David Lynch, Paul Danan and More Celebrities Who Have Died in 2025
Bob Uecker
Longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio voice and Baseball Hall of Fame member Bob Uecker died on January 16, nearly two years after he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2023. He was 90.
The club announced his death in a statement, with baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred calling him "the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime."
"We are grateful for this baseball life like no other, and we will never forget him," Manfred continued.
Joan Plowright
British actress Joan Plowright, who notably starred in Enchanted April and Dennis the Menace, died on January 16. She was 95.
"She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire," her family said in a statement. "She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories."
Plowright's loved ones continued, "She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did. Rest in peace, Joan..."
David Lynch
Twin Peaks creator David Lynch died at the age of 78, his family confirmed on January 15.
While his cause of death was not immediately disclosed to the public, reports noted he battled emphysema years prior to his passing. Sources also told Deadline things took a turn for the worse after he fled his house for safety due to the Sunset Fire.
"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.' It's a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way," his family continued.
Paul Danan
Paul Danan, who played Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks, died at the age of 46, his management company, Independent Creative Management, said in a statement on Instagram.
"Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him," the statement read. "During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul's family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time."
Danan, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island, spent a week in intensive care after suffering from respiratory failure due to excessive vaping.
Linda Nolan
Irish pop singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame in the famed group The Nolans, died on the morning of January 15 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She was 65.
The Nolans announced her death, which came more than two decades after she was diagnosed with a dreaded health issue, a post revealed on X.
"She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions," the statement read. "Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully. A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten ❤️."
Nolan was admitted to the medical facility over the weekend due to double pneumonia. She went into a coma on January 14 and died the next day, her agent confirmed to the BBC.
Dalyce Curry
Dalyce "Mama Dee" Curry, who appeared as an extra in classic hits The Blues Brothers and Ten Commandments, was killed in the Eaton Fire, his granddaughter Dalyce Kelley told NBC News.
According to Kelley, she dropped her grandmother off at her home when the wildfires in Los Angeles started. She added it was possible Curry did not receive emergency alerts because "elderly people, they just don't get into cellphones."
The 95-year-old was not able to flee for safety when evacuation orders were issued the following day. Her remains were later found at the Altadena, Calif., home after the property was burned down by the fire.
Tony Slattery
Comedian Tony Slattery, who notably appeared on the ABC show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, died on January 14 morning, a few days after he had a heart attack on January 12 evening. He was 65.
Erica Lear, a producer of his latest shows, said, "I will miss my mischievous partner in crime. They say you should never meet your heroes, but I met mine and he became my best friend."
Prior to his death, Slattery launched his podcast, "Tony Slattery's Rambling Club," in October 2024.
Buck White
The Whites' mandolin player Buck White passed away on January 13, Ricky Skaggs — Sharon White's husband — confirmed on Facebook. He was 94.
"We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth. He was a great dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always. His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family, and music," a statement from Buck's daughters Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie and Melissa read. "Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief. He lived a full life and finished well."
Buck and his daughters became Grand Ole Opry members in 1984. Their group was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Leslie Charleson
On January 12, General Hospital's Instagram page announced the death of Leslie Charleson, who played Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime drama series for nearly five decades. She was 79.
"Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew," said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini. "I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time."
Charleson's cause of death was not immediately disclosed to the public, but reports said she had been battling an illness prior to her passing.
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Sam Moore
Sam & Dave member Sam Moore, who famously sang "Soul Man" in the R&B duo, died at the age of 89.
His publicist Jeremy Westby said the American singer died on the morning of January 10 in Coral Gables, Fla., due to complications after undergoing surgery in a hospital.
Peter Yarrow
Peter Yarrow, one-third of the folk-music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, died at the age of 86 on January 7 in New York. His publicist Ken Sunshine said the singer-songwriter battled bladder cancer for the past four years.
Noel Paul Stookey, the last surviving member of the group, said he "had a brother named Peter Yarrow" following the formation of Peter, Paul and Mary.
"He was best man at my wedding and I at his. He was a loving 'uncle' to my three daughters. And, while his comfort in the city and my love of the country tended to keep us apart geographically,our different perspectives were celebrated often in our friendship and our music," Stookey continued.
Keller Fornes
According to an obituary from the Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville, Tex., County Rescue actor Keller Fornes died on December 19, 2024, at the age of 32. Other details, including the cause of death, were not shared with the public.
On January 6, the Great American Family's official Instagram page shared a tribute post to express how deeply saddened the network is by the passing of Fornes.
It added, "He was a special person and talent as an actor, writer, and director as well as a singer and musician. His energy and enthusiasm lifted all he worked with here at Great American Media and the cast and crew of County Rescue. Our prayers are with his family and all those he touched."
A service for Fornes will be held on January 11.
Richard Cohen
Meredith Vieira's husband of 38 years, Richard Cohen, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76, Today confirmed on January 7.
Cohen, who welcomed three children with Vieira during their marriage, had a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis while dealing with a pair of colon cancer diagnoses.
In 2018, Cohen told Today that he was diagnosed with a chronic neurological disorder when he was 25.
The Vivienne
RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Season 1 winner The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died at the age of 32.
The drag artist's manager and publicist Simon Jones confirmed the news on X and Instagram on January 5. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed to the public.
"Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comedic genius and quick wit was like no other," said Jones.
Jones contnued, "I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon."
Jeff Baena
Aubrey Plaza's husband, Jeff Baena, was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home on January 3. Law enforcement sources told TMZ the 47-year-old Life After Beth director was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled Baena's manner of death as suicide by hanging.
Brenton Wood
"The Oogum Boogum Song" hitmaker Brenton Wood died at his Moreno Valley, Calif., home on January 3, his manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, confirmed to TMZ.
"It just was his old age. He was 83 years old," Gallegos told the New York Post while details about Wood's cause of death have yet to be disclosed. "He went in his sleep peacefully. The love that he gave us, God took him the same way."
Prior to his death, Wood reportedly gave Gallegos a message he sought to be conveyed to his fans.
"'I might not be here for long,'" he quoted the singer, adding, "[Wood] said, 'Catch you on the rebound.'"
Wood's last words were a reference to his 1967 song.
Leo Dan
Famed Argentine singer-songwriter Leo Dan passed away on January 1 at the age of 82, an official statement on Instagram confirmed.
"We invite all those who were part of his story and who were touched by his legacy, to celebrate his love, his music and his life. With much peace in our hearts, we remember and feel his deep love… forever," part of the message read.
Wayne Osmond
The Osmonds founding member Wayne Osmond died on January 1 in Salt Lake City at the age of 73.
His brothers Donny, Merrill and Jay released statements on their social media pages on January 2, confirming the death of their sibling after suffering a stroke.
"I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed," Donny wrote on Instagram. "Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone."
He continued, "I'm sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother. Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity. I love you, Wayne. Your brother forever."
Merrill called their late brother "a saint" on his Facebook tribute, adding, "I've never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met."
In a separate Facebook post, Jay referred to Wayne as "a true legend" who was his "roommate and my [his] confidant over the decades."
Prior to his fatal stroke, Wayne faced the same condition that affected his ability to play guitar in 2012. He was also diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997.