Remembering the Notable Actors and Actresses We Lost in 2025

The year 2025 saw the passing of numerous influential figures from the world of film and television who left behind extraordinary legacies. These actors and actresses shaped the entertainment landscape through their diverse performances and dedication to their craft. From legends of the Golden Age of Hollywood to modern television icons their contributions reached audiences across the globe. We honor their memories by looking back at their remarkable careers and the impact they made on the industry. This collection serves as a tribute to those we lost and the timeless stories they helped tell.

Claude Jarman Jr.

Former child actor Claude Jarman Jr. passed away on January 12 at the age of 90. He received a special Academy Juvenile Award for his film debut in the 1946 classic ‘The Yearling’. Jarman Jr. also appeared in films like ‘Intruder in the Dust’ and ‘Rio Grande’ before retiring from acting in the mid 1950s. After his film career he became a successful businessman and served as the director of the San Francisco International Film Festival. He was a link to the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.

Leslie Charleson

Soap opera veteran Leslie Charleson died on January 12 at the age of 79. She was best known for her long running role as Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the daytime drama ‘General Hospital’. Charleson appeared on the show for over forty years and became one of its most beloved and enduring characters. Before her soap opera career she appeared in films like ‘Day of the Dolphin’ and guest starred on various television series. She was respected for her professionalism and her dedication to her craft.

Joan Plowright

Distinguished stage and screen actress Joan Plowright died on January 16 at the age of 95. She was one of the few performers to win two Tony Awards and was also nominated for an Academy Award for ‘Enchanted April’. Plowright was married to Laurence Olivier and was a central figure in the British theatrical establishment. Her film credits include memorable turns in ‘101 Dalmatians’ and ‘Tea with Mussolini’. She retired from acting in 2014 due to her declining eyesight.

Bob Uecker

Actor and sports legend Bob Uecker passed away on January 16 at the age of 90. While famous as a baseball player and announcer he became a household name for his role as Harry Doyle in the film ‘Major League’. Uecker also starred in the popular sitcom ‘Mr. Belvedere’ where he played the character George Owens. His self deprecating humor made him a favorite guest on late night talk shows for many years. He received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame for his broadcasting career.

Marianne Faithfull

The influential singer and actress Marianne Faithfull died on January 30 at the age of 78. She rose to fame during the 1960s with the hit song ‘As Tears Go By’ and became a central figure in the London scene. Faithfull appeared in several films including ‘Girl on a Motorcycle’ and ‘Marie Antoinette’. Her career saw a major resurgence in the late 1970s with the acclaimed album ‘Broken English’. She was admired for her resilience and her unique contribution to music and art.

Barbie Hsu

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu passed away on February 2 at the age of 48. She rose to international fame for her role as Shan Cai in the hit television series ‘Meteor Garden’. The show became a massive success across Asia and turned her into a major star. Hsu also starred in various films and was a popular television host in Taiwan. Her career had a significant influence on the popularity of Taiwanese dramas throughout the early 2000s.

Tony Roberts

Actor Tony Roberts passed away on February 7 at the age of 85. He was best known for his collaboration with Woody Allen appearing in films like ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’. Roberts also had a successful career on the Broadway stage where he received two Tony Award nominations. His work in television included various guest roles and a starring turn in the series ‘The Lucie Arnaz Show’. He was admired for his comedic timing and his long standing presence in American entertainment.

Alice Hirson

Character actress Alice Hirson died on February 14 at the age of 95. She was best known for her role as Mavis on the television series ‘Dallas’ and as Lois Morgan on ‘Ellen’. Hirson appeared in numerous films throughout her career including ‘The Glass House’ and ‘Being There’. She was a prolific television actress who guest starred on dozens of shows over several decades. Her ability to bring warmth and authenticity to her roles made her a reliable and respected performer.

Gene Hackman

The legendary actor passed away on February 26 at the age of 95. He earned two Academy Awards during his illustrious career for his roles in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’. Hackman was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation for his intense performances and versatility. His retirement in 2004 marked the end of a prolific era in Hollywood cinema. Fans remember him for his commanding presence in films like ‘The Conversation’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on February 26 at the age of 39. She gained popularity at a young age for her roles in the film ‘Harriet the Spy’ and the television series ‘The Adventures of Pete and Pete’. Trachtenberg is perhaps best remembered for playing Dawn Summers in the hit show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She also played the manipulative Georgina Sparks on the teen drama ‘Gossip Girl’. Her career included a wide variety of roles in both television and film over three decades.

David Johansen

Musician and actor David Johansen died on February 28 at the age of 75. He first rose to fame as the lead singer of the influential proto punk band the New York Dolls. Johansen later achieved success as the lounge singer persona Buster Poindexter with the hit song ‘Hot Hot Hot’. His acting career included roles in films like ‘Scrooged’ and ‘Freejack’. He was a versatile performer who made a significant impact on both the music and film worlds.

Athol Fugard

Renowned South African playwright and actor Athol Fugard passed away on March 8 at the age of 92. He was famous for his powerful plays that challenged the apartheid regime including ‘Master Harold…and the Boys’. Fugard also appeared as an actor in films such as ‘Gandhi’ and ‘The Killing Fields’. His work earned him numerous awards including a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He was a vital voice in world literature and a champion for human rights.

Wings Hauser

Actor and director Wings Hauser died on March 15 at the age of 78. He was known for his roles in various action and cult films including ‘Vice Squad’ and ‘Tough Guys Don’t Dance’. Hauser also had a successful career on television appearing in shows like ‘Roseanne’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. He was an accomplished musician and songwriter who released several albums during his life. His career was marked by his intense performances and his work in independent cinema.

Richard Chamberlain

The prolific actor Richard Chamberlain passed away on March 29 at the age of 90. He gained fame as the title character in the medical drama ‘Dr. Kildare’ during the 1960s. Chamberlain later became known as the King of the Miniseries for his leading roles in ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds’. His career spanned several decades and included numerous successful stage productions. He was a trailblazer in Hollywood for his openness about his personal life in his later years.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer died on April 1 at the age of 65 after a long and courageous battle with throat cancer. He rose to international stardom with his iconic portrayal of Iceman in ‘Top Gun’ and Jim Morrison in ‘The Doors’. His ability to transform into diverse characters was evident in his work on ‘Tombstone’ and ‘Heat’. Kilmer continued to work and share his life story through the documentary ‘Val’ in his later years. He remains a beloved figure in the film industry for his dedication to the craft of acting.

Jay North

Former child star Jay North passed away on April 6 at the age of 73. He became an icon of 1950s television for his role as the title character in the series ‘Dennis the Menace’. North also starred in the television show ‘Maya’ and provided voices for animated series like ‘The Banana Splits Adventure Hour’. After leaving acting he worked as a correctional officer and became an advocate for the rights of child performers. He remained a symbol of classic television for generations of viewers.

Jean Marsh

British actress and writer Jean Marsh died on April 13 at the age of 90. She was the co-creator of the legendary series ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ and won an Emmy Award for her role as Rose Buck. Marsh also co-created the series ‘The House of Eliott’ and appeared in films such as ‘Willow’ and ‘Frenzy’. Her career spanned theater, television, and film on both sides of the Atlantic. She was a prominent figure in British drama for over sixty years.

Ruth Buzzi

Comedic actress Ruth Buzzi died on May 1 at the age of 88. She was a regular performer on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. Buzzi won a Golden Globe Award for her work on the series where she played various characters including the iconic Gladys Ormphby. She also voiced many characters in animated shows like ‘The Berenstain Bears’ and ‘Sesame Street’. Her career in comedy spanned over six decades across television and stage.

