Famous people and celebrities who died in 1979

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1979. 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. 19 Paul Meurisse
Renowned French actor and former partner of Edith Piaf, Paul Meurisse was a significant figure in mid-20th century French cinema. His film career spanned several decades, starting in 1941 and establishing him as a prominent performer.
Feb. 12 Jean Renoir
Pierre auguste renoir, a french filmmaker and the son of the artist pierre auguste renoir. his films, which include zola’s "nana," 1926 and "la grande illusion," 37, 1937, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 19 39, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1939, 1940, 1946, and "diary of a chambermaid," 46, are considered to …
March 4 Gladys McConnell
American actress and aviatrix (born in 1905)
March 19 Richard Beckinsale
Actor (doing time. porridge. lovers) dies at 31
March 24 Yvonne Mitchell
Writer dies at 53
March 26 Jean Stafford
Jean Stafford was a distinguished American novelist and short story writer who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1970. Her debut novel 'Boston Adventures' was published in 1944, and her short stories in prestigious publications like The New Yorker established her literary reputation.
April 1 Barbara Luddy
American actress (born in 1908)
April 24 John Carroll
Georgetown university was founded by an ex-jesuit archbishop and american archbishop (d. 1815).
May 26 George Brent
Actor (baby face. dark victory. 42nd st), dies at the age of 75
May 29 Mary Pickford
Canadian-american actress. she was five years old when she first appeared on stage. later, she became a star actress in silent films. pickford won the oscar for the talk-film "coquette", in 1928/1929. she was a talented actress who starred in more than 200 films. she also co-founded united artists, and the motion picture academy.
June 1 Jack Mulhall
Actor (buck rogers held for ransom), is killed at 91
July 8 Michael Wilding
British actor known for his roles in films like 'The World of Suzie Wong' and his connection to the Courtney affair.
July 8 Robert Woodward
Renowned American organic chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965 for groundbreaking work on total synthesis of complex natural products. He is considered one of the most influential organic chemists of the 20th century.
July 9 Cornelia Otis Skinner
American actress and author (born in 1899).
July 27 Ettore Manni
Prolific Italian actor who appeared in numerous films during the 1950s and 1960s, contributing significantly to the Italian cinema of his era.
Aug. 17 Vivian Vance
Beloved American actress famous for her role as Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom 'I Love Lucy', which revolutionized television comedy in the 1950s. She was a key part of one of the most successful and influential comedy shows in television history.
Aug. 27 Lord Louis Mountbatten
Lord Louis Mountbatten was a prominent British naval officer and statesman who played a crucial role in British imperial history, serving as the last Viceroy of India and making significant contributions during World War II.
Aug. 31 Sally Rand
Famous burlesque performer known for her provocative fan dance, Sally Rand was an iconic American entertainer who became a sensation during the Great Depression era.
Sept. 2 Felix Aylmer
Actor (quartet hamlet, dreaming lips), passes away at 90
Sept. 8 Jean Seberg
Iconic American actress known for her breakthrough role in 'Saint Joan' and her memorable performance in Jean-Luc Godard's 'Breathless'. She was a significant figure in French New Wave cinema and was targeted by the FBI for her political activism with the Black Panther Party.
Sept. 27 Gracie Fields
British actress, comedian and film star. she was loved during the ww ii tours. born into a working class family, she chose to become an actress at age seven. her first job was with a vaudeville group for 25 cents per week. she would go on to make a million dollars a year later from her films, plays and records …
Oct. 6 Elizabeth Bishop
Elizabeth Bishop was a renowned American poet celebrated for her meticulous craftsmanship, complex emotional landscapes, and extraordinary ability to capture precise moments in language. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1956 and is considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Her work is characterized by its technical precision, subtle humor, and profound observations of …
Oct. 17 John Stuart
Actor of scottish-english descent (d. 1979).
Nov. 23 Merle Oberon
Acclaimed Eurasian-American actress of Hollywood's Golden Age, known for her memorable roles in classic films like 'Wuthering Heights' and 'The Private Life of Henry VIII'. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and worked closely with legendary actor Laurence Olivier.
Nov. 30 Zeppo Marx
Zeppo Marx was the youngest of the famous Marx Brothers comedy team, known for his supporting roles in their early comedy films and later working as a theatrical agent and businessman.
Nov. 30 Joyce Grenfell
British comedian and mime artist renowned for her witty television and film monologues, with a versatile performance style and musical talent.
Dec. 10 Ann Dvorak
Ann Dvorak was a prominent American actress of the 1930s, known for her roles in classic films like 'Scarface', 'G Men', and 'A Life of Her Own'. She was a versatile performer who made significant contributions to Hollywood's golden age.
Dec. 25 Joan Blondell
Prominent American film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her comedic roles and distinctive husky voice. She appeared in numerous Hollywood films and was a notable figure in the Golden Age of cinema.