Famous people and celebrities who died in 1956

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1956. 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. 12 Norman Kerry

  Actor (air eagles phantom of opera), died at 61

• Jan. 29 Henry Mencken

  American editor, writer and satirist. he was the author of "american language" in four volumes, 1919-1948. he was a leading writer of essays and social comment, as well as co-editor of a magazine that he founded in 1924. from 1899, he was a reporter. he also worked as an editor, columnist, and reporter until 1948.

• Jan. 30 Jane Seymour

  Jane Seymour is a renowned English-American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television, including the popular series 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'.

• Feb. 8 Connie Mack

  Legendary American baseball player and manager who was a key figure in early 20th-century baseball history.

• Feb. 28 Emile Buisson

  French criminal and gang leader who was sentenced to death in France during the mid-20th century.

• March 17 Fred Allen

  Renowned American comedian, radio personality, and writer who was a prominent figure in entertainment during the golden age of radio, known for his witty humor and satirical style.

• March 17 Irène Joliot-Curie

  CHE - French physicist and chemist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1897)

• March 25 Robert Newton

  Renowned British actor famous for his iconic pirate roles, particularly in films like 'Henry V' and 'Around the World in 80 Days'. He is widely credited with creating the stereotypical pirate voice and mannerisms in cinema.

• April 26 Edward Arnold

  Actor (mr smith goes to washington), is killed at 66

• April 30 Alben Barkley

  Alben Barkley was the 35th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Harry S. Truman.

• May 12 Louis Calhern

  American actor and singer (d. 1956).

• May 24 Guy Kibbee

  Actor (captain blood and babes in arms), died at 74

• May 26 Al Simmons

  Al Simmons was a prominent American baseball player and coach who played in Major League Baseball during the early 20th century, known for his exceptional batting skills.

• June 2 Jean Hersholt

  Actress (emma grand hotel, greed), is killed at 69

• June 19 Thomas Watson

  Pioneering computer scientist and IBM executive who played a key role in the development of the personal computer.

• June 26 Clifford Brown

  Legendary jazz trumpeter who revolutionized bebop and hard bop styles, known for his extraordinary musical talent and tragically short career before his death at 25.

• Aug. 11 Jackson Pollock

  Jackson Pollock was a pioneering American abstract expressionist painter known for his revolutionary 'drip painting' technique. He believed art emerged from the unconscious and created groundbreaking works that transformed modern art. His 1943 painting 'The Moon-Woman Cuts the Circle' exemplifies his innovative artistic vision.

• Sept. 6 Lee Jung-seob

  Lee Jung-seob was a prominent North Korean painter known for his distinctive style depicting traditional Korean life and landscapes. He is considered one of the most significant artists of mid-20th century Korean art, particularly recognized for his powerful ox paintings and watercolor techniques.

• Sept. 6 Witold Hurewicz

  Prominent Polish mathematician known for significant contributions to topology and algebraic topology, particularly in the field of fixed point theory and homotopy groups.

• Sept. 22 Frederick Soddy

  CHE - English chemist and economist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1877)

• Sept. 27 Babe Didrikson Zaharias

  Babe Didrikson Zaharias was an extraordinary multi-sport athlete who revolutionized women's athletics in the mid-20th century. She won Olympic gold medals in track and field and became a pioneering professional golfer, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes.

• Sept. 29 Anastasio Somoza García

  Nicaraguan businessman and politician who served as the President of Nicaragua from 1937 to 1947 and from 1950 to 1956.

• Oct. 1 Stan Ockers Belgian bicyclist (Tour de France 1955

  Stan Ockers was a prominent Belgian professional cyclist who achieved significant success in road racing, notably winning the Tour de France in 1955 and becoming world champion.

• Oct. 2 George Bancroft

  American historian and statesman, who was prominent in supporting secondary education at both the state and national levels. he established the united states naval academy in annapolis during his time as u.s. secretary of the navy. he was an american diplomat in europe. his magisterial series history of the united states from the discovery of the american continent is one …

• Oct. 7 Clarence Birdseye

  Clarence Birdseye was an American inventor and businessman who developed a process for deep-freezing food, which led to the creation of the modern frozen food industry.

• Oct. 9 Marie Doro

  American actress (born in 1882)

• Oct. 13 Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı

  Renowned Turkish poet and author known for his significant contributions to modern Turkish poetry during the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 29 Louis Rosier

  Renowned French racing driver who competed in Formula One and won prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his son Jean-Louis. He was also a successful Renault dealership owner in Clermont-Ferrand.

• Nov. 5 Art Tatum

  Art Tatum was a legendary jazz pianist renowned for his extraordinary technical skill and innovative improvisational style. He was a pivotal figure in the development of jazz piano, particularly in the stride and bebop traditions. Despite visual impairment, he became one of the most influential pianists of the 20th century.

• Nov. 26 Tommy Dorsey

  Legendary American jazz trombonist, composer, and bandleader who significantly influenced the swing era of big band music.

What happened in 1956?

Discover what the world looked like in 1956: