February 2025 Celebrity Deaths — Gene Hackman, Michelle Trachtenberg, and More
February 2025 saw the deaths of several beloved celebrities across music, film, television, and sports, leaving behind lasting legacies in their respective fields. From iconic performers to influential figures behind the scenes, these individuals made profound contributions that shaped entertainment and culture. Their deaths have sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists alike. This article highlights some of the most notable stars who died during the month, honoring their lives and achievements.
Celebrities who died in February 2025
Irv Gotti: Music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Irv Gotti died at 54 on Feb. 5. Gotti played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop and R&B landscape of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in launching the careers of artists such as Ja Rule and Ashanti.
Tony Roberts: The versatile actor, best known for his frequent collaborations with filmmaker Woody Allen, died on Feb. 7 at the age of 85 due to complications from lung cancer. Roberts’ notable film roles include Annie Hall, Stardust Memories, and Hannah and Her Sisters. Beyond his work in cinema, he had a prolific stage career, earning two Tony Award nominations.
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo: An actor known for roles in Street Fighter and Necessary Roughness, as well as guest appearances on NCIS and New Girl, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo died at 61 on Feb. 10 due to heart complications.
Tommy Hunt: The soul singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died on Feb. 12 at the age of 91. He gained prominence as a member of the doo-wop group The Flamingos, contributing to classics like “I Only Have Eyes for You.” After departing from the group in 1961, Hunt embarked on a successful solo career, with hits such as “Human” and “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself.”
Geneviève Page: The French actor, celebrated for her extensive career in film and theater, died on Feb. 14 at the age of 97. She was the daughter of art collector Jacques Paul Bonjean and the goddaughter of fashion designer Christian Dior. Page’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, with notable film roles in El Cid (1961), Belle de Jour (1967), and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).
Kim Sae-ron: The South Korean actor, celebrated for her roles in A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, was found deceased at her home in Seoul at the age of 24. Her Feb. 16 death was ruled a suicide.
Paquita la del Barrio: The beloved Mexican singer and actor, known for her songs addressing women’s rights and social issues, such as “Rata de dos patas” amd “Me saludas a la tuya,”died at 77 on Feb. 17.
Rick Buckler: Drummer for the British band The Jam, Rick Buckler died at 69 on Feb. 18. The band delivered 18 consecutive top 40 singles in the U.K., including “That’s Entertainment” and “Just Who Is the 5 O’Clock Hero?”
Peter Jason: The veteran character actor, recognized for his extensive career spanning over five decades, died on Feb. 20 at the age of 80. Jason’s filmography includes roles in The Karate Kid, The Hunt for Red October, and Deadwood.
Jerry Butler: Soul singer and former member of The Impressions, Jerry Butler died at 85 on Feb. 21 in Chicago, Illinois. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
Lynne Marie Stewart: Renowned for her role as Miss Yvonne on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and as Bonnie Kelly on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Stewart died at 78 on Feb. 21. Her death was announced by her close friend Cassandra Peterson.
Voletta Wallace: Mother of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and steward of his legacy, Voletta Wallace died at 78 on Feb. 21 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, due to natural causes.
Jesus Guerrero: The celebrity hairstylist, known for his work with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner, died suddenly at 34. His unexpected death on Feb. 23 left the beauty community and his high-profile clients in deep mourning.
Roberta Flack: The iconic vocalist, best known for her hit “Killing Me Softly,” died at 88 on Feb. 24. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, she was unable to sing in her later years.
Michelle Trachtenberg: The American actor, celebrated for her performances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, was found dead in her New York apartment on Feb. 26 at the age of 39. She had recently undergone a liver transplant in late 2024 and reportedly experienced complications. Her death is not considered suspicious.
Gene Hackman: The esteemed American actor, known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, died at 95. He and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Feb. 27. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Boris Spassky: The Russian chess grandmaster, renowned for his 1972 World Championship match against Bobby Fischer, died at 88 on Feb. 27.
