From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost several stars in 2025.
News broke on January 4 that Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to Us on January 6 on behalf of the actress and her family. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
Days after Baena’s death, manager Simon Jones shared that RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams — better known as The Vivienne — died at age 32.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the publicist shared in an Instagram statement on January 5. “Their family are 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. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The next day, authorities confirmed that the beloved drag queen’s death had “no suspicious circumstances.”
Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2025:
Leslie Charleson
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed Charleson’s death via Instagram on January 12. She was 79.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” Valentini captioned a post shared by the show’s official account. “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.”
He continued, “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 was the soap opera’s longest-tenured cast member, playing the character Monica Quartermaine for over 45 years.
Brian Matusz
The pitcher, who played for both the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs throughout his MLB career, died at age 37. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face,” read a statement from the Orioles on January 7. “Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
Peter Yarrow
A family representative told NBC that the “Puff the Magic Dragon” writer died on January 7 at age 86 after a battle with bladder cancer.
James Lee Williams
News broke on January 5 that Williams, known as The Vivienne, died at age 32. Authorities confirmed that their death had “no suspicious circumstances.”
Jeff Baena
Baena died by suicide on January 3 at his residence in Los Angeles, California, according to medical examiner records. He was 47.
Brenton Wood
The singer, best known for his tune “The Oogum Boogum Song,” died at age 83 on January 3, his manager and publicist confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
Wayne Osmond
Donny and Marie Osmond’s brother died on January 1 after suffering “a massive stroke,” Merill Osmond shared via Facebook. He was 73.