Famous people and celebrities who died in 1972

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1972. 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 Maurice Chevalier
French actor, singer, and dancer. his career spanned nearly three quarters of century. in 1910, he made his first appearance in follies-bergere. he appeared in hollywood films after 1930. he was nominated to the best actor oscars in 1929 for his roles as "the love parade" and "the big pond". he appeared in "love me tonight," a screen musical, in …
Jan. 2 Lillian Gilbreth
Lillian Gilbreth was a pioneering industrial engineer and psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of motion study and the design of household appliances.
Jan. 24 Jerome Cowan
Actor (mr dithers -blondie) dies at 74
Jan. 27 Mahalia Jackson
Legendary gospel singer who profoundly influenced American music and the civil rights movement, transforming gospel into a powerful cultural expression.
Feb. 2 Jessie Royce Landis
Actress in north by northwest, dies at 67
March 31 Meena Kumari
Legendary Indian actress known as the 'Tragedy Queen' of Bollywood, who made significant contributions to Hindi cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. She was renowned for her exceptional acting skills and emotional depth in dramatic roles.
April 4 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Prominent African American Baptist minister and influential civil rights leader who served in the U.S. Congress, representing Harlem and advocating for racial equality and social justice.
April 5 Brian Donlevy
Prominent American actor of Irish descent known for his roles in classic films, particularly in film noir and western genres during the mid-20th century.
April 5 Isabel Jewell
Isabel Jewell was a notable American actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her roles in classic films like 'A Tale of Two Cities' and 'Lost Horizon'. She was a versatile performer who worked across stage, film, and television during Hollywood's golden era.
April 25 George Sanders
Renowned Russian-born American actor who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1950 for his role in 'All About Eve'. Sanders was famous for his sardonic wit and memorable performances in classic Hollywood films, appearing in over 90 movies during his career.
April 27 Kwame Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah was a pivotal African leader who led Ghana to independence in 1957 and became its first president. He was a key figure in the Pan-African movement and advocated for the political and economic liberation of African nations from colonial powers. His political philosophy of African socialism and commitment to continental unity made him one of the most influential …
April 30 Gia Scala
Actress (garment jungle i aim at the stars), dies in 38
May 13 Dan Blocker
Famous American actor best known for playing Eric 'Hoss' Cartwright in the iconic Western television series Bonanza, which ran from 1959 to 1973.
May 22 Margaret Rutherford
English actress (born in 1892)
May 24 Asta Nielsen
Danish silent film actress known for her pioneering work in early cinema.
June 12 Saul Alinsky
Influential community organizer and author of 'Rules for Radicals', who significantly impacted social activism and political organizing.
July 6 Brandon De Wilde
Actor jamie (jamie) dies in a car accident at the age of 30
Aug. 7 Joi Lansing
American actress, model, and nightclub singer known for her beauty and performances in film and television during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Aug. 26 Francis Chichester
Renowned English aviator and sailor who became famous for being the first person to sail single-handedly around the world, making a significant contribution to maritime exploration.
Aug. 29 Lale Andersen
German chanson singer-songwriter famous for her iconic wartime song 'Lili Marleen', which became a cross-border musical phenomenon during World War II.
Oct. 1 Louis Leakey
Renowned paleoanthropologist who made groundbreaking discoveries of early human fossils in East Africa's Olduvai Gorge. His work fundamentally transformed our understanding of human origins and evolution. Leakey's research established that humans originated in Africa and revolutionized prehistoric archaeology.
Oct. 9 Miriam Hopkins
Prominent Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, known for her versatile roles in pre-Code films and classic movies like 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. She was a significant figure in 1930s and 1940s cinema, working with notable directors and actors of her time.
Oct. 24 Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was a groundbreaking baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, becoming the first African American to play in the modern era. His courage and exceptional athletic skills with the Brooklyn Dodgers transformed American sports and civil rights. Robinson's legacy extends far beyond baseball, symbolizing racial integration and social progress.
Oct. 24 Claire Windsor
American actress (born 1897).
Nov. 1 Ezra Pound
American poet, writer, essayist, and critic. pound is credited with the 20th century poetry revolution more than any other person, according to many major english and american poets. the u.s. government remanded pound to a mental institution where he would remain for twelve years after he was arrested for treason. in 1958, he was released.
Dec. 31 Roberto Clemente
Legendary Puerto Rican baseball player and broadcaster, known for his exceptional skills and humanitarian work before his tragic death.