Famous people and celebrities who died in 2010

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2010. 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 Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass was an American singer best known for his work as the lead vocalist of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and for his successful solo career, which helped define the sound of Philadelphia soul in the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
Jan. 22 Jean Simmons
Jean Simmons was a British actress and singer renowned for her versatility and acclaimed performances in both British and American films from the 1940s through the 1980s. She received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and two Golden Globe Awards. [bio]
Jan. 24 Pernell Roberts
Pernell Roberts was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Adam Cartwright, the eldest son, in the classic TV series "Bonanza" and later as the title character in the medical drama "Trapper John, M.D.". His career spanned television, film, and stage, earning him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in American entertainment. [bio]
Feb. 20 Alexander Haig
Alexander Haig was a United States Army general and statesman, best known for serving as U.S. Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan and as White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Nixon and Ford. [bio]
March 10 Corey Haim
Corey Haim was a Canadian actor best known for his roles as a teen heartthrob in 1980s films, particularly as part of the 'Two Coreys' alongside Corey Feldman. He struggled with fame and substance abuse but remains an iconic figure from that era. [bio]
March 14 Peter Graves
Peter Graves was an acclaimed American actor best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the television series "Mission: Impossible" and as Captain Clarence Oveur in the comedy film "Airplane!". His distinctive voice and commanding presence made him a recognizable figure in both film and television over a career spanning more than five decades. [bio]
March 18 Fess Parker
Fess Parker was an American actor and businessman best known for his portrayals of frontiersmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in popular television series of the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
March 24 Robert Culp
Robert Culp was an American actor, screenwriter, and director best known for his role as Kelly Robinson in the groundbreaking television series 'I Spy,' which aired from 1965 to 1968. His career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in numerous TV shows and films, becoming a well-known figure in American pop culture. [bio]
March 28 June Havoc
June Havoc was a Canadian-American actress, dancer, author, and theater director, best known for her work in vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood films, as well as her autobiographical writings. [bio]
April 1 John Forsythe
John Forsythe was an American actor and producer, best known for his roles in television series such as "Bachelor Father," "Charlie's Angels" (as the voice of Charles Townsend), and "Dynasty" (as Blake Carrington). Forsythe's career spanned more than six decades, earning him distinction in both television and film. [bio]
April 10 Dixie Carter
Dixie Carter was an American actress best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker in the television sitcom 'Designing Women.' Her stage and screen career spanned over four decades, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal following. [bio]
May 2 Lynn Redgrave
Lynn Redgrave was an acclaimed English actress and playwright, widely recognized for her extensive work in film, television, and theatre. She received numerous accolades over her career, including nominations for Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Emmy Awards, and Tony Awards. Noted for her versatility and wit, Redgrave became a beloved figure in British and American entertainment. [bio]
May 9 Lena Horne
Lena Horne was an acclaimed American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. She rose to prominence as a nightclub performer before securing roles in Hollywood movies during the 1940s, becoming one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major studio. [bio]
May 26 Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality, best known for his long-running radio and TV shows including 'House Party' and 'People Are Funny.' He became a household name in the United States for his witty interviews, especially with children. [bio]
May 28 Gary Coleman
Gary Coleman was an American actor best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes', where his catchphrase 'What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?' became iconic. Coleman was recognized for his small stature resulting from a congenital kidney disease, which contributed to his youthful appearance. [bio]
May 29 Dennis Hopper
Dennis Hopper was an influential American actor, filmmaker, photographer, and artist, known for his intense performances and for directing and starring in the countercultural classic 'Easy Rider'. He had a dynamic and eclectic career in Hollywood, marked by both critical acclaim and periodic controversy. [bio]
June 3 Rue McClanahan
Rue McClanahan was an American actress best known for her role as Blanche Devereaux on the television series 'The Golden Girls,' for which she received an Emmy Award. Her career spanned several decades, and she appeared in numerous television shows and stage productions. [bio]
June 28 Robert Byrd
Robert Byrd was a long-serving American politician who represented West Virginia in the United States Senate from 1959 to 2010, making him the longest-serving U.S. senator in history. A Democrat, Byrd held several prominent leadership roles, including Senate Majority Leader and President pro tempore of the Senate. [bio]
Aug. 8 Patricia Neal
Patricia Neal was an American actress known for her distinguished career in film, television, and theatre. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Hud' (1963), and was notable for her performances in movies such as 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951) and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961). [bio]
Sept. 11 Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy was an American stage, film, and television actor, most famous for his leading role in the classic science fiction film 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956). He enjoyed a career spanning over seven decades and appeared in more than 100 films and television series. [bio]
Sept. 22 Eddie Fisher
Eddie Fisher was a popular American singer and actor, known for his smooth tenor voice and chart-topping hits during the 1950s. He was also noted for his highly publicized personal life, including marriages to actresses Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, and Connie Stevens. [bio]
Sept. 26 Gloria Stuart
Gloria Stuart was an American actress, visual artist, and activist, best known for her role as the elder Rose Dawson in James Cameron’s 'Titanic' (1997), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. [bio]
Oct. 10 Joan Sutherland
Joan Sutherland was an acclaimed Australian operatic soprano recognized for her remarkable vocal technique, range, and mastery of the bel canto repertoire. Often referred to as 'La Stupenda,' Sutherland is regarded as one of the most notable sopranos of the 20th century. [bio]
Oct. 14 Simon MacCorkindale
Simon MacCorkindale was a British actor, film director, writer, and producer best known for his roles in television dramas such as 'Manimal' and 'Casualty'. Renowned for his polished demeanor and distinctive voice, MacCorkindale also appeared in several films, including 'Death on the Nile'. [bio]
Oct. 16 Barbara Billingsley
Barbara Billingsley was an American actress best known for her iconic role as June Cleaver, the quintessential TV mother, on the classic television sitcom 'Leave It to Beaver.' [bio]
Oct. 28 James MacArthur
James MacArthur was an American actor best known for his role as Danny "Danno" Williams in the long-running television series 'Hawaii Five-O.' He appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, earning recognition for both his dramatic and action roles. [bio]
Nov. 5 Jill Clayburgh
Jill Clayburgh was an acclaimed American actress known for her groundbreaking roles in film, television, and theater, most notably for portraying strong, independent women during the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
Nov. 28 Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his deadpan delivery in numerous parody films such as 'Airplane!' and the 'Naked Gun' series. [bio]
Dec. 15 Blake Edwards
Blake Edwards was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work in comedy and musical films, particularly the 'Pink Panther' series and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' [bio]
Dec. 26 Teena Marie
Teena Marie was an American singer-songwriter and producer known for her distinctive soulful vocals, blending R&B, soul, and funk. She achieved success with multiple hit singles and albums, establishing herself as a pioneering artist in the male-dominated music industry of her era. [bio]