Famous people and celebrities who died in 1987

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1987. 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. 15 Ray Bolger
Famous American actor and dancer best known for his iconic role as the Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz', a classic film that defined his career and made him a beloved Hollywood personality.
Feb. 17 Verree Teasdale
Actress (skyscraper souls)
Feb. 27 Joan Greenwood
British actress known for her distinctive husky voice, who appeared in numerous films including 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
Feb. 28 Anny Ondra
Actress (blackmail) dies at 83
March 2 Randolph Scott
American actor, fort worth, gungho, jesse james, dies at the age of 89. he was born 1898.
March 3 Danny Kaye
Renowned American comedian, actor, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador known for his comedic performances in film and television during the mid-20th century.
March 22 Joan Shawlee
Actress (abbott & costello show), died at 58
March 26 Walter Abel
American actor and singer (d. 1987).
March 28 Patrick Troughton
British actor best known for playing the Second Doctor in the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who from 1966 to 1969, significantly influencing the show's legacy.
April 11 Kent Taylor
Actor (boston blackie rough riders), died at 79
May 4 Cathryn Damon
American actress known for her role as Mary Campbell in the TV series 'Soap', a popular comedy series in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
May 7 Colin Blakely
British actor known for notable stage performances in plays like 'Equus' and 'King Lear', originating from Bangor, Northern Ireland.
May 15 Wynne Gibson
Actor (night after night, aggie appleby)
May 31 John Abraham
Prominent Indian film actor and producer known for his work in Bollywood and action movies.
May 31 Dorothy Patrick
Actress (torch song - new orleans, high wall).
June 9 Madge Kennedy
Actress (marrying kind and 3 bad sisters).
June 10 Elizabeth Hartman
American actress known for her critically acclaimed performance in 'A Patch of Blue', for which she received an Oscar nomination. Tragically, she died by suicide at the age of 45.
June 22 Fred Astaire
Fred astaire was an american actor, dancer, and singer known for his elegant and graceful dancing in numerous hollywood musicals.
June 24 Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason was an iconic American comedian and actor who dominated television in the 1950s with his groundbreaking show 'The Honeymooners'. He created memorable characters like 'Poor Soul' and starred in classic films such as 'The Hustler' and 'Smokey and the Bandit'. Gleason was known for his large physical presence and comedic genius.
July 3 Viola Dana
Actress (willow tree 40 winks silent lover, willow tree) dies at 90
Aug. 28 John Huston
Legendary Hollywood filmmaker who directed numerous classic films and was a pivotal figure in American cinema during the mid-20th century. He was known for his distinctive storytelling and adaptations of literary works. Huston was a multi-talented artist who excelled as a director, screenwriter, and occasional actor.
Aug. 29 Lee Marvin
Iconic American actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in crime series and films. He starred in 'M Squad' as Detective Lieutenant Frank Ballinger and won an Academy Award for his performance in 'Cat Ballou'. Marvin was a prominent Hollywood actor during the 1950s and 1960s.
Sept. 11 Lorne Greene
Lorne Greene was a prominent Canadian actor best known for his iconic role as Ben Cartwright in the long-running Western television series Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973. He was also a respected radio broadcaster and narrator, earning the nickname 'The Voice of Canada' during World War II.
Sept. 23 Bob Fosse
Bob Fosse was a legendary American choreographer, dancer, and film director who revolutionized Broadway and Hollywood dance. He is the only artist to win an Emmy, Tony, and Oscar in the same year, showcasing his extraordinary multidisciplinary talent. His innovative choreographic style profoundly influenced 20th-century performing arts.
Sept. 25 Mary Astor
Renowned Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, Mary Astor was a prominent film star with a remarkable 45-year career spanning 109 films. She was particularly famous for her roles in classic movies like 'The Maltese Falcon'.
Oct. 2 Madeleine Carroll
Prominent British actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her roles in classic films like 'The 39 Steps' and 'Prisoner of Zenda'. She was a leading lady during the 1930s and 1940s, transitioning from silent films to talkies.
Oct. 13 Kishore Kumar
Legendary Indian playback singer and actor who revolutionized Bollywood music, known for his versatile voice and comedic acting skills in numerous Hindi films.
Oct. 31 Joseph Campbell
American author and leading authority on mythology, the psyche, and symbolism.
Dec. 6 James Dobson
Focus on the family was founded by american psychologist and author focus on the family
Dec. 10 Jascha Heifetz
Jascha Heifetz was a legendary Lithuanian-American violinist considered one of the greatest classical musicians of the 20th century. He revolutionized violin performance with his extraordinary technical precision and emotional depth. His prodigious talent was evident from childhood, making him a global sensation by his early teens.