- Malcolm-Jamal Warner, born in Jersey City and best known as Theo Huxtable, died July 20 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica at 54.
- Legendary singer Connie Francis, Newark-born, died July 16 at 87; her 1961 song recently went viral on TikTok.
- Other New Jersey-linked losses in 2025 included Eddie Palmieri (88), Peter Greene (60) and Lenny Welch (86).
Key losses from New Jersey in 2025
New Jersey lost several influential entertainers in 2025. The deaths span genres and generations — from pop and Latin-jazz icons to actors who shaped film and television. Each performer had ties to the Garden State that influenced their careers and communities.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: life and legacy
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, born in Jersey City in 1970, rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. He played the role from 1984 to 1992 and earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series in 1986. After sitcom success, Warner continued working in TV and film, most recently appearing as a surgeon on Fox’s medical drama The Resident, which ended in 2023.
Warner died July 20, 2025, in an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica, according to reports. He was 54. Governor Phil Murphy posted condolences on social media, saying he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss” of the Jersey City native and offering prayers for Warner’s family.
Other notable New Jersey figures who died in 2025
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Connie Francis (1937–2025): The Newark-born pop star, known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Where the Boys Are,” died July 16 at 87. Francis was the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 and remained in the public eye this year when her 1961 track “Pretty Little Baby” found new attention on TikTok.
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Eddie Palmieri (1936–2025): The Grammy-winning pianist and bandleader, who lived in Hackensack, died August 6 at 88. Palmieri fused Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz, leading orchestras like La Perfecta and influencing Latin music for decades.
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Peter Greene (1965–2025): Montclair-born Greene, known for villainous turns in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, died December 12 at 60. He began acting after overcoming early-life struggles and had roles that made him a memorable character actor.
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Lenny Welch (1938–2025): Raised in Asbury Park and celebrated as a staple of the city’s Black music scene, Welch — best known for his version of “Since I Fell for You” — died April 8 at 86.
Remembering their work and ties to New Jersey
These artists reflect New Jersey’s rich cultural history: the state provided roots, venues and communities that shaped careers. From Asbury Park stages to Newark neighborhoods and Jersey City neighborhoods, their early experiences left a lasting mark on their art.
Fans and public figures honored the deceased across social media and local tributes. Their recordings, performances and screen work continue to be rediscovered by new audiences.
As New Jersey remembers these talents, their contributions to music, film and television remain part of the state’s cultural legacy.
Image Referance: https://njmonthly.com/articles/arts-entertainment/new-jersey-celebrities-who-died-in-2025/
