Famous people and celebrities who died in 1989

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1989. 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. 20 Beatrice Lillie
Talented comedic actress and singer known for her wit and charm.
Feb. 22 Joan Woodbury
Actress (super sleuth, northwest trail)
March 6 Harry Andrews
British character actor known for notable stage and film performances, particularly in 'Man of La Mancha' and 'Equus', with a significant career in theater and cinema during mid-20th century.
March 12 Maurice Evans
English-American actor known for stage and screen performances in the mid-20th century.
March 27 May Allison
American actress on the stage and in film. her greatest success came in the early 20th century through silent film.
April 26 Lucille Ball
Iconic American actress and comedian who revolutionized television comedy through her groundbreaking sitcom 'I Love Lucy'. She was a pioneering female television producer and one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century. Her trademark fiery red hair and comedic genius made her a beloved cultural icon.
May 1 Marion Mack
American silent film actress known for her notable roles in early 20th-century cinema, particularly in comedic performances.
May 7 Guy Williams
Famous American actor best known for playing Zorro in the Disney TV series and Professor John Robinson in Lost in Space. He was a prominent television star of the 1950s and 1960s who later lived in Argentina.
May 17 Robert Webber
American character actor known for his roles in films like '12 Angry Men' and 'S.O.B.', with a notable career in Hollywood spanning several decades.
May 20 Gilda Radner
Iconic comedian and original Saturday Night Live cast member who pioneered comedic character work and was known for her memorable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna. She was married to actor Gene Wilder and was a beloved figure in comedy before her untimely death.
May 20 Anton Diffring
German actor known for his roles in international films and television, particularly in Vienna and European productions.
June 12 Lou Monte
Italian-American singer known for novelty songs like 'Peppino the Italian Mouse', a popular comedic performer in the mid-20th century who blended humor and music.
June 13 Fran Allison
Fran Allison was a pioneering American television personality best known for her work with the beloved puppet show 'Kukla, Fran and Ollie', which was groundbreaking in early television entertainment.
June 15 Victor French
Victor French was an accomplished American actor and director best known for his role in the popular TV series 'Highway to Heaven'. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 54 from cancer.
June 24 Hibari Misora
Legendary Japanese singer and actress who was a major cultural icon in post-war Japan, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances.
July 3 Jim Backus
Versatile American actor known for voice acting Mr. Magoo and acting in classic films and television shows like 'Gilligan's Island'. He was a prominent figure in radio, film, and TV during mid-20th century entertainment.
July 10 Mel Blanc
Known as the 'Man of a Thousand Voices', Mel Blanc was a legendary voice actor who provided voices for iconic cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. He revolutionized animation voice acting and worked extensively with Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera.
Aug. 16 Amanda Blake
Amanda Blake was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Miss Kitty Russell in the long-running TV western series 'Gunsmoke'. She was a prominent television actress during the 1950s and 1960s.
Sept. 15 Robert Penn Warren
Renowned American novelist, poet, and literary critic who won three Pulitzer Prizes. He is best known for his novel 'All the King's Men' and was the first United States Poet Laureate.
Sept. 17 Jay Stewart
Annoucer of lets make a deal commits suicide
Oct. 4 Graham Chapman
A pioneering British comedian and writer, best known as a key member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe. He was instrumental in creating groundbreaking comedy sketches and helped revolutionize humor in the 1970s. Chapman struggled with alcoholism but remained a beloved figure in comedy until his untimely death.
Oct. 6 Bette Davis
Legendary Hollywood actress who was a pivotal figure in American cinema, with 82 films and ten Oscar nominations. She won Best Actress awards for 'Dangerous' (1935) and 'Jezebel' (1938), establishing herself as one of the most influential actresses of her era.
Oct. 11 Paul Shenar
Actor (deadly forces, dream lover), who dies at 53
Oct. 20 Anthony Quayle
Renowned English actor known for significant roles in classic films like 'Anne of the Thousand Days' and 'Lawrence of Arabia', with a distinguished career in cinema and theater.
Nov. 20 Lynn Bari
Actress (shock and nocturne, 6 gun law), is killed at 71
Dec. 6 Frances Bavier
Frances Bavier was an iconic American television actress best known for her beloved portrayal of Aunt Bee Taylor on 'The Andy Griffith Show', a classic sitcom that ran from 1960 to 1968.
Dec. 16 Lee Van Cleef
Lee Van Cleef was a legendary Hollywood actor famous for playing iconic villains in Western films. He transitioned from an accountant and Navy veteran to a renowned film actor after his breakthrough role in 'High Noon'. His distinctive looks and intense screen presence made him a memorable figure in cinema.
Dec. 16 Silvana Mangano
Iconic Italian actress who rose to international fame with her breakthrough role in 'Bitter Rice' (1949), becoming a symbol of post-war Italian cinema. She was a celebrated beauty queen and actress known for her striking looks and powerful screen presence.
Dec. 16 Aileen Pringle
Actress (age consent, convicted night parade)