Stars We Lost In 2025

Right from the very start, 2025 has been a tough one. We’ve lost so many incredibly talented folks and beloved stars. It’s just so heartbreaking.

Related: Remembering All The Stars We Lost In 2024

In memoriam…

Jeff Baena

(June 29, 1977 – January 3, 2025)

Director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza‘s husband, died at age 47 on January 3. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, he died by suicide. Law enforcement sources previously told TMZ that an assistant found him dead inside a home in the Los Angeles area. Truly heartbreaking. Jeff was best known for his projects Life After Beth, The Little Hours, Spin Me Round, Cinema Toast, and more. Aside from directing, he was also an accomplished screenwriter. He married Aubrey in 2021.

The Vivienne

(April 12, 1992 – January 5, 2025)

Season 1 winner of RuPau’ls Drag Race UK, The Vivienne, passed away on January 5 at just 32 years old. Simon Jones, a rep for the drag star, born James Lee Williams (who used they/them pronouns), announced the loss on X (Twitter), mourning:

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’ family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race also expressed:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity — she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”

Peter Yarrow

(May 31, 1938 – January 7, 2025)

Peter Yarrow, the Puff the Magic Dragon co-writer, died at age 86 on January 7. He died after a battle with bladder cancer. He was a member of the ’60s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary.

Leslie Charleson

(February 22, 1945 – January 12, 2025)

Leslie Charleson, the longest-tenured cast member of General Hospital (as Monica Quartermaine), died on January 12. She was 79. The show’s EP Frank Valentini shared on the show’s official Instagram account:

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson. Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.”

He continued:

“I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

Paul Danan

(July 2, 1978 – January 15, 2015)

Love Island UK star Paul Danan sadly passed away at just 46 years old on January 15. This comes just months after he revealed he “nearly died” after his vaping addiction sent him to the hospital. His cause of death is unknown. Paul was known for playing Sol Patrick on the British soap opera Hollyoaks. He was also in the first and second seasons of Celebrity Love Island, which became Love Island UK.

Joan Plowright

(October 28, 1929 – January 16, 2025)

Joan Plowright, perhaps the greatest Anglophone actor of the 20th century and the widow of Laurence Oliver, died on Thursday. She was 95. https://t.co/NcUEaYEO6G

— Variety (@Variety) January 17, 2025

Dame Joan Plowright died at age 95 on January 16. She was an accomplished stage and screen actress and the widow of Laurence Olivier. She was best known for her Tony-winning performance in A Taste of Honey, as well as The Entertainer, Dennis the Menace, and Enchanted April.

David Lynch

(January 20, 1945 – January 16, 2025)

Director David Lynch died on January 16 at age 78. His family announced his passing on Facebook, writing:

“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’”

Last year, the filmmaker announced he developed emphysema after years of smoking. Throughout his lengthy career, he co-created Twin Peaks and made other iconic films like Blue Velvet, Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway, and many more. His unique style even led to his own term, Lynchian, which was often used by film critics.

Francisco San Martin

(August 27, 1985 – January 16, 2025)

Actor Francisco San Martin passed away at age 39 on January 16. He was found dead in his home, and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said he died by suicide. So sad. He was best known for playing Dario Hernandez in Days of Our Lives. He was also in Jane the Virgin and The Bold and the Beautiful, among other projects.

Claire Van Kampen

(November 3, 1953 – January 18, 2025)

Mark Rylance‘s wife Claire Van Kampen “died of cancer” on January 18 in Germany “surrounded by her family,” a statement shared with People read. She was 71. Sadly, she passed on her husband’s 65th birthday. Oof. Claire was an English director, composer, and playwright.

Lynn Ban

(May 27, 1973 – January 20, 2025)

Bling Empire: New York star Lynn Ban died on January 20 at age 52. According to The New York Post, NYPD sources said her husband, Jett Kain, found her dead in their house. The cause of death is unknown, but this passing comes just weeks after she went into emergency brain surgery following a ski accident. So devastating.

DJ Unk

(November 28, 1981 – January 24, 2025)

DJ Unk, real name Anthony Platt, died on January 24 at the age of 43. Per TMZ, the rapper passed in his sleep after suffering cardiac arrest. He leaves behind his wife Sherkita Long-Platt, and their children.

Dick Button

(July 18, 1929 – January 30, 2025)

Figure skater Dick Button died on January 30 of natural causes. He was 95 years old. Dick was the first American to win Olympic gold in figure skating, something he would accomplish again the following Olympics. His style revolutionized the sport, and he went on to become an entrepreneur and broadcaster.

Marianne Faithfull

(December 29, 1946 – January 30, 2025)

Singer Marianne Faithfull died on January 30 at age 78. A statement shared with the BBC expressed:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”

The English singer best known for the song As Tears Go By. She was also an actress.

Lee Joo-Sil

(March 8, 1944 – February 2, 2025)

Actress Lee Joo-Sil died at age 81 on February 2. She was best known for her role in Squid Game. Her death comes just months after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2024 after having previously battled breast cancer when she was in her 50s.

Irv Gotti

(June 26, 1970 – February 5, 2025)

Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., died at just 54 years old on February 5. He was a record producer best known for founding Murder Inc. Records.

Bruce French

(July 4, 1945 – February 7, 2025)

Soap opera star Bruce French died on February 7 at age 79 following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He’s best known for playing Father Lonigan in Passions.

Biff Wiff

(October 24, 1948 – February 2025)

Comedic character actor Biff Wiff died after a battle with cancer, his management firm announced on February 14. He’s known for roles in I Think You Should Leave, Everything Everywhere All at Once, iCarly, Pretty Little Liars, 9-1-1, PEN15, Jury Duty, and lots more.

Kim Sae-ron

(July 31, 2000 – February 16, 2025)

Actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead on February 16 at her home in Seoul, South Korea. The Korean National Police later shared that she died by suicide. The Netflix star was best known for roles in the K-drama A Brand New Life and the action-thriller The Man From Nowhere.

Paquita la del Barrio

(April 2, 1947 – February 17, 2025)

Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio died at 77 on February 17. A statement shared on her socials shared:

“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz. She was a unique and unrepeatable artist who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who knew her and enjoyed her music.”

Her hits include songs Rata de Dos Patas, Tres Veces Te Engañé, and Las Mujeres Mandan, among many more.

Jesus Guerrero

(August 23, 1990 – February 22, 2025)

Celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero died suddenly at age 34 on February 22. According to TMZ reports, he was feeling unwell for months but continued on with work commitments. He was with Jennifer Lopez in the United Arab Emirates in the days before his passing. He went to a hospital in LA on February 21 when he returned to the US and passed away the next day. Heartbreaking.

He worked with and was close friends with Kylie Jenner as well as Kali Uchis, Rosalía, and many others.

Michelle Trachtenberg

(October 11, 1985 – February 26, 2025)

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on February 26 at age 39 in NYC. According to ABC News police sources, she was found in her apartment by her mother and recently underwent a liver transplant, for which she may have been experiencing complications. A 911 call was placed for a possible cardiac arrest, the New York Post reported.

New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed that the manner of death was natural causes and the official cause of death was “complications of diabetes mellitus,” per People. So sad.

She rose to fame as a child star in Harriet the Spy before moving on to roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, Ice Princess, EuroTrip, 17 Again, and more. So many fans grew up with her, making this an especially difficult loss.

Gene Hackman

(January 30, 1930 – February 18, 2025)

Gene Hackman was found dead in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs on February 26. Following an investigation to find out what happened, it was determined that Betsy, 64, died on February 11 due to Hantavirus, a rare and very serious disease, which is linked to rodent droppings.

The actor, 95, died a week later on February 18. An autopsy revealed he had a history of cardiovascular disease, advanced Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Authorities said heart disease was his cause of death and Alzheimer’s was a contributing factor. Because of his Alzheimer’s, it’s unclear if he even realized his wife had passed away.

Gene was an acclaimed performer best known for roles in Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, The French Connection, Superman, Hoosiers, Unforgiven, The Birdcage, The Royal Tenenbaums, and many, many more. He won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes throughout his career.

Gene shared three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese — 63-year-old Christopher Allen Hackman, 61-year-old Elizabeth Hackman, and 57-year-old Ann Hackman.