Joe Don Baker

Actor Joe Don Baker passed away on May 7 at the age of 89. He gained fame for his role as Sheriff Buford Pusser in the action film ‘Walking Tall’. Baker also appeared in three James Bond films playing two different characters including the CIA agent Jack Wade. His career included roles in ‘The Natural’ and the acclaimed television miniseries ‘Edge of Darkness’. He was known for playing rugged and authoritative characters throughout his long career.

George Wendt

Comedic actor George Wendt died on May 20 at the age of 76. He was internationally recognized for playing the character Norm Peterson on the legendary sitcom ‘Cheers’. Wendt appeared in every episode of the show and became one of the most beloved figures in television history. He also made frequent appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the famous Superfans sketches. His warm personality and comedic timing made him a household name for millions of viewers.

Loretta Swit

The acclaimed television actress Loretta Swit passed away on May 30 at the age of 87. She was most famous for her portrayal of Major Margaret Hot Lips Houlihan on the iconic series ‘MAS*H’. Swit won two Emmy Awards for her work on the show and remained a part of the cast for its entire eleven year run. She was also a dedicated animal rights activist and an accomplished stage performer. Her contribution to television history is marked by one of the medium’s most enduring characters.

Harris Yulin

Veteran character actor Harris Yulin died on June 10 at the age of 87. He was known for his roles in films such as ‘Scarface’ where he played the corrupt detective Mel Bernstein. Yulin had a prolific career in television appearing in series like ‘Frasier’ and ‘Ozark’. He was also a respected stage actor and director who appeared in numerous Broadway productions. His distinctive voice and steady presence made him a reliable performer in many high profile projects.

Bobby Sherman

Teen idol and actor Bobby Sherman passed away on June 24 at the age of 81. He rose to fame in the late 1960s as a singer with hits like ‘Little Woman’ and ‘Julie, Do Ya Love Me’. Sherman starred in the television series ‘Here Come the Brides’ which made him a household name. After retiring from the entertainment industry he became a first aid instructor and a reserve deputy sheriff. He remained a beloved figure for fans who grew up during the height of his popularity.

Julian McMahon

Actor Julian McMahon passed away on July 2 at the age of 56. He was best known for his leading role as Christian Troy on the hit medical drama ‘Nip/Tuck’. McMahon also played the character Cole Turner on the long running supernatural series ‘Charmed’. In film he portrayed the villainous Doctor Doom in the ‘Fantastic Four’ movies. His charismatic performances made him a popular leading man on television for many years.

Michael Madsen

Veteran actor Michael Madsen passed away on July 3 at the age of 67. He was a frequent collaborator with director Quentin Tarantino appearing in ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘The Hateful Eight’. Madsen was known for playing tough and often menacing characters in films like ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Sin City’. His distinctive voice and rugged screen presence made him a recognizable figure in independent and mainstream cinema. He also published several books of poetry during his lifetime.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away on July 20 at the age of 54. He first became a household name playing Theo Huxtable on the legendary sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. Warner later starred in the comedy series ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ and the medical drama ‘The Resident’. He was also an accomplished director who worked on various television projects throughout his career. His work in the entertainment industry spanned over four decades across multiple genres.

Ozzy Osbourne

Legendary musician and reality television star Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 76. He first gained fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath before launching a highly successful solo career. Osbourne became a modern television icon with the reality show ‘The Osbournes’ which chronicled his family life. He also voiced characters in animated films such as ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ and ‘Trolls World Tour’. His influence on heavy metal music and popular culture was immense.

Hulk Hogan

Pop culture icon and actor Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. While famous as a professional wrestler he also had a significant career in film and television. He starred in his own action series ‘Thunder in Paradise’ and appeared in movies like ‘Rocky III’ and ‘No Holds Barred’. Hogan was a central figure in the mainstream expansion of professional wrestling in the 1980s. He remained one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world until his passing.

Loni Anderson

Actress Loni Anderson died on August 3 at the age of 79. She rose to fame playing the character Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’. The role earned her multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Anderson appeared in various films including ‘Stroker Ace’ and voiced characters in animated features like ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. She was a prominent figure in television comedy for several decades.

Terence Stamp

Acclaimed British actor Terence Stamp died on August 17 at the age of 87. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his film debut in ‘Billy Budd’ and became a symbol of the 1960s. Stamp played the villainous General Zod in ‘Superman’ and ‘Superman II’ which remains one of his most famous roles. He also delivered a celebrated performance in the cult classic ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. His career was marked by a commanding presence and a diverse range of characters.

Graham Greene

Distinguished actor Graham Greene died on September 1 at the age of 73. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Kicking Bird in the epic film ‘Dances with Wolves’. Greene was a prominent First Nations actor who appeared in numerous projects including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’. His work often highlighted Indigenous stories and characters in mainstream Hollywood productions. He was respected for his quiet intensity and authentic performances.

Robert Redford

The influential actor and director Robert Redford passed away on September 16 at the age of 89. He was a cornerstone of American cinema known for his roles in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Sting’. Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival which became a vital platform for independent filmmakers. His work behind the camera earned him an Academy Award for Best Director for ‘Ordinary People’. He leaves behind a massive legacy as both a performer and a champion of artistic storytelling.

Claudia Cardinale

Italian film icon Claudia Cardinale passed away on September 23 at the age of 87. She starred in some of the most influential European films of the 1960s including ‘8 1/2’ and ‘The Leopard’. Cardinale also achieved success in Hollywood with roles in ‘The Pink Panther’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’. She was often cited as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her era. In her later years she served as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador for women’s rights.

Patricia Routledge

Renowned British actress Patricia Routledge died on October 3 at the age of 96. She was best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the popular sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Routledge also starred in the long running detective series ‘Hetty Wainthropp Investigates’. She was an accomplished stage performer who won a Tony Award for her work in the musical ‘Darling of the Day’. Her comedic timing and character work earned her several BAFTA nominations throughout her career.

Diane Keaton

The celebrated actress Diane Keaton passed away on October 11 at the age of 79. She is best known for her Academy Award winning performance in the classic romantic comedy ‘Annie Hall’. Keaton had a long and fruitful collaboration with director Woody Allen on films such as ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Love and Death’. She also starred as Kay Adams Corleone in the legendary ‘The Godfather’ trilogy. Her unique style and comedic timing made her a favorite among audiences for over five decades.

Samantha Eggar

Actress Samantha Eggar died on October 15 at the age of 86. She rose to international fame with her role in ‘The Collector’ for which she received an Academy Award nomination and won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival. Eggar also starred in films like ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and ‘The Brood’. Her career included a wide variety of roles in television and theater both in the United Kingdom and Hollywood. She was known for her striking screen presence and her versatility as a performer.

June Lockhart

Beloved television actress June Lockhart died on October 23 at the age of 100. She was best known for playing the iconic mother figures in ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Lockhart began her career in film during the 1930s before becoming a staple of the small screen. She received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to film and television. Her career was remarkable for its longevity and her positive influence on the industry.

Prunella Scales

British actress Prunella Scales passed away on October 27 at the age of 93. She was internationally known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers’. Scales had a long and distinguished career on the stage and in film including a BAFTA nominated performance in ‘A Question of Attribution’. She also became well known for the travel documentary series ‘Great Canal Journeys’ which she hosted with her husband Timothy West. She was a beloved figure in British television for several decades.

Diane Ladd

Acclaimed actress Diane Ladd died on November 3 at the age of 89. She was nominated for three Academy Awards for her roles in ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’, ‘Wild at Heart’, and ‘Rambling Rose’. Ladd frequently collaborated with her daughter, actress Laura Dern, on various film and television projects. Her career spanned more than sixty years and included significant work on television series like ‘Enlightened’. She was respected for her powerful performances and her long standing contribution to the industry.

Tatsuya Nakadai

Legendary Japanese actor Tatsuya Nakadai passed away on November 8 at the age of 92. He was a frequent collaborator with director Akira Kurosawa starring in masterpieces like ‘Ran’ and ‘Kagemusha’. Nakadai also played the lead in the massive trilogy ‘The Human Condition’ and the classic ‘Harakiri’. His career spanned over seven decades and he was considered one of the greatest actors in the history of world cinema. He remained active in the Japanese film industry well into his eighties.

Sally Kirkland

Actress Sally Kirkland passed away on November 11 at the age of 84. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the 1987 film ‘Anna’. Kirkland was a prominent member of the Actors Studio and appeared in over two hundred films during her career. She was known for her work in ‘The Sting’ and ‘JFK’ as well as her frequent appearances on television. She was also a dedicated teacher of acting and a tireless advocate for independent cinema.

Kamini Kaushal

Veteran Indian actress Kamini Kaushal died on November 14 at the age of 98. She was a leading lady in Bollywood during the 1940s and 1950s starring in films like ‘Neecha Nagar’ which won at the Cannes Film Festival. Kaushal later transitioned into character roles and worked in the industry for over seven decades. She was also a writer of children’s stories and a producer of television shows for young audiences. Her long career made her one of the most respected elders in the Indian film community.

Udo Kier

Prolific German actor Udo Kier died on November 23 at the age of 81. He was known for his intense blue eyes and his frequent appearances in horror and arthouse cinema. Kier worked with legendary directors such as Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Werner Herzog. His filmography included over two hundred credits including ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Blade’. He was a cult figure in the film industry who was celebrated for his unique and often unsettling performances.

Dharmendra

Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. He was one of the most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema with over three hundred films to his credit. Dharmendra was best known for his role in the iconic film ‘Sholay’ which is considered a landmark in Indian movies. He was often referred to as the He-Man of Indian cinema for his action roles and romantic lead performances. He received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, for his contribution to the arts.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died on December 4 at the age of 75. He was famous for playing villainous roles in action films such as ‘Mortal Kombat’ where he portrayed Shang Tsung. Tagawa also appeared in ‘Rising Sun’ and the television series ‘The Man in the High Castle’. His career included diverse roles in films like ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ and ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’. He was a respected figure in the industry for his martial arts skills and commanding screen presence.

Anthony Geary

Longtime soap opera star Anthony Geary passed away on December 14 at the age of 78. He was best known for his record breaking portrayal of Luke Spencer on the daytime drama ‘General Hospital’. Geary won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for the role which is more than any other performer. The onscreen wedding of his character was one of the most watched events in television history. He retired from the show in 2015 after more than three decades in the role.

Rob Reiner

Multitalented actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner passed away on December 14 at the age of 78. He first rose to fame playing Michael Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’. Reiner went on to direct some of the most beloved films of the 1980s and 1990s including ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally’. His work on ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘A Few Good Men’ solidified his status as a master director. He was a tireless advocate for political causes throughout his life.

James Ransone

Actor James Ransone passed away on December 19 at the age of 46. He was known for his roles in the acclaimed television series ‘The Wire’ and ‘Treme’. Ransone also gained recognition for his performances in horror films such as ‘Sinister’ and its sequel. He played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the blockbuster movie ‘It Chapter Two’. His career was marked by his ability to play complex and often troubled characters in both television and film.

Brigitte Bardot

International cinema icon Brigitte Bardot died on December 28 at the age of 91. She became a global sex symbol and cultural icon during the 1950s and 1960s with her role in ‘And God Created Woman’. After retiring from acting in 1973 she dedicated her life to animal rights activism. Her influence on fashion and the portrayal of women in film was profound across the globe. She remained a significant figure in French public life throughout her later years.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Character actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. died on December 30 at the age of 71. He was widely recognized for his role as Senator Clay Davis on the critically acclaimed series ‘The Wire’. Whitlock Jr. was known for his collaboration with director Spike Lee on films like ’25th Hour’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His ability to bring humor and gravitas to his roles made him a favorite among critics and audiences. He also had a successful career on the New York stage before moving into film and television.

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