Hallmark Channel Mourns Beloved Stars and Crew Members Lost in 2025

The Hallmark Channel community faced significant loss in 2025. Multiple beloved actors and a key crew member passed away. The network’s family, both on-screen and off, felt these departures deeply.These losses included veteran character actors and a cherished behind-the-scenes worker. Their contributions defined many fan-favorite movies and series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the year marked a somber period for the network’s extended family.

A Year of Remembering Iconic Performances

Actress Paula Shaw died in her sleep on September 10. She was 84. Shaw found a second home at Hallmark later in her career.She played wise grandmothers in many films. Her role in “It Was Always You” with Tyler Hynes was a standout. Hynes later shared he was developing a movie inspired by her.Golden Globe-winner Diane Ladd passed away on November 3. She was 89. Ladd played the matriarch Nell O’Brien on “Chesapeake Shores” for six seasons.Co-star Barbara Niven shared a heartfelt tribute. She called Ladd one of the world’s “brightest lights.” The show’s fans mourned the loss of the iconic character.

Losses Felt Behind the Scenes and at Home

Crew member Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier died suddenly on April 11. He was 53. Pelletier worked in transportation for “When Calls the Heart.”He cared for the show’s period wagons and vehicles. His obituary noted his “greatest love” was his daughter. His second was his work family.Soap star Drake Hogestyn died of pancreatic cancer in late September. He was 70. Hogestyn starred in the 2020 Hallmark movie “Christmas Tree Lane.”He played Alicia Witt’s father in the film. Witt had called him a “dear, sweet human” while promoting their project.Brennan Elliott’s wife, Camilla Row, died on March 22. She was not an actress but was part of the Hallmark family. Row fought stage four gastric cancer for eight years.Elliott shared the news on social media. He thanked everyone who prayed for his wife during her long battle. Row was a dedicated patient advocate and mother.

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The Hallmark Channel family continues to honor these memories. Their work brought comfort and joy to millions of viewers. Their legacies remain in the heartwarming stories they helped tell.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Which Hallmark star from “Chesapeake Shores” passed away?

Diane Ladd, who played matriarch Nell O’Brien, passed away in November 2025. She was a Golden Globe-winning actress. Her co-stars shared many moving tributes.

Did any “When Calls the Heart” crew members pass away?

Yes, transportation crew member Nathaniel Pelletier died in April 2025. He was a beloved part of the production team. He also appeared on screen as a taxi driver.

What was Paula Shaw known for at Hallmark?

Paula Shaw was known for playing spirited grandmothers. She starred in films like “It Was Always You.” Her final Hallmark role was in 2023’s “Round and Round.”

Who was the Hallmark star that lost his wife to cancer?

Brennan Elliott’s wife, Camilla Row, died after an eight-year battle with cancer. Row was a psychologist and patient advocate. Elliott announced her passing in March.

Which soap star appeared in a Hallmark Christmas movie?

Drake Hogestyn from “Days of Our Lives” starred in “Christmas Tree Lane.” He played the father of Alicia Witt’s character. He passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, IMDb, Public Obituaries, Social Media Announcements from Family and Co-stars.