Famous people and celebrities who died in 2001

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2001. 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 Ray Walston
Ray Walston was an American actor and comedian best known for his television and film roles spanning seven decades, including iconic performances in 'My Favorite Martian', 'South Pacific', and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.' [bio]
Jan. 4 Les Brown
Les Brown was an American jazz musician, best known as the leader of the big band group Les Brown and His Band of Renown. He enjoyed a prolific career in the swing and big band era, collaborating with numerous notable artists and performing for Hollywood films and prominent entertainment shows. [bio]
Jan. 18 Al Waxman
Al Waxman was a Canadian actor and director, best known for his starring role as Larry King in the long-running television series 'King of Kensington.' He also had a prominent role in the American crime drama 'Cagney & Lacey.' [bio]
Jan. 30 Jean-Pierre Aumont
Jean-Pierre Aumont was a renowned French actor who gained international fame for his work in theatre, film, and television, both in France and Hollywood. His career spanned several decades and included notable performances in classic European and American films. [bio]
Feb. 9 Herbert Simon
Renowned American social scientist and economist who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1978.
March 15 Ann Sothern
Ann Sothern was an American actress who enjoyed a career spanning over six decades in film, radio, television, and stage. She was best known for her roles in the "Maisie" film series and the television sitcoms "Private Secretary" and "The Ann Sothern Show." Sothern was considered a talented leading lady renowned for her comedic timing and versatility. [bio]
March 29 John Lewis
John Lewis was an influential American civil rights leader and politician who played a key role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. He served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020 and is widely recognized for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, especially as chairman of … [bio]
April 11 Harry Secombe
Harry Secombe was a Welsh singer, actor, comedian, and broadcaster best known as a founding member of the BBC radio comedy program 'The Goon Show.' He gained widespread fame in the UK for his musical talents, comedic timing, and distinctive presence on stage, screen, and radio. [bio]
May 31 Arlene Francis
Arlene Francis was an American actress, radio talk show host, and television personality best known for her long-running tenure as a panelist on the television game show 'What's My Line?'. She appeared in numerous theatrical plays, films, and was a prominent broadcaster on both radio and television throughout the mid-20th century. [bio]
June 2 Imogene Coca
Imogene Coca was an American comic actress best known for her work in television, theater, and film, particularly as the co-star of the pioneering 1950s television variety program 'Your Show of Shows.' [bio]
June 21 Carroll O'Connor
Carroll O'Connor was an American actor, producer, and director best known for his iconic role as Archie Bunker on the television sitcom 'All in the Family.' His career spanned several decades across stage, television, and film, earning him critical acclaim and multiple awards. [bio]
June 21 Soad Hosny
Soad Hosny was a renowned Egyptian actress and singer, known for her influential roles in Egyptian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. She was often referred to as the 'Cinderella of Egyptian Cinema' and starred in over 80 films, becoming one of the most popular and beloved actresses in the Arab world. [bio]
June 27 Jack Lemmon
Jack Lemmon was an acclaimed American actor and musician, renowned for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles from the 1950s through the 1990s. Lemmon won two Academy Awards and became famous for his work in classics such as 'Some Like It Hot,' 'The Apartment,' and 'Days of Wine and Roses.' He is widely celebrated as one of the … [bio]
June 27 Joan Sims
Joan Sims was a celebrated English actress best known for her roles in the 'Carry On' film series. With a career spanning over five decades, she appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, becoming a beloved figure in British comedy. [bio]
Aug. 6 Jorge Amado
Jorge Amado was a renowned Brazilian writer, primarily known for his novels depicting the lives, culture, and social struggles of the people of Bahia, Brazil. His works often focus on Afro-Brazilian themes, social inequality, and are celebrated for their vivid storytelling and regional color. [bio]
Aug. 6 Dorothy Tutin
Dame Dorothy Tutin was a renowned English actress celebrated for her performances on stage and screen, particularly in Shakespearean roles and classic British theatre. Her career spanned more than five decades, earning her numerous accolades and widespread recognition. [bio]
Aug. 24 Jane Greer
Jane Greer was an American film and television actress best known for her role as Kathie Moffat in the classic film noir 'Out of the Past' (1947). Her cool, enigmatic style made her one of the most memorable femme fatales of the 1940s. [bio]
Sept. 2 Troy Donahue
Troy Donahue was an American film and television actor and singer, best known for his roles in popular 1950s and 1960s romantic dramas. He was recognized as a teen idol and sex symbol, appearing in numerous films produced by Warner Bros. and frequently cast alongside Sandra Dee and Connie Stevens. [bio]
Sept. 11 Mohammed Atta
Mohammed Atta was an Egyptian national who became known as the operational leader and one of the hijackers of American Airlines Flight 11, which was deliberately crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. [bio]
Sept. 12 Victor Wong
Victor Wong was a Chinese-American actor and journalist best known for his roles in films such as 'The Last Emperor,' 'Big Trouble in Little China,' and the '3 Ninjas' series. He also played a prominent role in San Francisco's Asian American creative scene during the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
Sept. 13 Dorothy McGuire
Dorothy McGuire was an American actress best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films of the 1940s and 1950s, including 'Gentleman’s Agreement' and 'The Spiral Staircase.' She was acclaimed for her natural and understated acting style. [bio]
Sept. 18 Ernie Coombs
Ernie Coombs was an American-born Canadian television host and entertainer best known for his iconic role as 'Mr. Dressup', a beloved children's show that aired on CBC Television from 1967 to 1996. He became a celebrated figure in Canadian children's programming and made significant contributions to public broadcasting. [bio]
Nov. 7 Nida Blanca
Filipino actress (b. 1936).
Nov. 13 Peggy Mount
Peggy Mount was an English actress best known for her work in British television, film, and stage, particularly for her memorable portrayals of formidable, domineering women. Her career spanned several decades, with notable roles in comedy and drama. [bio]
Nov. 16 Tommy Flanagan
Tommy Flanagan is a Scottish actor best known for his role as Filip 'Chibs' Telford in the television series 'Sons of Anarchy.' He has also appeared in several notable films, including 'Braveheart,' 'Gladiator,' and 'Sin City.' Flanagan is recognized for his distinctive facial scars, which are the result of a real-life altercation in Glasgow. [bio]
Dec. 10 Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar was a pioneering Indian film actor who became one of the most prominent figures in Hindi cinema. Known as 'Dadamoni,' he was celebrated for his naturalistic acting and versatility across genres. His career spanned more than six decades, and he laid the foundation for modern acting in Indian films. [bio]
Dec. 18 Gilbert Bécaud
Gilbert Bécaud was a renowned French singer, composer, pianist, and actor, celebrated for his energetic stage presence and dubbed 'Monsieur 100,000 Volts' for his dynamic performances. His songs, such as "Et maintenant" and "Nathalie," have become timeless classics not only in France but also internationally. [bio]
Dec. 26 Nigel Hawthorne
Sir Nigel Hawthorne was a renowned English actor, best known for his roles in stage, television, and film, particularly as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the British sitcom 'Yes Minister' and as King George III in 'The Madness of King George.' [bio]