Famous people and celebrities who died in 1962

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1962. 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. 13 Ernie Kovacs

  Ernie Kovacs was an American comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his inventive and highly influential work in television during the 1950s and early 1960s. Recognized for his experimental and visual comedy style, Kovacs was a pioneer in utilizing the medium's capabilities, and his unique approach helped shape future generations of comedians and television producers. [bio]

• Jan. 24 Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar

  Prominent Turkish novelist, poet, and literary scholar who significantly influenced modern Turkish literature through works exploring...

• Feb. 6 Candido Portinari

  Celebrated Brazilian painter who masterfully captured the essence of Brazilian life and culture through his distinctive artistic style,...

• March 15 Arthur Compton

  American physicist, joint winner with c.t.

• April 10 Stuart Sutcliffe

  Original bassist of The Beatles and a talented artist who played a crucial role in the band's early formation before pursuing his artistic...

• April 10 Michael Curtiz

  Hungarian-american actor, director and producer (d. 1962).

• April 15 Arsenio Lacson

  Prominent Filipino journalist and politician who served as Mayor of Manila during the mid-20th century, known for his significant...

• April 23 Stirling Moss

  Legendary British racing driver considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers who never won a world championship.

• April 24 Emilio Prados

  Emilio Prados was a Spanish poet and a member of the Generation of '27, a group of influential Spanish poets and intellectuals.

• May 13 Franz Kline

  Prominent American abstract expressionist painter known for his powerful black and white gestural paintings that were influential in the...

• May 31 Adolf Eichmann

  A high-ranking Nazi SS officer who was a key architect of the Holocaust, responsible for organizing the systematic deportation and...

• June 6 Yves Klein

  Influential French artist considered a pivotal figure in post-war European art.

• June 11 Chhabi Biswas

  Chhabi Biswas was a renowned Indian actor known for his work in Bengali cinema. He gained prominence for his powerful performances and became one of the most respected actors in Bengali film during the mid-20th century. [bio]

• June 28 Mickey Cochrane

  Renowned Major League Baseball catcher and manager who played primarily for the Detroit Tigers, known for his exceptional leadership and...

• July 6 William Faulkner

  American novelist and short story writer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1897).

• Aug. 5 Marilyn Monroe

  Marilyn Monroe was an iconic American actress, model, and singer, widely regarded as one of the most famous and enduring sex symbols of the 20th century. She starred in notable films during the 1950s and early 1960s, becoming a pop culture icon recognized for her beauty, charisma, and tragic life story. [bio]

• Aug. 7 Morris Louis

  Influential American abstract expressionist painter who was a key figure in the Color Field movement, known for his innovative use of color...

• Aug. 9 Hermann Hesse

  German-born swiss poet, novelist, and painter, nobel prize laureate (b. 1877).

• Sept. 12 Rangeya Raghav

  Prominent Indian playwright and author who made significant contributions to Hindi literature during the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 28 Roger Nimier

  French soldier and notable author who was an important literary figure in post-World War II France.

• Oct. 27 Enrico Mattei

  Enrico Mattei was a prominent Italian industrialist who revolutionized Italy's energy sector by transforming the national hydrocarbons...

• Nov. 7 Eleanor Roosevelt

  First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, and a prominent American politician, diplomat, and activist.

• Nov. 18 Niels Bohr

  Niels Bohr was a Danish physicist best known for his foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. [bio]

• Nov. 18 Niels Henrik David Bohr

  Prize laureate for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them.

• Nov. 19 Jean Abrial

  French naval officer who aided the british during the evacuation of dunkirk, 1940.

• Dec. 15 Charles Laughton

  Charles Laughton was a celebrated English actor and director, acclaimed for his powerful performances on both stage and screen. Renowned for his versatility, Laughton became one of the most distinctive stars of classical Hollywood, earning accolades for his work in films such as 'The Private Life of Henry VIII,' 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' and 'Witness for the Prosecution.' He is … [bio]

• Dec. 17 Thomas Mitchell

  Thomas Mitchell was an Australian geographer, explorer, and surveyor who played a significant role in mapping and exploring inland Australia during the 19th century. [bio]

What happened in 1962?

Discover what the world looked like in 1962: