Famous people and celebrities who died in 1990

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1990. 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. 5 Arthur Kennedy
American actor known for notable roles in films like 'Fantastic Voyage' and TV series 'Peyton Place', with a significant career in Hollywood during mid-20th century.
Jan. 15 Gordon Jackson
Scottish actor renowned for his iconic role as Hudson in the TV series 'Upstairs, Downstairs', winning an Emmy Award in 1976 and the British Actors of the Year Award in 1974.
Jan. 20 Barbara Stanwyck
Legendary Hollywood actress nominated four times for an Oscar, known for her versatile roles in classic films from the 1930s and 1940s. She successfully transitioned from film to television, winning an Emmy for her work in the mid-1960s.
Jan. 25 Ava Gardner
Iconic Hollywood actress of the mid-20th century, known for her extraordinary beauty and compelling screen presence. She starred in numerous classic films and was considered one of the great femme fatales of her era. Her career spanned several decades, making her a true legend of American cinema.
Feb. 8 Del Shannon
Pioneering rock and roll singer famous for his hit song 'Runaway' in 1961, who significantly influenced early rock music and experienced both musical success and legal challenges.
Feb. 24 Johnnie Ray
Influential pre-Elvis era singer-songwriter known for his emotional performances and massive hit 'Cry', which sold 25 million copies and established him as a significant musical figure of the 1950s.
April 3 Sarah Vaughan
Legendary jazz and pop vocalist known as 'The Divine One', Sarah Vaughan was a groundbreaking artist with exceptional vocal range and control. Her 45-year career spanned jazz and pop genres, making her one of the most influential singers of the 20th century.
April 14 Thurston Harris
Thurston Harris was an influential rhythm and blues singer best known for his hit song 'Little Bitty Pretty One', which became a classic of the 1950s rock and roll era.
April 15 Greta Garbo
Legendary Swedish-American actress who became an iconic Hollywood star, known for her mesmerizing screen presence and roles in classic films like 'Ninotchka' and 'Grand Hotel'. She was a model before becoming an internationally acclaimed actress who revolutionized cinema in the 1920s and 1930s.
April 23 Paulette Goddard
Paulette Goddard was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, best known for her iconic collaborations with Charlie Chaplin in films like 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'. She was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between comedy and dramatic roles.
May 6 Charles Farrell
American actor known for his role in the popular TV series 'My Little Margie', who was active during the golden age of Hollywood and television.
May 10 Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver was a prominent American actress known for her extensive television work from the mid-1950s to mid-1970s. She appeared in numerous TV shows including 'Father Knows Best' and 'Night Gallery', and was a regular on 'Days of Our Lives'. She also made significant contributions as a television director.
May 16 Jim Henson
Legendary American puppeteer who revolutionized children's entertainment through the Muppets, creating iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and transforming television and film storytelling.
May 18 Jill Ireland
British actress and former professional ballerina known for action films with her husband Charles Bronson. She starred in notable movies like 'The Mechanic' and 'Love and Bullets' during the 1970s and 1980s.
May 22 Rocky Graziano
Rocky Graziano was a famous middleweight boxing champion who later became an actor, known for his tough life story and successful boxing career in the 1940s and 1950s.
May 25 Vic Tayback
American character actor best known for his role as Mel Karpinski in the popular TV sitcom 'Alice'. He appeared in numerous films and television shows during his career.
June 2 Rex Harrison
Legendary British actor renowned for his iconic role as Professor Henry Higgins in 'My Fair Lady'. He was a versatile performer who achieved significant success on both stage and screen, winning multiple prestigious awards including an Academy Award and three Tony Awards.
June 2 Jack Gilford
Jack Gilford was a renowned American character actor known for his comedic roles and distinctive performances in film and theater.
June 29 Irving Wallace
Prolific American novelist and writer known for bestselling books like 'The Chapman Report' and 'The Prize', who achieved massive global readership and had several works adapted into movies.
July 15 Margaret Lockwood
Renowned British actress who was a prominent film star from the 1930s to 1950s, known for her versatile roles in classic British cinema. She starred in memorable films like 'The Lady Vanishes' and 'The Wicked Lady', and wrote her autobiography 'Lucky Star' in 1955.
July 19 Eddie Quillan
Eddie Quillan was an American character actor known for his roles in comedy films during the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in numerous Hollywood productions including vaudeville and early sound films.
July 23 Georges Flamant
French actor known for his role in the film 'La Chienne', a notable figure in early 20th-century French cinema who had a long career spanning several decades.
July 27 Elizabeth Allan
British-American actress known for her roles in classic films like 'A Tale of Two Cities' and 'Camille', who was active during Hollywood's golden age.
Aug. 17 Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey was a renowned African American entertainer who excelled in vaudeville, nightclubs, films, and music. She was a versatile performer known for her exceptional singing, dancing, and comedic talents across multiple entertainment platforms.
Oct. 20 Joel McCrea
Prominent Hollywood actor known for his versatile roles in westerns, dramas, and sophisticated comedies. He starred in notable films like 'Foreign Correspondent' and 'Palm Beach Story', transitioning from a horse-wrangler and stuntman to a leading actor.
Oct. 27 Ugo Tognazzi
Renowned Italian actor, comedian, and film director who was a key figure in the Italian comedy scene. He gained international recognition for his iconic role in 'La Cage aux Folles', winning Best Actor at Cannes in 1981. Tognazzi was a versatile performer who significantly influenced Italian cinema during the mid-20th century.
Dec. 2 Robert Cummings
Robert Cummings was a prominent American actor known for his versatile career in film and television. He starred in notable movies like 'King's Row' and appeared in numerous productions during his 20-year career. Cummings was particularly known for his ability to adapt and reinvent himself in Hollywood.
Dec. 7 Joan Bennett
Versatile Hollywood actress who successfully transitioned from blonde ingénue to sultry brunette, starring in notable films like 'Scarlet Street' and appearing in the cult TV series 'Dark Shadows'.
Dec. 28 Kiel Martin
American actor best known for his role as Detective Michael 'Mike' LaRue in the groundbreaking TV series 'Hill Street Blues'. He tragically died of cancer at age 46.