Famous people and celebrities who died in 1980

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1980. 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. 17 Barbara Britton
American actress known for her role in the TV series 'Mr. and Mrs. North', who had a successful career in film and television during the mid-20th century.
Jan. 29 Jimmy Durante
American actor/singer/comedian (ink-a-dink-a-doo, palooka, the show), dies at age 86 in new york city, new york (born 1893).
Jan. 30 Lil Dagover
Actress (destiny spiders), dead at 82
Feb. 13 David Janssen
David Janssen was a prominent American actor known for his extensive work in television and film, appearing in over 100 productions. He began his acting career as a child and overcame early personal challenges to become a successful Hollywood star.
Feb. 18 Gale Robbins
American actress known for her roles in 'Fuller Brush Girl' and 'Mr. Hex', active in mid-20th century Hollywood comedy films.
March 5 Jay Silverheels
Native American actor best known for playing Tonto alongside Clayton Moore in the iconic 'The Lone Ranger' television series from 1949 to 1957.
March 28 Dick Haymes
Prominent Argentinean-American big band singer and radio personality who was a popular musical figure during the swing era of the 1940s. He performed with notable bandleaders like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, and recorded several hit songs.
March 31 Jesse Owens
Legendary African American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, dramatically challenging Nazi racial ideology by showcasing extraordinary athletic prowess.
April 15 Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre was a pivotal French philosopher and writer who developed existentialism, emphasizing individual freedom and personal responsibility. He was a leading intellectual of the 20th century, influencing philosophy, literature, and political thought. Sartre famously declined the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 as a political statement.
April 22 Jane Froman
Jane Froman was a renowned American singer, actress, and entertainer who became famous in the 1930s and 1940s. She survived a tragic plane crash during World War II and continued her career as an inspiration to many. Her life story was later portrayed in the film 'With a Song in My Heart'.
April 26 Cicely Courtneidge
Australian-born british actress, comedian and singer (b. 1893)
May 12 Lillian Roth
Actress (animal crackers and alice sweet alice).
June 12 Milburn Stone
American actor best known for playing Dr. 'Doc' Adams on the long-running and iconic Western television series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975.
June 30 Virginia Brown Faire
Actress (lonesome trail temptress).
July 7 Reginald Gardiner
British-American actor known for his comedic roles, notably in Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator'. He was a prominent character actor in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
July 24 Peter Sellers
Legendary British-American comic actor renowned for his versatile performances in the Pink Panther film series and his extraordinary ability to transform into multiple characters.
July 30 Charles McGraw
Actor (michael falcon, smith family), passes away at 66
Aug. 1 Strother Martin
Iconic character actor known for memorable roles in classic Western films, particularly famous for his distinctive voice and supporting performances alongside Paul Newman in movies like 'Cool Hand Luke'.
Aug. 14 Dorothy Stratten
Canadian model and actress tragically murdered at the height of her career, who became a Playboy Playmate and appeared in films like 'Galaxina' and 'They All Laughed'.
Sept. 25 John Bonham
Legendary drummer of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, known for his powerful and innovative drumming style. He tragically died at age 32 from an alcohol overdose, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history.
Oct. 6 Hattie Jacques
Hattie Jacques was a prominent British comedy actress famous for her memorable roles in the iconic Carry On film series, known for her distinctive comedic style and robust screen presence.
Nov. 7 Steve McQueen
Iconic Hollywood actor known for his rugged masculinity and starring roles in classic films like 'Bullitt' and 'The Great Escape'. He was one of the most popular box-office draws of the 1960s and 1970s, embodying the quintessential cool, rebellious American hero.
Nov. 9 Victor Sen Yung
Actor (hop sing bonanza, bachelor family), passes away at 65
Nov. 22 Mae West
Mae west was an american actress, playwright, and screenwriter known for her bawdy and witty persona, and her iconic roles in films such as 'she done him wrong' and 'i'm no angel'.
Nov. 24 George Raft
Iconic Hollywood actor known for his tough-guy roles in gangster films like Scarface, famous for his distinctive style and association with film noir and crime movies.
Dec. 8 John Lennon
Co-founder of the iconic rock band The Beatles, John Lennon was a legendary musician, songwriter, and peace activist who profoundly influenced popular music and culture. He was tragically assassinated in New York City in 1980, leaving an enduring legacy of musical innovation and social activism.