LIST: Filipino Celebrities, Personalities Who Passed Away This 2025

The year 2025 marked the loss of entertainment pillars, notable figures, and beloved faces. As the year comes to an end, let’s take a moment to remember the personalities who left us this year.

Here’s the list of Filipino personalities who passed away this year:

Gloria Romero (December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025)

Hailed as the Queen of Philippine Cinema, Gloria Romero passed away on January 25. She was 91 years old.

Her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, announced the sad news on social media.

“It is with great sadness [that I] announce the passing of my beloved mother, Gloria Galla Gutierrez, aka Gloria Romero, who peacefully joined our Creator earlier today, January 25, 2025,” she wrote.

With a seven-decade-long career, Gloria won multiple acting awards, including the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in 2024. She was also known for her acting performances in “Tanging Yaman” (2000), “Bahay ni Lola” (2001), “Magnifico” (2003), “Dalagang Ilocana” (1954), and “Rainbow’s Sunset” (2018).

Margarita Forés (March 23, 1959 – February 11, 2025)

Renowned chef Margarita Forés passed away on February 11. She was 65 years old.

Her son, Amado Forés, announced the heartbreaking news through an Instagram post.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time,” he wrote.

Margarita was one of the most celebrated Filipino culinary icons. She was also the culinary genius behind well-known restaurants such as Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park.

Pilita Corrales (August 22, 1937 – April 12, 2025)

Legendary singer, actress, and comedian Pilita Corrales passed away on April 12. She was 85 years old.

Her granddaughter, Janine Gutierrez, announced the news on social media: “Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family.”

Known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” Pilita left an indelible mark on the Philippine entertainment industry with her timeless voice and exceptional talent that spanned six decades.

Nora Aunor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025)

Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure. She was 71 years old.

Her son, Ian de Leon, announced her passing on Facebook.

“She was the heart of our family—a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever,” he wrote.

Nora, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Filipino actresses of all time, was named the National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. Throughout her decades-long career, she bagged 13 FAMAS Awards and 10 Gawad Urian Awards.

Jiggly Caliente (November 29, 1980 – April 27, 2025)

Drag queen Jiggly Caliente passed away after a “severe infection.” She was only 44 years old.

In an official statement, it was stated that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world,” the statement read.

Jiggly was a Filipino-American transgender drag performer who rose to mainstream prominence after competing on the fourth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2012.

Ricky Davao (May 30, 1961 – May 2, 2025)

Ricky Davao passed away on May 2. He was 63 years old.

His daughter, Ara Davao, shared the heartbreaking news, revealing that Ricky died due to complications related to cancer.

“For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all, he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend,” she wrote.

Ricky was a well-known Filipino actor and television director who began his career as a dancer in the 1970s. His notable roles include “Bongbong and Kris,” “Saranggola,” “On the Job 2: The Missing 8, and “Fuccbois.”

Freddie Aguilar (February 3, 1953 – May 27, 2025)

Freddie Aguilar passed away on May 27. He was 72 years old.

According to a report published by ABS-CBN, Freddie died at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Freddie Aguilar was a veteran OPM hitmaker and singer-songwriter, best known for his internationally acclaimed hit “Anak,” which was released in 53 countries, translated into over 50 languages, and sold more than 33 million copies worldwide.

Lolit Solis (May 20, 1947 – July 3, 2025)

Veteran columnist Lolit Solis passed away on July 4. She was 78 years old.

While the cause of her death remains undisclosed, she previously shared her current medical condition in a lengthy Instagram post.

“Talagang hindi ko akalain at my age dun pa ako mako confined at magkakasakit. Nagkaruon nga tuloy ako ng anxiety attack dahil hindi ko akalain na at my age mahihiga ako sa hospital bed (I really didn’t expect that at my age, I’d end up being confined and getting sick. I even had an anxiety attack because I couldn’t believe that I’d be lying in a hospital bed at this point in my life),” she wrote.

Lolit was a talk show host and an entertainment news writer who became a household name when she hosted “Star Talk” alongside Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino.

Emman Atienza (February 8, 2006 – October 22, 2025)

Beloved content creator Emman Atienza passed away on October 22. She was only 19 years old.

In a joint Instagram statement, parents Felicia Hung and Kim Atienza announced the unexpected passing of their daughter.

“She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her. Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone,” the statement read.

“To honor Emman’s memory, we hope you carry forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life,” it added.

At a young age, Emman had already become a mental health advocate and budding internet personality, using her platform to share her love for fashion and rock climbing while also speaking openly about socio-political issues and her personal struggles with mental health.

Juan Ponce Enrile Sr. (February 14, 1924 – November 13, 2025)

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile passed away on November 13 after being confined in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) due to pneumonia. He was 101 years old.

His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, confirmed the news of his death in a Facebook post.

“He dedicated much of his life to the service of the Filipino people. At this time, we humbly ask for the public’s understanding as our family takes a brief moment to grieve privately and honor his memory together in quiet and in peace,” she wrote.

Juan Ponce Enrile served as the Senate President from 2008 to 2013. At the age of 98, he became a Legal Counsel in the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.