Celebrities Who Have Died in 2025

The entertainment industry has already lost several notable figures in 2025. The film world was shaken by the death of “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks” director David Lynch, with tributes to the visionary filmmaker continuing for weeks. Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman was found dead with his wife in late February in Santa Fe, N.M., while “Harriet the Spy” star Michelle Trachtenberg died in New York on Feb. 26.

In music, Garth Hudson, the last remaining member of The Band, died in January, while Peter, Paul and Mary lost Peter Yarrow. “Killing Me Softly” singer Roberta Flack died in February. Notable actresses who died in January include Joan Plowright and Leslie Charleson.

Last year, the entertainment business said goodbye to stars including Shannen Doherty, Bob Newhart, Louis Gossett Jr., Donald Sutherland and James Earl Jones.

Jeff Baena

Jeff Baena, a screenwriter and director whose credits include the offbeat comedies “The Little Hours” and “Life After Beth,” died Jan. 3. Baena was the husband of Aubrey Plaza, who starred in his films “The Little Hours,” a 2017 black comedy set in a 14th century convent, and “Life After Beth,” a zombie satire.

Read the full obit here.

The Vivienne, aka James Lee Williams

“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” winner James Lee Williams, better known by their stage name The Vivienne, died Jan. 5. They were 32.

Read the full obit here.

Peter Yarrow

Peter Yarrow, one third of the chart-topping 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, co-writer of the song “Puff, the Magic Dragon” and a prominent social activist, died Jan. 7 at his home in New York City.

Read the full obit here.

Sam Moore

Sam Moore, who had classic hits with the soul duo Sam and Dave in the 1960s, died Jan. 10 in Coral Gables, Florida. He was 89.

Read the full obit here.

Leslie Charleson

Soap opera icon Leslie Charleson, who for decades played Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital,” died Jan. 12 after a long illness.

Read the full obituary here.

David Lynch

Director-writer David Lynch, who radicalized American film with with a dark, surrealistic artistic vision in films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive” and network television with “Twin Peaks,” died Jan. 15.

Read the full obit here.

Joan Plowright

Joan Plowright, star of “Enchanted April” and the widow of Laurence Oliver, died Jan. 16. She was 95.

Read the full obit here.

Garth Hudson

Garth Hudson, whose fantastical approach to the organ and virtuosity on a panoply of other instruments lent a distinctive touch to the roots-rock of the Canadian-American group the Band, died Jan. 21. He was the last surviving member of The Band.

Read the full obit here.

Marianne Faithfull

Vocalist Marianne Faithfull, whose 1960s sojourn as a swinging London pop star was succeeded by a striking punk-era artistic rebirth, died Jan. 30 in London. She was 78.

Read the full obit here.

Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts, who appeared in Woody Allen films including “Annie Hall” while enjoying a long, bountiful career on Broadway, died Feb. 7 due to complications of lung cancer.

Read the full obit here.

Roberta Flack

Legendary pop/R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, who was launched to stardom in the early ’70s by the Grammy-winning hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” died Feb. 24.

Read the full obit here.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actor best known for film and television roles including “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died Feb. 26. She was 39.

Read the full obit here.

Gene Hackman

“The French Connection” star Gene Hackman was found dead Feb. 26 in Santa Fe, N.M., along with his wife. He was 95.

Read the full obit here.