Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1998

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1998. 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 Helen Wills

  Legendary American tennis player and painter who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s and 1930s, winning eight Wimbledon singles titles and...

• Jan. 1 Helen Wills Moody
• Jan. 2 Frank Muir

  Frank Muir was a renowned English actor, comedian, and writer known for his wit and contributions to British entertainment during the...

• Jan. 4 Mae Questel

  Mae Questel was an American actress, voice actress, and singer, best known for providing the voices of iconic animated characters Betty Boop and Olive Oyl. Her distinctive voice work contributed greatly to the popularity of these classic animation figures throughout the early to mid-20th century. [bio]

• Jan. 4 John Gary

  John Gary was an American singer and television host active in the mid-20th century, known for his musical performances and television...

• Jan. 5 Sonny Bono

  Sonny Bono was an American singer, songwriter, producer, and politician, best known as one half of the musical duo Sonny & Cher. He later served as the mayor of Palm Springs, California, and as a U.S. Congressman. [bio]

• Jan. 7 Owen Bradley

  Owen Bradley was a pioneering country music record producer who significantly shaped the Nashville sound in the 1950s and 1960s, working...

• Jan. 7 Vladimir Prelog

  Croatian-swiss chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1906).

• Jan. 8 Michael Tippett

  Renowned English composer and conductor who was a significant figure in 20th-century classical music.

• Jan. 9 Imi Lichtenfeld

  Founder of Krav Maga, a highly effective self-defense system developed for the Israeli military, who revolutionized martial arts and...

• Jan. 9 Kenichi Fukui

  se chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1918).

• Jan. 12 Ramón Sampedro
• Jan. 15 Junior Wells

  Junior Wells was a legendary American blues singer, songwriter, and harmonica player who significantly influenced the Chicago blues scene.

• Jan. 15 Gulzarilal Nanda

  Indian economist and politician, prime minister of india (b. 1898).

• Jan. 16 Lorenzo Mongiardino
• Jan. 17 Junior Kimbrough
• Jan. 18 Dan Georgiadis

  Greek footballer and manager (b. 1922).

• Jan. 19 Carl Perkins

  Legendary rockabilly musician and singer-songwriter who pioneered the rock and roll genre, best known for his hit song 'Blue Suede Shoes'.

• Jan. 20 Bobo Brazil

  Pioneering African American professional wrestler known for breaking racial barriers in wrestling during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 21 Jack Lord

  Jack Lord was an American actor, best known for his role as Steve McGarrett in the long-running television series 'Hawaii Five-O.' In addition to his acting career, he was also a director and producer, and became a television icon for his authoritative and memorable performances. [bio]

• Jan. 21 Yoshifumi Kondō
• Jan. 28 Shotaro Ishinomori

  Pioneering Japanese manga artist and creator who significantly influenced the tokusatsu and superhero genres.

• Jan. 30 Samuel Eilenberg