Famous people and celebrities who died in 2019

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2019. 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. 15 Carol Channing
Carol Channing was an American actress, singer, and comedian best known for her starring role in Broadway's 'Hello, Dolly!' and her distinctive voice and comedic timing. Her career spanned over seven decades in theater, film, and television. [bio]
Jan. 21 Kaye Ballard
Kaye Ballard was an American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her work on stage, film, and television. Renowned for her comedic timing and dynamic stage presence, Ballard made significant contributions to the entertainment industry over her decades-long career. [bio]
Jan. 29 James Ingram
James Ingram was an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist known for his smooth R&B vocals and chart-topping duets. Ingram won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for a pair of Academy Awards for Best Original Song. [bio]
Jan. 30 Dick Miller
Dick Miller was an American character actor renowned for his extensive work in cult classic films, particularly in collaboration with director Roger Corman. Over his six-decade career, Miller became a beloved figure in the horror, science fiction, and comedy genres. [bio]
Feb. 7 Albert Finney
Albert Finney was a celebrated English actor known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. His career spanned more than five decades, encompassing a wide range of notable roles in both film and theatre, and marking him as one of the prominent British actors of his generation. [bio]
Feb. 10 Jan-Michael Vincent
Jan-Michael Vincent was an American actor best known for his leading role as pilot Stringfellow Hawke in the 1980s television series 'Airwolf.' He also starred in several notable films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
Feb. 16 Bruno Ganz
Bruno Ganz was a Swiss actor renowned for his accomplished career in European cinema and theater, most notably for his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in the film 'Downfall' (2004) and as Damiel in 'Wings of Desire' (1987). Ganz was celebrated for his intense performances and his ability to bring complex characters to life across various genres. [bio]
Feb. 21 Peter Tork
Peter Tork was an American musician and actor, best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist for the 1960s pop/rock band The Monkees. Renowned for his musicianship and comedic presence, Tork contributed to the group's biggest hits and continued a diverse career in music and television. [bio]
Feb. 23 Katherine Helmond
Katherine Helmond was an American film, theater, and television actress, best known for her roles in the sitcoms 'Soap' and 'Who's the Boss?', as well as voice work in the 'Cars' film series. Her career was marked by numerous television, stage, and film performances, earning her critical acclaim and several award nominations. [bio]
March 4 Luke Perry
Luke Perry was an American actor best known for his role as Dylan McKay on the television series 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and as Fred Andrews on 'Riverdale'. He was a prominent heartthrob of the 1990s and enjoyed a successful career in both television and film. [bio]
April 7 Seymour Cassel
Seymour Cassel was an American actor best known for his collaborations with director John Cassavetes and for his character roles in independent and mainstream films. [bio]
April 14 Bibi Andersson
Bibi Andersson was a renowned Swedish actress best known for her collaborations with legendary director Ingmar Bergman. Her career spanned film, stage, and television, earning her critical acclaim throughout Europe and internationally. [bio]
May 11 Peggy Lipton
Peggy Lipton was an American actress, model, and singer best known for her iconic roles on the television series 'The Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks.' Her unique presence and style made her a cultural figure in the late 1960s and early 1990s. [bio]
May 13 Doris Day
Doris Day was an American actress, singer, and animal welfare activist, celebrated for her work in film, music, and television, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
May 14 Tim Conway
Tim Conway was a celebrated American actor and comedian best known for his work on 'The Carol Burnett Show.' Renowned for his improvisational comic timing and physical comedy, Conway became a beloved figure in television comedy, earning multiple Emmy Awards throughout his career. [bio]
June 12 Sylvia Miles
Sylvia Miles was an American actress known for her impactful supporting roles in film and theater, particularly in the late 1960s and 1970s. She gained critical acclaim and was well recognized for her dynamic screen presence and distinctive style. [bio]
June 17 Gloria Vanderbilt
Gloria Vanderbilt was an American artist, author, actress, fashion designer, socialite, and heiress, known for her contributions to the fields of art and fashion, as well as for being a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family. [bio]
July 2 Lee Iacocca
Lee Iacocca was a highly influential American automobile executive best known for leading the development of the Ford Mustang and for his role in reviving Chrysler Corporation as its CEO. His leadership, vision, and public persona made him one of the most prominent figures in the automotive industry in the late 20th century. [bio]
July 6 Cameron Boyce
Cameron Boyce was an American actor and dancer best known for his roles in Disney Channel productions such as 'Jessie' and the 'Descendants' film series. He was also recognized for his philanthropy and influence on young audiences. [bio]
July 9 Rip Torn
Rip Torn was an American actor known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. He had a prolific career spanning over six decades and was widely recognized for his roles in 'The Larry Sanders Show', 'Men in Black', and numerous Broadway productions. [bio]
July 9 Freddie Jones
Freddie Jones was a distinguished English character actor, best known for his work in film, television, and theatre. He had a career spanning over five decades, appearing in notable roles in entertainment such as 'The Elephant Man,' 'Dune,' and the UK soap opera 'Emmerdale.' [bio]
July 19 Rutger Hauer
Rutger Hauer was a renowned Dutch actor best known internationally for his roles in science fiction and action films, particularly his iconic performance as Roy Batty in 'Blade Runner' (1982). He appeared in numerous Dutch and Hollywood movies throughout his career, earning a reputation for his intensity and versatility. [bio]
Aug. 16 Peter Fonda
Peter Fonda was an American actor, director, and screenwriter, best known for his influential role in the 1969 film 'Easy Rider.' A prominent figure of 1960s counterculture cinema, Fonda also received critical acclaim throughout his career with multiple award nominations. [bio]
Aug. 30 Valerie Harper
Valerie Harper was an acclaimed American actress and comedian best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on the television sitcoms 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and its spin-off 'Rhoda.' Her career spanned stage, television, and film, earning her numerous awards and recognition. [bio]
Sept. 13 Eddie Money
Eddie Money was an American rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for a string of Top 40 hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s such as "Two Tickets to Paradise," "Baby Hold On," "Take Me Home Tonight," and "Shakin'." [bio]
Oct. 29 John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was an American actor and comedian best known for his roles in the 'Friday' film series, as well as for his appearances in numerous television shows and movies spanning over four decades. [bio]
Dec. 5 Robert Walker
Robert Walker was an American actor best known for his roles in classic Hollywood films during the 1940s, particularly his critically acclaimed performance as the villain Bruno Antony in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train' (1951). [bio]
Dec. 8 Caroll Spinney
Caroll Spinney was an American puppeteer, cartoonist, author, and speaker best known for his work with the long-running children's television show 'Sesame Street', where he performed as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from the show's inception in 1969 until his retirement in 2018. [bio]
Dec. 8 Rene Auberjonois
Rene Auberjonois was an American actor and singer, best known for his roles in television, film, and on stage, including his portrayal of Odo on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' and Clayton Endicott III on 'Benson.' [bio]
Dec. 12 Danny Aiello
Danny Aiello was an American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Moonstruck.' He gained critical acclaim for his character work and became a recognizable presence in Hollywood, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. [bio]