Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1998

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1998. 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 Helen Wills

  Legendary American tennis player and painter who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s and 1930s, winning eight Wimbledon singles titles and numerous other championships.

• Jan. 2 Frank Muir

  Frank Muir was a renowned English actor, comedian, and writer known for his wit and contributions to British entertainment during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 4 Mae Questel

  Famous American voice actress best known for voicing Betty Boop and Olive Oyl in numerous animated cartoons during the golden age of animation.

• Jan. 4 John Gary

  John Gary was an American singer and television host active in the mid-20th century, known for his musical performances and television appearances.

• Jan. 5 Sonny Bono

  Iconic American entertainer who formed the famous musical duo Sonny & Cher, known for their hit song 'I Got You Babe' and significant cultural impact during the 1960s and 1970s. Later became a Republican politician serving as mayor of Palm Springs and a U.S. Congressman.

• Jan. 7 Owen Bradley

  Owen Bradley was a pioneering country music record producer who significantly shaped the Nashville sound in the 1950s and 1960s, working with legendary artists like Patsy Cline and helping transform country music's commercial appeal.

• Jan. 7 Vladimir Prelog

  CHE - Croatian-swiss chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1906)

• Jan. 8 Michael Tippett

  Renowned English composer and conductor who was a significant figure in 20th-century classical music. He composed numerous symphonies, operas, and choral works that challenged traditional musical forms.

• Jan. 9 Imi Lichtenfeld

  Founder of Krav Maga, a highly effective self-defense system developed for the Israeli military, who revolutionized martial arts and personal protection techniques.

• Jan. 9 Kenichi Fukui

  Japanese chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1918)

• Jan. 15 Junior Wells

  Junior Wells was a legendary American blues singer, songwriter, and harmonica player who significantly influenced the Chicago blues scene. His powerful performances and innovative harmonica techniques made him a pivotal figure in the development of modern blues music.

• Jan. 15 Gulzarilal Nanda

  Indian economist and politician, prime minister of india (b. 1898)

• Jan. 17 Junior Kimbrough

  American bluesman (born 1930).

• Jan. 18 Dan Georgiadis

  Greek footballer and manager (b. 1922)

• Jan. 19 Carl Perkins

  Legendary rockabilly musician and singer-songwriter who pioneered the rock and roll genre, best known for his hit song 'Blue Suede Shoes'.

• Jan. 20 Bobo Brazil

  Pioneering African American professional wrestler known for breaking racial barriers in wrestling during the mid-20th century. He was a significant figure in professional wrestling history and helped pave the way for future generations of wrestlers.

• Jan. 21 Jack Lord

  Iconic American television actor best known for starring as Detective Steve McGarrett in the groundbreaking police procedural series 'Hawaii Five-O', which ran for 12 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon.

• Jan. 24 Walter D Edmonds

  American author (born 1903)

• Jan. 28 Shotaro Ishinomori

  Pioneering Japanese manga artist and creator who significantly influenced the tokusatsu and superhero genres. He created iconic series like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, which became global pop culture phenomena.

• Jan. 30 Richard Cassilly

  American actor and tenor (d. 1998).