Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1994

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1994. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Jan. 1 Cesar Romero

  Cuban-American actor famous for playing the Joker in the 1960s Batman TV series and appearing in numerous films like Falcon Crest. He was a prominent Hollywood character actor with a distinctive mustache.

• Jan. 1 Arthur Porritt

  Baron porritt, new zealand physician and politician, 11th governor-general of new zealand (b. 1900)

• Jan. 1 Edward Arthur Thompson

  Irish historian and academic (b. 1914)

• Jan. 2 Dixy Lee Ray

  Dixy Lee Ray was an American biologist, politician, and the 17th Governor of Washington State. She served as the head of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission from 1973 to 1975, known for her strong support of the nuclear industry and her unconventional lifestyle.

• Jan. 2 Pierre-Paul Schweitzer

  French director of international monetary fund (1963-1973), dies aged 81.

• Jan. 4 R. D. Burman

  Legendary Bollywood music composer who revolutionized Indian film music in the 1960s and 1970s, known for his innovative and eclectic musical style that blended multiple genres.

• Jan. 5 Tip O'Neill

  Tip O'Neill was a prominent American politician who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987, known for his influential Democratic leadership and political acumen.

• Jan. 5 Louis R J Ridder van Rappard

  Zoelen, a dutch mayor, has died at the age of 87.

• Jan. 7 Vittorio Mezzogiorno

  Italian actor known for his role in 'Cafe Express', who passed away at 52 from heart failure.

• Jan. 8 Harvey Haddix

  Harvey Haddix was a renowned Major League Baseball pitcher famous for throwing 12 perfect innings in a single game in 1959, a record-breaking performance. He played for multiple teams including the Cardinals, Pirates, and Orioles during his 13-year career. Known as "The Kitten", he was a left-handed pitcher with exceptional skill.

• Jan. 8 Pat Buttram

  Pat Buttram was a renowned American character actor best known for his comedic roles in Western films and television shows, particularly as Gene Autry's sidekick and as a regular on the popular sitcom Green Acres.

• Jan. 11 John Bradley

  American veteran who raised the US flag at Iwo Jima during World War II, a historic moment symbolizing American military courage.

• Jan. 14 Esther Ralston

  Esther Ralston was a prominent American silent film actress who rose to fame in the early 20th century. She began her career in vaudeville and became a notable Hollywood star, particularly known for her role in 'The American Venus'. Despite career challenges, she remained a resilient figure in entertainment.

• Jan. 15 Georges Cziffra

  Renowned Hungarian-French classical pianist and composer known for his exceptional virtuosity and interpretations of Franz Liszt's works. He was a significant musical figure of the 20th century with remarkable technical skills.

• Jan. 17 Yevgeni Ivanov

  Soviet spy implicated in the profumo scandal (born 1926)

• Jan. 20 Matt Busby

  From 1946-1970, he was the scottish manager of manchester united soccer club. the club was crowned the best in the world by him.

• Jan. 20 Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

  First kenyan vice-president (b. 1911)

• Jan. 21 Bassel al-Assad

  Son of the former president of the syrian arab republic hafez al-assad (b. 1962)

• Jan. 22 Telly Savalas

  Telly Savalas was a renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the popular 1970s police detective television series. He was known for his signature bald head and catchphrase 'Who loves ya, baby?'

• Jan. 22 Frances Gifford

  Emphysema deaths at 71

• Jan. 22 Jean-Louis Barrault

  Jean-Louis Barrault was a legendary French actor, director, and theater manager renowned for his extraordinary versatility and dramatic talent. He was considered France's greatest classical actor, performing masterfully across various theatrical styles from Shakespeare to contemporary playwrights. His remarkable 50-year career significantly influenced 20th-century French theater.

• Jan. 23 Brian Redhead

  Respected English journalist and author known for his contributions to media and literature during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 24 Yves Navarre

  Yves Navarre was a prominent French novelist and playwright who won the prestigious Goncourt Prize in 1980. He authored 25 novels throughout his career and lived between France and Canada. His novel 'Poudre d'Amour' is considered his masterpiece.

• Jan. 25 Stephen Cole Kleene

  Stephen Cole Kleene was a pioneering American mathematician and computer scientist who made significant contributions to mathematical logic and computability theory, particularly known for developing regular expressions and the Kleene star notation.

• Jan. 27 Claude Akins

  Claude Akins was a prominent American character actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in westerns, war films, and television series like 'Sheriff Lobo'.

• Jan. 28 Hal Smith

  American character actor best known for playing Otis Campbell in the iconic 'The Andy Griffith Show'. A memorable comedic performer in classic television.

• Jan. 29 Nick Cravat

  Midget (gremlin–twilight zone), succumbs to lung cancer at the age of 81

• Jan. 30 Pierre Boulle

  Renowned French novelist and engineer best known for writing 'The Bridge over the River Kwai', a novel that was adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1957. He worked as an engineer in Malaysia before becoming a successful writer.