Famous people and celebrities who died in 1952

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1952. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

• Jan. 8 Antonia Maury

  Antonia Maury was an American astronomer known for her stellar classification system.

• Jan. 18 Curly Howard

  Curly Howard was an American comedian and actor best known as a member of the legendary slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. Renowned for his high-energy performances, distinctive shaven head, and unique vocal expressions, Curly became a beloved figure in American pop culture through his film, television, and stage appearances alongside Moe Howard and Larry Fine. [bio]

• Feb. 13 Josephine Tey

  Scottish playwright and mystery writer who was also the creator of scotland yard investigator alan grant.

• Feb. 19 Knut Hamsun

  Norwegian novelist, poet, and playwright, nobel prize laureate (b. 1859).

• Feb. 19 Knut Pedersen Hamsun

  Prize laureate for his monumental work, Growth of the Soil.

• Feb. 26 Theodoros Pangalos

  Greek politician who served as deputy prime minister of Greece, known for his significant role in modern Greek political landscape.

• March 1 Mariano Azuela

  Mexican author known for his novel 'The Underdogs'.

• March 4 Sir Charles Scott Sherrington

  Prize laureate for their discoveries regarding the functions of neurons.

• March 11 Pierre Renoir

  Pierre Renoir was a French actor and director born in 1885, part of the renowned Renoir artistic family known for their contributions to...

• April 21 Leslie Banks

  American actor, director and producer (b. 1890).

• April 27 Guido Castelnuovo

  Italian mathematician and statistician (b. 1865).

• May 21 John Garfield

  John Garfield was an acclaimed American actor noted for his roles in both stage and film during Hollywood's Golden Age. A pioneer of Method acting, Garfield was known for his intense, naturalistic performances, particularly in gritty dramas. [bio]

• May 31 Walter Schellenberg

  High-ranking Nazi intelligence officer who served as head of foreign intelligence in the SS during World War II.

• June 17 Jack Parsons

  Pioneering rocket scientist and occultist who co-founded Jet Propulsion Laboratory, known for his groundbreaking work in rocket propulsion...

• June 27 Elmo Lincoln

  American actor known for being the first actor to play Tarzan in silent films.

• July 10 Rued Langgaard

  Danish composer and organist (d. 1952).

• July 26 Eva Perón

  Eva Perón, also known as Evita, was the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. A former actress, she became a powerful political figure and an advocate for labor rights and women's suffrage in Argentina. Her work through the Eva Perón Foundation and her charismatic public presence turned her into one of the most influential and … [bio]

• July 31 Waldemar Bonsels

  German author best known for his novel 'The Adventures of Maya the Bee.

• Aug. 5 Sameera Moussa

  Egyptian nuclear physicist who pioneered research on using nuclear technology for medical purposes and advocated for peaceful nuclear...

• Aug. 29 Anton Piëch

  Austrian lawyer and businessman (d. 1952).

• Sept. 6 Gertrude Lawrence

  Gertrude Lawrence was a renowned English actress, singer, and dancer, celebrated for her performances in musical theatre, particularly in London's West End and on Broadway. She is best known for her leading roles in classic productions such as 'Private Lives' and 'The King and I,' for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. [bio]

• Sept. 9 Joseph Allen

  NASA astronaut who was part of the first shuttle transportation system operational flight and conducted the first space salvage mission in...

• Oct. 26 Hattie McDaniel

  American actress and singer (born 1895).

• Nov. 1 Dixie Lee

  Dixie Lee was an American actress, dancer, and singer who gained popularity in the late 1920s and 1930s. She is perhaps best remembered as the first wife of famed singer Bing Crosby. [bio]

• Nov. 9 Chaim Weizmann

  Russian-born chemist, zionist leader, and first president of israel.

• Nov. 13 Margaret Wise Brown

  Influential children's book author known for classic works like 'Goodnight Moon' that revolutionized children's literature in the mid-20th...

• Nov. 26 Sven Hedin

  Swedish explorer and mapmaker who created the first maps and information about central asia.

• Dec. 29 Fletcher Henderson

  Influential jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer.

• Dec. 29 Beryl Rubinstein

  American pianist, composer and teacher (b. 1898).

What happened in 1952?

Discover what the world looked like in 1952: