Renee Victor, Valerie Mahaffey, & More Stars Who Tragically Passed Away in 2025

Renee Victor

American actress, dance instructor, and singer Renee Victor tragically died from lymphoma at the age of 86 on May 30, 2025. 

She is survived by her daughters Raquel Victor and Margo Victor.

Valerie Mahaffey

Valerie Mahaffey, TV actress known for her roles in Young Sheldon and Desperate Housewives, has tragically passed away at the age of 71 from cancer. Her husband confirmed the news to Page Six, saying, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”

She is survived by her husband Joseph Kell and their daughter Alice Richards.

Loretta Swit

Emmy-winning actress Loretta Swit, known for her role as Major Margaret J “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the series M*A*S*H, has died from natural causes at the age of 87. 

George Wendt

George Wendt, known for his roles in Cheers, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

His publicist Melissa Nathan confirmed the news to People, saying: “Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy Cheers, has passed away. George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home,” the statement continued. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever.”

She added, “The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt is survived by his wife and children. 

Jiggly Caliente

RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Jiggly Caliente has tragically passed away at the age of 44, mere days after a leg amputation. Her family confirmed the news on her Instagram, saying, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”

Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre, one of the Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew abuse accusers, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. She died by suicide, and her family issued a statement to People, saying,”Giuffre lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure. The light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily.”

She is survived by her three children.

Lar Park Lincoln

Actress Lar Park Lincoln, known for her roles in House II: The Second Story, Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, and Knots Landing, has passed away at the age of 63 from her long battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her two children.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church who made history as the first Latin American pontiff and one who tried to reshape the Church, passed away on April 20, 2025. His death on Easter Sunday followed his health complications in the past month, including being hospitalized with double pneumonia. He was 88 years old. 

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell wrote in a statement announcing his passing, per CNN. Until a new pope is chosen, Farrell acts as the head of the Vatican.

Clodagh Rodgers

Eurovision legend Clodagh Rodgers, known for her hit singles like “Come Back and Shake Me”, “Goodnight Midnight” and “Jack in the Box,” has passed away at the age of 78. She is survived by her son Sam, who announced her death on Facebook, saying, “With a heavy heart, my dear beautiful mum Clodagh has sadly passed away after battling an illness for the last three years. She passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by her family in Cobham.
“Mum has lived an incredible life, full of love and happiness. Her fantastic career performing, traveling the world, devoting her life to her two sons and being the rock of this family. Life will not be the same without Mum, but she will finally be at peace now with dad, nanny and pappa.”

Nicky Katt

Actor Nicky Katt, known for his roles in Boston Public and Dazed and Confused, has tragically passed away at the age of 54.

His death was confirmed to Page Six by John Sloss, founder and partner at Sloss Law, who provided legal representation to Katt when he was alive.

Lucy Markovic

Croatian model Lucy Markovic has tragically passed away at the age of 27. She had an arteriovenous malformation, which is a disease with tangled, abnormal brain vessels, and complications from this were the cause of her death.

She was best known for her extensive modeling career, modeling for brands like Givenchy, Versace, and Armani, and competing on Australia’s Next Top Model. 

Ted Kotcheff

Ted Kotcheff, known for directing films such as Wake in Fright and Weekend at Bernie’s, has died at the age of 94 from heart failure. He is survived by his five children and his longtime wife Laifun Chung.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer died at age 65 on Tuesday, April 1. Her daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times that her father died of pneumonia. He previously battled with throat cancer after a 2014 diagnosis but recovered. 

Kilmer is survived by daughter Mercedes and son Jack from his marriage to Joanne Whalley. 

The actor who is best known for roles in 1986’s Top Gun, 1995’s Batman Forever and 1995’s Heat made his final film appearance in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. 

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain passed away at the age of 90 on March 29, 2025.

“Our beloved Richard is with the angels now,” Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain’s longtime partner, said in a statement obtained by People. “He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”

George Foreman

The two-time world heavyweight champion and businessman, George Foreman, has passed away at the age of 76. His family broke the news on Instagram on March 21, saying, “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

He is survived by his 11 children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. (He has 12 children, but tragically, his daughter Freeda died in 2019.) 

Angie Stone

Singer Angie Stone has passed away at the age of 63 from a car accident, per Page Six. Her daughter, Diamond Stone, confirmed the news, saying,

“My mommy is gone,” alongside several crying emojis. The R&B and soul singer was part of two trios, Sequence and then Vertical Hold, before going solo. She was most well-known for her single, “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” 

She is survived by her two children: Diamond, born in 1984, and Michael, born in 1998. She was also the grandmother to Diamond’s two children.

Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and longtime wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home on Thursday, Feb. 26, AP reports. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found alongside their dog, who had also passed away. Hackman was 95 while his wife, a classical pianist, was 63. 

According to Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, no foul play is suspected at this time and an investigation is ongoing

Michelle Trachtenberg

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for roles in Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harriet the Spy, died at age 39. 

On Feb. 26, The New York Post reported that the actress was found dead inside her New York City apartment. Her death is not being investigated as suspicious.

Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack, a legendary R&B singer who rose to stardom through songs like  “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has passed away. She was 88.

Flack’s rep confirmed the news to Variety. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement reads. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

Lynne Marie Stewart

Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Lynne Marie Stewart has sadly passed away at the age of 78. Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson confirmed the news of her pal’s passing on Instagram, saying, “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland. 💔'”

Kim Sae-ron

Actress Kim Sae-ron, known for her roles in A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, has tragically passed away at the age of 24. She was found in her home by a friend, and an investigation is ensuing around the circumstances of her tragic death.

Jocelyn Wildenstein

Swiss socialite Jocelyne Wildenstein, who was known as “Catwoman” because of her cosmetic procedures, passed away on Jan. 1. She was 79 years old. 

Wildenstein’s partner Lloyd Klein announced the news to AFP, per Barron’s. “An icon has left us,” Klein told the outlet. 

She passed from a pulmonary embolism in a luxury hotel in Paris.

Jeff Baena

Writer and director Jeff Baena, known for his work in movies like Life After Beth and The Little Hours, passed away on Jan. 3 at his home in Los Angeles, per CNN. The L.A. County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide.

Following his death, his wife and longtime partner Audrey Plaza shared a statement with his family. “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support,” the statement to Variety read. “Please respect our privacy during this time.”

James Lee Williams (aka The Vivienne)

James Lee Williams, who also went by the stage name The Vivienne in Drag, passed away on Jan. 5. They were best known for winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and also participated in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. They were 32.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” their agent Simon James wrote in his announcement on X. “Their family is heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.” 

Host RuPaul Charles has responded to the sad news on Instagram. “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” he wrote.

David Lynch

David Lynch, the visionary director behind Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet and Elephant Man, has passed away. The news was confirmed by his family on Jan. 16.

“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” his family wrote in a statement on social media. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time.”

“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole,'” the statement continued. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.” 

Lynch is survived by his wife Emily Stofle and his two daughters, and two sons.

Lynn Ban

Bling Empire: New York star Lynn Ban has passed away. The news was confirmed by her son Sebastian on Instagram. She died following a ski accident in Aspen, Colorado. She was 52. 

“My mum passed away on Monday,” Sebastian wrote alongside a gallery of them through the years. “I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her.”

“Many of you followed my mum but never got the chance to know her or meet her in person. I would like to take the chance to share who my mum really was,” he wrote. “She was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all. She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process. She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know. She was the funniest and coolest mum I could ever ask for. She took care of me, my dad, and our Entire family throughout her whole life.”

“Although she may be gone now, I will do everything I can to make sure she is never forgotten and for her life to be celebrated as it deserves to be,” Sebastian concluded. “As a final message to my mum, I would just like to say that I will miss you forever and to end in something she always told me ‘I love you more than life itself’ mum.”

She is also survived by her partner, Jett Kain. 

Cecile Richards

Women’s Rights advocate Cecile Richards, who served as president of Planned Parenthood, died on Monday, Jan. 20. She was 67. 

“This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie,” her family wrote in a statement to CNN. “Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives.”

Richards’ family continued by saying they are “grateful to the doctors and health care workers who provided her excellent care and the friends, family, and well-wishers who have been by her side during this challenging time.” 

Previously, Richards had been open about her battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer.

Marianne Faithfull

British singer and actress Marianne Faithfull died at the age of 78, a spokesperson revealed on January 30. 

Faithfull, who is known for 1964 song “As Tears Go By” and films like 1968’s The Girl On A Motorcycle, was famously the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the 1960s.

In a tribute, Jagger described Faithfull as “a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress,” saying he was “so saddened.”