Famous people and celebrities who died in 1999

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1999. 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. 21 Susan Strasberg
Renowned actress and daughter of acting teacher Lee Strasberg, she made her film debut in 1954 and famously portrayed Anne Frank on stage. Her early career was marked by significant theatrical and film performances.
March 2 Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield was a legendary British pop and soul singer who significantly influenced music in the 1960s, known for her distinctive vocal style and emotional performances.
March 5 Richard Kiley
Versatile American actor known for his memorable performances in musical and dramatic roles, particularly his lead role in 'Man of La Mancha' and his appearance in the classic film 'Blackboard Jungle'.
March 21 Ernie Wise
Legendary British comedian who formed the iconic comedy duo Morecambe & Wise, one of the most popular comedy partnerships in UK entertainment history. Their Christmas specials were massive television events, attracting nearly 29 million viewers at their peak.
April 4 Faith Domergue
American film actress known for her roles in science fiction and noir films during the 1950s, including 'This Island Earth' and 'It Came from Beneath the Sea'.
April 10 Jean Vander Pyl
Jean Vander Pyl was a renowned American voice actress best known for her role as Wilma Flintstone in the classic animated series 'The Flintstones'. She had a significant career in voice acting during the golden age of animation.
April 14 Ellen Corby
Renowned American character actress best known for her Emmy-winning role as Grandma Walton. She was a respected film and television performer with multiple Academy Award nominations in the 1940s.
April 14 Anthony Newley
Renowned British-American entertainer who was a Broadway star, known for writing, directing, and starring in the musical 'Stop the World, I Want to Get Off' in 1962. He was a creative genius who made significant contributions to theater and music.
April 21 Charles 'Buddy' Rogers
American actor and musician (born in 1904)
April 28 Rory Calhoun
Rory Calhoun was a prominent American Western film actor known for his rugged looks and versatile roles in movies and television during the 1940s-1970s. He starred in notable films like 'River of No Return' and was particularly famous for his villainous television characters.
May 2 Oliver Reed
Iconic British actor known for his powerful screen presence and memorable roles in classic films like 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Women in Love'. He was a prominent figure in British cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, frequently collaborating with director Ken Russell.
May 8 Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde was a renowned British actor who transformed from a popular matinee idol to a critically acclaimed art-house cinema performer. He worked with prestigious European directors and appeared in over 60 films during his distinguished 31-year career. His artistic choices and nuanced performances made him a significant figure in mid-20th century cinema.
June 11 DeForest Kelley
DeForest Kelley was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the original Star Trek television series and subsequent films.
July 1 Sylvia Sidney
Prominent American actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Sabotage', 'Beetlejuice', and various crime dramas of the 1930s and 1940s.
July 1 Edward Dmytryk
Prominent Hollywood film director known for directing classic films like 'The Caine Mutiny' and 'The Young Lions', who was also notably involved in the Hollywood blacklist era.
Aug. 4 Victor Mature
Victor Mature was a prominent Hollywood actor known for his muscular physique and versatile acting skills, starring in numerous films across multiple genres from the 1940s to 1960s, including notable works like 'Samson and Delilah' and 'My Darling Clementine'.
Aug. 7 Brion James
American character actor known for roles in science fiction films like 'Blade Runner' and 'The Fifth Element'.
Sept. 5 Allen Funt
Famous television host and creator of 'Candid Camera', a groundbreaking hidden camera prank show that revolutionized television entertainment.
Sept. 9 Ruth Roman
Ruth Roman was a prominent American actress known for her roles in film noir and dramatic movies during the 1940s and 1950s.
Sept. 17 Frankie Vaughan
Prominent English pop singer and actor known for his charismatic performances in music and film during the 1950s and 1960s.
Oct. 6 Amália Rodrigues
Amália Rodrigues was the legendary 'Queen of Fado', a renowned Portuguese singer and actress who profoundly influenced traditional Portuguese music and culture during the 20th century. She is considered the most important figure in fado music, elevating the genre to international recognition.
Oct. 16 Jean Shepherd
Renowned American humorist, radio personality, and writer best known for creating the beloved holiday film 'A Christmas Story'. He was a masterful storyteller who captivated audiences through radio, books, and live performances with his nostalgic and humorous narratives about American life.
Oct. 26 Hoyt Axton
Hoyt Axton was a renowned American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician known for his contributions to country music and film. He wrote several hit songs and appeared in notable movies, leaving a significant mark on American popular culture.
Nov. 3 Ian Bannen
Scottish actor renowned for his versatile performances in stage, television, and film. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'The Flight of the Phoenix' and tragically died in a car accident in 1999.
Nov. 21 Quentin Crisp
Iconic British gay writer and social provocateur who challenged societal norms through his flamboyant persona and groundbreaking memoir 'The Naked Civil Servant'. He became a symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility and self-acceptance during a deeply conservative era.
Nov. 29 Gene Rayburn
Iconic American television host best known for hosting 'Match Game', a popular game show that defined TV entertainment in the 1960s and 1970s. His charismatic personality and distinctive dimpled smile made him a beloved television personality.
Dec. 3 Madeline Kahn
Iconic American comedic actress renowned for her unique comedic style in classic films like 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein'. Her distinctive voice and physical comedy made her a beloved figure in Hollywood comedy during the 1970s and 1980s.
Dec. 18 Robert Bresson
Robert Bresson was a renowned French film director known for his austere and minimalist cinematographic style. He created 14 influential films over 40 years, primarily during and after World War II, and is considered a key figure in the French New Wave cinema movement. His work was deeply influenced by Jansenist philosophy, exploring profound human experiences through a stark and …
Dec. 26 Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield was a pioneering soul and funk musician who significantly influenced social justice music during the civil rights era. He was a key member of The Impressions and later a successful solo artist known for powerful, socially conscious songs.