Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2015

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2015. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Jan. 1 Donna Douglas

  Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer best known for playing Elly May Clampett on the television series 'The Beverly Hillbillies.' [bio]

• Jan. 1 Mario Cuomo

  Prominent American politician who served as Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994, known for his powerful oratory and progressive...

• Jan. 1 Boris Morukov

  Boris Morukov was a distinguished Russian astronaut and physician who contributed significantly to space exploration before his death in...

• Jan. 3 Edward Brooke

  First African American elected to the U.S.

• Jan. 7 Rod Taylor

  Rod Taylor was an Australian actor best known for his roles in classic films such as 'The Time Machine' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds.' A prominent leading man in the 1960s, Taylor's dynamic career spanned film, television, and voice acting. [bio]

• Jan. 7 Georges Wolinski

  Renowned French-Tunisian cartoonist and satirical journalist, tragically killed in the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in 2015.

• Jan. 9 Roy Tarpley

  Professional basketball player who played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

• Jan. 9 Abdul Rahman Ya'kub

  Malaysian lawyer and politician who served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1970 to 1981, playing a significant role in the state's...

• Jan. 9 Józef Oleksy

  Polish economist and politician who served as the 7th Prime Minister of Poland from 1995 to 1996, playing a significant role in Poland's...

• Jan. 10 Taylor Negron

  Taylor Negron was an American actor, comedian, writer, and playwright, best known for his distinctive comedic style and his roles in both film and television. He appeared in numerous popular movies and TV shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s. [bio]

• Jan. 10 Robert Stone

  Renowned American novelist and short story writer who made significant contributions to contemporary literature during the late 20th...

• Jan. 11 Anita Ekberg

  Anita Ekberg was a Swedish actress and model, best known for her role as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's classic film 'La Dolce Vita' (1960). Her striking beauty and memorable presence in the iconic Trevi Fountain scene made her an international star and a symbol of cinematic glamour. [bio]

• Jan. 12 Elena Obraztsova

  Renowned Russian soprano and actress, celebrated for her exceptional operatic performances and significant contributions to classical music...

• Jan. 15 Kim Fowley

  Influential American record producer and music impresario known for his eccentric personality and significant contributions to rock music,...

• Jan. 17 Faten Hamama

  Faten Hamama was a legendary Egyptian film and television actress, revered as one of the most influential figures in Arab cinema. Her prolific career spanned over six decades, and she was often referred to as 'The Lady of the Arabic Screen.' [bio]

• Jan. 18 Tony Verna

  Pioneering American television director and producer who invented instant replay, revolutionizing sports broadcasting and television...

• Jan. 21 Marcus Borg

  Prominent American biblical scholar and theologian known for his progressive Christian scholarship and historical Jesus research,...

• Jan. 23 Ernie Banks

  Legendary baseball player known as 'Mr.

• Jan. 25 Richard McBrien

  Prominent Catholic priest, theologian, and professor at the University of Notre Dame who was a leading progressive voice in American...

• Jan. 27 Charles Townes

  Charles Townes was a pioneering American physicist who revolutionized quantum electronics and played a crucial role in the development of...

• Jan. 28 Yves Chauvin

  French chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1930).

• Jan. 29 Colleen McCullough

  Colleen McCullough was an acclaimed Australian author best known for her bestselling novel 'The Thorn Birds.' Her prolific career also included historical fiction, medical, and mystery novels, earning her a global readership and significant influence in literary circles. [bio]

• Jan. 30 Geraldine McEwan

  Geraldine McEwan was an acclaimed English actress known for her distinguished career in theatre, television, and film. She was particularly recognized for her portrayal of Miss Marple in the ITV series "Agatha Christie's Marple." [bio]

• Jan. 30 Carl Djerassi

  Carl Djerassi was a renowned Austrian-American chemist, inventor, and author, best known for his pioneering role in developing norethindrone, a key component of the first oral contraceptive pill. His scientific achievements revolutionized reproductive health and had a major impact on women's rights and society worldwide. [bio]

• Jan. 31 Lizabeth Scott

  Lizabeth Scott was an American actress and singer, renowned for her roles in film noir during the 1940s and 1950s. She often portrayed strong, mysterious women in films and became one of the most recognizable figures in the genre. [bio]

• Jan. 31 Richard von Weizsäcker

  German politician who served as the 6th President of Germany from 1984 to 1994, known for his significant role in German reunification and...

• Jan. 31 Udo Lattek

  Legendary German football manager who coached Bayern Munich and the German national team, winning multiple European and domestic titles.