Famous people and celebrities who died in 1991
A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1991. 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. 30 John McIntire
American character actor known for prominent roles in classic Western television series like 'Wagon Train' and 'The Virginian', as well as the police drama 'Naked City'.
- Feb. 3 Nancy Kulp
American actress best known for her role as Miss Hathaway in the popular TV series 'The Beverly Hillbillies'.
- Feb. 5 Dean Jagger
American actor known for roles in 'Mr. Novak' and 'Rawhide', who won an Oscar and had a distinguished career in film and television.
- Feb. 6 Danny Thomas
Renowned American entertainer, comedian, and philanthropist who founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, known for his successful television career and humanitarian efforts.
- Feb. 12 Robert Wagner
American actor best known for his role as Jonathan Hart in the popular 1979 TV series 'Hart to Hart', which became an international hit due to the chemistry between Wagner and Stephanie Powers.
- Feb. 24 George Gobel
George Gobel was a popular American comedian and television personality known for his deadpan humor and self-deprecating style. He was a prominent entertainer in the 1950s and 1960s, frequently appearing on variety shows and comedy programs. His catchphrase 'Well, I'll tell ya...' became widely recognized in American pop culture.
- March 2 Serge Gainsbourg
Iconic French singer, songwriter, actor, and artist known for provocative music and complex romantic relationships. He revolutionized French pop music with his unique style and controversial persona. His song 'Je t'aime... moi non plus' became an international sensation.
- March 27 Aldo Ray
Prominent American actor of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and memorable performances in war films and westerns like 'Battle Cry' and 'The Naked and the Dead'.
- April 3 Graham Greene
Graham Greene was a prolific British novelist, known for his complex moral and political narratives. He was a significant literary figure of the 20th century, with numerous works adapted into films. His contributions to literature earned him international recognition, including the French Legion d'Honneur.
- April 10 Kevin Peter Hall
Actor known for 'Harry and the Hendersons', who tragically died from AIDS at age 35. He was also notable for his roles in 'Predator' and other films.
- April 16 David Lean
Legendary British film director renowned for epic masterpieces like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', who significantly influenced cinema's visual storytelling in the mid-20th century.
- May 6 Wilfrid Hyde-White
British character actor known for memorable roles in 'My Fair Lady' and 'Peyton Place', with a distinguished career in film and theater spanning several decades.
- June 1 David Ruffin
Legendary soul singer known for his powerful vocals with The Temptations, famous for hits like 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'.
- June 6 Stan Getz
Stan Getz was a legendary jazz tenor saxophonist known for his distinctive cool and lyrical playing style, who performed with notable big bands like Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey.
- June 18 Joan Caulfield
American actress and model known for her blonde beauty and wholesome roles in 1940s light films. She starred in television series like 'My Favorite Husband' and 'Sally' during the 1950s.
- June 19 Jean Arthur
Jean Arthur was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive voice and comedic talents. She starred in classic films like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' and 'Shane', and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her era.
- July 2 Lee Remick
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in films like 'Days of Wine and Roses', for which she received an Oscar nomination. She was a versatile performer who battled cancer and passed away at 55.
- July 8 James Franciscus
American television and film actor known for roles in 'Mr. Novak' and 'Longstreet', who passed away from emphysema at age 57.
- July 15 Bert Convy
American television actor and game show host known for roles in 'The Snoop Sisters' and hosting 'Win, Lose or Draw'.
- Aug. 22 Colleen Dewhurst
Colleen Dewhurst was a renowned Canadian-American actress celebrated for her exceptional stage and screen performances, including two prestigious Tony Award wins.
- Sept. 25 Viviane Romance
Viviane Romance was a prominent French actress who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s, known for her captivating performances in French cinema. She was particularly renowned for her roles as seductive and charming characters, often portraying vampish or coquettish women. As Miss Paris 1930, she transitioned successfully from beauty pageants to a celebrated acting career.
- Oct. 9 Roy Black
Roy Black was a popular German pop singer known for romantic ballads who captivated audiences with his charming looks during the 1960s and 1970s. He was particularly famous for his distinctive appearance and emotional musical style. Despite his early death from heart failure, he remains an iconic figure in German pop music.
- Oct. 10 Redd Foxx
Pioneering African American comedian and actor who revolutionized black comedy through his groundbreaking role in the sitcom 'Sanford and Son'. He overcame challenging childhood circumstances to become a legendary entertainer who broke racial barriers in comedy.
- Oct. 12 Sheila Florance
Australian actress in television and film (born 1916).
- Oct. 12 Aline MacMahon
Us actress, backdoor to heaven, dies at 92
- Nov. 5 Fred MacMurray
Renowned American actor famous for TV series 'My Three Sons' and classic films like 'Double Indemnity'. Successful in both comedy and dramatic roles during Hollywood's golden age.
- Nov. 6 Gene Tierney
Iconic Hollywood actress of the 1940s and 1950s, known for her stunning beauty and memorable performances in film noir classics like 'Laura' and 'Leave Her to Heaven'. She was a major star at 20th Century Fox and received an Oscar nomination for her powerful acting.
- Nov. 29 Ralph Bellamy
Renowned American actor with an extraordinary career spanning eight decades, performing in over 400 stage roles and 100 movies. He was a versatile performer who received an honorary Oscar in 1987 for his significant contributions to cinema.
- Dec. 20 Thomas Newman
Renowned film composer known for scoring movies like 'American Beauty' and 'Skyfall', who unfortunately passed away prematurely.
What happened in 1991?
Discover what the world looked like in 1991: