Famous people and celebrities who died in November 1985

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in November 1985. 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

• Nov. 1 Phil Silvers

  Renowned American comedian and actor best known for his iconic role in 'Sergeant Bilko', a popular TV comedy series that showcased his exceptional comedic talents.

• Nov. 1 Arnold Pihlak

  Estonian-english footballer (b. 1902)

• Nov. 5 Arnold Chikobava

  Georgian philologist and linguist (d. 1985).

• Nov. 5 Spencer W. Kimball

  American religious leader, 12th president of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints (b. 1895)

• Nov. 6 Sanjeev Kumar

  Sanjeev Kumar was a legendary Bollywood actor renowned for his exceptional versatility and memorable performances in classic Hindi cinema, particularly in iconic films like Sholay and Angoor.

• Nov. 6 Joel Crothers

  American actor who made his Broadway debut at age 12 and was a regular on TV soaps like 'Dark Shadows' and 'The Doctors'.

• Nov. 8 Nicolas Frantz

  Luxembourgish cyclist (born 1899)

• Nov. 9 Helen Rose

  Renowned Hollywood costume designer who worked on numerous classic films, creating iconic wardrobe for stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly.

• Nov. 9 Mary MacLaren

  Actress black swan dies from respiratory complications at the age of 85

• Nov. 11 Arthur Rothstein

  Renowned American photographer and documentary photographer who captured significant moments during the Great Depression for the Farm Security Administration.

• Nov. 11 Pelle Lindbergh

  Legendary Swedish-American NHL goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, tragically killed in a car accident at the height of his career.

• Nov. 15 Méret Oppenheim

  Méret Oppenheim was a prominent Surrealist artist known for her provocative and imaginative works, including the famous fur-covered teacup. She was a key figure in the Surrealist movement, collaborating with artists like Man Ray and Max Ernst.

• Nov. 16 John J Sparkmann

  (sen-d ala), dies at 85

• Nov. 17 Jimmy Ritz

  Actor (ritz brothers) dies from heart failure at 81

• Nov. 19 Stepin Fetchit

  Pioneering African American actor and comedian known for his controversial stereotypical film roles in early Hollywood, who was both criticized and later recognized as a trailblazer for Black performers.

• Nov. 19 Juan Arvizu

  Mexican lyric opera tenor and bolero vocalist (b. 1900)

• Nov. 19 Stepin Fetchit [Lincoln Penny]

  1st black star, succumbs to pneumonia

• Nov. 25 Franz Hildebrandt

  German pastor and theologian (b. 1909)

• Nov. 26 Vivien Thomas

  Pioneering African American surgical technician who developed groundbreaking techniques for treating blue baby syndrome and trained numerous cardiac surgeons at Johns Hopkins University.

• Nov. 26 Ransom Sherman

  At 87, comedian (father to bride) dies

• Nov. 28 Fernand Braudel

  Renowned French historian and key figure of the Annales School, who revolutionized historical research by emphasizing long-term social history and economic structures over traditional political narratives.

• Nov. 29 Rik Jacobs

  Flemish stage manager, dies at 71