Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1981

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1981. 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 Hephzibah Menuhin

  Hephzibah Menuhin was a distinguished violinist and the sister of world-famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin, known for her exceptional musical talent and cultural contributions.

• Jan. 2 David Lynch

  Iconic American filmmaker known for surreal and avant-garde cinema, creating groundbreaking works like 'Eraserhead', 'Blue Velvet', and the influential TV series 'Twin Peaks'. He is a key figure in postmodern cinema with a distinctive, dreamlike visual style.

• Jan. 3 Princess Alice

  Princess Alice was a member of the British Royal Family, serving as the Duchess of Gloucester and wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. She was the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II and played a significant role in the British monarchy during the 20th century.

• Jan. 5 Harold Clayton Urey

  Nobel Prize laureate for his discovery of heavy hydrogen

• Jan. 5 Harold Urey

  CHE - American chemist and astronomer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1893)

• Jan. 6 A. J. Cronin

  Scottish physician and author (b. 1896)

• Jan. 7 Eric Robinson

  Australian businessman and politician, 2nd australian minister for finance (b. 1926)

• Jan. 10 Richard Boone

  Renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Paladin in the TV series 'Have Gun, Will Travel'. He was a versatile performer who excelled in action roles and had a distinguished career in television and film.

• Jan. 11 Beulah Bondi

  Beulah Bondi was a renowned American actress known for her roles in classic films like 'It's a Wonderful Life'.

• Jan. 14 G. Lloyd Spencer

  American lieutenant and politician (b. 1893)

• Jan. 15 Graham Whitehead

  English race car driver (b. 1922)

• Jan. 15 Emanuel Celler

  American politician (representative-democrat-new york, 1923-73), dies at age 92.

• Jan. 16 Bernard Lee

  Renowned British actor famous for playing 'M' in multiple James Bond films during the Sean Connery and Roger Moore eras, a quintessential portrayal of the MI6 boss.

• Jan. 17 Loukas Panourgias

  Greek footballer and lawyer (b. 1899)

• Jan. 19 Francesca Woodman

  Francesca Woodman was an influential American photographer renowned for her black-and-white self-portraits that explored themes of identity, body, and transformation before her tragic early death.

• Jan. 22 Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi

  Pakistani educationist and historian (born 1903).

• Jan. 22 Fannie Thomas

  United states -- died at 113

• Jan. 23 Samuel Barber

  Samuel Barber was a prominent 20th-century American classical composer renowned for his deeply emotional and lyrical works, with his Adagio for Strings becoming one of the most recognized pieces of classical music globally.

• Jan. 23 Bobby Sherwood

  Orchestra leader (milton berle show), is killed at the age of 66.

• Jan. 25 Richard Talmadge

  Actor (speed reporter)

• Jan. 25 Adele Astaire

  American actress, singer, and dancer (b. 1896)

• Jan. 29 Cozy Cole

  American drummer (d. 1981)

• Jan. 29 John Glassco

  Canadian poet and writer known for his significant contributions to Montreal's literary scene, particularly through his poetry, translations, and memoirs.

• Jan. 29 Jack A. W. Bennett

  New zealander literary scholar (b. 1911)