Famous people and celebrities who died in 1988

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1988. 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. 3 William Cagney
Actor in torrid zone, dies at 82 from a heart attack
Jan. 7 Trevor Howard
Renowned British film actor known for his powerful performances in classic movies like 'Brief Encounter' and 'The Third Man'.
Feb. 1 Heather O'Rourke
Famous child actress best known for her role in the Poltergeist film series, who tragically died at a young age of 12 due to medical complications.
March 1 Jean Le Poulain
Jean Le Poulain was a prominent French actor known for his significant contributions to French cinema and theater during the mid-20th century.
March 10 Andy Gibb
British-American pop singer and youngest member of the Bee Gees' family, who became a teenage sensation in the 1970s, selling 15 million records before his tragic early death at age 30.
April 9 Brook Benton
Singer (just a matter of time) dies from meningitis in her 56th year.
April 17 Eva Novak
Actress (medicine man), passes away at 90 from pneumonia
April 18 Pierre Desproges
Renowned French comedian and satirist famous for his sharp, intellectual humor and biting social critiques that challenged societal norms and political correctness.
April 22 Irene Rich
American silent screen star, who was 16 at the time. she remained in hollywood for nearly two decades. she was a talkie film star and toured the vaudeville circuits, on stage starting in 1948, and then radio for ten more years. she made "stella maris", 1918, "beau brummell," 1924 and "shanghai rose," 1929, as well as "joan of arc," 1948.
May 11 Kim Philby
Infamous British double agent who worked for Soviet intelligence during the Cold War. He was a high-ranking member of British MI6 who secretly passed classified information to the Soviet Union for decades. His betrayal was one of the most significant espionage scandals of the 20th century.
May 15 Andrew Duggan
Actor (jigsaw firehouse), is diagnosed with cancer at the age of 64
May 30 Ella Raines
Prominent Hollywood actress of the 1940s, known for film noir and western movies, with notable roles in 'Uncle Harry' and 'Impact'.
July 22 Duane Jones
African American actor best known for his pioneering role in the classic horror film 'Night of the Living Dead', which became a landmark in independent cinema and zombie movie genre.
July 27 Judith Barsi
Child actress tragically murdered by her own parents, known for her roles in animated films like 'The Land Before Time' and 'All Dogs Go to Heaven'.
Aug. 1 Florence Eldridge
Renowned Broadway actress known for her theatrical performances, particularly in 'Long Day's Journey into Night', who had a significant career in theater during the mid-20th century.
Aug. 8 Alan Napier
Famous American actor best known for playing Alfred the butler in the classic Batman TV series starring Adam West. He had a long acting career spanning several decades.
Aug. 11 Anne Ramsey
Distinctive character actress known for memorable roles in films like 'Throw Momma from the Train' and 'The Goonies', with a unique gravelly voice and comedic talent.
Aug. 21 Ray Eames
Pioneering American designer who revolutionized mid-century modern design through her groundbreaking collaborative work with her husband Charles Eames. She was instrumental in creating iconic furniture, architectural designs, and multimedia projects that significantly influenced 20th-century aesthetics. Her innovative approach integrated art, design, and functionality in unprecedented ways.
Aug. 28 Hazel Dawn
Us singer/actress (under clover margie) dies at 98
Sept. 5 Gert Fröbe
Renowned German actor famous for playing Auric Goldfinger in the James Bond film. Despite early Nazi Party membership, he heroically saved two Jewish families during World War II, demonstrating remarkable moral complexity.
Sept. 14 Louis Quinn
Actor, unholy rollers, dies from cancer at 73
Sept. 20 Roy Kinnear
Actor (casanova. pirates. scrooge. help! at 54, he dies.
Sept. 21 Henry Koster
Renowned German-American film director, producer, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
Oct. 22 Henry Armstrong
Henry Armstrong was a legendary boxer who dominated multiple weight classes during the 1930s and 1940s, considered one of the greatest fighters in boxing history.
Oct. 25 Bill Cody
Actor (blazing judgment, ghost city), passes away at 75
Oct. 27 Charles Hawtrey
At 73, an english actor (carry on) dies in london
Oct. 31 John Houseman
Renowned Romanian-American actor, producer, and director known for his distinguished career in theater, film, and television. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 'The Paper Chase' and was a significant figure in Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre.
Nov. 15 Mona Washbourne
Actress (blue bird and games), dies aged 84
Dec. 6 Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was a legendary rock and roll musician known for his powerful tenor voice and iconic dark sunglasses. He created timeless hits like 'Oh, Pretty Woman' and 'Only the Lonely' that defined the rock and roll era. His unique musical style earned him the nickname 'the Caruso of Rock'.
Dec. 26 John Loder
Actor (sabotage java head), passes away at 90