Celebrity deaths of 2025: Who we’ve lost this year

LOS ANGELES – As the year unfolds, 2025 has already seen the loss of several celebrities who have left a mark on the entertainment world. 

From iconic actors and musicians to renowned athletes and artists, these figures shaped the cultural landscape and captured the hearts of millions. Here’s a look at the celebrities we have lost this year.

Chris Jasper 

February 23, 2025: Singer-songwriter Chris Jasper, a member of The Isley Brothers and a solo artist, died at the age of 73, according to his family. The family said Jasper died following a cancer diagnosis in December 2024. 

RELATED: Chris Jasper, Isley Brothers member and influential R&B musician, dies at 73

“He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on as an inspiration for generations,” the family posted. 

Paquita la del Barrio

February 17, 2025: Mexican singer and actress Paquita la del Barrio – known for hit anthems such as “Rata de Dos Patas,” “Tres Veces Te Engañé,” and “Las Mujeres Mandan” – died in February at the age of 77. The iconic rancheras singer, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, passed away at her home in Veracruz in eastern Mexico. 

DJ Unk

Jan. 24, 2025: Anthony Leonard Platt, known professionally as DJ Unk, an influential figure in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and a pioneer of the snap music subgenre, passed away on Jan. 24, according to TMZ. He was 43 years old.

RELATED: Atlanta hip-hop icon DJ Unk dies at 43: TMZ

DJ Unk rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his breakout hit single, “Walk It Out,” which climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Known for his infectious beats and energetic delivery, DJ Unk became a defining voice of Southern hip-hop and gained widespread recognition for his contributions to the genre.

Garth Hudson

Jan. 21, 2025: Garth Hudson, the last member of “The Band,” died at age 87.

RELATED: Garth Hudson, legendary instrumentalist and last member of The Band, dies

Hudson was the Band’s virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician who drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag.”

David Lynch

Jan. 15, 2025: David Lynch, the renowned filmmaker and artist, died on Jan. 15, according to a post published on his official Facebook account. He was 78 years old, and died just a few days before his 79th birthday.

Lynch was considered an auteur director with a dark, surreal, and sometimes unsettling artistic style. 

RELATED: David Lynch, filmmaker known for ‘Blue Velvet’ and TV series ‘Twin Peaks,’ has died

He directed iconic films including “Blue Velvet,” “Lost Highway,” Mulholland Drive,” and the TV series “Twin Peaks.” 

Leslie Charleson

Jan. 12, 2025: Leslie Charleson, known for her role on “General Hospital,” died on Jan. 12, 2025. She was 79.

RELATED: Leslie Charleson, ‘General Hospital’ star, dead at 79

The Daytime Emmy-nominated actress portrayed Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera for nearly 50 years.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed on the show’s official Instagram account. 

Sam Moore

Jan. 10, 2025: Sam Moore, part of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” died on Jan. 10. He was 89 years old.

His publicist confirmed his death to the Associated Press Friday, stating that he died in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery. 

RELATED: Sam Moore, ‘Soul Man’ singer, dies at 89

Moore, a 1992 Rock Hall of Fame inductee, influenced musicians including Michael Jackson, Al Green and Bruce Springsteen. 

Jeff Baena

Jan. 3, 2025: Writer and director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s husband, died on Jan. 3, according to multiple reports. He was 47 years old.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death and said his body was found at a home in Los Angeles. The medical examiner’s report listed Baena’s manner of death as a suicide.

RELATED: Director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s husband, dies at 47: reports

Baena had more than a dozen films to his name, with his most notable movie credit as co-writer of the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees” starring Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law and Naomi Watts. In 2014, he wrote and directed “Life After Beth,” a zombie comedy starring Plaza. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Brenton Wood

Jan. 3, 2025: Brenton Wood, the singer best known for “The Oogum Boogum Song,” died on Jan. 3, according to multiple reports. He was 83.

RELATED: Brenton Wood, ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ singer, dies at 83

According to Variety, Wood’s manager said he died from natural causes in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by family.

Wayne Osmond

Jan. 1, 2025: Wayne Osmond, a singer, guitarist and founding member of the famous family act The Osmonds, has died at 73.

Wayne died this week at a Salt Lake City hospital after suffering a “massive stroke,” sibling Merrill Osmond posted on his Facebook page.

RELATED: Wayne Osmond, founding member of The Osmonds, dies at 73

“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolutely no guile,” Merrill wrote. “An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”

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