The entertainment scene experienced significant highs in 2025, but it also faced a series of heartbreaking losses. Prominent figures in the industry have not only shaped entertainment but have also had a profound impact on the lives of their fans and audiences. Let's take a moment to reflect on and honor these celebrities and the legacies they have left behind.
Rosa Rosal, 91
Rosa Rosal (Oct. 16 , 1928 - Nov. 15, 2025)
Veteran actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal died due to septic shock secondary to pneumonia and kidney failure.
Rosa was widely known for her decades of dedicated service to the Philippine Red Cross, where she played a key role in advancing its mission and advocacy since its early years in the country.
Gloria Romero, 91
Gloria Romero (Dec. 16, 1933 - Jan. 25, 2025)
Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria Romero's passing marked the end of an era, closing a decades-long career defined by iconic films and memorable television roles that also introduced her enduring legacy to younger generations.
Pilita Corrales, 85
Pilita Corrales (Aug. 22, 1939 - Apr. 12, 2025)
The timeless hits and iconic voice of Pilita Corrales, also known as Asia's Queen of Songs, crossed languages and borders. Without disclosing any medical reason for her death, Pilita's children, Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, stated that she peacefully died in her sleep.
Lolit Solis, 78
Lolit Solis (May 20, 1947 - Jul. 3 , 2025)
Veteran entertainment columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis passed away following a prolonged struggle with kidney disease.
Starting her career as a police beat reporter, Lolit was eventually put under the wings of talent manager Douglas Quijano, who opened the opportunity for her to write about the entertainment industry.
Mike de Leon, 78
Mike de Leon (May 24, 1947 - Aug. 28, 2025)
French film distributor Carlotta Films confirmed the death of award-winning Filipino filmmaker Mike De Leon, though no cause of death was revealed.
Mike is an award-winning director renowned for his socially conscious films that explore themes of justice and societal issues. He was the genius behind generation-defining cinematic classics "Itim" (1976), "Kisapmata" (1981), "Batch ’81" (1982), "Sister Stella L" (1984), and "Citizen Jake" (2018).
Freddie Aguilar, 72
Freddie Aguilar (Feb. 5, 1953 - May 27, 2025)
Folk singer Freddie Aguilar is best known for his 1970s hit song "Anak," along with other socially conscious works such as "Katarungan," "Magdalena," "Pangako," and "Luzviminda," which cemented his legacy as a voice of the people. Freddie died at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure.
Cocoy Laurel, 72
Cocoy Laurel (Mar. 2, 1953 - Jun. 14, 2025)
The family of acclaimed stage and film actor Victor “Cocoy” Laurel disclosed that he passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by multiple organ failure.
Known as Nora Aunor’s former love team partner, they starred in films such as Lollipops and Roses and Impossible Dream. He also earned wide recognition in theater through his work with Repertory Philippines, most notably as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables," and later joined the original London cast of "Miss Saigon" alongside Lea Salonga.
Nora Aunor, 71
Nora Aunor (Jul. 21, 1953 - Apr. 16, 2025)
As the country’s only Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor's contributions to film, music, and theater earned widespread recognition and admiration across many generations here and abroad. According to her son Ian de Leon, Ate Guy died from acute respiratory failure.
Hajji Alejandro, 70
Hajji Alenjandro (Dec. 26, 1954 - Apr. 21, 2025)
Dubbed the "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala," Hajji died due to stage four colon cancer.
Hajji is best known for his signature song, "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika," which has become an anthem for Filipino musicians. Hajji began his music career in the 1970s, first as a member of the Circus Band before eventually pursuing a successful solo career.
Ricky Davao, 63
Ricky Davao (May 30, 1961 - May 1, 2025)
Actress Ara Davao announced that her father, award-winning actor Ricky Davao, passed on following his fight with cancer.
Known for his work on the films "Puerto Prinsesa," "Di Bale Na Lang," and "Minsan May Isang Puso," Ricky Davao also directed various movies and TV series.
Emmanuel Atienza, 19
Emman Atienza (Feb. 8, 2006 - Oct. 22, 2025)
Emman, the adored youngest daughter of beloved TV host Kim Atienza, inspired countless people with her courageous openness about her mental health journey. Her vibrant spirit and genuine willingness to share her struggles struck a chord with many, showcasing her remarkable strength and authenticity. Although her untimely passing brings an immense sense of loss, we can cherish the impact she made and celebrate the beautiful future she envisioned. Her legacy of courage will continue to inspire and uplift those who were touched by her story.
International celebs
Dianne Keaton, 79
Diane Keaton (Jan. 5, 1964 - Oct. 11, 2025)
Dianne Keaton's family confirmed she died of pneumonia. She was an acclaimed actress and winner of an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe, with additional nominations for two Emmys and a Tony. She earned her Academy Award for Best Actress for Annie Hall, appeared in several Woody Allen films, including Manhattan, and starred in all three Godfather movies as Kay, the wife—and later ex-wife—of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino.
Ozzy Osbourne, 76
Ozzy Osbourne (Dec. 3, 1948 - Jul. 22, 2025)
Singer Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s frontman and a key figure in British heavy metal, died of cardiac arrest and had coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease, according to a death certificate filed by his daughter. Dubbed the Prince of Darkness, he helped pioneer heavy metal with hits like "Paranoid" and "War Pigs," later finding solo success and notoriety for his wild rock persona.
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68
Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner
The cause of death for both film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele is given as "multiple sharp force injuries" with the circumstances described as "homicide" and "with a knife, by another."
Rob gave vision to the most iconic films of the last century, with credits including "Stand By Me," "When Harry Met Sally," "The Princess Bride," "A Few Good Men," and "Misery."
David Lynch, 78
David Lynch (Jan. 20, 1946 - Jan 15, 2025)
David Lynch died of cardiac arrest related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The visionary director behind "Mulholland Drive" and "Twin Peaks," he also made acclaimed films like "The Elephant Man" and "Blue Velvet." He received three Oscar nominations and an honorary Academy Award in 2019.
Gene Hackman, 63
Gene Hackman (Jan. 30, 1930 - Feb. 18, 2025)
Actor Gene Hackman died from heart disease and was also in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. He launched his screen career in 1961 and became a Hollywood icon, known for roles ranging from Lex Luthor in Superman to acclaimed performances in "The French Connection" and "The Conversation."
Barbie Hsu, 48
Barbie Hsu (Oct. 6, 1976 - Feb. 2, 2025)
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu died of pneumonia after contracting the flu while on a family vacation in Japan. She became a major star through her role in the 2001 hit series "Meteor Garden," which brought her widespread fame across the Mandarin-speaking world and parts of Southeast Asia.
Kim Sae-Ron, 24
Kim Sae-Ron (Jul. 31 , 2000 - Feb. 16, 2025)
Authorities said Kim Sae-Ron's death is being treated as the result of a personal decision, according to Yonhap News Agency. The Korean star started as a child actor and earned international recognition for her role in "A Brand New Life" (2009), later appearing in notable films such as "The Man from Nowhere," "The Neighbors," and "A Girl at My Door."