Famous people and celebrities who died in 1943

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1943. 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. 5 George Carver

  George carver was an american scientist known for his work in agricultural science, particularly for promoting alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes.

• Jan. 5 George Washington Carver

  Carver is known for his work in the field of agriculture, particularly his research on peanuts and other crops, and his efforts to improve the lives of African American farmers.

• Jan. 7 Nikola Tesla

  Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and physicist who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

• Jan. 8 Richard Hillary

  Richard Hillary was a notable Australian Royal Air Force pilot and author during World War II, famous for his experiences and writings about aerial combat. He was severely wounded during the Battle of Britain and wrote a compelling memoir about his wartime experiences. Despite his injuries, he returned to flying and ultimately died in a training flight accident.

• Jan. 12 Jan Campert

  Jan Campert was a prominent Dutch resistance fighter, poet, and journalist during World War II, known for his courageous opposition to Nazi occupation and his significant literary contributions.

• Jan. 26 Nikolai Vavilov

  Nikolai Vavilov was a Soviet botanist and geneticist best known for his work on the origins of cultivated plants and the development of the theory of centers of origin.

• Feb. 14 David Hilbert

  Prussian mathematician, author, and professor at gottingen between 1895 and the end of his days. he was recognized as the greatest mathematician of his era after the death of jules henri poincare, in 1912.

• Feb. 22 Hans Scholl

  Hans Scholl was a courageous German student and key member of the White Rose resistance movement, which nonviolently opposed the Nazi regime during World War II. He, along with his sister Sophie and friend Christoph Probst, was executed by the Nazis for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets and promoting resistance against Hitler's regime.

• Feb. 22 Sophie Scholl

  Sophie Scholl was a courageous young German student and resistance fighter against the Nazi regime, who was part of the White Rose non-violent resistance group. She and her brother Hans were executed by the Nazis for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets, becoming powerful symbols of moral resistance during World War II.

• March 10 Tully Marshall

  Tully Marshall was a prolific character actor in Hollywood during the silent film era.

• April 30 Beatrice Webb

  British sociologist who wrote both on economics and sociology. sidney webb was her husband and she co-authored many masterful studies about economic conditions. before her marriage in 1892 she was an associate of sidney webb, an industrial and railway magnate.

• April 30 Etty Hillesum

  Jewish Dutch writer and diarist who documented her experiences during the Holocaust. Her writings provide profound insights into human resilience and compassion during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She was tragically killed at Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

• May 14 Henri La Fontaine

  PEA - Belgian lawyer and author, nobel prize laureate (b. 1854)

• June 1 Leslie Howard

  British actor, whose films include "major barbara," the scarlet pimpernel and "gone with the wind."

• June 26 Karl Landsteiner

  MED - Austrian biologist and physician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1868)

• July 5 Karin Swanström

  Swedish actress, director, and producer (b. 1873)

• July 17 Hooper Atchley

  American actor known for his work in silent films and early talkies.

• Aug. 1 Lydia Litvyak

  Soviet fighter pilot and one of the world's first female combat aviators. Known as the 'White Rose of Stalingrad', she was a celebrated World War II hero who died in combat.

• Aug. 21 Henrik Pontoppidan

  LIT - Danish journalist and author, nobel prize laureate (b. 1857)

• Aug. 24 Simone Weil

  Influential French philosopher, mystic, and political activist who made significant contributions to social and religious thought. She was deeply committed to social justice and participated in the Spanish Civil War. Her unique philosophical perspectives continue to inspire intellectual discourse.

• Oct. 4 Irena Iłłakowicz

  Polish resistance fighter and lieutenant who died during World War II, likely in combat or as a result of wartime activities.

• Oct. 7 Radclyffe Hall

  Radclyffe Hall was a British author best known for her novel 'The Well of Loneliness', which is considered a groundbreaking work in lesbian literature.

• Oct. 9 Pieter Zeeman

  PHY - Dutch physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1865)

• Oct. 24 Hector de Saint-Denys Garneau

  Renowned Canadian poet and painter who made significant contributions to Quebec's literary and artistic landscape during the early 20th century. His work is considered influential in Quebec's cultural history, exploring themes of introspection and existentialism.

• Nov. 7 Dwight Frye

  Actor (vampire bat and dracula), died at 44

• Nov. 24 Doris Miller

  African American Navy sailor who became a celebrated hero during the Pearl Harbor attack, courageously manning a machine gun despite lacking formal training and saving many lives.

• Nov. 26 Edward O'Hare

  American naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. He was a distinguished fighter pilot who played a crucial role in naval aviation history.

• Dec. 15 Fats Waller

  Legendary jazz pianist, composer, and singer known for his virtuosic keyboard skills and humorous performances during the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s and 1930s.

• Dec. 30 Hobart Bosworth

  Hobart Bosworth was an American film entrepreneur and actor.

What happened in 1943?

Discover what the world looked like in 1943: