Celebrity Deaths of 2025: Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena and More Stars We've Lost This Year
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From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost several stars in 2025.
News broke on January 4 that ’s husband, , died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to Us on January 6 on behalf of the actress and her family. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Days after Baena’s death, manager shared that RuPaul’s Drag Race star — better known as The Vivienne — died at age 32.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the publicist shared in an Instagram statement on January 5. “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’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The next day, authorities confirmed that the beloved drag queen’s death had “no suspicious circumstances.”
Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2025:
From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost several stars in 2025. News broke on January 4 that ’s husband, , died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to Us on January 6 on behalf of the actress and her family. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.” Days after Baena’s death, manager shared that RuPaul’s Drag Race star — better known as The Vivienne — died at age 32. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the publicist shared in an Instagram statement on January 5. “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’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.” The next day, authorities confirmed that the beloved drag queen’s death had “no suspicious circumstances.” Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2025:
The Irish boxer died in February at the age of 28 less than one week after sustaining a head injury in a title fight.
“It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away,” Cooney’s boxing promoter, , wrote via Facebook on February 8. “Mr and Mrs Cooney and [John’s] fiancée, , would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.”
Dunlop added, “He was a much-loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘The Kid Cooney.’ Funeral details to follow.”
Magnolia Network’s Maine Cabin Masters announced on February 5 that Ginna, who is married to star Matt “Dixie” Dix, died at the age of 48.
“We are heartbroken to announce the unexpected passing of Ginna Dix on February 1, 2025,” an Instagram statement read. “Beloved wife of Dixie, God Daughter to Ryan's parents and friend to so many. Ginna was a huge part of the Maine Cabin Masters family and will be missed tremendously.”
The statement concluded, “We thank you all for your love and support, but ask that you give the Maine Cabin Masters team privacy at this time.”
The Miami Dolphins alum died at the age of 81.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tulsa Football Legend and Hall of Famer, Howard Twilley,” his alma mater wrote via X on February 6. “Twilley was one of the greatest receivers in College Football history, setting numerous NCAA records before venturing to the NFL and winning two Super Bowls. Our hearts and sympathies are with Twilley's family and his many friends.”
The influencer reportedly died on February 5 after suffering septic shock from a fallopian tube infection. Alexandre was 28.
“I love you forever, I will remember you as the sweet, faithful, determined, hard-working girl who never gave up in the face of adversity, who always tried her best,” an Instagram tribute read.
The actress, known for her role on Netflix's Squid Game, died at age 81 on February 2. Lee was diagnosed with stomach cancer in fall 2024 and previously battled breast cancer in her fifties.
The Taiwanese actress, who starred on the series Meteor Garden, died from pneumonia at age 48. "I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we got to care for and spend time with each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her," her sister noted in a statement on February 2.
The figure skating legend died at age 95 on January 30, just one day after several U.S, figure skaters, coaches and their families died in a Washington, D.C. plane collision with an army helicopter. U.S. Figure Skating confirmed his death in a statement via their website. He is survived by his partner, , and his two children, Edward and Emily, whom he shared with his late ex-wife .
Button made history as the first American figure skater to win an Olympic gold medal and famously spent over five decades as a broadcast figure skating analyst.
The “As Tears Go By” singer died on January 30 at the age of 78.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” a statement shared with the BBC read. “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
Faithfull is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar, and her grandchildren.
The Voice alum, who competed on the reality show in 2014 as a member of Team Blake Shelton, died by suicide, the Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas confirmed to Us on January 28. He was 44.
The rapper (real name Anthony Platt) died at the age of 43.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as DJ Unk,” his former record label wrote in a January 24 statement. “On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit.”
The statement continued, “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever.”
He is survived by his wife, , and their children.
The last surviving member of The Band died on January 21. He was 87.
Hudson — who played keyboard, saxophone, accordion and the organ for the Canadian rock group — died in Woodstock, New York, while sleeping at a nursing home, his estate executor told The Toronto Star.
Sykes’ team announced his death on January 20 via Facebook, revealing that after a battle with cancer he passed away. The guitarist was 65.
Sykes was best known for playing with Thin Lizzy in the 1980s and Whitesnake. He also had a solo career, releasing his last album in 2004.
announced the death of his wife, Claire van Kampen, on Saturday, January 18 — his birthday.
“Claire has died of cancer on Mark Rylance’s 65th Birthday. Her youngest daughter having died in 2012, she leaves her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and countless beloved friends in England and America,” a statement shared by the family read.
“We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love,” they added.
The soap opera actor died by suicide on January 16, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. He was 39. San Martin originated the role of Dario Hernandez on Days of Our Lives in 2011. He later starred on The Bold and the Beautiful.
The Twin Peaks cocreator died at the age of 78 after battling emphysema.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” his family wrote in a Facebook statement on January 16. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. 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.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
The actress, who was married to the late , died on January 16 at the age of 95.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall,” a statement to the BBC read. “She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire. She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories."
Montgomery died in Nashville on January 15. The country singer was 86.
Montgomery was best known for her duets with , and more, topping the charts from 1963 to 1986. The late musician is survived by four daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Jaws 2 and Supergirl director died at age 85.
“Today, we say goodbye to a true visionary. Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul,” actress Jane Seymour wrote via Instagram on January 15. “He gifted us many timeless stories, including Somewhere in Time, a film that changed my life forever. May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts.”
Representatives for Danan confirmed his death at age 46 on January 16, writing via Instagram, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him."
A cause of death was not revealed in the statement from Independent Creative Management: “During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time."
General Hospital executive producer confirmed Charleson’s death via Instagram on January 12. She was 79.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” Valentini captioned a post shared by the show's official account. “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.”
Charleson was the soap opera’s longest-tenured cast member, playing the character Monica Quartermaine for over 45 years.
The pitcher, who played for both the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs throughout his MLB career, died at age 37. "A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face," read a statement from the Orioles on January 7. "Brian's family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
A family representative told NBC that the “Puff the Magic Dragon” writer died on January 7 at age 86 after a battle with bladder cancer.
News broke on January 5 that Williams, known as The Vivienne, died at age 32. Authorities confirmed that their death had “no suspicious circumstances.”
Baena died by suicide on January 3 at his residence in Los Angeles, California, according to medical examiner records. He was 47.
The singer, best known for his tune “The Oogum Boogum Song,” died at age 83 on January 3, his manager and publicist confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
and ’s brother died on January 1 after suffering “a massive stroke,” shared via Facebook. He was 73.
Moonshiners star, Kenny Law, died aged 68 after battling multiple health issues.
The third-generation distiller's death was announced via a Facebook post by Law's Choice Distillery on January 15.
"With sorrow, we announce that Everett 'Kenny' Law passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones," the post read.
TikTok star Chris O'Donnell, best known as Creeohdee, died at the age of 31 on January 11, according to his online obituary. O'Donnell was best known for posting fitness videos on both TikTok and Instagram.
The music mogul, who cofounded Murder Inc. Records and worked with artists including Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule and Ashanti, died at age 54 on February 5. He had struggled with diabetes for years and suffered a stroke in 2024.