Famous people and celebrities who died in 1971

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1971. 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 John Dall
Actor (corn is green, rope) dies at 50 from a heart attack
March 5 Winnie Lightner
Actress (gold dust gertie sit tight, actress) dies at 71
March 8 Harold Lloyd
American comedian and actor who passed away at 77 years old due to cancer, known for his comedic performances.
March 11 Philo Farnsworth
Pioneering American inventor who revolutionized television technology by creating the first all-electronic TV system and the 'image disector' video tube.
March 16 Bebe Daniels
Bebe Daniels was a prominent American actress and entertainer who transitioned from silent films to talkies, appearing in over 200 short films and later becoming known for her patriotic service during World War II.
May 1 Glenda Farrell
Glenda Farrell was a prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in numerous pre-war and wartime films, particularly in character and supporting roles. She was a versatile performer who appeared in both comedies and dramas during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
May 6 Helene Weigel
Prominent German-Austrian actress known for her theatrical work, particularly in Bertolt Brecht's plays like 'Mother Courage'. She was a key figure in 20th-century avant-garde theater.
May 15 Tyrone Guthrie
Renowned British theatre director, producer, and writer who significantly influenced modern theatre practices and international theatre development.
May 28 Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of World War II, receiving 23 awards including the Medal of Honor. After his military service, he became a Hollywood actor specializing in Western films, turning his war heroism into a successful entertainment career.
June 10 Michael Rennie
British actor famous for his iconic roles in science fiction and historical films, particularly known for playing Klaatu in 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' and a lead role in 'The Robe'.
June 28 Franz Stangl
Nazi SS officer and commandant of the Treblinka extermination camp during World War II, responsible for the systematic murder of approximately 900,000 Jews. He was a key figure in the Holocaust and was convicted of war crimes in 1970.
July 3 Jim Morrison
Legendary rock musician and lead singer of The Doors, known for his poetic lyrics, charismatic performances, and significant impact on 1960s counterculture.
July 6 Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was a legendary jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader who revolutionized jazz music with his innovative improvisation and infectious style. Known as 'Satchmo', he was renowned for his bright energy, impeccable musical timing, and charismatic smile. He is considered one of the most influential musicians in American jazz history.
July 23 Van Heflin
American film actor known for notable roles in 'The Great Adventure' and 'Madame Bovary', who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1943.
Aug. 15 Paul Lukas
Actor kim, berlin express, dies at 76 from heart failure
Sept. 7 Spring Byington
Spring Byington was an American actress known for her role in the TV series 'December Bride'.
Sept. 10 Pier Angeli
Italian-American actress who rose to fame in Rome and Hollywood, known for her breakthrough roles in films like 'Teresa' and 'Domani è troppo tardi'. She was a prominent actress in the 1950s Hollywood scene.
Sept. 11 Bella Darvi
Polish-born french actress (born 1928).
Sept. 11 Nikita Khrushchev
At age 77, dies from a heart attack.
Oct. 11 Chester Conklin
Actor (greed modern times), dies in 83
Nov. 2 Martha Vickers
Actress (alimony) dies at 46 after a long battle with cancer
Nov. 9 Maude Fealy
American screenwriter and actress (d. 1971).
Nov. 16 Edie Sedgwick
Iconic Andy Warhol superstar and underground fashion icon of the 1960s, known for her striking appearance and tumultuous lifestyle. She was a central figure in Warhol's Factory scene and appeared in multiple avant-garde films. Her tragic life was marked by substance abuse and early death at age 28.
Nov. 17 Gladys Cooper
Gladys Cooper was an English actress who had a successful career on stage and screen, earning multiple awards.
Dec. 9 Ralph Bunche
Ralph Bunche was a prominent African American diplomat, political scientist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a crucial role in international peacekeeping efforts during the mid-20th century.
Dec. 11 Maurice McDonald
Co-founder of McDonald's, the global fast-food restaurant chain that revolutionized the food service industry with its standardized menu and quick service model.
Dec. 18 Diana Lynn
Diana Lynn was an American actress known for her roles in films like 'Annapolis Story' and 'Easy Come, Easy Go' during the mid-20th century Hollywood era.
Dec. 30 Dorothy Comingore
American actress best known for her role in Orson Welles' landmark film Citizen Kane, where she played Susan Alexander Kane. She was a talented performer who became a notable figure in Hollywood's golden era.