Famous people and celebrities who died in 2009

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2009. 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. 13 Patrick McGoohan
Patrick McGoohan was an Irish-American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his roles in the classic television series 'The Prisoner' and 'Danger Man.' Renowned for his enigmatic screen presence and creative control over his projects, McGoohan became a cult icon in British and American television. [bio]
Jan. 16 John Mortimer
John Mortimer was an English barrister, dramatist, screenwriter, and author, best known for creating the character Horace Rumpole in the "Rumpole of the Bailey" series. Mortimer was also a celebrated advocate for civil liberties and free expression. [bio]
Jan. 27 John Updike
John Updike was an acclaimed American novelist, poet, and literary critic, renowned for his sharp, lyrical prose and his focus on the American middle class. Updike is best remembered for his 'Rabbit' series, which chronicles the life of Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom and is considered a major achievement in post-war American fiction. [bio]
Feb. 6 Philip Carey
Philip Carey was an American actor best known for his long-running role as Asa Buchanan on the soap opera 'One Life to Live,' a part he played from 1980 to 2008. He also appeared in numerous films and television series throughout his career, particularly Westerns during the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
Feb. 6 James Whitmore
James Whitmore was an American film, theater, and television actor known for his versatile performances in a career spanning over five decades. He earned acclaim for his roles in both classic films and stage productions, including his one-man shows portraying significant historical figures. [bio]
March 13 Betsy Blair
Betsy Blair was an American actress known for her acclaimed work both on stage and in films, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. She achieved widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'Marty' (1955), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]
March 14 Alain Bashung
Alain Bashung was a renowned French singer, songwriter, and actor, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in French rock and chanson music. His career spanned over four decades, and he is celebrated for his distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. [bio]
March 15 Ron Silver
Ron Silver was an American actor, director, producer, and political activist known for his work on stage, film, and television. He gained recognition for his versatile performances and activism, appearing in numerous acclaimed productions throughout his career. [bio]
March 18 Natasha Richardson
Natasha Richardson was an English actress, known for her work on stage and in film. Born into the famous Redgrave acting family, she was celebrated for her performances in both classical and contemporary roles. Richardson earned acclaim on Broadway and in Hollywood, remembered especially for her versatile acting talents and her tragic early death. [bio]
April 12 Marilyn Chambers
Marilyn Chambers was an American pornographic actress and model who became a cultural icon of the 1970s and 1980s adult film industry. She is best known for her role in the 1972 film 'Behind the Green Door,' which marked a turning point in the mainstreaming of adult films. [bio]
April 25 Beatrice Arthur
Beatrice Arthur was an American actress and comedian, celebrated for her leading roles on television sitcoms 'Maude' and 'The Golden Girls.' Her performances were known for their wit, depth, and the way they challenged societal norms, particularly regarding women's roles and issues including feminism and aging. [bio]
May 4 Dom DeLuise
Dom DeLuise was an American actor, comedian, director, and chef, known for his larger-than-life personality, comedic timing, and prolific film and television career, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
June 3 David Carradine
David Carradine was an American actor and martial artist best known for his leading role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s television series 'Kung Fu' and as the titular character in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill' films. [bio]
June 25 Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer, dubbed the 'King of Pop.' He gained fame as a child as part of the Jackson 5 before achieving global superstardom with a solo career marked by groundbreaking music, record-shattering albums like 'Thriller,' and iconic performances. Renowned for his innovative contributions to music, fashion, and dance, Jackson remains one of the … [bio]
June 30 Harve Presnell
Harve Presnell was an American actor and singer best known for his work in musical theatre and film. He gained recognition for his roles in Broadway productions such as 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' and for memorable performances in films like 'Fargo' and 'Saving Private Ryan.' [bio]
July 1 Mollie Sugden
Mollie Sugden was an English actress best known for her comedic role as Mrs. Slocombe in the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" Her performances were marked by impeccable comic timing and became iconic within British television comedy. [bio]
July 6 Robert McNamara
Robert McNamara was an American business executive and the eighth United States Secretary of Defense, serving under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He is best known for his major role in the Vietnam War's escalation and for modernizing the Department of Defense. [bio]
July 17 Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite was an American broadcast journalist who gained national recognition as the anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, earning the nickname 'the most trusted man in America.' [bio]
Aug. 6 John Hughes
John Hughes was an influential American filmmaker best known for his work in the teen comedy and coming-of-age genres during the 1980s. His movies, such as 'The Breakfast Club', 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', and 'Sixteen Candles', became iconic for their relatable portrayal of adolescent life and enduring cultural impact. [bio]
Aug. 26 Dominick Dunne
Dominick Dunne was an American writer, investigative journalist, and television producer best known for his coverage of high-profile trials and his novels centered on the rich and powerful. He became particularly prominent for his work as a special correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine. [bio]
Sept. 12 Norman Borlaug
Norman Borlaug was an American agronomist and humanitarian, widely regarded as the 'father of the Green Revolution' for his groundbreaking work in developing high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties that drastically increased food production and helped combat global hunger. [bio]
Sept. 14 Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze was an American actor, dancer, and singer, renowned for his roles in hit films like 'Dirty Dancing,' 'Ghost,' and 'Point Break.' His versatility as both a dramatic and action actor, combined with his dance and singing talents, made him a beloved figure in Hollywood until his death in 2009. [bio]
Sept. 14 Henry Gibson
Henry Gibson was an American actor, singer, and songwriter best known for his role as a cast member on 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' and for appearances in numerous films, including 'Nashville' and 'The Blues Brothers.' [bio]
Oct. 19 Joseph Wiseman
Joseph Wiseman was a Canadian-American actor best known for his role as the villain Dr. Julius No in the first James Bond film, 'Dr. No' (1962). Over his career, he appeared in numerous films, television series, and stage productions, earning recognition for his versatility and distinctive presence. [bio]
Oct. 22 Soupy Sales
Soupy Sales was an American comedian, actor, and television personality best known for his zany slapstick humor and his long-running children's television show, 'Lunch with Soupy Sales.' He became a beloved figure in early American television history. [bio]
Nov. 16 Edward Woodward
Edward Woodward was an acclaimed English actor and singer, best known for his roles in 'The Equalizer', 'Callan', and the cult classic film 'The Wicker Man'. Over his prolific career, he received numerous awards and recognition for his performances on television, film, and stage. [bio]
Dec. 4 Richard Todd
Richard Todd was an Irish-born British actor best known for his roles in post-World War II British cinema, notably in the films 'The Dam Busters' and 'The Hasty Heart'. He was one of the most popular British actors of the 1950s. [bio]
Dec. 9 Gene Barry
Gene Barry was an American actor known for his roles in television, film, and stage, particularly in the mid-20th century. He gained fame for starring in the 1953 science fiction film 'The War of the Worlds' and for leading television roles such as 'Bat Masterson' and the title role in 'Burke's Law.' [bio]
Dec. 17 Jennifer Jones
Jennifer Jones was an acclaimed American actress known for her distinguished film career during Hollywood's Golden Age. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943) and appeared in several other notable films. [bio]
Dec. 20 Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy was an American actress and singer best known for her roles in films such as 'Clueless', 'Girl, Interrupted', '8 Mile', and 'Sin City'. [bio]