Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1983

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1983. 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. 2 Dick Emery

  British comedian and actor known for his comedic television shows and characters, appearing in films like 'Yellow Submarine' and several comedy productions.

• Jan. 2 Harriet Parsons

  Harriet Parsons was an American film producer and daughter of famous Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons. She was a notable figure in the mid-20th century entertainment industry.

• Jan. 2 Bernard George Stevens

  Composer dies at 66

• Jan. 7 August Cool

  Belgian trade union leader dies at the age of 79.

• Jan. 8 Lois Wilson

  Actress (alice aldrich family), dies at 88

• Jan. 8 Gerhard Barkhorn

  Gerhard Barkhorn was a renowned Luftwaffe fighter pilot during World War II, credited as one of the most successful fighter pilots in history with 301 confirmed aerial victories. He was a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipient and served extensively on the Eastern Front against Soviet forces.

• Jan. 8 Tom McCall

  Progressive Republican governor of Oregon known for environmental leadership and political innovation, who served from 1966 to 1974 and authored the book 'Maverick'.

• Jan. 8 Ron Frazer

  Actor from australia (born in 1924)

• Jan. 12 Nikolai Podgorny

  Prominent Soviet Ukrainian politician who served as the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet from 1965 to 1977, representing a key leadership role in the USSR during the Cold War era.

• Jan. 12 Rebop Kwaku Baah

  Ghanaian percussionist (born 1944)

• Jan. 13 John McHugh

  Actor (unspeakable) dies at 69 from a heart attack

• Jan. 13 Arthur Space

  Actor doc weaver-lassie dies from cancer at the age of 74

• Jan. 15 Shepperd Strudwick

  American character actor known for his work in film and theater during the mid-20th century, who passed away from cancer at age 75.

• Jan. 15 Meyer Lansky

  Notorious Jewish-American organized crime figure known as the 'Mob's Accountant' who played a significant role in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.

• Jan. 15 Armin Öpik

  Geologist and paleontologist from estonia-australia (d. 1983).

• Jan. 16 Virginia Mauret

  American musician and dancer

• Jan. 17 Doodles Weaver

  Actor/comedian, ring of fire, shoots himself at the age of 71.

• Jan. 19 Ham

  Chimpanzee and animal astronaut, first hominid in space (b. 1957)

• Jan. 19 Ham the Chimp

  The first hominid to be launched into outer space (born 1956).

• Jan. 20 Manuel Garrincha

  Manuel Garrincha was a legendary Brazilian footballer, widely considered one of the greatest dribblers in soccer history. He played a pivotal role in Brazil's World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962, earning the nickname 'Joy of the People'. His extraordinary skill and creativity on the field made him a national hero in Brazil.

• Jan. 24 George Cukor

  American director and producer (b. 1899)

• Jan. 26 Bear Bryant

  Paul 'Bear' Bryant was a legendary American college football coach who led the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to six national championships and transformed college football coaching in the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 27 Louis de Funès

  Legendary French comic actor known for his exaggerated facial expressions and comedic roles in numerous popular films during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 28 Frank Forde

  Australian educator and politician, 15th prime minister of australia (b. 1890)

• Jan. 29 Stuart H. Ingersoll

  American naval aviator, usn vice admiral (b. 1898)

• Jan. 30 [Dallas] Mack / McCord Reynolds

  At 65, sci-fi author (earth war) dies

• Jan. 30 Joan Valerie

  Actress (pier 13), succumbs to pneumonia