Famous people and celebrities who died in 1986

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1986. 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. 2 Una Merkel
American film actress known for her comedic roles in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in movies like '42nd Street' and notable character performances.
Jan. 4 Christopher Isherwood
Christopher Isherwood was a prominent British-American writer known for his influential Berlin novels, which inspired the famous musical 'Cabaret'. He was a significant figure in 20th-century literature, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and social change through his semi-autobiographical works.
Jan. 14 Donna Reed
Donna Reed was an iconic American actress of the 1940s and 1950s, best known for her Academy Award-winning role in 'From Here to Eternity' and her beloved family sitcom 'The Donna Reed Show'. She was a quintessential Hollywood star who represented the idealized American housewife of her era.
Jan. 24 Gordon MacRae
American musical comedy star of the 1950s, known for his film roles and memorable performance in the musical 'Oklahoma'. He made his film debut in 1948 and starred in several movies with Doris Day.
Jan. 27 Lilli Palmer
Renowned German-born actress who had a successful international career in film and theater, known for her beauty, talent, and marriages to Rex Harrison and Carlos Thompson.
Jan. 29 Leif Erickson
American actor known for roles in films like 'Invaders from Mars' and 'On the Waterfront', who had a notable career in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
Feb. 10 Brian Aherne
Brian Aherne was a prominent British-American actor who successfully transitioned from stage to film, appearing in notable movies like 'Juarez' and receiving an Oscar nomination. He had a versatile career spanning theater and cinema from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Feb. 19 Adolfo Celi
Prominent Italian character actor known for his distinctive husky voice and roles in both Italian and international cinema during the mid-20th century.
March 10 Ray Milland
Acclaimed Welsh-American actor who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1945 for his powerful performance in 'The Lost Weekend', a groundbreaking film about alcoholism. He had a successful Hollywood career spanning several decades and was known for his versatility in dramatic and comedic roles.
March 30 James Cagney
James cagney was an american actor known for his energetic performances in gangster films, particularly in the 1930s.
April 14 Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir was a groundbreaking French philosopher, writer, and feminist theorist who profoundly influenced 20th-century intellectual thought. Her seminal work 'The Second Sex' is considered a foundational text in feminist philosophy. She was a key figure in existentialism and maintained a lifelong intellectual partnership with Jean-Paul Sartre.
April 15 Jean Genet
Jean Genet was a groundbreaking French writer who transformed his tumultuous life experiences of marginalization, crime, and social rejection into powerful literary works. He became an influential novelist, playwright, and political activist known for exploring themes of sexuality, social outcasts, and rebellion. His autobiographical writings and provocative plays challenged societal norms and established him as a significant 20th-century literary figure.
April 26 Broderick Crawford
Broderick Crawford was an acclaimed American actor best known for his Oscar-winning role in 'All the King's Men' and his starring role in the popular TV series 'Highway Patrol'.
May 3 Robert Alda
Robert Alda was an American actor known for his roles in film and television, including the TV series Supertrain. He was the father of actor Alan Alda and had a notable career in entertainment.
May 23 Sterling Hayden
Renowned Hollywood actor famous for his roles in film noir and westerns, particularly memorable in 'Dr. Strangelove' and 'The Godfather'. He was known for his rugged screen presence and versatile character acting across multiple genres.
June 13 Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman was a legendary jazz clarinetist and bandleader who revolutionized American music during the swing era. Known as the 'King of Swing', he played a pivotal role in popularizing big band jazz and breaking racial barriers in music. His Carnegie Hall concert in 1938 was a landmark moment in jazz history.
June 17 Kate Smith
Iconic American singer known for her patriotic rendition of 'God Bless America' and her significant contributions to entertainment during the mid-20th century. She was a popular radio and television personality who boosted national morale during World War II.
July 3 Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee was a prominent American singer and actor of the 1920s and 1930s, known for pioneering the crooning style and becoming one of the first multimedia entertainment stars of the early sound era.
July 25 Vincente Minnelli
Renowned Hollywood film director famous for musicals like 'An American in Paris' and 'Gigi', who won an Academy Award and was a key figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
Aug. 19 Hermione Baddeley
Renowned British character actress known for her memorable roles in television series like 'Maude' and 'The Good Life', with a career spanning several decades in film and theater.
Aug. 26 Ted Knight
Ted Knight was a versatile American entertainer known for his prominent roles in television comedy. He won two Emmy Awards and starred in iconic sitcoms like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Too Close for Comfort', becoming a significant figure in 1970s and 1980s television.
Sept. 17 Patricia Phoenix
Patricia Phoenix was a renowned Irish actress known for her significant contributions to television and theater, particularly in British drama.
Sept. 28 Robert Helpmann
Robert Helpmann was a renowned Australian ballet dancer, choreographer, and actor who significantly influenced performing arts in the 20th century. He was a prominent member of the Sadler's Wells Ballet and made substantial contributions to dance and theater in Australia and internationally.
Oct. 14 Keenan Wynn
Keenan Wynn was a prolific Hollywood character actor who appeared in over 220 films across comedy and drama genres. He was part of MGM's stable of actors for thirteen years and came from a family of performers, being the son and grandson of silent film actors.
Oct. 23 Lino Ventura
Renowned French actor famous for detective and crime films, known for his tough-guy roles and distinctive screen presence. He was a prominent figure in French cinema during the mid-20th century, transitioning from a prizefighter to a respected actor.
Nov. 29 Cary Grant
Iconic Hollywood actor known for his sophisticated charm and versatility across comedy and drama. He starred in numerous classic films and is considered one of the most beloved movie stars of the 20th century. His unique screen presence made him a timeless symbol of male elegance.
Dec. 2 Desi Arnaz
Cuban-American television pioneer, musician, and actor who co-created 'I Love Lucy' and revolutionized television production through Desilu Productions. He was a groundbreaking entertainer who successfully integrated Latin talent into mainstream American entertainment.
Dec. 13 Smita Patil
Iconic Indian actress who significantly contributed to parallel cinema and was known for her powerful, socially conscious performances in both Hindi and Marathi films before her untimely death at 31.
Dec. 26 Elsa Lanchester
Renowned British actress famous for her iconic role as the Bride of Frankenstein in the classic 1935 horror film. She was married to actor Charles Laughton and had a significant career in film and theater.