The year 2025 began with a wave of sadness across the entertainment world. Filmmakers and artists, from many different creative fields, were lost in these early months.
On January 4, news broke about a deep sorrow in Hollywood. Actor Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, had passed away. He died just a day earlier, on January 3, at the age of 47. Records from the medical examiner, reviewed by Us Weekly, confirmed that Baena’s death was a suicide.
Plaza’s representative released a statement to Us on January 6. Speaking for the actress and her family, they said, “This is an unimaginable tragedy.” The family expressed their deep gratitude for all the support offered. They also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Days after Baena’s passing, more sad news emerged. Manager Simon Jones shared that James Lee Williams, a star from RuPaul’s Drag Race, had also died. Williams, known to fans as The Vivienne, was just 32 years old.
On January 5, Williams’ publicist shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “James was an incredibly loved, big-hearted, and amazing person,” the statement read. “His family is heartbroken by the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.” They proudly noted the wonderful things James achieved in his life and career. The publicist asked for privacy, stating, “We will not disclose further details. Please, we ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they need to process and mourn.”
The following day, authorities confirmed details about the beloved drag queen’s death. Officials stated there were “no suspicious circumstances” involved. These early goodbyes in 2025 brought a collective sadness to the industry.