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Celebrity Deaths In 2025
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Mel Novak
Mel Novak, the Hollywood actor best known for his starring role in Bruce Lee's classic "Game of Death," died of natural causes, his daughter Nikol Conant told TMZ. Novak is best known for playing the sharpshooting sniper Stick -- named for the matchstick he keeps in his mouth -- in the epic 1978 Bruce Lee film "Game of Death." The iconic actor whose career spanned decades in Hollywood suffered numerous injures during his time in the biz ... 'cause he was known for doing all of his own stunts and fighting scenes.
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Ray Shero
Ray Shero -- current front office advisor to the Minnesota Wild and longtime NHL executive -- passed away at the age of 62. Shero served as general manager for the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins... who also shared their condolences.
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Octavio Dotel
MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported that MLB star relief pitcher Octavio Dotel died after a Dominican Republic nightclub roof suddenly collapsed. The former pitcher, according to the reporter, passed away while he was being transported from the nightclub rubble to the hospital. Dotel broke into the MLB in 1999 with the Mets, and became a valuable closer later in his career. In 2011, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series.
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P.J. Blue
Former Louisville linebacker P.J. Blue -- who was teammates with Lamar Jackson on the Cardinals -- died at 27 years old. "We are saddened by the passing of Cardinal Forever P.J. Blue," university officials said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his loved ones." Blue joined the Cardinals roster in 2016 -- the year Jackson won his Heisman Trophy -- and redshirted. He then sat out all of the 2017 season after tearing his ACL.
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Jay North
Jay North -- a veteran actor who played the eponymous character in the 1960s sitcom "Dennis the Menace" -- died at age 73 after battling colorectal cancer. We're told Jay hadn't seen his friends in some time because he needed to isolate in order to stay healthy due to his cancer. Jay gained national recognition in 1959 when he started playing Dennis Mitchell on "Dennis the Menace" ... starring in all 146 episodes from 1959 to 1963.
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Johnny Tillotson
Johnny Tillotson -- a well-known pop singer with multiple top 10 hits over the years -- died. The songwriter's wife, Nancy, announced the news on her Facebook page ... revealing the veteran musician passed away. Nancy highlighted Tillotson's many achievements through the years, and thanked his fans for always supporting her husband.
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Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer, star of "Top Gun," "The Doors" and several other classic films, died of pneumonia. He had been diagnosed with a throat tumor back in 2014, and had to be rushed to UCLA Medical Center in 2015 to treat severe bleeding in his throat. The tumor was the result of oral cancer. Val got into the prestigious Juilliard School of acting when he was just 17, and after graduating did a lot of theater ... including playing Hamlet. His eventual breakout film role came in the 1985 teen comedy, "Real Genius."
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Vittorio Pirbazari
Vittorio 'Vito' Pirbazari -- bodybuilder and actor from the popular Netflix show, "Dogs of Berlin" -- died suddenly at age 44 after collapsing while running on a treadmill at the gym. Actor and filmmaker Said Ibrahim revealed the sad news in an Instagram video, saying the death of his friend Vito "knocked me down and threw me completely off track."
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Richard Norton
Richard Norton -- who trained A-list stars in martial arts including Ben Affleck, Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson -- died at age 75. The martial artist trained tons of Hollywood heavy hitters over the years including Ben Affleck and Charlie Hunnam for their roles in "Triple Frontier." He also trained Liam Neeson for "Backlight."
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Richard Chamberlain
Actor Richard Chamberlain, best known for starring in the NBC medical drama series "Dr. Kildare" in the 1960s, died. He passed in Waimanalo, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, due to complications following a stroke, publicist Harlan Boll tells TMZ. Richard rose to fame at age 27 ... and hoped to ditch his all-American, pretty boy facade by heading to England, where he wowed critics by playing Hamlet at the Birmingham Repertory Theater and starring in BBC's adaptation of "The Portrait of a Lady."
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Young Scooter
Rapper Young Scooter -- who worked with the likes of Future and Gucci Mane -- died on his birthday. Scooter got his first big break as a rapper in 2012 when he signed with Future's record label, Freebandz.
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Mama Mary Schmucker
"Breaking Amish" star Mama Mary Schmucker died at 65 after a battle with cancer. She appeared on TLC's Amish reality shows "Breaking Amish" and "Return To Amish" ... alongside her son, Abe, and his wife, Rebecca.
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Berkin Usta
Olympic skier Berkin Usta was tragically killed after a fire erupted at a ski resort hotel in Turkey. The fatal incident occurred at the Kervansaray Hotel in Uludag, Bursa, when flames engulfed the structure in the early morning, destroying the ski resort. The Turkish athlete was an alpine skier ... He competed in several events, including the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
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Denis Arndt
Denis Arndt -- a veteran actor best known for interrogating Sharon Stone in the most iconic "Basic Instinct" scene -- died at age 86. The actor passed away at his home in Ashland, Oregon, his family announced in an obituary posted online. Many will recognize Arndt for his role as Lieutenant Phil Walker in "Basic Instinct" ... one of the two cops interrogating Stone's Catherine Tramell when she uncrosses her legs -- revealing she's not wearing any underwear.
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Cindyana Santangelo
Cindyana Santangelo, an actress once described as "the Latin Marilyn Monroe," has passed away at 58 years old. Law enforcement told us first responders were called to Cindyana's Malibu home for a medical emergency ... and she was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She had a recurring role on "Married With Children" as Sierra Madre, a dancer at The Jiggly Room ... and she also made TV appearances on "CSI: Miami" and "ER."
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George Foreman
Boxing legend George Foreman has died at 76 years old. "Big George" -- a two-time heavyweight champion -- participated in some of the most important boxing events of all time. On top of being one of the most popular pugilists ever, Big George was also the face of the iconic George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, one of the most commercially successful products in decades.
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Jack Lilley
"Little House on the Prairie" star Jack Lilley has died at 91, with his costar Melissa Gilbert confirming the heartbreaking news. Gilbert paid tribute to Lilley, calling him one of her "favorite people on the planet" and recalling some really sweet memories with him, like when he taught her to ride a horse.
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Jan Schwieterman
Actor Jan Schwieterman, best known for his 1997 role in the comedy film, "Good Burger," died after a bout with cancer. Jan grew up in the small city of Bluffton, Indiana – before moving to Hollywood after high school to become an actor. He scored some bit parts in TV shows such as “McKenna,” “ER” and “Forever.”
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Jesse Colin Young
Jesse Colin Young, a singer known for his work with the Youngbloods, died at age 83. Jesse is best known for providing vocals on the Youngbloods' 1960s hit song "Get Together" ... an international anthem calling for brotherhood and peace.
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P2isthename
P2istheName -- a popular YouTuber -- died at the age of 26. The online star -- whose real name is Philip Enewally -- was found dead in a mailroom, according the Los Angeles County Coroner. Enewally rose to prominence for posting NBA 2K and Fortnite gaming videos before moving to more general video game content, posting lots of "Let's Plays" -- walk-throughs of popular video games.
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Bruce Glover
Bruce Glover -- a veteran character actor and father of Crispin Glover -- died at age 92. Crispin announced the news by posting several pictures of his dad from throughout the years ... some of the two of them together, others just featuring Bruce. Bruce nailed down his first roles in the late 1950s ... appearing in a couple uncredited TV roles before making his way onto well-known programs like "Perry Mason" and "My Favorite Martian" in the 1960s.
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Oliver Miller
Former center Oliver Miller -- famously known as "The Big O" -- passed away at the age of 54. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson broke the news ... expressing his sadness as he announced Miller's passing. Miller was a standout athlete at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, Texas before committing to the University of Arkansas to play for the Razorbacks. He was the SWC Player of the Year and named First-team All-SWC in 1991.
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Dave Mallow
Dave Mallow -- best known as the voice of Baboo in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" -- died at the age of 76. A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ he passed away after being in hospice care. The "Power Rangers" icon is also known for lending his voice to a wide range of "Digimon" characters in the English dub, and wrote and directed many anime projects.
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Junior Bridgeman
Former NBA player and billionaire businessman Junior Bridgeman has passed away at 71 years old after suffering a medical emergency at a public event. Bridgeman was known to thrive in the sixth-man role on the court, but he had massive financial success after his professional basketball career ... investing in fast food chains and becoming a bottler for Coca Cola.
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Cocoa Tea
Jamaican-bred reggae legend Cocoa Tea died at the age of 65, cementing a legacy that spans four decades. In addition to collabing with Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton and other fellow reggae icons, Cocoa also launched the country's New Year’s Eve events Dancehall Jam Jam in 2003 ... a blowout custom still celebrated today.
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Doug Kiker
"American Idol" alum Doug Kiker -- known by the moniker "The Singing Garbage Man" died at age 32. His ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, told TMZ she hates that her kids lost their father. If you don't remember ... Kiker brought Katy Perry to tears on Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road" back on Season 18 of the show, landing him in the Hollywood round.
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Wheesung
South Korean K-Pop star Wheesung was reportedly found dead inside his home and police investigated whether his death was drug-related. The body of the singer-songwriter was discovered inside his apartment last evening by Fire Department officials after he went into cardiac arrest, according to the New York Times. Wheesung launched his music career in 2002 with the release of his popular record, "Like a Movie," which won several awards that year.
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Dwayne Wiggins
Tony! Toni! Toné! founding member and guitarist D'Wayne Wiggins died, per a statement from the longtime R&B band. The family released a somber statement on Instagram ... "With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones. Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community..."
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Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff's ex-wife, Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, died by suicide at 62 years old. Paramedics were called to Pamela's house on a report of an unconscious female shortly after 10 PM Wednesday. Pamela was pronounced dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. She's survived by her and David's two daughters.
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Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the great jazz vibraphonist known for his hit "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" died In New York City after suffering an illness ... his family announced. Over the year's his music has been sampled or covered by everyone, including Kanye West, Common, Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, and Tyler the Creator.
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Dean Carl
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's husband for more than half a century died at 82 years old according to the icon, Dolly, herself. The couple would've celebrated their 59th anniversary on May 30, 2025. Carl is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie, and of course, Dolly ... who thanked her fans for their prayers and sympathy.
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Jodi Vance
At just 20 years old, Bodybuilder Jodi Vance died after suffering a fatal heart attack. The rising star was attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio. Vance reportedly began to feel sick after attending the competition and was ultimately transported to a local hospital, Grant Medical, where she later died.
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Kimberly Burch
Kimberly Burch -- fiancée of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe -- fell to her death shortly after a heated argument with him aboard the ship, according to Kimberly’s mother. TMZ was told Taime and Kimberly were together for about 6 to 7 years. She was 56 years old.
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Joey Molland
Joey Molland, the last surviving member of the rock band, Badfinger, died surrounded by his family, according to the band's Facebook page. Molland, who played guitar, was a founding member of the Welsh rock group. Molland joined the band in 1969. They were formerly the Iveys, and were signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records.
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Angie Stone
Angie Stone -- a singer and member of the iconic hip hop trio The Sequence -- died in a car crash after leaving a performance in Montgomery, Alabama. Stone was one of 9 people in the van, which included her crew and backup singers when the van was crashed. She was the only fatality.
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Prince Frederik
Prince Frederik, who was the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Nassau, died following a battle with an illness. His father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg announced his son died from the rare genetic condition POLG Mitochondrial disease which “robs the body’s cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure,” according to the POLG Foundation. He was diagnosed with the condition when he was 14 years old.
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David Johansen
David Johansen, the frontman for proto-punk band New York Dolls and actor known for his work in the Bill Murray classic "Scrooged," died at his New York home. His death was confirmed by his stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey to multiple outlets. The iconic rocker with a deep, gravelly voice announced in January 2025 he was suffering from stage four cancer, a brain tumor and a broken back.
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Luke Trembath "The Dingo"
Sad news broke in the snowboarding community when Australian star Luke "The Dingo" Trembath tragically passed away at the age of 38. The Monster Energy athlete first started competing in snowboarding at the age of nine, and after hanging the board up ... he stayed active in the community, hosting a podcast called "Unleashed Podcast" for the Monster Brand.
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Gene-Hackman And Betsy-Arakaw
Legendary actor and two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman was found dead inside his Santa Fe, New Mexico home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, TMZ confirmed. Hackman -- who had three Golden Globes and the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award to his name -- and Arakawa, a classical pianist, were married for 34 years.
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Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was pronounced dead on the scene after police and paramedics responded to a call for a woman in cardiac arrest, and found Michelle unresponsive. Michelle rose to fame as a child star in "Harriet the Spy" -- later becoming a household name in her role as Dawn Summers on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," then took on the Upper East Side as Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl."
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Jesus Guerrero
Jesus Guerrero, who's worked with tons of Hollywood A-listers including Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, died unexpectedly and was confirmed by his sister in a GoFundMe post. Jesus started working with Kylie in 2019 and the two became very close friends over the years sharing several photos together on social media.
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Lynne Marie Stewart
Lynne Marie Stewart, the actress best known for her roles in "American Graffiti," "Pee-wee’s Playhouse" and "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," died unexpectedly at her sister's California home. Stewart played Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, on "Pee-wee’s Playhouse" from 1986 to 1990 ... and she appeared in several other 'Pee-wee' titles, including "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and "Big Top Pee-wee."
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Rick Buckler
Rick Buckler, the drummer for the legendary rock band The Jam, died after a brief illness. His death in Woking, UK was confirmed on X by his former bandmates, with Paul Weller reflecting on their journey from bedroom rehearsals to achieving more than they ever dreamed -- saying what they created still stands the test of time.
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Paquita La Del Barrio
Paquita La Del Barrio, famed Mexican singer, died at her home in Veracruz, Mexico. Paquita faced serious health issues in recent years, having been hospitalized in 2019 for chest pain, and then again in 2022 for pulmonary thrombosis. She was long known as a powerful figure against the machismo culture in Latin America.
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Kim Sae-ron
Actress Kim Sae-ron tragically died by suicide. Korean police said Kim -- who was only 24 -- was found dead at her home in Seoul on Sunday. Kim was discovered by a friend who visited her home, saw her deceased and called the police, according to reports. She was a rising star in South Korea, due to break-out roles in films like "The Man from Nowhere," and "The Neighbor."
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Gene 'Groove' Allen
Rapper and actor Gene 'Groove' Allen died from a medical emergency. One of Gene's family members told TMZ ... Gene, known by his nickname "Groove," passed away suddenly Wednesday at his home in Maryland. He appeared in a few well-known flicks in the 1990s including "House Party" and "What's Love Got to Do with It?"
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Leslie Charleson
Leslie Charleson -- a well-known soap opera star -- died after battling a long illness and was relayed to the public on the official "General Hospital" Instagram account. Frank Valentini -- an executive producer on the long-running soap -- wrote the statement ... highlighting Charleson's enduring legacy after more than 50 years on the show.
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Bailey Hutchins
Bailey Hutchins, a popular TikTok star, tragically died after a courageous two-year battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Her husband, Caden Hutchins, shared the heartbreaking news on IG and TikTok and praised her for the strength she showed throughout her tough fight.
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Alice Bell
Al Roker is faced some serious tragedy when his his ex-wife, Alice Bell, sadly died. The devastating news was announced by Al and Alice's daughter Courtney Roker Laga on IG Monday ... writing, "I was with her for her last breath, and I will carry her love with me always."
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Tony Roberts
Tony Roberts, famous for his work in a bunch of Woody Allen movies died as a result of complications from lung cancer ... his daughter, Nicole Burley, told the New York Times. Tony's biggest role was in "Annie Hall" ... his character was best friends with Woody's and the film won a bunch of Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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