While 2024 has been a year filled with remarkable milestones in film and television, it has also been a year marked by the heartbreaking loss of those who shaped the industry. From legendary actors and rising stars to visionary directors, individuals have left their mark on the world in one way or another before their passing. Although they may no longer be with us, their names will forever be etched in history.
Maggie Smith, 89
July 14, 2025 – June 03, 2025, Actress, ‘California Suite,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Harry Potter’
Maggie Smithmade an impression on audiences both young and old as the stern yet warm Professor McGonagall inHarry Potterand the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess inDowntown Abbey.
Maggie Smith, Beloved ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Actor, Dead at 89
The actress had an incredible career on stage and screen.
Quincy Jones, 91
July 31, 2025 – August 01, 2025, Musician, ‘We Are the World,’ ‘Just Once’
Quincy Jonesshaped the cultural heartbeat of the African-American community and the music industry in general thanks to his contributions spanningMichael Jackson’s “Thriller” andThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Shelley Duvall, 75
June 07, 2025 – July 05, 2025, Actress, ‘The Shining,’ ‘Popeye,’ ‘Time Bandits’
Immortalized in the horror scene thanks toThe Shining, Emmy-nominated actressShelley Duvallhas built a remarkable career with films likeAnnie Halland3 Women.
Shelley Duvall, Beloved ‘The Shining’ Star, Dead at 75
Duvall had a legendary career in Hollywood, with films like ‘Nashville,’ ‘Popeye,’ and more.
Donald Sutherland, 88
July 17,1935 – June 19, 2025, Actor, ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘The Italian Job,’ ‘Pride & Prejudice’
Legendary Canadian actor and Order of Canada memberDonald Sutherlandbuilt a six-decade career with roles inMASH*,Klute,Don’t Look Now, andOrdinary People, earning an honorary Oscar in 2017.
Bob Newhart, 94
August 03, 2025 – July 06, 2025, Comedian, ‘The Bob Newhart Show’
Apart from making people laugh inThe Bob Newhart ShowandNewhart, comedianBob Newhartearned an Emmy forThe Big Bang Theoryand won a Grammy for his album “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart”.
Bob Newhart, Comedy Legend, Dead at 94
The actor was best known for his leading roles in two of CBS’s most popular sitcoms, as well as his later in life appearances on ‘The Big Bang Theory’
James Earl Jones, 93
June 22, 2025 – August 23, 2025, Actor, ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Heat Wave,’ ‘Dr. Strangelove’
Renowned as the iconic voice of Darth Vader inStar Warsand Mugas inThe Lion King,James Earl Joneswent on to star in classics likeComing to Americaand earned an Oscar nomination forThe Great White Hope.
James Earl Jones, Legendary Darth Vader Actor, Dead at 93
Jones was known for his roles in Star Wars, ‘The Lion King’ and more.
Teri Garr, 79
June 23, 2025 – August 13, 2025, Actress, ‘Tootsie,’ ‘Young Frankenstein,’ ‘The Conversation'
Game-changing comedic actressTeri Garrearned an Oscar nomination forTootsie, wowed audiences as Ronnie inClose Encounters of the Third Kind, and starred as Frederick’s assistant Inga inYoung Frankenstein.
Teri Garr, Beloved ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie’ Star, Dead at 79
The Academy Award-nominated actress kept us laughing for decades.
Kris Kristofferson, 88
July 06, 2025 – July 19, 2025, Musician, ‘A Star Is Born’
Three-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inducteeKris Kristoffersonwrote memorable songs like ”Me and Bobby McGee” and starred in acclaimed films such asA Star is BornalongsideBarbra Streisand.
Kris Kristofferson Dead at 88, Country Music Icon and ‘A Star Is Born’ Actor
He starred opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 version of ‘A Star Is Born.’
Carl Weathers, 76
July 08, 2025 – June 08, 2025, Actor, ‘Rocky,’ ‘Predator,’ ‘Action Jackson’
Known for his iconic roles inRockyandStar Wars,Carl Weathersextended his acting abilities to minor roles in TV shows likeLaw & Order: SVUandStar vs. the Forces of Evil.
‘Rocky’ and ‘Predator’ Star Carl Weathers Dead at 76
The actor most recently starred in ‘The Mandalorian’.
Louis Gossett Jr., 87
July 19, 2025 – July 18, 2025, Actor, ‘An Officer and a Gentleman,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ ‘IF’
The first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor forAn Officer and a Gentleman,Louis Gossett Jr.left a lasting legacy thanks toRoots,The Punisher, andWatchmen.
Louis Gossett Jr., First Black Man to Win Best Supporting Actor, Dead at 87
He won the Academy Award for ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ early in his career.
M. Emmet Walsh, 88
June 20, 2025 – July 20, 2025, Actor, ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Knives Out,’ ‘Blood Simple’
With an acting portfolio spanning films likeThe Jerk,Blade Runner, andBlood Simple,M. Emmet Walshcontinued to be active in the industry with recent projects likeKnives OutandThe Righteous Gemstones.
‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Knives Out’ Actor M. Emmet Walsh Dead at 88
From ‘Midnight Cowboy’ to ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ the instantly-recognizable character actor’s career spanned seven decades.
Tony Todd, 69
August 01, 2025 – August 09, 2025, Actor, ‘Candyman,’ ‘Final Destination,’ ‘The Crow’
Apart from his lead role inCandymanand its sequels,Tony Toddtook on memorable roles inPlatoon,Bird, andNight of the Living Dead.
Horror Icon Tony Todd, Star of ‘Candyman’ and More, Dead at 69
He also appeared in ‘Platoon,’ ‘The Crow,’ and over 200 other films.
Roger Corman, 98
June 13, 2025 – June 22, 2025, Producer, ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ ‘Black Scorpion’
Known as the “King of the Bs,” Oscar-winning filmmaker and producerRoger Cormandirected hundreds of low-budget classics likeLittle Shop of Horrors, and launched the careers of stars such asJack Nicholson,Robert De Niro, andMartin Scorsese.
Roger Corman, Horror Producer and “The King of Bs,” Dead at 98
The Hollywood legend had a 70-year career.
Shannen Doherty, 53
July 28, 2025 – July 05, 2025, Actress, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ ‘Charmed’
Known for playing Brenda Walsh inBeverly Hills, 90210, and Prue Halliwell inCharmed,Shannen Dohertyalso starred in cult classics likeHeathersandMallrats.
Shannen Doherty, ‘Charmed’ and ‘90210’ Star, Dead at 53
Doherty was beloved by many for her iconic 90s roles.
Morgan Spurlock, 53
June 22, 2025 – July 17, 2025, Director, ‘Super Size Me’
Acclaimed documentary filmmakerMorgan Spurlockwas best known for directingSuper Size Me, which earned an Academy Award nomination.
John Amos, 84
July 31, 2025 – June 10, 2025, Actor, ‘Roots,’ ‘Good Times,’ ‘The West Wing’
Best known for portraying Kunta Kinte inRootsand James Evans Sr. onGood Times,John Amoshad a diverse career spanning notable roles inThe West Wing,Coming to America, andDie Hard 2.
Gena Rowlands, 94
August 06, 2025 – August 01, 2025, Actress, ‘A Woman Under the Influence,’ ‘Opening Night,’ ‘Love Streams’
Renowned actressGena Rowlandsearned four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two Academy Award nominations for their roles in films such asA Woman Under the Influence,Gloria, andThe Notebook.
Dabney Coleman, 92
July 16, 2025 – July 14, 2025, Actor, ‘9 to 5,’ ‘WarGames,’ ‘You’ve Got Mail’
Dabney Colemanhad an acting career spanning over 175 films and TV shows, with notable roles in9 to 5,Tootsie, andYou’ve Got Mail.
Bernard Hill, 79
August 18, 2025 – August 20, 2025, Actor, ‘Titanic,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’
Bernard Hillbecame a household name through his portrayals of Captain Edward Smith inTitanicand King Théoden inThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy.
‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ Actor Bernard Hill Dead at 79
Hill played Captain Edward Smith in ‘Titanic’ and Théodan in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
Jim Abrahams, 80
August 08, 2025 – June 06, 2025, Director, ‘Naked Gun,’ ‘Airplane!’
Co-director of the spoofAirplane!,Jim Abrahamshelped revolutionize comedy with his work alongsideDavidandJerry Zucker, ultimately creating hits likeRuthless People.
Jim Abrahams, One of the Minds Behind ‘Airplane!’ and ‘Naked Gun,’ Dead at 80
He also directed ‘Hot Shots!’ and ‘Mafia!’.
Jon Landau, 63
August 06, 2025 – July 16, 2025, Producer, ‘Titanic,’ ‘Avatar’
Influential film producerJon Landauwas renowned for his collaborations withJames Cameron, responsible for box office juggernautsTitanicandAvatar.
‘Titanic,’ ‘Avatar’ Producer Jon Landau Dead at 63
He most recently produced ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’
O.J. Simpson, 76
August 08, 2025 – August 09, 2025, Former NFL Player and Convicted Felon
Former football starO.J. Simpson, who starred inThe Naked Gun, received national attention after being controversially acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wifeNicole Brown Simpson, and her friendRon Goldman.
O.J. Simpson Dead at 76
The former football star and ‘Naked Gun’ star had announced he had cancer last year.
Martin Mull, 80
August 04, 2025 – August 12, 2025, Actor, ‘Roseanne,’ ‘Psych,’ ‘Clue’
Emmy nominee and comedy figureMartin Mullwas celebrated for his offbeat humor in films likeClue, followed by an extensive television career with roles inArrested DevelopmentandVeep.
‘Roseanne,’ ‘Psych’ Star Martin Mull Dead at 80
The actor was also known for his roles in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Clue.’
Ed Wheeler, 88
July 25, 2025 – July 05, 2025, Actor, ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Blue Bloods,’ ‘Presumed Innocent’
Apart fromLaw & OrderandPresumed Innocent,Ed Wheeleralso had notable appearances inBroadcast News,Mickey Blue Eyes, andNew York Undercover.
‘Law & Order’ and ‘Blue Bloods’ Actor Ed Wheeler Dead at 88
His wife paid tribute to him on Instagram.
Erica Ash, 46
June 20, 2025 – July 29, 2025, Actress, ‘MadTV,’ ‘Survivor’s Remorse’
Best known for her comedic roles onMADtvandThe Big Gay Sketch Show,Erica Ashalso broke into Broadway with plays like “The Lion King” and “Spamalot.”
‘MadTV’ Star Erica Ash Dead at 46
Ash was also known for her role in ‘Survivor’s Remorse.’
Frank Fritz, 60
August 26, 2025 – August 03, 2025, Actor, ‘American Pickers’
A household name onAmerican Pickersalongside co-hostMike Wolfe,Frank Fritzleft a legacy of digging through America’s forgotten treasures.
‘American Pickers’ Host Frank Fritz Dead at 60
Fritz was best known for hosting the popular thrifting series with Mike Wolfe.
Chance Perdomo, 27
June 23, 2025 – June 16, 2025, Actor, ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,’ ‘Gen V’
BAFTA-nominated rising starChance Perdomogained prominence among young audiences with his roles inGen V,The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and theAfterfilm series.
Chance Perdomo, ‘Gen V’ Star, Dead at 27
He also starred in ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ on Netflix.
Charles Cyphers, 85
August 08, 2025 – June 10, 2025, Actor, ‘Halloween,’ ‘Escape From New York,’ ‘The Fog’
Beloved for his roles inJohn Carpenter’sHalloweenandThe Fog,Charles Cyphersremained active in the industry despite his old age, leaving behind a five-decade career.
‘Halloween’ Star Charles Cyphers Dead at 85
The John Carpenter regular also starred in films like ‘The Fog’ and ‘Escape from New York.’
Naomi Pomeroy, 49
July 19, 2025 – July 29, 2025, Chef, ‘Top Chef Masters,’ ‘Iron Chef’
Self-taught culinary legendNaomi Pomeroywas recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Best New Chefs by “Food & Wine” and won a James Beard Foundation Award in 2014.
Renowned Chef Naomi Pomeroy Dead at 50
The ‘Top Chef Masters’ contestant and judge passed away tragically in a drowning accident.
Mandisa, 47
June 05, 2025 – July 19, 2025, Gospel Recording Artist, ‘American Idol’
American IdolSeason 5 finalistMandisawowed audiences with her rendition of “I’m Every Woman” and went on to release her albumTrue Beauty.
‘American Idol’ Fan-Favorite Mandisa Dead at 47
The singer was also a Grammy winner.
Nick Mavar, 59
July 12, 2025 – August 13, 2025, Deckhand, ‘Deadliest Catch’
A dedicated deckhand onDeadliest Catchfor 16 years,Nick Mavarappeared in 98 episodes of the series and its spin-offs, overcoming treacherous seas in the heart of Alaska.
‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Nick Mavar Dead at 59
Mavar passed away following a medical emergency.
Richard Lewis, 76
June 29, 2025 – August 19, 2025, Comedian, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Anything but Love’
Perfecting the art of self-deprecating humor onCurb Your Enthusiasm,Richard Lewisalso left behind memorable performances inAnything but LoveandRobin Hood: Men in Tights.
Comic & ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star Richard Lewis Dead at 76
The beloved stand-up battled Parkinson’s for three years prior to his death.
Joe Flaherty, 82
July 30, 2025 – June 06, 2025, Actor, ‘SCTV,’ ‘Freaks and Geeks’
Comedy legendJoe Flahertychanged the comedy game onSCTVand starred in iconic shows likeFreaks and Geeks,Back to the Future Part II, andHappy Gilmore.
Joe Flaherty, Star of ‘SCTV’ and ‘Freaks and Geeks’, Dead at 82
Flaherty passed away after a brief illness.
Richard Simmons, 76
July 27, 2025 – July 19, 2025, Fitness Instructor and TV Personality, ‘The Richard Simmons Show’
Richard Simmonsrevolutionized the home workout scene with his gyms and energetic personality, springing him into pop culture royalty throughThe Richard Simmons Showand his bestselling fitness tapes.
Fitness Icon Richard Simmons Dead at 76
Simmons passed one day after his 76th birthday.
Cole Brings Plenty, 27
July 07, 2025 – June 18, 2025, Actor, ‘1923’
Rising starCole Brings Plentyis best known for his role as Pete Plenty Clouds in theYellowstoneprequel1923.
‘Yellowstone’ Actor Cole Brings Plenty Dead at 27
The actor appeared on ‘Yellowstone’ prequel ‘1923.’
Adan Canto, 42
July 14, 2025 – June 22, 2025, Actor, ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ ‘Narcos,’ ‘The Following’
Adan Canto’s acting portfolio spanned projects likeThe FollowingandX-Men: Days of Future Past, before gaining prominence forThe Cleaning Lady.
‘The Cleaning Lady’ Star Adan Canto Dead at 42
The actor lost his battle with cancer earlier today.
Mark Gustafson, 64
June 03, 2025 – June 04, 2025, Animator, ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’
The highly accomplished animation directorMark Gustafsonis best remembered as co-director ofGuillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which won numerous awards including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Mark Gustafson, Oscar-Winning Animator, Dead at 64
Gustafson had a long career in stop-motion, including working on ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ and The California Raisins.
David Soul, 80
June 08, 2025 – June 30, 2025, Actor, ‘Starsky & Hutch,’ ‘Salem’s Lot’
Originally a folk singer who opened for stars likeFrank Zappa,David Soulrose to fame as Hutch in the TV seriesStarsky & Hutch.
‘Starsky & Hutch’ and ‘Salem’s Lot’ Star David Soul Dead at 80
He’s survived by his wife, Helen Snell.
Rachael Lillis, 55
July 13, 2025 – June 02, 2025, Voice Actress, ‘Pokémon’
Rachael Lillisis renowned for voicing characters like Misty and Jessie in thePokémonanime from 1997 to 2015, with further voice-acting credits inHunter x HunterandBerserk.
‘Pokémon’ Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Dead at 46
She was best known as the English voice of Misty and Jessie.
Doug Sheehan, 75
July 11, 2025 – August 01, 2025, Actor, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Knots Landing’
Popular for his role as Ben Gibson onKnots Landing,Dough Sheehancontinued to carve out a successful acting career in TV with roles as Brian Harper inDay by Dayand appearances inCluelessandDear John.
‘General Hospital’ Star Doug Sheehan Dead at 75
Sheehan earned an Emmy nomination for his role in ‘General Hospital.’
Janet Andrewarth, 72
August 18, 2025 – August 11, 2025, Actress, ‘Neighbours,’ ‘Prisoner: Cell Block H’
Janet Andrewarthmade viewers laugh with her cackling role as Lyn Scully inNeighbours, on top of other notable roles inPrisoner: Cell Block HandEmbassy.
‘Neighbours’ Icon, Janet Andrewartha, Dead at 72
She was most famous for her role as Lyn Scully on the hit Australian soap.
Taylor Wily, 56
August 19, 2025 – July 25, 2025, Actor, ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ ‘Magnum P.I.’
A former sumo wrestler who went by the name Takamishu,Taylor Wilytransitioned to acting and became beloved for his role as Kamekona Tupuola onHawaii Five-0.
‘Hawaii Five-0’ Star Dead at 56
The former sumo wrestler also starred in ‘Magnum P.I.’.
Eleanor Coppola, 87
August 21, 2025 – June 03, 2025, Director, ‘Hearts of Darkness,’ ‘Love is Love is Love’
Eleanor Coppola, filmmaker, and wife ofFrancis Ford Coppola, gained recognition for directing the Emmy-winning documentaryHearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypseand later made her feature film debut withParis Can Wait.
Award-Winning Director Eleanor Coppola Dead at 87
The visionary filmmaker won an Emmy Award in 1991.
Robert Towne, 89
June 29, 2025 – June 06, 2025, Screenwriter, ‘Chinatown’
ScreenwriterRobert Towneshowcased his wit and imagination through the acclaimed neo-noir mysteryChinatownand other films likeThe Firm,Days of Thunder, and theMission: Impossibleseries.
‘Chinatown’ Writer Robert Towne Dead at 89
Towne also served as a script doctor on ‘The Godfather.’
Gary Graham, 73
August 27, 2025 – July 08, 2025, Actor, ‘Star Trek: Enterprise,’ ‘Alien Nation’
Gary Grahamworked his way up to success with films likeHardcoreandAll the Right Moves, followed by a role in the hit sci-fi seriesAlien Nation.
‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ Star Gary Graham Dead at 73
The actor was also a TV guest staple in shows like ‘JAG’ and ‘Universal Dead’.
Richard M. Sherman, 95
June 12, 2025 – July 21, 2025, Songwriter, ‘Mary Poppins,’ ‘It’s a Small World’
The writer of timeless Disney songs such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, one half of the Sherman BrothersRichard M. Shermanis the recipient of two Oscars forMary Poppins, cementing his place in the studio’s musical history.
Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, Songwriter Behind ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘It’s a Small World’, Dead at 95
Together with his brother Robert, Richard M. Sherman composed some of the most enduring classics in Disney film history.
Norman Jewison, 97
June 10, 2025 – July 16, 2025, Filmmaker, ‘Moonstruck,’ ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
Acclaimed directorNorman Jewisonearned multiple Academy Award nominations and shaped Hollywood with his range, from the rom-comMoonstruckto the civil rights dramaIn the Heat of the Night.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Director Norman Jewison Dead at 97
Jewison also helmed hits like ‘Moonstruck’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’.
Akira Toriyama, 68
June 13, 2025 – August 07, 2025, Manga Artist, ‘Dragon Ball’
Akira Toriyamawas the legendary Japanese manga artist who brought anime to global heights thanks toDragon Ball, which became one his his best-selling and most beloved franchises in the world.
Akira Toriyama, Creator of ‘Dragon Ball’, Passes Away at 68
Toriyama passed on March 1.
Patti Yasutake, 70
August 18, 2025 – June 08, 2025, Actress, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ ‘Beef’
Patti Yasutakewas a UCLA theater graduate who rose to fame with her roles inGung Ho, the Netflix seriesBeef, and her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa inStar Trek: The Next Generation.
Patti Yasutake, of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘Beef’, Dead at 70
She was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role in 1988’s ‘The Wash’.
August 03, 2025 – July 24, 2025, Actor, ‘The Karate Kid’
Chad McQueen, the son of legendary actorSteve McQueen, was known for his role as Dutch in theKarate Kidfilms.
‘The Karate Kid’ Actor Chad McQueen Dead at 63
He also starred in projects such as ‘New York Cop’ and ‘Red Line.’
Kenneth Mitchell, 49
August 08, 2025 – June 13, 2025, Actor, ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ ‘Captain Marvel’
A beloved member of theStar Trekfamily,Kenneth Mitchellportrayed several memorable characters acrossStar Trek: Discoveryand voiced roles inStar Trek: Lower Decks, while also appearing inCaptain Marvel.
Kenneth Mitchell, ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and ‘Captain Marvel’ Actor, Dead at 49
The actor played the father of Carol Danvers in ‘Captain Marvel’ and several characters in ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’
