2025 has taken away a lot of laughs from audiences around the world. The year has already claimed countless comedic performers and voice actors who have brought us plenty of joy and laughter over the years. Here are some famous comedians who sadly died in 2025.
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton, who starred in comedies like Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, and Something’s Gotta Give, died of pneumonia at the age of 79. The actress was known for playing quirky, lovable characters who always matched her unique sense of style.
George Lowe
George Lowe, who showed off his voice acting and comedic talents on shows like American Dad! and, most significantly, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, died at the age of 67. Lowe had elective heart surgery back in 2023 but was “met with many challenges” during recovery, according to the Los Angeles Times.
George Wendt
George Wendt, who made many Cheers fans howl with laughter as Norm Peterson in the ’80s and early ’90s, died after a heart attack at the age of 76. Wendt also had notable roles in the WB show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, as well as the 1992 film Forever Young.
Jay North
Jay North, who brought life to the mischievous comic strip character Dennis the Menace in the CBS live-action comedy, died at the age of 73. The actor who also voiced cartoon characters like Bamm-Bamm Rubble and Prince Turhan died after a long battle with cancer.
Ken Flores
Los Angeles comedian Ken Flores died suddenly while on his headlining tour, Butterfly Effect. The medical examiner found that his death was caused by cocaine toxicity. The comedian was just 28 years old.
Lynne Marie Stewart
Lynne Marie Stewart, who starred in comedies like Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, died at the age of 78. The bubbly actress passed away from cancer, which was found near her liver and gallbladder in late 2024.
Reginald “Reggie” Carroll
Baltimore-based comedian Reggie Carroll was killed in a shooting in August 2025. Carroll was mainly known for his series Knockout Kings of Comedy, but also made a guest appearance on Showtime at the Apollo in 2000.
Ruth Buzzi
Ruth Buzzi, remembered for her hilarious role as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, passed away at 88 from complications of Alzheimer’s. Buzzi had spent nearly five decades making viewers laugh on multiple television shows and films, including Sesame Street.
Tony Slattery
Tony Slattery, best known for his appearances on Channel 4’s improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, died at the age of 65. The English actor and comedian suffered from a heart attack.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who fans loved as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show and Malcolm McGee on Malcolm & Eddie, drowned at 54. The actor made his final television appearance on Fox’s Murder in a Small Town this October.
