Famous people and celebrities who died in 2012

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2012. 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.

Feb. 29 Davy Jones
Davy Jones was an English singer, actor, and musician, best known as a member of the pop rock band The Monkees, which gained international fame in the 1960s. [bio]
April 14 Jonathan Frid
Jonathan Frid was a Canadian actor best known for portraying the vampire Barnabas Collins on the gothic television soap opera 'Dark Shadows' (1966–1971). His performance earned him cult status and established him as a notable figure in classic horror television. [bio]
April 18 Dick Clark
Dick Clark was an American radio and television personality, television producer, and cultural icon. He was best known for hosting American Bandstand, a groundbreaking music performance and dance television program, and for his long-running role as host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. [bio]
April 19 Levon Helm
Levon Helm was an American musician and actor best known as the drummer and one of the vocalists for the rock group The Band. Renowned for his distinctive, soulful voice and innovative drumming, Helm played a key role in shaping the group's sound and influence on Americana and roots rock. [bio]
June 2 Richard Dawson
Richard Dawson was a British-American actor, comedian, and television host, best known for hosting the game show 'Family Feud' and for his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk on the TV sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes.' [bio]
June 5 Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury was an influential American author and screenwriter, best known for his works of science fiction and fantasy. His book "Fahrenheit 451" is regarded as one of the most significant dystopian novels of the 20th century, and his stories have been adapted for television, film, and stage. [bio]
June 11 Ann Rutherford
Ann Rutherford was a Canadian-American actress best known for her role as Carreen O'Hara in the classic film 'Gone with the Wind' (1939) and as Polly Benedict in the long-running Andy Hardy film series. [bio]
July 3 Andy Griffith
Andy Griffith was an American actor, comedian, television producer, southern gospel singer, and writer, best known for his starring roles in the television series 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Matlock.' Widely regarded as a beloved figure in American entertainment, Griffith's charm and humility endeared him to audiences for more than five decades. [bio]
July 8 Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine was an American actor whose career spanned over six decades in film and television. He was known for his versatility and charismatic presence both as a dramatic and comedic performer. [bio]
July 15 Celeste Holm
Celeste Holm was an American stage, film, and television actress, best known for her roles in classic movies such as 'Gentleman's Agreement' and for her distinguished Broadway career. [bio]
July 21 Angharad Rees
Angharad Rees was a Welsh actress best known for her leading role as Demelza in the BBC television drama series 'Poldark' (1975–1977). [bio]
July 24 Sherman Hemsley
Sherman Hemsley was an American actor best known for his portrayal of George Jefferson on the television sitcoms 'All in the Family' and its spin-off 'The Jeffersons.' He was recognized for his comedic timing and distinctive voice, becoming a pop culture icon during the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
July 24 Chad Everett
Chad Everett was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the television drama 'Medical Center', which aired from 1969 to 1976. With a career spanning over four decades, Everett appeared in numerous films and television series, becoming a familiar face to audiences in the US and beyond. [bio]
July 27 Tony Martin
Tony Martin was an American singer and actor who enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades, particularly during the 1930s–1950s. Renowned for his smooth voice and popular recordings, Martin also made notable appearances in Hollywood films. [bio]
July 31 Gore Vidal
Gore Vidal was an American writer known for his prolific output of novels, essays, plays, and screenplays. Renowned for his wit and acerbic criticism of American political and social life, Vidal was also recognized as a prominent public intellectual and commentator. [bio]
Aug. 16 William Windom
William Windom was an accomplished American actor known for his work in television, film, and stage. He had a long and prolific career spanning more than five decades and is particularly recognized for his Emmy-winning performance in the sitcom 'My World and Welcome to It.' [bio]
Aug. 20 Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller was an iconic American stand-up comedian, actress, and author renowned for her eccentric stage persona, wild hair, self-deprecating humor, and distinctive laugh. She rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, breaking barriers for women in comedy and paving the way for future generations. [bio]
Aug. 25 Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut, aerospace engineer, naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor, best known as the first person to set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. His statement, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,' became one of the most iconic phrases in history and marked … [bio]
Aug. 31 Max Bygraves
Max Bygraves was an English singer, comedian, actor, and variety performer, renowned for his long career in show business, especially in postwar Britain. He became a household name through his work on stage, television, and radio. [bio]
Sept. 3 Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan was an American actor best known for his deep voice, large stature, and memorable performances in both film and television. He rose to prominence for his Oscar-nominated role as John Coffey in 'The Green Mile' and became a beloved character actor, recognized for both dramatic and comedic roles. [bio]
Sept. 27 Herbert Lom
Herbert Lom was a Czech-born British actor best known for his roles in classic films such as 'The Ladykillers' and for playing Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus in the 'Pink Panther' film series. [bio]
Oct. 10 Alex Karras
Alex Karras was an American football player, professional wrestler, and actor, best known for his NFL career with the Detroit Lions and his roles in the movie 'Blazing Saddles' and the television series 'Webster.' [bio]
Oct. 13 Gary Collins
Gary Collins was an American actor and television host, best known for his roles in television series and as the host of the talk show 'Hour Magazine.' [bio]
Oct. 18 Sylvia Kristel
Sylvia Kristel was a Dutch actress and model, best known internationally for her role in the popular 'Emmanuelle' film series. She gained fame in the 1970s for her portrayal of sensual characters and was a symbol of European erotic cinema. [bio]
Nov. 6 Clive Dunn
Clive Dunn was an English actor, comedian, and singer, best known for his role as Lance Corporal Jones in the long-running BBC sitcom 'Dad's Army'. [bio]
Nov. 23 Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman was an American actor, director, and producer best known for his roles as J.R. Ewing in the television series 'Dallas' and as Major Anthony Nelson in 'I Dream of Jeannie.' [bio]
Nov. 25 Dinah Sheridan
Dinah Sheridan was a distinguished English actress renowned for her work in film, television, and theatre, particularly acclaimed for her roles in classic British cinema and popular television series. [bio]
Dec. 11 Galina Vishnevskaya
Galina Vishnevskaya was a renowned Russian operatic soprano who gained international acclaim for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and significant contributions to the world of opera in the 20th century. [bio]
Dec. 24 Jack Klugman
Jack Klugman was an acclaimed American actor best known for his work in television, film, and theater. He became a household name for his starring roles in 'The Odd Couple' and 'Quincy, M.E.', as well as his appearances on stage and in movies. [bio]
Dec. 24 Charles Durning
Charles Durning was an acclaimed American actor known for his prolific career in film, television, and theater spanning more than five decades. Renowned for his versatility and distinctive character roles, he appeared in numerous iconic films and received multiple prestigious award nominations. [bio]