Famous people and celebrities who died in 1966

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1966. 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. 1 Vincent Auriol

  French lawyer, writer and politician.

• Jan. 11 Alberto Giacometti

  Alberto Giacometti was a renowned Swiss painter and sculptor who revolutionized 20th-century art with his unique interpretations of space...

• Jan. 11 Lal Bahadur Shastri

  Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India, serving from 1964 to 1966.

• Jan. 14 Sergei Korolev

  Chief designer of the Soviet space program who played a pivotal role in launching the first human into space.

• Jan. 24 Homi J. Bhabha

  Homi J. Bhabha was a renowned Indian physicist who played a crucial role in India's nuclear program and scientific development, tragically...

• Feb. 1 Hedda Hopper

  Hedda Hopper was a prominent American actress and one of Hollywood's most influential gossip columnists. Best known for her powerful and sometimes controversial syndicated newspaper column, Hopper became a central figure in 20th-century Hollywood, using her platform to shape public opinion about celebrities, movies, and political issues. [bio]

• Feb. 1 Buster Keaton

  Buster keaton was a pioneering actor and filmmaker known for his deadpan expression and physical comedy in silent films.

• Feb. 9 Sophie Tucker

  Sophie Tucker was an American singer, comedian, and actress, known as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas." She was famous for her powerful stage presence, risqué songs, and comedic timing, dominating vaudeville, radio, and later film from the 1910s through the 1960s. [bio]

• Feb. 13 Elio Vittorini

  Elio Vittorini was a prominent Italian novelist and anti-fascist writer known for his modernist style.

• Feb. 26 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

  Indian independence activist and politician who played a key role in the freedom struggle.

• March 3 William Frawley

  William Frawley was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Fred Mertz on the classic television sitcom 'I Love Lucy.' He had a long career in vaudeville, film, and television, becoming one of America's most recognized character actors. [bio]

• April 1 Flann O'Brien

  Flann O'Brien was a renowned Irish writer known for his experimental and satirical novels that significantly influenced modern Irish...

• April 10 Evelyn Waugh

  Evelyn Waugh was an English writer known for his sharp wit, satirical novels, and masterful prose. Regarded as one of the leading English novelists of the 20th century, his works often explore themes of social class, religion, and decline of the British aristocracy. [bio]

• June 19 Ed Wynn

  Ed Wynn was an American comedian and actor, best known for his work in vaudeville, radio, and film, as well as his distinctive voice and comic persona. [bio]

• June 30 Margery Allingham

  Margery Allingham was a prominent British mystery novelist known for creating the detective Albert Campion.

• July 25 Montgomery Clift

  Montgomery Clift was an American film and stage actor, renowned for his deeply sensitive performances and significant influence on mid-20th century cinema. He was a key figure of the method acting movement and starred in several acclaimed films between the 1940s and 1960s. [bio]

• July 31 Bud Powell

  Legendary bebop jazz pianist who revolutionized piano playing in the mid-20th century, known for his extraordinary technical skill and...

• Aug. 3 Lenny Bruce

  Lenny Bruce was an influential American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist known for his open, free-style, and critical form of comedy, which integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. He broke cultural taboos and faced numerous legal battles over obscenity, paving the way for future generations of stand-up comedians. [bio]

• Aug. 15 Jan Kiepura

  Jan Kiepura was a renowned Polish tenor and actor, celebrated internationally for his operatic and film performances during the 20th century. He achieved fame across Europe and the United States, enchanting audiences with his vocal talent as well as his charismatic screen presence. [bio]

• Aug. 17 Ken Miles

  Legendary British racing driver and automotive engineer known for his pivotal role in Ford's racing program, particularly in the development...

• Aug. 29 Sayyid Qutb

  Sayyid Qutb was an influential Egyptian Islamic theorist, writer, and leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood. His works, especially "Milestones" and his commentary on the Qur'an, "In the Shade of the Qur'an," deeply impacted the development of modern Islamist thought. Qutb is known for his radical opposition to Western materialism, secularism, and what he perceived as the moral decline of … [bio]

• Sept. 6 Margaret Sanger

  American nurse and feminist who was imprisoned for her advocacy of birth control.

• Sept. 6 Hendrik Verwoerd

  A controversial South African politician who was a key architect of apartheid, serving as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1966.

• Sept. 14 Gertrude Berg

  Pioneering American radio and television actress, writer, and producer.

• Sept. 28 Eric Fleming

  Eric Fleming was an American actor best known for his role as trail boss Gil Favor in the popular CBS television series 'Rawhide' that aired in the late 1950s and early 1960s. [bio]

• Oct. 18 Elizabeth Arden

  Elizabeth Arden was a Canadian-American entrepreneur, best known for founding the cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden, Inc. She was a pioneering figure in the beauty industry, introducing innovative beauty products and concepts such as the 'makeover' and establishing luxurious salons. Arden is also recognized for her contributions to modern cosmetics and skin care, and for being one of the wealthiest women … [bio]

• Oct. 26 Alma Cogan

  Alma Cogan was an English singer known for her effervescent personality and distinctive voice, earning her the nickname 'The Girl with the Laugh in Her Voice.' She was one of the most successful female vocalists in the UK during the 1950s and early 1960s, with several chart-topping hits. [bio]

• Dec. 15 Walt Disney

  Walt Disney was an American film producer, animator, and entrepreneur, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. He co-founded The Walt Disney Company and played a pivotal role in the development of animated films and theme parks worldwide. [bio]

What happened in 1966?

Discover what the world looked like in 1966: