A year of farewells: Remembering the local, international stars we lost in 2025

MANILA, Philippines – 2025 was a year of triumphs and celebrations, but it was also a year marked by the loss of some of the biggest names in different fields at home and abroad.

The year saw musicians sing their last song, actors grace the screen one last time, and writers pen their last sentences.

Below is Rappler’s list of local and international figures whose deaths made headlines in 2025.

Local celebrities, artists

Freddie Aguilar

Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, known better as Freddie Aguilar, was a Filipino folk songwriter and OPM icon best known for his rendition of the patriotic anthem “Bayan Ko,” which became the unofficial anthem of the anti-Marcos dictatorship movement which culminated in the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos regime.

His music was a staple in Filipino culture, with songs like “Anak,” “Himig,” “Minamahal Kita,” “Alaala,” and more making a resounding impact in the local music scene. “Anak” was an international hit, and had been translated in multiple languages.

Aguilar died on May 27, at the age of 72.

Hajji Alejandro

ANOTHER ICON GONE. OPM legend Hajji Alejandro poses for a photo.

Hajji Alejandro, known during his heyday as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala (college girls’ heartthrob),” was an OPM legend known for his songs such as “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Panakip-Butas,” and “Tag-araw, Tag-Ulan,” to name a few.

Music ran deep in Hajji’s blood, as his children also pursued careers in the arts. His daughter, Rachel, became an acclaimed singer-actress, and his son, Ali, became an artist, too. 

Hajji died on April 21, after a battle with colon cancer. He was 70.

Emman Atienza

GONE TOO SOON. Emman Atienza was a mental health advocate.

Emman Atienza was a social media personality and the daughter of TV host Kim Atienza and Felicia Hung-Atienza, president of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. She was renowned for her passion for fashion and the arts, as well as her advocacy for mental health.

Atienza died on October 22, at the age of 19.

Nora Aunor

NORA AUNOR. Taken in 2016.

Nora Aunor, the “Superstar” of Philippine entertainment, was a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts whose five-decade career helped shape Philippine cinema. Known for powerful performances in films such as Himala, Bona, and Thy Womb, among many others, she appeared in more than 200 movies.

She was the mother of Ian de Leon, and actresses Lotlot and Matet de Leon.

Referred to as “Ate Guy,” Aunor was also a recording artist who released classics such as “Pearly Shells,” “Maria Leonora Theresa,” and “Dandansoy,” among others.

Aunor died on April 16, at the age of 71. She was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22, after her state necrological services at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on the same day. 

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Greg Brillantes

OBITUARY. Writer Greg Brillantes dies at 92.

Gregorio “Greg” Concepción Brillantes was a renowned Filipino author regarded as one of the most influential voices in Philippine English fiction.

Some of his notable works include The Distance to Andromeda, The Apollo Centennial, and Faith, Love, Time, and Dr. Lazaro.

He died on September 26, at the age of 92.

Jiggly Caliente

Jiggly Caliente passes away at 44.

Bianca Castro-Arabejo, also known as Jiggly Caliente, was a Filipino-American drag artist who became a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race and later became a resident judge on Drag Race Philippines.

She died on April 27, at the age of 44.

Bayani Casimiro Jr.

FAREWELL. Bayani Casimiro Jr. was best known for his role as Prinsipe K.

Bayani Casimiro Jr. was known for his comedic roles and for playing Prinsipe K in the sitcom Okay Ka, Fairy Ko.

He died on July 25, at the age of 57.

Pilita Corrales

PILITA CORRALES. Asia’s Queen of Song.

Pilita Corrales, hailed as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was a pioneering figure in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with a career spanning six decades.

Known for her crystal-clear voice, signature backbend performances, and hits like “Rosas Pandan” and “Kapantay ay Langit,” she also hosted the iconic TV show Ang Bagong Kampeon and inspired generations of Filipino artists.

She was the mother of local showbiz figures Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, and the grandmother of actress Janine Gutierrez. 

Corrales and Nora Aunor were in-laws as Aunor’s daughter, Lotlot, was previously married to Monching. 

Corrales died on April 12, at the age of 87.

Gold Dagal

Stand-up comedian Gold Dagal.

Gold Dagal was a stand-up comedian known for tackling human rights, social commentary, and controversial topics in his sets.

Dagal, who is remembered for his courage in speaking out through his art, was shot and killed in Pampanga on March 15. His death followed reported threats linked to his comedy.

Ricky Davao

Ricky Davao was a veteran actor who starred in numerous films, including Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay and Misis Mo, Misis Ko. 

Davao died on May 2 after a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Mike de Leon

LEGENDARY FILMMAKER. Mike de Leon behind the camera

Mike de Leon was an influential Filipino filmmaker known for directing classics such as Kisapmata, Batch ’81, Itim, and Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag.

De Leon passed away on August 28, at 78.

Margarita Fores

FORES. The late Filipino chef is awarded the Icon Award for 2025.

Margarita Fores was a celebrated Filipino chef and restaurateur, known for founding the CIBO restaurant chain, Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and helped elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage.

Fores died of cardiac arrest on February 11, at the age of 65.

Davey Langit

DAVEY LANGIT. The Filipino singer-songwriter died on October 21.

Davey Langit was a Filipino singer-songwriter who gained recognition for his original compositions, including “Wedding Song” and “Selfie Song.”

Langit died on October 22, at the age of 38. No cause of death was disclosed, but he was diagnosed with a rare spinal infection in August.

Cocoy Laurel

ICON. Filipino film and theater actor Cocoy Laurel dies at the age of 72.

Cocoy Laurel was a Filipino film and stage actor known for roles in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, as well as films such as Lollipops and Roses.

He was the son of former vice president Salvador Laurel and theater actress Celia Diaz-Laurel.

Laurel died on June 14, at the age of 72.

Matutina

FAREWELL. Matutina passes away after battling various illnesses.

Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero, also known as Matutina, was best known for her role in the 1970s sitcom John en Marsha, where she starred alongside Dolphy and Nida Blanca. She played the role of Matutina, the loyal maid of Doña Delilah, played by the late Dely Atay-atayan. She was beloved for her distinctive squeaky voice.

She died of acute respiratory failure on February 14, at the age of 78.

Dondon Nakar

REST IN PEACE. Matinee idol Dondon Nakar dies at 66.

Dondon Nakar was a 1970s matinee idol who gained fame for his role as Ding in Darna and the Giants, alongside the politician and veteran actress Vilma Santos.

Nakar died on November 1, at age 66.

Tony Perez

MYSTIC MASTER. Playwright, screenwriter, and poet Tony Perez poses for a photo.

Tony Perez was the multi-awarded Filipino writer and playwright behind works such as Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?, Bombita, and Biyaheng Timog.

He passed away on May 20, at the age of 74.

Delia Razon

Veteran actress Delia Razon dies at 94.

Delia Razon was a veteran Filipina actress known for her roles in classics such as Florante at Laura and Luksang Tagumpay.

Razon died on March 15, at the age of 94. She was the grandmother of actress Carla Abellana and received the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Louie Reyes

REST IN PEACE. Jazz singer Louie Reyes dies.

Louie Reyes was a veteran jazz singer and a member of The New Minstrels, recognized for her 1991 album It’s Time, which featured songs such as “Body and Soul,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “Out of Words.”

Reyes passed away peacefully on October 26.

Gloria Romero

LUMINARY. Gloria Romero graced Philippine cinemas for seven decades.

Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria Romero had a career spanning over seven decades — starring in over 250 films and many other television series since she was 16. Romero landed a supporting role in the 1952 film Madame X, which signaled her rise to stardom and see her take on the lead roles in Monghita and Palasig. She would go on to win her first FAMAS Best Actress award in Dalagang Ilocana in 1955.

She was well-known as Goreng in the GMA fantasy anthology series Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Lola Loleng in Tanging Yaman, Lola Magda in the 2003 tearjerker Magnifico, and Sylvia Estrella, the wife of Ramon Estrella in one of her final films, Rainbow’s Sunset.

Romero died on January 25. She was 91.

Rosa Rosal

ICON. Rosa Rosal poses for a photo.

Rosa Rosal was a veteran Filipino actress, humanitarian, and longtime governor of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

She starred in multiple films like Anak Dalita, Badjao, and Biyaya ng Lupa.

She died on November 15, at the age of 97.

Juvenal Sansó

LEGACY. Celebrated modernist Juvenal Sando’s career spans over 70 years.

Juvenal Sansó was a renowned Filipino artist whose career spanned over seven decades.

He was celebrated for his contributions to Philippine and international art, receiving honors such as the Presidential Medal of Merit, the Order of Isabella from Spain, and the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from France. Sansó’s works are held in prestigious institutions, including the MoMA in New York, the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris, and the National Museum of the Philippines. 

He is remembered for his lasting legacy in modernist art and for supporting future generations through Fundacion Sansó.

Sansó died on March 28. He was 95.

Digna Santiago

Digna Santiago was a veteran Filipino film producer involved in numerous local and international co-productions and also appeared in Perfidia and Magkapilas ng Langit.

She died on August 5 at the age of 81.

Lolit Solis

Lolit Solis, also known as “Manay Lolit,” was a veteran entertainment columnist and host, recognized for her programs Startalk and Star Patrol.

Solis died on July 3 at 78.

Red Sternberg

’90S IDOL. Actor Red Sternberg.

Rodwick “Red” Sternberg was widely recognized for his role as Kiko in the 1990s youth-oriented series T.G.I.S., which became a cultural touchstone for Filipino teens.

Sternberg died on May 27, at the age of 50.

Fritz Ynfante

REST IN PEACE. Martin Nievera, among other celebrities, honors Fritz Ynfante’s legacy as the director-actor passes away at the age of 84.

Fritz Ynfante was a veteran film and television creative who helped shape programs like Penthouse Live and appeared in films such as Enteng ng Ina Mo.

Ynfante died on July 21. He was 84.

International celebrities

Giorgio Armani

GIORGIO ARMANI. Italian designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 collection show for fashion house Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris, France, January 22, 2019.

Giorgio Armani was an Italian designer whose minimalist, elegant aesthetic reshaped modern fashion worldwide.

He died on September 4, at the age of 91.

Baek Se-hee

GONE TOO SOON. Baek Se-hee, through her writing, helped open conversations about mental health.

Baek Se-hee was the author of the bestselling memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which chronicled her battle with dysthymia (a long form of depression) through conversations with her therapist. 

She died on October 17, at 35.

D’Angelo

FILE PHOTO: Recording artist D’Angelo performs during a Spotify press event in New York May 20, 2015. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

Michael Eugene Archer, known as D’Angelo, was a Grammy-winning R&B artist and neo-soul pioneer who became renowned for his influential albums, including Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah, as well as hit songs such as Lady, Brown Sugar, Cruisin’, and Untitled (How Does It Feel).

He died on October 14, at the age of 51.

Roberta Flack

FILE PHOTO: Roberta Flack performs Killing Me Softly at Madison Square Garden during Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Concert. May 14, 1988 REUTERS/Mark Peterson/File Photo

Roberta Flack was a Grammy-winning balladeer best known for timeless hits such as The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly With His Song.

Flack died on February 24, at the age of 88, after having been diagnosed with ALS in 2022. She was married to jazz bassist Steve Novosel from 1966 to 1972.

Connie Francis

Connie Francis was an American pop star best known for her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby.”

Before her death, Francis had been hospitalized earlier in July with severe pelvic pain and had spent some time in intensive care.

She passed away on July 16 at 78.

Ace Frehley

October 16, 2025, American musician, lead guitarist, and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar died Thursday at 74. Frehley died surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent. FILE PHOTO SHOT ON: August 16, 2023, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. (Credit Image: © Jeff Moore/ZUMA Press Wire)

Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley was the original lead guitarist of the iconic American rock band Kiss, remaining with the band from the ‘70s to the ‘80s, and later rejoining them for their reunion in the ‘90s. 

Frehley pursued a solo career, recording the song “New York Groove” in 1978. He was also the co-creator of rock anthems such as “Rock and Roll All Nite.” 

He died on October 16, at the age of 74.

Gene Hackman

LEGEND. Gene Hackman poses during the 60th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, US January 19, 2003.

“Actor’s actor” Gene Hackman, was celebrated for his commanding and emotionally honest performances in over 80 films, including The French Connection and Unforgiven.

Hackman died at the age of 95, at home with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa.

Hulk Hogan

LEGEND. Wrestler Hulk Hogan (R) headlocks WrestleMania champion John Cena at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, California, August 14, 2005.

Hulk Hogan was a global sports entertainment figure who helped popularize professional wrestling through events like WrestleMania and numerous television appearances.

Hogan died on July 24. He was 71.

Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu dies at 48.

Hsi Yuan Hsu, also known as Barbie Hsu, was a Taiwanese actress, singer, and author whose career spanned over three decades. She rose to international fame for her portrayal of Dong Shan Cai in the 2001 Taiwanese hit series Meteor Garden, which became immensely popular in the Philippines after airing on ABS-CBN in 2003.

Beyond acting, she was also a singer with her little sister, Dee, in a duo called A.S.O.S., and they released the song “10 Minutes of Love.”

Hsu died on pneumonia on February 3, at the age of 48. She is survived by her husband Koo Jun-yup and two children.

Diane Keaton

LEGEND. Actress Diane Keaton arrives at the 2017 American Film Institute Life Achievement Award Ceremony in Los Angeles.

Diane Keaton was an award-winning American actress best known for her performance as Annie Hall in the 1977 film of the same name. 

She appeared in films such as The Godfather trilogy and The First Wives Club, and starred in more than 60 films during her career.

She died on October 11 at 79 years old.

Val Kilmer

VAL KILMER. Cast member Val Kilmer attends a news conference for the film “Twixt” at the 36th Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto September 12, 2011.

Val Kilmer was known for his intense screen presence and starred in major films, including his role as Batman in Batman Forever.

He passed away on April 1. He was 65.

David Lynch

FILE PHOTO: David Lynch attends the 2019 Governors Awards, in Hollywood, California, U.S., October 27, 2019.

David Lynch was an American filmmaker, artist, and writer who reshaped modern cinema with his surreal, dreamlike visuals and complex storytelling. Lynch was known as one of the co-creators of the cult television series Twin Peaks.

He died at the age of 78 on January 15.

Ozzy Osbourne 

OZZY OSBOURNE. Ozzy Osbourne speaks with reporters during a news conference at Osbourne’s Beverly Hills home February 18, 2003.

Ozzy Osbourne was known as the “Prince of Darkness” and the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” having led the pioneering band Black Sabbath, which had released 19 studio albums since it was formed in the late 1960s. He was married to American TV personality Sharon Osbourne. 

Before his death, Osbourne staged a one-off reunion concert with Black Sabbath in early July. 

Osbourne died on July 22, at the age of 76. 

Robert Redford

FILE PHOTO: Actor Robert Redford arrives for the international premiere of The Old Man & the Gun at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, September 10, 2018. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo

Robert Redford,was a Hollywood icon known for films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, as well as for founding the Sundance Institute.

Redford passed away on September 16. He was 89.

Rob Reiner

FILE PHOTO: Rob Reiner, director of “The Princess Bride,” arrives for a special 25th anniversary viewing of the film during the New York Film Festival in New York October 2, 2012. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Rob Reiner is the the filmmaker behind hits such as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, and A Few Good Men.

In 2017, he directed the autobiographical film Being Charlie, which his son Nick co-wrote. It follows a young man’s struggle with addiction, and is based on Nick’s real-life struggle with drug abuse. 

Reiner, 78, was found dead, with his wife Michele in their Los Angeles home on December 14. The Los Angeles Police Department later charged Nick with homicide.

Mario Vargas Llosa

NOBEL LAUREATE. Mario Vargas Llosa, Peruvian writer and Nobel Prize winner, dressed in the traditional attire of French Academicians with his ceremonial epee, poses in the library of the Institut de France before the ceremony during which he will be inducted into the Academie Francaise (French Academy) as an ‘Immortal’ member, in Paris, France, February 9, 2023. Sarah Meyssonnier/REUTERS

Mario Vargas Llosa was a Peruvian novelist and Nobel Prize laureate whose works included Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, Death in the Andes, and The War of the End of the World.

Vargas Llosa died on April 13, at the age of 89.

Brian Wilson

FILE PHOTO: Brian Wilson performs with the Beach Boys on ABC’s Good Morning America in New York’s Central Park, U.S., June 15, 2012. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Brian Wilson was the founder of The Beach Boys and created some of rock’s most enduring classics, including Good Vibrations and God Only Knows.

He died on June 11. He was 72.

Michelle Trachtenberg

GONE TOO SOON. Actress Michelle Trachtenberg poses at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards in Beverly Hills, California on June 19, 2014.

Michelle Trachtenberg was an American actress best known for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.

She died on February 26, at the age of 39. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Song Young-kyu

REST IN PEACE. South Korean actor Song Young-kyu passes away at 55.

Song Young-kyu was a South Korean actor known for roles in Partners for Justice, Extreme Job, and Hyena.

Song was found dead in his car on August 4. At the time of his death, the Partners for Justice star had been at the center of a controversy where he was being investigated for drunk driving in mid-June. He was 55. – with reports from Alfon Cabanilla/Rappler.com

Alfon Cabanilla is a Rappler intern studying AB Communication at the Ateneo de Manila University.