These were the prominent Albanian personalities who passed away during 2025

The year 2025 can also be called a black year for Albania, as a number of figures in art, politics, culture, etc., passed away, making our nation poorer.

Within a year, Albania lost important names in politics, art, cinema, theater, music, and media, figures who for decades built the country's cultural and public identity.

On January 25, the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Anastas Janullatos , died at the age of 95. Since December 22, 2017, Janullatos also held Albanian citizenship. His figure at the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church has often sparked controversy, the essence of which has been his Greek ethnicity.

On March 9, Andis Harasani , a former member of parliament and a prominent figure in politics and the energy sector, passed away at the age of 53. Harasani, who was a senior member of the Socialist Party, served as a member of parliament from 2005 to 2009. He played an important role in Albania's energy policies, heading the Albanian Electric Power Corporation (KESH) from 2002 to 2005. After leaving politics, Harasani became involved in business, founding a company in the United States and contributing to the development of several international initiatives. Despite his business commitments, he remained known for the influence he had on the country's political scene. He passed away in New York, USA, where he had been battling a serious illness for a long time.

On April 3, 2025, Margarita Xhepa , one of the greatest actresses of Albanian theater and cinema, passed away , one day after her 93rd birthday. Xhepa had an extraordinary career that spanned over eight decades with roles in theater and film, being considered an icon of the Albanian stage. She died in Tirana after a long life full of creativity and was honored with tributes from colleagues and admirers.

On May 23, 2025, Artan Lame , a publicist, historian and active figure in the fields of cultural heritage and media, passed away . Lame died in Munich, Germany, after a complicated heart operation and cardiac problems, after which he ended up in a coma and never woke up. He was known for his work in state administration and for his contributions to the study of history and heritage.

On May 24, the prominent Albanian director Piro Milkani , one of the giants and fathers of Albanian cinema, with over 20 productions that stand at the top of art and culture, passed away at the age of 86. Piro Milkani was one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema, with a long career and extraordinary contribution to the art of directing. He will be remembered as a beloved and respected personality not only for his talent, but also for his love and dedication to art and family.

On June 11, 2025, Albanian art and cinema lost Leka Bungo , a renowned director, actor and screenwriter, who passed away in Tirana at the age of 81 after a sudden heart attack. Bungo was one of the most beloved figures in Albanian cinema and television, with decades of creativity and influence on the artistic scene.

On July 23, 2025, Violeta Sekuj , one of the most prominent actresses of Albanian theater, passed away at the age of 94. She was known for her unforgettable roles on stage and was hailed by the artistic community for her long and sensitive contribution.

On August 28, 2025, Naun Shundi , a prominent actor, director, and playwright, passed away at the age of 66. He battled skin cancer, for which he received treatment abroad, but then returned to Albania where he continued his medical care until the end. Shundi left behind an important legacy on the national theater scene.

During the month of August, the sudden loss of Artur Zheji , a well-known Albanian journalist and media analyst, after a cardiac arrest, shocked the media community. Zheji was engaged in the field of journalism in our country for decades. His activity consisted of political analysis, various editorial writings and directing television programs. Artur Zheji passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind his wife and two children, a 22-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter.

On September 1, renowned filmmaker Dhimitër Anagnosti passed away at the age of 89, considered one of the most important Albanian directors of the 20th century. His films are among the few that still represent artistic interest today.

On September 22, the actor Enver Petrovci, an icon of film and theater in Albania and Kosovo, passed away at the age of 71. Petrovci was considered one of the most prominent actors of his time, with several national and international awards. In addition to the stage, he also made a great contribution to the education of new generations of artists, as one of the founders and first professors of the Dramatic Arts department at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Pristina.

On September 29, 2025, the renowned soprano Luiza Çako passed away at the age of 88, after a long life and career in Albanian classical and operatic music. She was known for her distinctive voice, highly artistically sensitive performances, and numerous roles in the Albanian and international operatic repertoire.

On October 30, Dorian Kongoli , son of the great author Fatos Kongoli, passed away at the age of 47. Dorian Kongoli lived and worked in New York for more than 25 years. There he had built his family and his career in the ranks of the New York police. For several years, he has also appeared on the Amazon.com website as the author of novels, published under the pseudonym Dorian Keys.

On October 31, 2025, Fatos Nano, former Prime Minister of Albania and a key figure in the post-1990s political leadership, died at the age of 73 after a long battle with chronic respiratory disease and other health complications, including lung problems and wounds that worsened. The Albanian government declared November 2 a day of national mourning, organizing tributes and a state funeral in his honor.

On November 26, 2025, Shpat Kasapi, a renowned Albanian singer, passed away suddenly at the age of 40 as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest while in Monza, Italy. The news caused great sadness in the Albanian music scene and numerous reactions from fans and colleagues around the world.

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