Famous people and celebrities who died in 2006

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2006. 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. 14 Shelley Winters
Shelley Winters was an acclaimed American actress who won two Academy Awards during her career, known for her versatile roles in film, television, and stage. She often portrayed strong, complex women and was active in Hollywood from the 1940s through the early 2000s. [bio]
Jan. 19 Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett was an influential American singer and songwriter, best known for his role in shaping the sound of soul and R&B music in the 1960s and 1970s. Nicknamed "Wicked Pickett," he was known for his powerful, passionate vocals and energetic performances. [bio]
Jan. 31 Moira Shearer
Moira Shearer was a celebrated Scottish ballet dancer and actress, best known for her role as Vicky Page in the classic film 'The Red Shoes' (1948). Renowned for her striking red hair and dazzling stage presence, she became one of the most iconic ballerinas-turned-actresses of the twentieth century. [bio]
Feb. 4 Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan was an influential American feminist writer and activist, best known for her 1963 book 'The Feminine Mystique', which is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. She was a co-founder and the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), playing a key role in advancing women's rights and social change in … [bio]
Feb. 5 Franklin Cover
Franklin Cover was an American actor best known for his role as Tom Willis, the white neighbor married to a Black woman, on the groundbreaking sitcom 'The Jeffersons' (1975–1985). He appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions throughout his career. [bio]
Feb. 24 Don Knotts
Don Knotts was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on the television sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show.' His distinctive comedic talent and nervous persona made him one of the most recognizable character actors on American television. [bio]
Feb. 24 Dennis Weaver
Dennis Weaver was an American actor known primarily for his roles in television series such as 'Gunsmoke' and 'McCloud.' Over a career spanning five decades, Weaver became a household name for his portrayals of rugged individualists on screen and was recognized for his distinct drawl and likable persona. [bio]
March 10 Anna Moffo
Anna Moffo was an acclaimed American operatic soprano, recognized for her expressive voice and compelling stage presence. She enjoyed a successful international career in opera, concert, television, and film from the 1950s through the 1970s. [bio]
March 13 Maureen Stapleton
Maureen Stapleton was an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful stage, film, and television performances. A recipient of several prestigious awards including an Academy Award, an Emmy, and a Tony, she is recognized as one of the few performers to achieve the 'Triple Crown of Acting.' [bio]
March 25 Rocío Dúrcal
Rocío Dúrcal was a Spanish singer and actress, widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful performers of Spanish-language music, especially known for her interpretation of ranchera music. [bio]
April 5 Gene Pitney
Gene Pitney was an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his distinctive voice and a string of pop hits during the 1960s. He gained fame for solo hits like 'Town Without Pity', 'Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa', and also as a successful songwriter for other artists. [bio]
April 22 Alida Valli
Alida Valli was an acclaimed Italian actress known for her extensive film career, spanning Europe and Hollywood. Renowned for her roles in both Italian cinema and English-language films, she became a celebrated star of the 20th century. [bio]
April 29 John Kenneth Galbraith
John Kenneth Galbraith was a Canadian-American economist, public official, and diplomat, renowned for his influence on 20th-century economic thought and his advocacy of government intervention in the economy. [bio]
May 27 Paul Gleason
Paul Gleason was an American film and television actor best known for his roles as the stern principal Richard Vernon in 'The Breakfast Club' and as Clarence Beeks in 'Trading Places.' Over his career, he frequently appeared in both comedic and dramatic parts, establishing himself as a memorable character actor. [bio]
July 13 Red Buttons
Red Buttons was an American actor and comedian best known for his work in film, television, and radio. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film 'Sayonara' (1957). [bio]
July 19 Jack Warden
Jack Warden was an American actor known for his work in film and television across a career spanning more than five decades. He received acclaim for his supporting roles and was twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. [bio]
Aug. 14 Bruno Kirby
Bruno Kirby was an American actor best known for his roles in films such as 'When Harry Met Sally...', 'City Slickers', and 'Good Morning, Vietnam'. He was recognized for his supporting roles and distinctive gravelly voice, often portraying witty and amiable characters. [bio]
Aug. 30 Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford was a Canadian-American actor renowned for his versatility and prolific career in Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in over 100 films, often playing roles in film noir, westerns, and dramas. Ford was particularly known for his ability to portray ordinary men facing extraordinary circumstances. [bio]
Oct. 2 Tamara Dobson
Tamara Dobson was an American actress and model best known for her starring role as Cleopatra Jones in the blaxploitation films of the 1970s. [bio]
Oct. 19 Phyllis Kirk
Phyllis Kirk was an American actress best known for her roles in film noirs and classic television, most notably as Nora Charles in the TV series 'The Thin Man' and as the female lead in the 1953 horror classic 'House of Wax.' [bio]
Oct. 20 Jane Wyatt
Jane Wyatt was an American actress best known for her roles in the classic television series 'Father Knows Best' and the film 'Lost Horizon'. She had a distinguished career in film, television, and stage, earning acclaim for her performances during the golden ages of both Hollywood and television. [bio]
Nov. 1 William Styron
William Styron was an acclaimed American novelist and essayist, best known for his works exploring deep moral and social issues, including "Sophie's Choice" and "The Confessions of Nat Turner." He received numerous awards for literature and is noted for his unflinching examinations of themes such as war, mental illness, and race. [bio]
Nov. 10 Jack Palance
Jack Palance was an American actor known for his intense screen presence and distinctive rugged looks, earning critical acclaim in both film and television over a six-decade career. He is particularly recognized for his roles in westerns and action films. [bio]
Nov. 17 Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás was a legendary Hungarian footballer and manager, celebrated for his exceptional scoring record and regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. Puskás was renowned for his powerful left foot, prolific prowess in front of goal, and key contributions to both the Hungarian national team, famously known as the 'Mighty Magyars', and Real Madrid during his illustrious … [bio]
Nov. 20 Robert Altman
Robert Altman was an influential American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his distinctive style and innovative storytelling. He is celebrated for his ensemble casts, use of overlapping dialogue, and subversive approach to traditional Hollywood genres. [bio]
Nov. 23 Philippe Noiret
Philippe Noiret was a highly regarded French film actor known for his performances in over 100 films throughout his career, including international classics like 'Cinema Paradiso' and 'Il Postino.' Renowned for his versatility and subtlety, he became one of France’s most respected leading men during the second half of the 20th century. [bio]
Dec. 12 Peter Boyle
Peter Boyle was an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, notably for his portrayal of the Monster in "Young Frankenstein" and as Frank Barone on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." [bio]
Dec. 18 Joseph Barbera
Joseph Barbera was a renowned American animator, cartoonist, director, and producer best known as the co-founder of Hanna-Barbera, a studio responsible for some of the most iconic animated television series in history, including The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, and Tom and Jerry. [bio]
Dec. 23 Charlie Drake
Charlie Drake was an English comedian, actor, writer, and singer, best known for his slapstick comedy style and his catchphrase, 'Hello, my darlings!'. He gained immense popularity in British television and music during the mid-20th century, becoming a well-known figure in the comedic arts. [bio]
Dec. 26 Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977 following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. He is notable for being the only person to have served as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office by the Electoral College. [bio]