Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1980

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1980. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Jan. 1 Pietro Nenni

  Italian journalist and politician, italian minister of foreign affairs (b. 1891)

• Jan. 1 Frank Clifford Wykoff

  Sprinter (1928-32, 36 olympics – gold medalist), died at 70

• Jan. 2 Larry Williams

  Duplicate record of Larry Williams, rock and roll musician.

• Jan. 3 Joy Adamson

  Renowned wildlife conservationist and author who wrote 'Born Free', famous for her groundbreaking work with lions in Kenya and her relationship with the lioness Elsa.

• Jan. 3 George Sutherland Fraser

  Scottish poet and academic known for his contributions to mid-20th century literature, with a significant body of work during the post-war period.

• Jan. 3 Axel Springer Jr

  German photographer commits suicide at 38.

• Jan. 3 Lucien Buysse

  Belgian cyclist (born in 1892)

• Jan. 7 Sarah Selby

  Actress (tower of london), is killed at 74

• Jan. 11 Barbara Pym

  Acclaimed English novelist known for her witty and insightful novels exploring middle-class English life, particularly in the post-war period.

• Jan. 13 Andre Kostelanetz

  Renowned Russian-American conductor and orchestral arranger who was a prominent figure in light classical and popular music during the mid-20th century. He was famous for his lush orchestral arrangements and pioneering work in broadcasting and recording.

• Jan. 14 Robert Ardrey

  American-south african author, playwright, and screenwriter (b. 1908)

• Jan. 16 Anna van Wageningen-Salomons

  Dut author (unspoilt dream), is killed at 94

• 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. 18 Cecil Beaton

  Renowned British photographer and designer who captured the essence of 20th-century celebrity culture. He was the official photographer for the British Royal Family and won an Oscar for his costume design. Beaton's work significantly influenced fashion and portrait photography.

• Jan. 19 William O. Douglas

  American lawyer and jurist (b. 1898)

• Jan. 22 Yitzhak Baer

  German-israeli academic and historian (d. 1980).

• Jan. 23 Giovanni Michelotti

  Influential Italian automotive designer who created iconic car designs for major manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati, and BMW.

• 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

• Jan. 30 Professor Longhair

  Legendary New Orleans blues and rhythm and blues pianist who significantly influenced the development of New Orleans music and rock and roll. Known for his unique piano style and influential recordings in the 1950s.