2025 has been a year of significant loss in the entertainment industry. Several beloved sitcom actors have died in 2025, including younger stars like Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Michelle Trachtenberg. Take a look at all the stars that will be sorely missed below.
Sitcom Actor Bob Uecker Died at 90 After Cancer Battle
Bob Uecker wore many hats. Not only was he a baseball player and sportscaster, but he was also an occasional actor. One of his most memorable roles was as George Owens on the hit ’80s sitcom Mr Belvedere. Sadly, Ueker passed at the age of 90 after a two-year battle with Small Cell Lung Cancer.
‘What’s Happening!!’ Star Danielle Spencer Died at 60
Child star Danielle Spencer became a household name for her role as the bratty but lovable Dee Thomas in the popular 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!. Spencer would later become a veterinarian, a career she pursued until her death at age 60. She passed away from gastric cancer in August 2025.
Character Actor Gary Crotty (Biff Wiff) Died After Cancer Struggle
Gary Grotty, who you’re likely more used to calling Biff Wiff, has been in more hit sitcoms than we can count on two hands. He had a successful career as a character actor that came to an end in February 2025 after years of battling recurring cancer.
‘Cheers’ Star George Wendt Died at 76 From Cardiac Arrest
While we’ll never forget George Wendt as Cheers regular Norm Peterson, he has a career that extends far beyond just the bar in Boston. In fact, Wendt was active until a year before his passing in May 2025. He died from cardiac arrest at the age of 76.
‘Dennis the Menace’ Star Jay North Died After Colon Cancer Battle
The very first Dennis the Menace to grace TV screens died this year. Former child star Jay North had been battling colon cancer for years but is said to have passed away peacefully back in April.
Veteran TV Actor Jerry Adler Died at 96
Although there’s a better chance you’ve seen him as a crook or lawyer in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, Jerry Adler has quite a few TV series to his name, including the sitcoms Mad About You and Raising Dad. He had a full life and career until his passing at age 96 in August 2025.
‘Love Actually’ and ‘Him & Her’ Actress Joanna Bacon Died at 72
Joanna Bacon has quite a diverse list of credits to her name. She’s had minor roles in pretty big films like Britain’s Christmas classic Love Actually, while also taking on sitcom characters like Janet from Him & Her. Sadly, the character actress passed away from cancer at age 72.
‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Killed in 2025 Tragedy
King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss’s acting career was cut short in June 2025. Joss was shot in the head outside their San Antonio home in an alleged hate crime. Jonathan’s Parks and Recreation co-stars shared tributes to their “Chief Ken Hotate” online.
‘Lost in Space’ Legend June Lockhart Died at 100
Actress June Lockhart’s film career kicked off when she was just in her teens. Lockhart went on to star in some of the most popular shows of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including Lassie, Lost in Space and the sitcom Petticoat Junction. She definitely loved her work and continued to do voice acting until close to her death at age 100 in October 2025.
‘Hogan’s Heroes’ Actor Kenneth Washington Died at 88
Actor Kenneth Washington, who passed away this year at 88, was known for his roles in the sitcom Hogan’s Heroes and TV shows like Star Trek and Westworld. The cause of his death was cardiopulmonary arrest and prostate cancer.
‘Vice Principals’ Star Kimberly Hébert Gregory Died at 52
Fans are still in shock over the unexpected passing of Vice Principals actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory in October 2025. The actress was only 52 at the time of her death, and the cause behind her sudden passing is still unknown.
MAS*H’ Star Loretta Swit Died at 87
87-year-old Loretta Swit died of natural causes on May 30. The two-time Emmy winner had her breakout role as Major Houlihan on the sitcom M*A*S*H and continued playing the beloved character for 11 seasons.
‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Actress Loni Anderson Died at 79
Loni Anderson, best remembered for her role as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, passed away after a prolonged illness…and just days before her 80th birthday. The actress also starred as Jayne Mansfield alongside a young Arnold Schwarzenegger back in the 80s.
‘Sanford and Son’ Actress Lynn Hamilton Died at 95
The ever-warm and graceful Lynn Hamilton passed away from natural causes in June 2025. She is known for bringing her emotional depth and quiet strength to Donna Harris in the TV sitcom Sanford and Son.
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Actress Lynne Marie Stewart Died at 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, known for her roles in comedies like Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, passed away at 78. The actress was diagnosed with cancer in late 2024 after a tumour was discovered near her liver and gallbladder.
‘The Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Died at 54
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s acting career spanned decades, and many of his most famous roles were actually in sitcoms. You might know him as Theo Huxtable from The Cosby Show, Malcolm and Eddie’s titular leading man, or Dr Alex Reed from Reed Between the Lines. Sadly, Warner tragically died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.
‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Died in 2025
Most noughties kids have fond memories of watching Michelle Trachtenberg on Nick series like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy. While she later found popularity with hit TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, she also acted in a lesser-known sitcom called Guys Like Us. Unfortunately, Trachtenberg’s life was cut short in 2025.
‘Are You Being Served?’ Star Mike Berry Died at 82
Mike Berry was just as at ease behind the mic as he was on the screen. The singer and actor passed on at the age of 82. Berry was the last surviving main cast member of the sitcom Are You Being Served?
‘Friends’ Guest Star Nicky Katt Died at 54
54-year-old Nicky Katt was found dead in his Burbank apartment in April 2025. Katt’s family confirmed that he had been struggling with depression before he took his own life. Over the years, he guest-starred in dozens of television shows, including sitcoms like Friends, King of the Hill, Monk, and Casual.
Golden Globe Winner Patricia Crowley Died at 92
Golden Globe winner Patricia “Pat” Crowley died of natural causes this September, a mere two days before her 92nd birthday. The actress has had numerous notable roles throughout her career, including appearances on popular TV shows like Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and Dynasty.
‘Deadwood’ Actor Peter Jason Died at 80
Hollywood veteran Peter Jason passed away from cancer at the age of 80. He was known for his roles as Con Stapleton in Deadwood and Dr Paul Leahy in Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness, but also had plenty of guest appearances in hit sitcoms, including Arrested Development and The Golden Girls.
‘Alice’ Star Polly Holliday Died at 87
Polly Holliday was the only remaining cast member of the 70s sitcom Alice until her death in September 2025. Fans still use her famous catchphrase “Kiss my grits!” today.
‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ Actor Rick Hurst Died at 79
Rick Hurst died unexpectedly this year at the age of 79. He was best known for his role as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, but also dabbled in comedy as with his sitcom On the Rocks.
Comedy Legend Ruth Buzzi Died at 88
Ruth Buzzi, known for bringing big laughs as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, died from complications related to Alzheimer’s in May 2025. Buzzi had spent over five decades on different shows and films, including the ’70s sitcom Lotsa Luck.
Emmy-Winning Actress Valerie Mahaffey Died in 2025
Emmy Award-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey passed away from cancer in May this year. She appeared in a number of hit TV shows throughout her career, including The West Wing, ER, Frasier, Seinfeld, and Wings.
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