Famous people and celebrities who died in 1966

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1966. 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 Vincent Auriol

  French lawyer, writer and politician. he was also the leader of socialist party. from 1947-1954, he was the first president of fourth republic. he supported degaulle's 1958 return to power, but was later accused of violating the constitution.

• Jan. 11 Alberto Giacometti

  Alberto Giacometti was a renowned Swiss painter and sculptor who revolutionized 20th-century art with his unique interpretations of space and human form. He was a master of multiple artistic mediums, winning prestigious awards like the Venice Biennale Grand Prize for Sculpture in 1962 and the Guggenheim International Award in Painting in 1964. His artistic legacy places him alongside giants like …

• Jan. 11 Lal Bahadur Shastri

  Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India, serving from 1964 to 1966. He was a key leader during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and promoted the 'White Revolution' to enhance India's dairy production. His leadership was marked by simplicity and commitment to national development.

• Jan. 14 Sergei Korolev

  Chief designer of the Soviet space program who played a pivotal role in launching the first human into space. He was instrumental in the early successes of the Soviet space exploration, including Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin's historic flight.

• Jan. 24 Homi J. Bhabha

  Homi J. Bhabha was a renowned Indian physicist who played a crucial role in India's nuclear program and scientific development, tragically dying in a plane crash in 1966.

• Feb. 1 Hedda Hopper

  American journalist and hollywood gossip columnist. she was in both radio and syndication. despite a poor education, she was syndicated by national newspapers two years after her column was launched in 1936. she made silent films in numerous formats and tried her hand at fashion.

• Feb. 1 Buster Keaton

  Buster keaton was a pioneering actor and filmmaker known for his deadpan expression and physical comedy in silent films.

• Feb. 9 Sophie Tucker

  Slavic-american actress. she was a star on the stage for 60 year and is well known for her powerful voice, extravagant dress, and jewelry. her most popular songs included "some of these days" and "i'm the last of the red hot mamas."

• Feb. 26 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

  Indian independence activist and politician who played a key role in the freedom struggle.

• March 3 William Frawley

  American actor and vaudevillian (b. 1887)

• April 1 Flann O'Brien

  Flann O'Brien was a renowned Irish writer known for his experimental and satirical novels that significantly influenced modern Irish literature. His works 'At Swim-Two-Birds' and 'The Third Policeman' are considered masterpieces of postmodern fiction. He wrote under multiple pseudonyms and was a key figure in 20th-century Irish literary modernism.

• April 10 Evelyn Waugh

  Evelyn Waugh was a prominent British novelist known for his satirical works, including 'Decline and Fall' and 'Brideshead Revisited'. He was a key figure in 20th-century English literature, renowned for his sharp wit and social commentary.

• June 19 Ed Wynn

  American actor and comedian (b. 1886)

• June 30 Margery Allingham

  Margery Allingham was a prominent British mystery novelist known for creating the detective Albert Campion. She began writing at a young age and became a significant figure in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Her works are celebrated for their sophisticated storytelling and complex characters.

• July 6 Anne Nagel

  Deaths from cancer at 50

• July 25 Montgomery Clift

  Montgomery Clift was a groundbreaking American actor known for his intense method acting style and iconic roles in classic films like 'From Here to Eternity' and 'A Place in the Sun'. He was a significant influence on Hollywood acting and was nominated for multiple Academy Awards during his career.

• July 31 Bud Powell

  Legendary bebop jazz pianist who revolutionized piano playing in the mid-20th century, known for his extraordinary technical skill and innovative improvisational style.

• Aug. 3 Lenny Bruce

  Groundbreaking comedian who revolutionized stand-up comedy with his provocative and satirical style, challenging social norms and pushing the boundaries of free speech through his controversial performances.

• Aug. 15 Jan Kiepura

  Jan Kiepura was a renowned Polish tenor and actor, famous for his performances in opera, operetta, and film during the early to mid-20th century. He was particularly celebrated for his powerful voice and charismatic screen presence. Kiepura starred in numerous international productions and was a significant cultural figure in Poland and Europe.

• Aug. 17 Ken Miles

  Legendary British racing driver and automotive engineer known for his pivotal role in Ford's racing program, particularly in the development of the GT40 that famously defeated Ferrari at Le Mans.

• Aug. 29 Sayyid Qutb

  Influential Egyptian Islamic theorist and intellectual who significantly shaped modern Islamist thought and was a key member of the Muslim Brotherhood, known for his radical writings on Islamic social and political philosophy.

• Sept. 6 Margaret Sanger

  American nurse and feminist who was imprisoned for her advocacy of birth control. she published a series about sex education in 1613 and began to advocate for birth control. in jail for her activist activities. in 1916, she founded america's first contraceptive center in brooklyn. sanger was one 11-year-old child of an irish stone cutter who was impoverished. the family …

• Sept. 6 Hendrik Verwoerd

  A controversial South African politician who was a key architect of apartheid, serving as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1966. He was assassinated in Cape Town just before his 65th birthday, marking a significant moment in South African political history.

• Sept. 14 Gertrude Berg

  Pioneering American radio and television actress, writer, and producer.

• Sept. 28 Eric Fleming

  American actor known for his role in the TV western series 'Rawhide', who tragically died at age 41 during a film production accident in Peru.

• Oct. 18 Elizabeth Arden

  Canadian-american entrepreneur who owns beauty salons, spas, and sells cosmetic products. she was born in poverty and started her business with $6,000 borrowed money in 1910. it was reported that she owned race horses and had them massaged with her beauty products.

• Oct. 26 Alma Cogan

  Prominent English pop singer of the 1950s and early 1960s, known for her distinctive style and chart-topping hits during the early rock and roll era.

• Dec. 15 Walt Disney

  Walt Disney was the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company and a pioneering animator who revolutionized the entertainment industry through animation, theme parks, and storytelling.

What happened in 1966?

Discover what the world looked like in 1966: