Last year, numerous notable stars passed away but are surely not forgotten. Among them were A-list actors like Shannen Doherty, Donald Sutherland, Dame Maggie Smith, and John Amos. Sadly, well-known musicians such as Liam Payne, Toby Keith, and Quincy Jones also passed away.
Though 2025 has just begun, several well-known stars have already left us. From reality TV star The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, to DJ Unk, hitmaker of "Walk It Out," fans worldwide are mourning their deaths and remembering their Hollywood achievements.
Editor's note: This article contains mention of suicide or suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit findahelpline.com to connect with resources in your country.
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Jeff Baena
Screenwriter/Film Director
Film director and screenwriter Jeff Baena died by suicide on January 3rd. He was 47. Jeff and Parks and Recreation actress Audrey Plaza were together for over a decade and secretly tied the knot in 2021 when he passed away.
In a statement to People, Audrey and Jeff's family released a statement that read:
"This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
Audrey made her first public appearance since her husband's death on Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special on February 16th. The actress's appearance was brief, but it was her outfit that caught most people's attention. Audrey paid tribute to her late husband by wearing a tie-dye t-shirt underneath her blazer. During a 2021 guest appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Audrey shared,
"We got married on a whim, literally decided at like 5 p.m. and got married at like, 8:30. Jeff got really into tie-dyeing during the quarantine, so, I decided that Jeff and I were going to wear tie-dye pajamas that he had made for us."
James Lee Williams Known Professionally As The Vivienne
RuPaul's Drag Race UK
James Lee Williams was most known for their professional persona, The Vivienne, and winning the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Sadly, The Vivienne was found dead on January 5th in their home in England, per The BBC. The Vivienne was 32. Their has been no cause of death as of this writing with the outlet reporting that the reality star's death was a result of an “unnatural cause" and that an "inquest" into the death would be made.
The Vivienne was known for their impressive looks, including a memorable impersonation of President Donald Trump.
Leslie Charleson
Soap Opera Star
Leslie Charleson died on January 12th with Fox News reporting that her cause of death was "sequelae of blunt head trauma." Before her death she "was diagnosed with asthma, arthritis, atrial fibrillation and normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office." The actress was 79.
Leslie was most known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera General Hospital, and starred in over 2,000 episodes.
David Lynch
Film Director
David Lynch was most known for his work as a director and creator of the 90s TV series Twin Peaks, which was later revived for a third season in 2017. According to a Facebook post shared by his family, David died on January 16th, at the age of 78.
David was honored with an Oscar for lifetime acheivement in 2020.
David's most prominent movies and TV shows include:
- Mulholland Drive (2001)
- Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
- Blue Velvet (1986)
- Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
- Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
- Eraserhead (1977)
- Inland Empire (2006)
- The Elephant Man (1980)
Dame Joan Plowright
British Actress
Dame Joan Plowright was one of Britain's most famed actresses and was married to another great acting legend—Lord Laurence Oliver (m. 1961 until his death in 1989). According to Joan's family, she "died peacefully" on January 16th at the age of 95.
Joan began her career in theater, where she would work for three decades, but would become more involved in film in the 90s. Her most notable roles include 1991's Enchanted April, for which she won a Golden Globe; 1993's Dennis the Menace, 1995's The Scarlet Letter, 1996's 101 Dalmatians, and the 2000 animated film Dinosaur.
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Francisco San Martin
Soap Opera Star
Francisco San Martin was a popular soap opera star who starred as Dario Hernandez in Days of Our Lives. According to his IMDb, the actor starred in 59 episodes of the series and also starred in 16 episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful where he portrayed Mateo.
Hello! reported that Francisco died by suicide on January 16th. He was 39.
Lynn Ban
Jewelry Designer/Bling Empire
Lynn Ban was a well respected jewelry designer who also starred in Netflix's Bling Empire: New York, which focuses on the lives of wealthy Asian Americans living in New York City. Lynn died on January 20th, just weeks after she underwent emergency brain surgery following a skiing accident. The actress was 52.
Lynn's son shared the news of his mother's death on Instagram:
"My mum passed away on Monday. 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. 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."
DJ Unk
Hip-Hop Artist
DJ Unk, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt, died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack on January 24. He was 43. The Atlanta rapper was known for creating hit songs like "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," both released in 2006. He released three albums in his music career.
DJ Unk was especially proud of "Walk It Out." In an interview with Billboard, he shared that the song was played in “workout dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything."
Irv Gotti
Hip-Hop Music Executive
Any millennial who grew up listening to 2000s hip-hop knows the name Irv Gotti. The music executive co-founded the record label Murder Inc., which launched the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti, and worked on hits like "I'm Real" with Jennifer Lopez. Born Irving Lorenzo, he sadly passed away on February 5th at the age of 54. No cause of death has been given as of this writing.
His children shared the news of his death on Instagram: "Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched."
