Famous people and celebrities who died in 2016

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2016. 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. 6 Pat Harrington
Pat Harrington Jr. was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Dwayne Schneider, the building superintendent, on the sitcom 'One Day at a Time' (1975–1984). He had a long television and stage career, also recognized for his voice work and for appearances on variety shows in the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
Jan. 6 Silvana Pampanini
Silvana Pampanini was an Italian actress and singer, widely recognized as one of the most popular film stars in Italy during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained fame for her beauty, comedic talent, and extensive filmography spanning several decades. [bio]
Jan. 10 David Bowie
David Bowie was a legendary British rock musician, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon renowned for his distinctive voice, visionary songwriting, and constant artistic reinvention. His influence spanned across music, fashion, and pop culture, notably through alter egos like Ziggy Stardust. With a career that stretched over five decades, Bowie pushed creative boundaries and is widely considered one of the most influential … [bio]
Jan. 14 Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman was an acclaimed English actor and director, renowned for his versatile roles in film, television, and theatre. He was especially famous for his portrayals of complex villains and sophisticated characters, most notably as Severus Snape in the 'Harry Potter' film series and Hans Gruber in 'Die Hard.' [bio]
Jan. 19 Ettore Scola
Ettore Scola was an acclaimed Italian screenwriter and film director, known for his influential contributions to Italian and European cinema throughout the latter half of the 20th century. [bio]
Jan. 26 Abe Vigoda
Abe Vigoda was an American actor best known for his roles as Detective Phil Fish on the television sitcom "Barney Miller" and as Salvatore Tessio in the film "The Godfather." [bio]
Feb. 3 Joe Alaskey
Joe Alaskey was an American actor, voice actor, and impressionist best known for his work in animation, particularly as a voice artist for Warner Bros. cartoons. [bio]
Feb. 15 George Gaynes
George Gaynes was a Finnish-American actor and singer best known for his roles as Commandant Eric Lassard in the 'Police Academy' film series and as Henry Warnimont on the television series 'Punky Brewster.' [bio]
Feb. 28 George Kennedy
George Kennedy was an American actor known for his extensive career in film and television, most notably for his roles in 'Cool Hand Luke', 'The Naked Gun' series, and 'Airport.' He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'Cool Hand Luke.' [bio]
March 6 Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was an American actress and the First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989, as the wife of President Ronald Reagan. She was notable for her influential role in the Reagan administration and her 'Just Say No' drug awareness campaign. [bio]
March 24 Garry Shandling
Garry Shandling was an influential American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, known for his groundbreaking work in television comedy. [bio]
March 31 Ronnie Corbett
Ronnie Corbett was a celebrated Scottish comedian, actor, and writer best known as one half of the comedy duo 'The Two Ronnies', alongside Ronnie Barker. He was a prominent figure in British entertainment for decades, renowned for his comic timing, monologues, and appearances on both stage and television. [bio]
April 17 Doris Roberts
Doris Roberts was an American actress renowned for her extensive work in film, theater, and especially television, where she became widely known for her role as Marie Barone on the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' Her career spanned over six decades, earning her numerous accolades and a spot as one of television's most beloved character actresses. [bio]
June 3 Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and cultural icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Known for his impressive boxing skills, charisma, and outspoken personality, Ali became an influential figure in sports and civil rights history. [bio]
June 19 Anton Yelchin
Anton Yelchin was a Russian–American actor best known for his roles in both independent films and major Hollywood productions, including portraying Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek reboot film series. [bio]
July 30 Gloria DeHaven
Gloria DeHaven was an American actress and singer, known for her work in Hollywood films during the Golden Age of cinema. She appeared in a range of musicals and romantic comedies throughout the 1940s and 1950s. [bio]
Aug. 13 Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker was an English actor and musician best known for portraying the droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars film series. His contribution to one of the most influential pop culture franchises made him an enduring figure in cinema history. [bio]
Aug. 29 Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder was an acclaimed American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for his iconic roles in classic comedy films such as 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory', 'Young Frankenstein', and 'Blazing Saddles'. [bio]
Sept. 5 Hugh O'Brian
Hugh O'Brian was an American actor best known for his starring role in the television series 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,' which ran from 1955 to 1961. O'Brian also appeared in numerous films and television programs throughout his career and was notable for his philanthropic efforts, particularly founding the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. [bio]
Sept. 11 Alexis Arquette
Alexis Arquette was an American actress, cabaret performer, and transgender activist known for roles in independent films and for being part of the well-known Arquette acting family. [bio]
Sept. 20 Curtis Hanson
Curtis Hanson was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his work on acclaimed movies such as 'L.A. Confidential,' '8 Mile,' and 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.' He was celebrated for his sharp storytelling and ability to tackle diverse genres in Hollywood. [bio]
Oct. 13 Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, was the King of Thailand from 1946 until his death in 2016. His reign of 70 years made him the longest-serving head of state in Thai history and, at the time, the world's longest-reigning monarch. Deeply respected in Thailand, he was known for his commitment to rural development, social welfare, and stability … [bio]
Nov. 11 Robert Vaughn
Robert Vaughn was an American actor best known for his role as Napoleon Solo in the 1960s television series 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' and for his work in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. [bio]
Nov. 23 Andrew Sachs
Andrew Sachs was a German-born British actor and writer best known for his role as Manuel, the hapless Spanish waiter in the acclaimed BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers. [bio]
Nov. 24 Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson was an American actress and singer, best known for her role as Carol Brady on the classic television sitcom 'The Brady Bunch.' Her career spanned over six decades, making her a beloved figure in American television history. [bio]
Nov. 25 Ron Glass
Ron Glass was an American actor best known for his roles in the television series 'Barney Miller' and 'Firefly.' [bio]
Dec. 18 Zsa Zsa Gabor
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian-American actress and socialite, renowned for her glamorous lifestyle, wit, and a string of high-profile marriages. She became a prominent personality in Hollywood during the mid-20th century and was often in the public eye for her charm and flamboyant persona. [bio]
Dec. 27 Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and comedian, best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. Beyond her acting, Fisher was also a successful author and advocate for mental health awareness. [bio]
Dec. 28 Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman, known for her vivacious screen presence and her work in film, television, and on stage. She became a Hollywood icon through roles in classic musicals and comedies, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
Dec. 31 William Christopher
William Christopher was an American actor best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the television series 'M*A*S*H.' Over his career, he also appeared in several other TV series and films, gaining recognition for his comedic timing and approachable screen presence. [bio]