre announcements confirmed his death and prompted tributes from colleagues. Biographical listings summarize his training at GITIS and subsequent theatre career. Regional outlets reported his death and memorials.

Prunella Scales

Prunella Scales, one of Britain’s best-loved comic actors and indelible as Sybil Fawlty in ‘Fawlty Towers’, died at home in London on October 27 at 93. Her seven-decade career spanned stage, film, and television, including ‘Marriage Lines’ and ‘Mapp & Lucia’, and later public appearances alongside her husband Timothy West. Family statements noted she had been living with dementia. Major outlets chronicled her life and legacy.

Benz Hui Siu-Hung

Hong Kong actor Benz Hui (Hui Shiu-hung), a veteran of TVB dramas and films since the 1970s, died on October 28 at 76. Media reports, citing family statements via broadcaster contacts, said he died of multiple organ failure caused by cancer. His credits range from television police procedurals to roles in commercial hits and character parts. Regional press published tributes recognizing his steady presence in Hong Kong entertainment.

Ilona Kassai

Hungarian actress Ilona Kassai, a Kossuth and Jászai Mari Prize laureate famed for stage work and voice-acting, died on October 28 at 97. Hungarian outlets reported the news via statements from her son, musician Ganxsta Zolee. Retrospectives highlighted her decades in theatre and well-known dubbing roles. National media carried obituaries reviewing her career milestones.

Héctor Noguera

Chilean actor and director Héctor “Tito” Noguera, a National Prize for Performing and Audiovisual Arts honoree, died in Santiago on October 28 at 88. Obituaries emphasized his leadership in theatre, his foundation of Teatro Camino, and memorable television roles in productions like ‘Machos’ and ‘Romané’. The government declared public mourning and cultural institutions marked his passing. Regional and international media documented his legacy.

Maria Riva

Maria Riva, actress and author—and daughter of Marlene Dietrich—died on October 29 at 100. She starred in hundreds of early live television productions and later wrote a major biography of her mother. Reports noted her long life split between performing and stewardship of Dietrich’s legacy, as well as her family life with set designer William Riva. U.S. media confirmed her death and revisited her career.

Yakub Akhmedov

Uzbek actor Yoqub Ahmedov, a People’s Artist of the USSR and of Uzbekistan, died in Tashkent on October 30 at 87. Theatre announcements and local media confirmed the news and summarized his awards and screen roles, including ‘The Mischievous Boy’ and ‘Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves’. He was a leading figure of the National Academic Drama Theatre. Regional outlets shared official tributes.

Jorunn Kjellsby

Norwegian actress Jorunn Kjellsby, a longtime member of Det Norske Teatret and familiar from films such as ‘A Somewhat Gentle Man’, died on October 30 at 81. Norwegian media cited family confirmation and recalled her awards and major roles on stage and screen. Tributes emphasized her decades of work and influence in modern Norwegian theatre. Obituaries provided career highlights and context.

Stanley Fung Shui-Fan

Stanley Fung Shui-fan, veteran Hong Kong comedian, actor, and director associated with the ‘Lucky Stars’ era and many TVB comedies, died reportedly in Taiwan at 81, with news emerging on November 1. Multiple outlets noted the proximity to the death of his friend Benz Hui and highlighted Fung’s long career in Hong Kong cinema. Reports summarized his later years spent largely in Taiwan. Coverage included statements from media figures and friends.

Tchéky Karyo

French actor Tchéky Karyo, acclaimed for roles in ‘La Femme Nikita’, ‘GoldenEye’, and as Julien Baptiste in ‘The Missing’ and ‘Baptiste’, died at 72 after an illness. He trained in Paris and built a bilingual career across French and English-language productions in film and TV. News reports noted his early recognition by the Césars and his later television success. Family statements were cited by media in confirming his death.

Share your memories or favorite performances by these actors in the comments so we can remember them together.