Famous people and celebrities who died in 1965

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1965. 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. 1 Gertrude Michael
Actress (caged cleopatra), who dies at 53
Jan. 14 Jeanette MacDonald
Jeanette MacDonald was a celebrated American soprano and actress who rose to fame in Hollywood musical films during the 1930s, known for her collaborations with Maurice Chevalier and Nelson Eddy.
Jan. 20 Alan Freed
Pioneering rock and roll disc jockey credited with popularizing the term 'rock and roll' and promoting African American music to mainstream audiences in the 1950s.
Jan. 21 Geeta Bali
Geeta Bali was a prominent Bollywood actress of the 1950s, known for her versatile acting and charming screen presence. She appeared in numerous successful films before her untimely death at the age of 34.
Jan. 24 Winston Churchill
British politician, descendant of the 1st duke of marlborough (1650-16722). lord randolph was his father and the second son of 7th duke of marlborough's mother, lady jennie jerome, an american-born beauty. winston was a graduate of military college in 1895, and as a peerage member, entered the house of commons at the age of 101. he was a member, but …
Feb. 15 Nat King Cole
Legendary African American jazz pianist and singer known for iconic hits like 'Unforgettable' and 'Mona Lisa', who significantly influenced popular music in the mid-20th century.
Feb. 21 Malcolm X
Malcolm X was a pivotal civil rights leader who transformed from a convicted criminal to a powerful advocate for African American rights. He was a key figure in the Nation of Islam before founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity. His life was marked by radical transformation and commitment to social justice.
Feb. 23 Stan Laurel
Stan laurel was a comedic actor best known for being one half of the famous duo laurel and hardy, known for their slapstick comedy films.
March 6 Margaret Dumont
American actress (d. 1965).
April 8 Lars Hanson
Swedish actor, flesh & devil, dies at 78 after a long battle with illness
April 10 Linda Darnell
Linda Darnell was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1940s and 1950s, known for her exotic beauty and versatile roles in films like 'Blood and Sand' and 'Forever Amber'. She transitioned from playing virginal heroines to sultry temptresses, becoming a notable star of her era.
April 24 Louise Dresser
Actress (state fair ship comes in mammy), is killed at 86
April 27 Edward R. Murrow
Edward R. Murrow was a pioneering American broadcast journalist who revolutionized news reporting during World War II and the early television era. He was renowned for his courageous war correspondence and critical reporting during the McCarthy era. His work significantly shaped modern broadcast journalism.
April 30 Helen Chandler
Actress (dracula. salute. last flight), dies in 56
June 7 Judy Holliday
Brilliant comedic actress who won an Oscar for her memorable performance in 'Born Yesterday'. She began in theater and quickly transitioned to Hollywood, becoming known for her intelligent portrayal of seemingly ditzy characters.
June 15 Steve Cochran
American film actor known for playing tough, supporting roles in B-movies during the 1940s and 1950s, who began his acting career in summer stock theater in 1939.
June 22 David Selznick
Legendary Hollywood film producer who won Oscars for 'Gone with the Wind' and 'Rebecca', and was awarded the Irving Thalberg Memorial Prize. He was considered one of the most influential producers of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
June 23 Mary Boland
Actress (boy trouble new moon) dies at 83
June 30 Bessie Barriscale
Actress (plain jane show folks).
July 24 Constance Bennett
Prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her glamorous roles in romantic comedies and dramas during the Golden Age of cinema.
July 31 James Rennie
Actor (wilson skylark, illicit), is killed at 75
Aug. 6 Nancy Carroll
Actress (alice aldrich family), dead at 60
Aug. 8 Shirley Jackson
Influential American writer renowned for her gothic and psychological fiction, including the iconic short story 'The Lottery' and novels like 'The Haunting of Hill House'. Her works are celebrated for their exploration of psychological horror and social critique.
Sept. 8 Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneering African American actress and singer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood during the 1950s. She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Carmen Jones'. Her career was groundbreaking but tragically cut short.
Sept. 22 Othmar Ammann
Othmar Ammann was a Swiss-American civil engineer known for designing several major suspension bridges in the United States, including the George Washington Bridge and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Sept. 27 Clara Bow
Clara Bow was an iconic American actress of the silent film era, known as the 'It Girl' and a major Hollywood star of the 1920s. She was incredibly popular during the silent film period, starring in numerous one-reel films and defining the flapper culture.
Oct. 3 Zachary Scott
American film and television actor known for roles in classic Hollywood movies during the 1940s and 1950s, including notable performances in 'Mildred Pierce' and 'Giant'.
Oct. 18 Henry Travers
Actor (bells of st mary high sierra), dies at the age of 91
Oct. 21 Marie McDonald
Singer/actress (promises promises) dies from overdose at 42