Celebrity Deaths of 2025: Melanie Watson and More Stars We Lost

Hollywood has mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2025.

Over the summer, we lost Anne Burrell, Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Brandon Blackstock.

Jane Goodall, Diane Keaton, D’Angelo, Marshawn Kneeland and more passed away in October and November.

December saw the death of former So You Think You Can Dance contestant Donyelle Jones, director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, as well as Pat Finn, NASCAR star Greg Biffle and James Ransone. Jethro Tull’s Mick Abrahams, Big Brother alum Mickey Lee and Diff’rent Strokes’ Melanie Watson also died at the end of the month.

Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2025:

The Diff’rent Strokes star’s brother, Robert Watson, told TMZ that Melanie died on December 26 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She had been hospitalized after suffering from bleeding issues and her condition deteriorated.

French actress Brigitte Bardot died in December after a recent health scare. She was 91.

“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” her eponymous nonprofit told AFP in a December 28 statement.

Bardot is survived by her husband, her son, her granddaughters and her great-grandchildren.

Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, died at age 65 over Christmas according to a statement released by the band. He was 65.

“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the statement read. “Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative ‘Teddy’ was a warm and vital part of The Cure story.” 

Big Brother season 27 star Mickey Lee died at age 35 on December 25 after she was hospitalized for multiple cardiac arrests amid a battle with complications from the flu, her family confirmed. 

“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” their statement shared via social media read. “Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike. She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen.”

Mick Abrahams, the original guitarist for rock band Jethro Tull, died at age 82 on December 19.

“It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams,” vocalist Ian Anderson said in a statement shared via the band’s website. “Mick had endured worsening ill health for the last 15 years leaving him finally unable to perform or interact socially to any degree.”

Anderson continued, “I spoke to Clive Bunker from the Choir of Southwark Cathedral to get confirmation that the reports earlier in the day were, in fact, correct. And, yes – Clive had received a phone call from Mick’s family to communicate the sad news.”

The statement concluded, “We all offer our condolences to Mick’s family and close friends, who can feel justifiably proud of his achievements and musical legacy.”

Finn died on December 24, at his home in Los Angeles while surrounded by his family after a cancer battle. 

Generation Kill and It: Chapter Two actor James Ransone died by suicide on December 19, medical records confirmed. He was 46.

Ransone is survived by his wife and two children.

Race car driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife, Cristina, and his two children, died in a December 18 plane crash in North Carolina. 

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Rep. Richard Hudson, a family friend, wrote via X. “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century star Gil Gerard died on December 16 at the age of 82.

“Early this morning Gil — my soulmate — lost his fight with a rare and viciously  aggressive form of cancer,” Gil’s wife, Janet Gerard, wrote via Facebook. “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days.”

She continued, “No matter how many years I got to spend with him, it would have ever been enough.”

Progressive country singer-songwriter Joe Ely died at 78 years old on December 15 from complications of Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia, according to a statement obtained by People. 

Anthony Geary, best known for his role as Luke Spencer in General Hospital, died on December 14 at age 78. His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news the following day.

“It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” Gama shared in a statement to TV Insider. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

Geary’s death came days after he underwent surgery.

Former NCIS: Los Angeles actress Rachael Carpani died at age 45, her family revealed in a statement shared via Instagram on December 15. “It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, in the early hours of Sunday 7th December,” the statement read, revealing a funeral was planned for December 19. 

Iconic Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on December 14. Us Weekly confirmed at the time that Rob, 78, and Michele were deceased upon discovery by the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department, who both attended the scene.

The couple’s family said in a statement shared with Variety later that day, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Pulp Fiction actor Peter Greene was found dead in his New York City apartment on December 12. He was 60.

“He was a unique individual,” manager Gregg Edward told The New York Daily News in a statement. “One of the most brilliant character actors on the planet. Had a really good heart. Cared about people.”

Musician Camryn Magness, who previously toured with One Direction and Fifth Harmony, died on December 5 at the age of 26.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our beloved Camryn, a radiant force whose voice, coy and bright spirit touched so many,” a statement from Magness’ Facebook page read on December 9. “Whether beneath the waves or on stage, she met life with fearless energy and boundless kindness. In the quiet between waves, her memory will surface — bright, bold, unforgotten.”

Camryn’s mother, Sarah Magness, later told TMZ that she died after being hit while riding an electric scooter in Miami, Florida.

Fairly OddParents voice actor Jim Ward died on December 10 after complications from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was 66.

“Our good friend, Jim Ward, passed away yesterday,” Ward’s radio show cohost, Stephanie Miller, wrote via X. “We’re going to spend the morning remembering his brilliance.”

Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Wenne Alton Davis died after being struck by a car in New York City on December 8. She was 60.

While working as an actress, Davis also supported herself in a security job at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“She had a huge love for New York, for acting, for her colleagues at JFK and, most of all, her family and her circle of friends (which was also huge),” Davis’ agent said in a statement to The New York Times.

Comedian Jeff Garcia, best known for voicing Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, died at age 48 on December 10, his family confirmed to TMZ. Garcia was taken off life support the previous night at a Southern California hospital while surrounded by family and friends, his loved ones told the outlet. Garcia reportedly suffered multiple medical complications in the months leading to his death, including a brain aneurysm and a stroke.

Sophie Kinsella died in December at age 55 after being diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of brain cancer.

Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes died at the age of 71 after being stabbed to death in his home, the Santa Monica Police Department confirmed in a December 9 statement. Sykes was found “with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing” before being pronounced “deceased at the scene.” Authorities also stated that “the suspect” is “the victim’s son, Micah Sykes” who was at the home when police arrived and “taken into custody without incident.” Micah was booked for homicide, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Mavericks announced on December 9 that Raulo Malo died at the age of 60.

“Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy,” the band shared via Instagram at the time. “Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.”

Although his cause of death was not immediately revealed, Malo announced in June 2025 that he was battling stage IV colon cancer.

Cameron Boyce’s grandmother died on December 3 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The activist was 84. Jo Ann was surrounded by her family at her home in California, the Los Angeles Times reported.

NASCAR XFinity Series winner Michael Annett died in December at the age of 39.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports wrote via Instagram on  December 5. “Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and was an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.”

The Finding Prince Charming contestant died at age 42 on December 4, his friends and family confirmed via a GoFundMe page.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of our beautiful, kind, and generous son, brother and friend Chad,” the fundraiser reads. “His passing was sudden and heartbreaking, and we are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light.”

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died on December 4 at age 75, his family confirmed to Deadline.

Tagawa died from complications from a stroke. He died surrounded by his children in Los Angeles.

Tagawa’s best-known roles include playing Shang Tsung in 1995’s Mortal Kombat movie adaptation, Memoirs of a Geisha and Prime Video’s The Man in the High Castle.

Criscilla Anderson died at the age of 45 following a battle with colon cancer.

“My sweet community, If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus — peacefully and surrounded by love,” Criscilla, who was the ex-wife of country singer Coffey Anderson, wrote in an Instagram post shared posthumously by her friend Lindsey on December 2. “Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone … I’m Home.”

So You Think You Can Dance season 2 finalist Donyelle Jones died on Tuesday, December 2, after a 10-year battle with cancer.

“Today at 8: 34am, Donyelle Denise Wilson, transitioned. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. And a warrior who kicked cancer’s ass every single day she was here. Her spirit never dimmed. Her heart never hardened. And even in the storm, she never lost her smile. GIWMA,” read a statement posted to Jones’ Instagram account.

Rapper Poorstacy (real name Carlito Milfort Jr.), died on November 29 at age 26 after an “incident” at a hotel in Boca Raton, Florida, the local police department confirmed to multiple outlets on December 1. A cause of death has yet to be determined. 

The five-time Tony Award-winning playwright died at age 88 on November 29. A cause of death was not immediately made available.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend Tom Stoppard has died peacefully at home in Dorset surrounded by his family,” United Agents said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit, and his profound love of the English language. It was an honor to work with Tom and to know him.”

Stoppard wrote the classic plays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Night and Day, before branching out into screenwriting. He cowrote the 1985 science fiction comedy Brazil and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for cowriting 1998’s Shakespeare In Love.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla hailed Stoppard as “one of our greatest writers” in their memorial tribute.

“A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history,” the royal couple said in a statement to BBC News.

The veteran stage and screen actor died at age 55 at his home in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 26 after suffering a fall.

He was best known for his voice acting in projects for Netflix, Nickelodeon and Disney, in addition to starring in stage productions of Something Rotten!, The Wizard of Oz, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera.

“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of actor and voice artist Tony Germano on the morning of Wednesday, November 26. Tony suffered a fall at his residence and, unfortunately, did not survive his injuries,” his rep told People.

Their statement continued, “Their statement continued, “We kindly ask for respect and understanding during this painful time for his family, friends, and colleagues. Tony leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity and immense talent that touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His absence will be deeply felt.”

Brazilian TV host and actor Miguel Falabella paid tribute to Germano as “an untouchable professional” and a “gifted actor” via Instagram.

Songwriter Jackson Browne announced that his son, Ethan Browne, died at the age of 52 on November 25. A cause of death was not revealed at the time. 

“It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away,” read a statement shared via Jackson’s Facebook on November 26. “We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time. No further details are available at this moment.”

Reggae music legend Jimmy Cliff died at age 81, according to a statement shared by his wife, Latifa Chambers, on November 24. “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” Chambers wrote. “I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.” 

The message was also signed by the couple’s children, Lilty and Aken, and noted more information would be shared “at a later date.” 

German actor Udo Kier died on November 23 at the age of 81, his partner Delbert McBride told Variety.

Kier’s career spanned over 200 movie roles, including My Own Private Idaho, Armageddon and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. He also appeared in two music videos for Madonna in 1992.

News broke on November 22 that the Prince collaborator died at age 69. “The family of Jellybean Johnson is deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved husband and father,” his family shared in a statement with Fox affiliate KSMP at the time. “Jellybean was an innovator of what became known across the world as the Minneapolis sound … [and] the only drummer the Time ever had from inception to the current day. Jellybean loved his family, his friends, and the city of Minneapolis.”

The former NBA star — who won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2000 while playing for the Phoenix Suns — died at age 54 on November 21 from natural causes linked to a spinal cord injury. Rogers was paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a 2008 ATV crash where he accidentally drove into a ditch and flipped over the handlebars.

“The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers. Rodney earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award while playing for the Phoenix Suns and was a beloved teammate during his 12-year NBA career,” an NBA statement read. “He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but also for the extraordinary resilience, courage and generosity that he demonstrated throughout his life — qualities that inspired so many. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s wife, Faye, and their family.”

Rock musician Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield died at age 63 on November 20. No cause of death was immediately announced.

The bassist was a member of groundbreaking U.K. bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, in addition to forming the supergroup Freebass with Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order.

“RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X,” The Stone Roses wrote via X.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher added, “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero, RIP R Kid.”

Mani and his late wife, Imelda, shared twin sons Gene Clark and George Christopher, who were born in 2012. (Imelda died in November 2023 after a three-year cancer battle.)

Gotti star Spencer Lofranco died on November 18 at the age of 33.

“To the legend @roccowinning. My brother,” Spencer’s sibling, Santino Lofranco, wrote via Instagram on November 20. “You lived a life only some could dream of. You changed people’s lives, and now you are with God. I will always love you and miss you, Bear.”

The Kessler Twins died by assisted suicide on November 17. The German Society for Human Dying (DGHS) told CNN in a statement the next day that the duo contacted the organization more than a year ago and became members.

“The decisive factor is likely to have been the desire to die together on a specific date,” DGHS spokesperson Wega Wetzel told CNN, explaining that didn’t know their reasoning. “Their desire to die was well-considered, long-standing, and free from any psychiatric crisis.”

Paige Greco, an Australia-based Paralympic gold medalist in cycling, died at age 28 on November 16. 

The Associated Press published a statement by the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian cycling federation saying that the athlete had “passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode.”

Todd Snider’s social media team confirmed he’d died at age 59 on November 15.

In the weeks leading up to his death, the singer-songwriter had been arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct, threat of violence and trespassing while in Salt Lake City, Utah. A statement via Instagram later revealed that he’d been hospitalized with walking pneumonia once he returned home from Salt Lake City.

“He relayed so much tenderness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to look at the world through a different lens,” an Instagram statement read. “He got up every morning and started writing, always working towards finding his place among the songwriting giants that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who let him into their lives and took him under their wings, who he studied relentlessly.”

ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo announced the “sad news” of former correspondent Jim Avila’s death during the November 13 broadcast. She revealed that he “passed away after a long illness,” although she did not share any further details about his death. 

President of ABC News Almin Karamehmedovic also shared a statement, saying, “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth.”

Sally Kirkland died at age 84 after entering hospice care following a dementia diagnosis and multiple injuries. 

Kirkland’s rep Michael Greene told TMZ on November 11, that she died earlier that morning, days after it was reported that she entered hospice. A GoFundMe was previously set up for Kirkland following “two separate life-threatening infections” after she fractured multiple bones earlier this year. 

Pauline Collins’ family confirmed on November 6 that the Oscar-nominated actress died following a private battle with Parkinson’s. She was 85.

“Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life,” the family told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. “A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens. She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine — a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.”

The Dallas Cowboys announced on November 6 that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died. He was 24 years old.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys wrote in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Police said in a press release that Kneeland died by apparent suicide following a pursuit earlier that night where law enforcement attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine his official cause of death.

A rep for the Grateful Dead singer confirmed her death in a statement shared with People, noting that Donna Jean Godchaux died at a hospice facility on November 2 “after a lengthy struggle with cancer.”

“She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss,” the statement read. “The family requests privacy at this time of grieving. In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home.’”

Longtime Philadelphia radio DJ Pierre Robert was found dead inside his home on October 29. He was 70.

Robert spent over 40 years as a DJ on rock station 93.3 WMMR Radio. Beasley Media Group, WMMR’s parent company, said the circumstances of Robert’s death are not yet known, but no foul play is suspected.

“We all have heavy hearts today,” Caroline Beasley, Beasley Media Group’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Pierre’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.”

“The entire WMMR and Beasley Media Group family are deeply saddened by this incredible loss. Our condolences go out to Pierre Robert’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” Beasley Media Group said in a statement.

The former child actor, known for playing a young Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died at the age of 42 after suffering a heart attack on October 29, his mother confirmed to TMZ.

British actress Prunella Scales died on Monday, October 27, at age 93, her sons, Samuel and Joseph, told the PA News agency.

Scales was best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, starring opposite Monty Python comedian John Cleese.

“Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday,” Scales’ family said in a statement.

“She was 93. Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died,” the statement continued.

“We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love,” the family concluded.

The legendary actress, known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, died at 100 years old of natural causes, a press release announced on October 25. 

9-1-1: Nashville actress Isabelle Tate died at age 23 on October 19, her agency confirmed on October 22. 

“We are deeply saddened and completely heartbroken to share that Isabelle Tate passed away on October 19th. She was 23,” a Facebook post read. “I’ve known Izzy since she was a teenager and she recently returned to acting. She booked the first series she auditioned for, 9-1-1 Nashville. She had a wonderful time.”

A rep for Tate later told Entertainment Weekly that her cause of death was a rare neurological disorder.

“Isabelle ‘Izzy’ Tate had a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease,” Kim McCray, founder of Tate’s The McCray Agency, told the outlet, adding that she “passed away peacefully.” The statement also noted that Tate’s family “requests privacy as they deal with this sudden and shocking loss.”

The former NFL player’s family confirmed his death on October 19. He was 36.

The former New York Yankees star died at age 35 after a motorcycle crash, the MLB team announced on October 19.

Limp Bizkit announced on October 18 that the founding member and bassist Rivers had died of undisclosed causes.

“Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound,” Fred Durst, John Otto, Wes Borland and DJ Lethal wrote via Instagram. “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.”

The band went on, “We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there. He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.”