Famous people and celebrities who died in 2004

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2004. 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. 7 Ingrid Thulin
Ingrid Thulin was a renowned Swedish actress best known for her frequent collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman and her impactful performances in European cinema during the mid-20th century. [bio]
Jan. 22 Ann Miller
Ann Miller was an American dancer, singer, and actress, best known for her work in Hollywood musical films of the 1940s and 1950s, where her athletic tap dancing and charismatic performances made her a celebrated star. [bio]
Jan. 28 Joe Viterelli
Joe Viterelli was an American character actor best known for his roles as mobsters or tough guys in numerous Hollywood films, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jelly in the comedy film 'Analyze This' and its sequel 'Analyze That.' Viterelli became a beloved figure for his authentic on-screen depictions of stereotypical … [bio]
March 2 Mercedes McCambridge
Mercedes McCambridge was an Academy Award-winning American actress known for her powerful performances in film, radio, and television. Renowned for her distinctive voice and emotional intensity, she made significant contributions to both the Golden Age of Hollywood and American radio drama. [bio]
March 6 Frances Dee
Frances Dee was an acclaimed American actress renowned for her work during the Golden Age of Hollywood, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. She is best remembered for her roles in films such as 'Little Women' (1933) and 'I Walked with a Zombie' (1943). [bio]
March 7 Paul Winfield
Paul Winfield was an acclaimed American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He was recognized for his powerful performances in both leading and supporting roles, including an Academy Award-nominated turn in 'Sounder' (1972) and memorable roles in 'The Terminator' (1984) and in television series such as 'Roots: The Next Generations.' [bio]
March 21 Ludmilla Tchérina
Ludmilla Tchérina was a French prima ballerina, choreographer, actress, and painter known for her extraordinary stage presence and versatility within the world of ballet and the performing arts. She gained international fame for her roles with the Ballets Russes and performances in major ballet companies, as well as notable appearances in classic ballet-themed films. [bio]
March 26 Jan Berry
Jan Berry was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as one half of the surf music duo Jan and Dean. Along with Dean Torrence, he was a key figure in the California Sound movement of the early 1960s, contributing to the popularity of surf rock and pop music. [bio]
March 26 Jan Sterling
Jan Sterling was an American actress known for her performances in film, television, and theater during the 1940s and 1950s. She is especially recognized for her roles in classic films noir and for her Academy Award-nominated performance in 'The High and the Mighty' (1954). [bio]
May 9 Alan King
Alan King was a renowned American comedian and actor, famous for his satirical observations of everyday life and his appearances in film, television, and on stage. He became one of the most respected figures in comedy during the 20th century. [bio]
June 5 Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was an American politician, actor, and the 40th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1981 to 1989. Before his presidency, he gained national attention as a Hollywood actor and served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild. Reagan is best known for his conservative economic and foreign policies, known as 'Reaganomics', his strong stance … [bio]
July 1 Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando was an American actor widely regarded as one of the most influential performers of the 20th century. He is best known for his powerful, naturalistic acting style, which helped popularize the Stanislavski system and method acting in major Hollywood films. Brando starred in numerous acclaimed movies such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'On the Waterfront', 'The Godfather', and … [bio]
July 22 Sacha Distel
Sacha Distel was a renowned French singer, guitarist, and composer, known for his smooth vocals and charm. He gained international fame for his popular songs in both French and English, and became a celebrated entertainer in France and the UK. [bio]
July 23 Serge Reggiani
Serge Reggiani was an Italian-born French actor and singer, celebrated for his poignant performances in both cinema and chanson. Renowned for his deep, expressive voice, he became one of France’s most beloved and influential interpreters of French song. [bio]
July 29 Rena Vlahopoulou
Rena Vlahopoulou was a renowned Greek actress and singer, celebrated for her contributions to Greek cinema and theater, especially in comedic roles during the 1950s-1980s. She remains an icon in Greek popular culture and is widely recognized for her unique comedic style. [bio]
Aug. 6 Rick James
Rick James was an influential American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, best known for his work in funk music and for hits like 'Super Freak' and 'Give It to Me Baby.' [bio]
Aug. 8 Fay Wray
Fay Wray was a Canadian-American actress best known for her iconic role as Ann Darrow in the classic 1933 film 'King Kong.' Renowned for her performances in early Hollywood horror and adventure films, Wray became a symbol of the 'damsel in distress' archetype in American cinema. [bio]
Aug. 13 Julia Child
Julia Child was an American cooking teacher, author, and television personality, recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public through her cookbooks and television programs. [bio]
Sept. 18 Russ Meyer
Russ Meyer was an American filmmaker, director, producer, screenwriter, and photographer, best known for his sexploitation films of the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by campy humor, satire, and the portrayal of voluptuous women. [bio]
Oct. 1 Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon was a legendary American photographer, celebrated for his influential fashion and portrait photography. His innovative techniques and distinct visual style helped shape modern photographic portraiture. Avedon's work appeared in major publications and he photographed a wide array of cultural icons, political figures, and everyday people, leaving a lasting impact on visual storytelling in the 20th century. [bio]
Oct. 3 Janet Leigh
Janet Leigh was an American actress, singer, author, and dancer, best known for her iconic role as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' (1960), for which she received a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. [bio]
Oct. 5 Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield was an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer, best known for his self-deprecating one-liners and his catchphrase 'I don't get no respect!'. Renowned for revitalizing his comedy career in his 40s, Dangerfield became a pop culture icon through his stand-up comedy, late-night talk show appearances, and memorable film roles. [bio]
Oct. 10 Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve was an acclaimed American actor, film director, and activist, world-renowned for his portrayal of Superman in the 1978 film and its sequels. In addition to his acting career, Reeve became a leading advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights after a horse riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed. His resilience and activism inspired millions. [bio]
Oct. 16 Pierre Salinger
Pierre Salinger was an American journalist, author, and political figure, best known for serving as White House Press Secretary for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. [bio]
Nov. 7 Howard Keel
Howard Keel was an American actor and singer best known for his rich baritone voice and starring roles in classic movie musicals during the 1950s. [bio]
Nov. 9 Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson was a Swedish journalist and writer best known for his posthumously published Millennium Trilogy of crime novels, beginning with 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' [bio]
Nov. 9 Iris Chang
Iris Chang was an American journalist, historian, and author, best known for her bestselling book 'The Rape of Nanking', which documented the atrocities committed during the Japanese occupation of Nanjing, China in 1937–1938. [bio]
Dec. 19 Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi was an acclaimed Italian soprano opera singer, remembered for her interpretations of the Italian lyrical and dramatic repertoire, especially works by Verdi and Puccini. She enjoyed an extensive international career, performing at major opera houses such as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. [bio]
Dec. 28 Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer best known for his long-running role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the television series 'Law & Order', as well as his work on Broadway and in film. [bio]
Dec. 30 Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw was an influential American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, and author, best known as one of the leading figures of the swing era. Renowned for his virtuosic clarinet playing and innovative approach to big band music, Shaw was a major rival to Benny Goodman and achieved fame with hits like 'Begin the Beguine' and 'Stardust.' [bio]