2025 was brutal for Hollywood’s leading women. The Vivienne’s bright star faded at 32, Leslie Charleson’s soap legacy ended at 79, and Kim Sae-ron’s career was cut short at 24. Michelle Trachtenberg shocked fans at 39, Lynn Ban at 50, and legends Connie Francis and Diane Keaton left unforgettable legacies at 82 and 79.
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton’s final act came on October 11 at 79, leaving behind a legacy as timeless as her wardrobe. From Hair in 1968 to Annie Hall’s Oscar win, she owned every scene. Even in her later years, she kept stealing spotlights in The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall died on October 1 at 91 while on her U.S. speaking tour. Her institute called her a “tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.” The scientist who changed how we understand chimpanzees never really stopped teaching us about being human.
Pat Crowley
Patricia “Pat” Crowley, the Golden Globe winner who lit up Dynasty and countless classic shows, died on September 14 in Los Angeles at 91. Her son, Sony Pictures executive Jon Hookstratten, confirmed the news, saying goodbye to a woman who made Hollywood sparkle long before red carpets became routine.
Paula Shaw
Paula Shaw, a familiar face to Hallmark Channel fans, died peacefully on September 10 at 84, her workshop The Max confirmed. Known for her warmth on screen and off, she spent decades teaching and performing.
Polly Holliday
Polly Holliday, best known for The Parent Trap and her unforgettable “Kiss my grits!” as Flo on Alice, died on September 9 in Manhattan at 88. Her friend and agent Dennis Aspland said pneumonia was suspected. After years of health struggles, she still managed to leave everyone smiling.
Sheila Jordan
Jazz legend Sheila Jordan died on August 11 in New York City at 96, surrounded by family. Her daughter Tracey shared, “She fell asleep listening to the music she loved and helped define.” A true bebop pioneer, Jordan’s final moments were set to the rhythm she devoted her life to.
Danielle Spencer
Danielle Spencer, who stole hearts as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!, died on August 11 at 60 after a long fight with cancer. Her costar Haywood Nelson called her “our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.” From sitcom fame to animal care, Spencer lived every role with purpose.
Loni Anderson
Loni Anderson, who became a TV icon as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died in Los Angeles just days before turning 80. Her publicist Cheryl J. Kagan said she passed after a prolonged illness.
Jeannie Seely
Country legend Jeannie Seely died on August 1 in Hermitage, Tennessee, at 85 from complications of an intestinal infection. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely spent more than six decades lighting up the Grand Ole Opry stage with a voice and spirit that never missed a note—or a smile.
Connie Francis
Connie Francis, the first woman to top the Billboard charts solo, died on July 17 at 87. Her friend and label president Ron Roberts said she “left this world as big a star as she ever was.” Even TikTok rediscovered her hit Pretty Little Baby. Her parting words? “I hope I did okay.”
Eileen Fulton
Eileen Fulton, the soap opera trailblazer who played Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns for over 50 years, died on July 14 at 91 after a period of declining health. Her iconic mix of charm and mischief helped define daytime drama long before streaming stole the spotlight.
Lynn Hamilton
Lynn Hamilton, best known as Donna on Sanford and Son, died on June 19 at 95 of natural causes. Her team said her five-decade career “left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.” From stage to screen, Hamilton brought quiet strength to every role she touched.
Anne Burrell
Anne Burrell, the fiery chef behind Worst Cooks in America, died at 55 in her Brooklyn home on June 17. The medical examiner later ruled her death a suicide. Her family said, “Her smile lit up every room.” Even in loss, her energy and love continue to feed hearts everywhere.
Ananda Lewis
Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ who defined a generation of pop culture cool, died on June 11 at 52. Her sister Lakshmi shared the news online. Diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2020, Lewis faced it her way—courageously, honestly, and without apology—just like she lived.
Renée Victor
Renée Victor, the beloved voice of Abuelita in Coco and Lupita in Weeds, died on May 30 at 86 after battling lymphoma. Her agency said she passed surrounded by family in her Sherman Oaks home. Warm, fierce, and funny, Victor gave every role the kind of heart you could feel.
Valerie Mahaffey
Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning star of Northern Exposure and Big Sky, died on May 30 at 71 after a battle with cancer. Her husband, Joseph Kell, said, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.” Few could match her charm.
Loretta Swit
Loretta Swit, who won two Emmys as the sharp-tongued Major Houlihan on MASH*, died of natural causes on May 30 at 87 in her New York City home. Her publicist Harlan Boll confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for one of TV’s most unforgettable women in uniform.
Georgia O’Cooper
Pro boxer Georgia O’Cooper died on May 22 at just 25, months after revealing her cancer diagnosis. Two weeks before her death, she married her longtime partner, Adriano Cardinali. Her promoter Boxxer called her “fearless,” a word that perfectly fit a fighter who never stopped swinging, even off the mat.
Lorna Raver
Lorna Raver, the actress who terrified audiences in Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell, died on May 12 at 81. Her passing was announced in the Summer 2025 issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine. On-screen, she was haunting; off-screen, she was all heart—a true character actor in every sense.
Patty Maloney
Patty Maloney, remembered from Little House on the Prairie, died on March 31 at 89 in Florida hospice care. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, said she’d suffered “several” strokes but lived fully. “For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do,” he shared.
Émilie Dequenne
Émilie Dequenne, the Belgian actress who stunned audiences in Rosetta, died on March 16 in Paris at 43, two years after revealing her rare adrenal gland cancer. Her rep, Charlotte Tourret, called her “an example to us all… your extraordinary strength, your courage.” Dequenne’s light still lingers beyond the screen.
Angie Stone
Angie Stone, the Grammy-nominated R&B powerhouse behind hits like No More Rain (In This Cloud), died on March 1 at 63 after a car crash involving an 18-wheeler. Her rep confirmed the news. A neo-soul trailblazer, Stone’s voice shaped an era—and her groove will never fade.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg, who grew up on screen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy, was found dead in New York City at 39. Police said no foul play was suspected. Friends and costars remembered her as funny, kind, and forever the little sister everyone rooted for.
Lynne Marie Stewart
Lynne Marie Stewart, known for Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, died on February 21 at 78. Her rep, Bette Smith, said doctors found a tumor near her liver and gallbladder weeks after filming The Dink. “All she cared about was the art,” Smith said. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known.”
Joan Plowright
Dame Joan Plowright, the legendary British actress and widow of Laurence Olivier, died peacefully on January 16 at 95. Her family said she “enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theater, film, and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.” A true class act to the end.