David Johansen

(January 9, 1950 – February 28, 2025)

The New York Dolls founder David Johansen died on February 28. He was 75. A spokesperson shared with Rolling Stone:

“David Johansen died at home in NYC on Friday afternoon holding hands with his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, surrounded by music, flowers and love. He was 75 years old and died of natural causes after nearly a decade of illness.”

He previously battled stage four cancer and a brain tumor. The singer-songwriter was also known for work under the name Buster Poindexter. He was also an actor and Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooged.

Angie Stone

(December 18, 1961 – March 1, 2025)

Grammy-nominated Angie Stone died in a car crash on March 1 at age 63. Her publicist Yvonne Forbes told CNN:

“Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.”

Angie was an R&B artist and member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence from 1979 to 1985. She began her solo career in the ’90s.

Roy Ayers

(September 10, 1940 – March 4, 2025)

Jazz musician Roy Ayers died on March 4 at age 84 after suffering from a “long illness.” His family told Variety:

“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4, 2025 in New York City after a long illness.”

They also called him a “highly influential and sought after as a music collaborator.”

Pamela Bach

(October 16, 1983 – March 5, 2025)

Actress Pamela Bach died by suicide on March 5 at age 62. She was formerly married to David Hasselhoff. David mourned the loss in a statement on Facebook:

“Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time.”

They share daughters Taylor, 34, and Hayley, 32. Pamela was best known for her roles in Baywatch, Knight Rider, Sirens, and much more.

Wheesung

(February 5, 1982 – March 10, 2025)

K-pop singer Wheesung, who popularized R&B music in South Korea, was found dead in his home on March 10, according to local police. He was 43. His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed the loss, saying:

“Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced deceased.”

He was born Choi Whee-sung and also went by the stage name Realslow. He started his career in the group A4 in 1999 and went solo in 2002.

Doug Kiker

(DOB Unknown – March 12, 2025)

Singer Doug Kiker died on March 12 at 32. His sister Angela Evans said on Facebook that his death was “completely unexpected.” No official cause of death was released. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that he was taken to the hospital after a concerned citizen called 911 after seeing him in public and feared he may have been overdosing on drugs. He reportedly died in the hospital five days later.

He was best known for making Katy Perry cry over a Rascal Flatts song and became known as “The Singing Garbage Man” during Season 18 of American Idol. Per TMZ, he leaves behind two children whom he shares with ex Valerie Cook.

George Foreman

(January 10, 1949 – March 21, 2025)

George Foreman died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on March 21 at age 76. The boxing champion’s family remembered him on social media:

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose. A humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name — for his family.”

Aside from his accomplished boxing career, he’s also well known for being the face of the George Foreman Grill.

Young Scooter

(March 28, 1986 – March 28, 2025)

Young Scooter died on March 28, his 39th birthday. According to the Atlanta Police Department, police responded to a call about “a dispute with possible gunshots being fired.” A man reportedly fled the scene and suffered a leg injury in the “brief foot chase.” Officers “rendered aid” but the man later died. The man was identified as the rapper, real name Kenneth Edward Bailey.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed he died of a “penetrating injury of the right thigh,” that was “not a gunshot wound.” It was ruled an accident.

Scooter started his music career in 2008 and was signed by his childhood friend Future and Waka Flocka Flame in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Val Kilmer

(December 31, 1959 – April 1, 2025)

Actor Val Kilmer died of pneumonia at age 65 on April 1, his daughter Mercedes confirmed to the NYT. He was previously diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, but he later recovered, she also shared.

Val was known for playing Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazanski in Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick as well as for roles in The Doors, Batman Forever, Tombstone, Heat, Top Secret!, Willow, and so much more. He leaves behind two kids, Mercedes and Jack.

Nicky Katt

(May 11, 1970 – April 8, 2025)

Actor Nicky Katt died on April 8 at age 56. According to his sister Elise Ravenscroft in a statement to Deadline, he “died by suicide after battling with depression — one that he fought bravely but quietly.” He was found in his home by his landlord.

Nicky began his acting career at just 10 years old starring in shows like CHiPs and Quincy. He went on to appear in Boston Public, Dazed & Confused, The Way of the Gun, Insomnia, School of Rock, Boiler Room, Sin City, The Dark Knight, and more.

May they all rest in peace…

[Image via Showtime/20th Century Television/MGM/YouTube]