Famous people and celebrities who died in 1990

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1990. 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. 5 Arthur Kennedy
Arthur Kennedy was an acclaimed American stage and film actor known for his versatile performances in both supporting and leading roles from the late 1930s through the 1970s. He was nominated for five Academy Awards and won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. [bio]
Jan. 15 Gordon Jackson
Gordon Jackson was a distinguished Scottish actor best known for his roles in the television series 'Upstairs, Downstairs' and 'The Professionals'. Throughout his career, he earned acclaim for his versatility and strong screen presence in both dramatic and action-oriented roles. [bio]
Jan. 20 Barbara Stanwyck
Barbara Stanwyck was an acclaimed American actress known for her strong, memorable roles in film and television across several decades, particularly from the 1930s through the 1950s. Renowned for her versatility and screen presence, she starred in numerous film classics and later made a successful transition to television. [bio]
Jan. 25 Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner was an American actress and singer who gained fame as one of Hollywood's leading stars during the 1940s and 1950s. Renowned for her beauty, talent, and charisma, she is best known for roles in films such as 'The Killers', 'Mogambo', and 'The Night of the Iguana'. She was also noted for her tumultuous personal life, including high-profile marriages … [bio]
Feb. 8 Del Shannon
Del Shannon was an influential American rock and roll and country musician and songwriter, best known for his 1961 hit single "Runaway." He became one of the early American rock and roll stars, recognized for his falsetto and innovative use of the Musitron. [bio]
Feb. 24 Johnnie Ray
Johnnie Ray was an influential American singer, pianist, and songwriter, noted for his breakout popularity in the 1950s with a style that bridged the gap between traditional pop and rock and roll. Known for his emotionally charged performances and distinctive vocal style, Ray became a significant figure in pre-rock music and paved the way for future music stars. [bio]
April 3 Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz singer renowned for her rich voice, wide vocal range, and impeccable technique. She is often cited as one of the greatest female vocalists in jazz history. [bio]
April 15 Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo was a renowned Swedish-American film actress, celebrated as one of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Known for her enigmatic persona, expressive acting, and performances in both silent and talking films, Garbo remains an enduring icon of the silver screen. [bio]
April 23 Paulette Goddard
Paulette Goddard was an American actress and film producer, best known for her work in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in films directed by Charlie Chaplin. She was popular during Hollywood's Golden Age and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]
May 6 Charles Farrell
Charles Farrell was an American actor best known for his roles in silent and early sound films, particularly for his romantic on-screen partnership with Janet Gaynor in the late 1920s and early 1930s. [bio]
May 10 Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver was an American actress, television director, and aviator, best known for her prolific television appearances from the late 1950s through the 1980s. She is particularly remembered for her roles in 'The Twilight Zone,' 'Star Trek,' and 'Peyton Place.' [bio]
May 16 Jim Henson
Jim Henson was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker, best known as the creator of The Muppets. He was a pioneering figure in puppetry and children's entertainment, whose innovations transformed the art form and led to beloved television programs such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. [bio]
May 18 Jill Ireland
Jill Ireland was an English actress and singer best known for her extensive film and television work in the 1950s through the 1980s, as well as for her marriage to actor Charles Bronson. She was recognized both for her talent on screen and for her personal battle with breast cancer, which she chronicled in books and public appearances. [bio]
May 22 Rocky Graziano
Rocky Graziano was an American professional boxer and world middleweight champion, best known for his aggressive fighting style and resilience in the ring. He became a cultural icon in the mid-20th century and later transitioned to television and acting. [bio]
May 25 Vic Tayback
Vic Tayback was an American actor best known for his role as Mel Sharples, the gruff but lovable diner owner, in the film 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' and its long-running television spin-off, 'Alice'. [bio]
June 2 Rex Harrison
Rex Harrison was an acclaimed English actor known for his work on stage and screen, with a career spanning more than five decades. He was celebrated for his suave, sophisticated style and distinctive voice. [bio]
June 2 Jack Gilford
Jack Gilford was an acclaimed American actor and comedian, known for his work in film, television, and theatre. He gained recognition for his roles in both comedic and dramatic productions, earning particular acclaim for his Broadway performances. [bio]
June 29 Irving Wallace
Irving Wallace was a prolific American author and screenwriter known for his best-selling novels and for contributing to popular culture through fiction and non-fiction writing. His works often blended meticulous research with compelling storytelling, making him a prominent figure in mid-to-late 20th-century American literature. [bio]
July 15 Margaret Lockwood
Margaret Lockwood was a renowned English actress, celebrated for her roles in British cinema during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the thriller and melodrama genres. [bio]
July 19 Eddie Quillan
Eddie Quillan was an American film and television actor whose career spanned over seven decades, beginning in the silent film era and extending well into the television age. He is known for his comedic timing and numerous supporting roles in films, including collaborations with director Frank Capra. [bio]
July 27 Elizabeth Allan
Elizabeth Allan was a British actress best known for her roles in British and Hollywood films of the 1930s, including notable performances in "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935) and "David Copperfield" (1935), both adaptations of Charles Dickens' novels. [bio]
Aug. 17 Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey was an acclaimed American singer and actress known for her distinctive voice, energetic stage presence, and impactful performances in theater, film, and television. She broke racial barriers on Broadway and received notable accolades throughout her career. [bio]
Sept. 4 Irene Dunne
Irene Dunne was an acclaimed American actress and singer, renowned for her work in both musical films and comedies during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her versatile performances earned her critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. [bio]
Oct. 20 Joel McCrea
Joel McCrea was an American actor best known for his work in Westerns and adventure films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Over his five-decade career, McCrea appeared in more than 90 films and became known for his understated style and robust screen presence. [bio]
Oct. 27 Ugo Tognazzi
Ugo Tognazzi was an acclaimed Italian actor, director, and screenwriter, renowned for his versatile work in film and television, particularly within Italian comedy. He became internationally recognized for starring roles in movies such as 'La Cage aux Folles' and for his contributions to the commedia all'italiana genre. [bio]
Nov. 23 Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was a celebrated British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot. He is best known for his pioneering work in children's literature, including masterpieces like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' 'Matilda,' and 'James and the Giant Peach.' His imaginative storytelling, often blending dark humor with fantastical plots, has left a lasting impact on readers of all … [bio]
Dec. 2 Robert Cummings
Robert Cummings was an American actor known for his work in film, television, and radio from the 1930s through the 1960s. He was recognized for his comedic timing and leading roles in romantic comedies and dramas. [bio]
Dec. 7 Joan Bennett
Joan Bennett was a renowned American stage, film, and television actress whose career spanned five decades and included work in both Hollywood's Golden Age and television drama. [bio]
Dec. 18 Anne Revere
Anne Revere was an acclaimed American stage, film, and television actress, best known for her supporting roles in classic Hollywood films during the 1940s. She won critical acclaim for her portrayal of strong, nurturing women and received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'National Velvet' (1944). [bio]
Dec. 28 Kiel Martin
Kiel Martin was an American actor best known for his role as Detective J.D. LaRue on the acclaimed television series 'Hill Street Blues.' Known for his compelling and energetic performances, Martin was active in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]