Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1981

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1981. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

Jan. 1 Hephzibah Menuhin
Hephzibah Menuhin was a distinguished violinist and the sister of world-famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin, known for her exceptional musical...
Jan. 2 David Lynch
David Lynch is an acclaimed American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, and musician, best known for his surreal, enigmatic style. He is widely recognized for works such as 'Blue Velvet,' 'Mulholland Drive,' and the television series 'Twin Peaks.' Lynch's unique approach and distinct storytelling have earned him multiple awards and a reputation as one of the most influential directors of … [bio]
Jan. 3 Princess Alice
Princess Alice was a member of the British Royal Family, serving as the Duchess of Gloucester and wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.
Jan. 3 Marie Eline
Jan. 3 Felton Jarvis
Jan. 5 Harold Urey
American chemist and astronomer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1893).
Jan. 5 Harold Clayton Urey
Prize laureate for his discovery of heavy hydrogen.
Jan. 6 A. J. Cronin
Scottish physician and author (b. 1896).
Jan. 6 Giordano Dell'Amore
Jan. 7 Eric Robinson
Australian businessman and politician, 2nd australian minister for finance (b. 1926).
Jan. 10 Richard Boone
Richard Boone was a prominent American actor best known for his roles in film and television during the mid-20th century, particularly as the star of the long-running TV series 'Have Gun – Will Travel'. [bio]
Jan. 11 Beulah Bondi
Beulah Bondi was an acclaimed American actress best known for her character roles in film, television, and theater, especially during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was a prolific performer who earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress and is remembered for her portrayals of wise, maternal figures. [bio]
Jan. 14 G. Lloyd Spencer
American lieutenant and politician (b. 1893).
Jan. 15 Graham Whitehead
English race car driver (b. 1922).
Jan. 16 Bernard Lee
Bernard Lee was a distinguished English actor best known for his portrayal of M, the head of MI6, in the first eleven James Bond films released between 1962 and 1979. [bio]
Jan. 17 Loukas Panourgias
Greek footballer and lawyer (b. 1899).
Jan. 19 Francesca Woodman
Francesca Woodman was an influential American photographer renowned for her black-and-white self-portraits that explored themes of identity,...
Jan. 23 Samuel Barber
Samuel Barber was a prominent 20th-century American classical composer renowned for his deeply emotional and lyrical works, with his Adagio...
Jan. 25 Richard Talmadge
Actor (speed reporter).
Jan. 25 Adele Astaire
American actress, singer, and dancer (b. 1896).
Jan. 29 Cozy Cole
Cozy Cole was an influential American jazz drummer, renowned for his innovative technique and significant contributions to jazz music during the swing era and beyond. [bio]
Jan. 29 John Glassco
Canadian poet and writer known for his significant contributions to Montreal's literary scene, particularly through his poetry,...
Jan. 29 Jack A. W. Bennett
New zealander literary scholar (b. 1911).
Jan. 31 Leonardo Sinisgalli
Jan. 31 William Gopallawa