Famous people and celebrities who died in 2001

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2001. 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. 1 Ray Walston
Ray Walston was a versatile American actor best known for his role in the TV sitcom 'My Favorite Martian' and his Tony Award-winning stage performances. He won two Emmy Awards for his role as a cranky judge in 'Picket Fences' and was also a notable stage director for productions like 'South Pacific' and 'Damn Yankees'.
Jan. 4 Les Brown
American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader (d. 2001).
Jan. 18 Al Waxman
Canadian actor renowned for his prominent roles in television, most notably in 'King of Kensington' and as Lt. Bert Samuels in 'Cagney & Lacey'. He was a significant figure in Canadian entertainment during the 1970s and 1980s.
Jan. 30 Jean-Pierre Aumont
Jean-Pierre Aumont was a renowned French actor who had a distinguished career in film, television, and theater. He was a prominent figure in French cinema, known for his versatility and charm, and was married three times to notable actresses including Maria Montez and Marisa Pavan.
Feb. 24 Claude Shannon
Pioneering mathematician and electrical engineer who founded information theory, making fundamental contributions to digital communication and computing. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the digital age.
March 15 Ann Sothern
Prominent American actress who rose from small Broadway roles to Hollywood stardom, particularly known for her popular 'Maisie' film series at MGM during the 1930s and 1940s.
April 2 Jennifer Syme
American actress (born 1972).
April 11 Harry Secombe
Beloved British comedian, actor, and singer who was a key member of the legendary comedy troupe 'The Goons'. He was renowned for his jovial personality and significant contribution to British comedy and entertainment.
May 31 Arlene Francis
Arlene Francis was a prominent American television personality and actress, best known for her long-standing role on the popular game show 'What's My Line'. She hosted her own daily New York interview program for 23 years and was renowned for her charm, wit, and elegance.
June 2 Imogene Coca
Imogene Coca was a pioneering American comedic actress who rose to fame on 'Your Show of Shows', a groundbreaking television comedy series. She was known for her distinctive physical comedy, expressive face, and Emmy Award-winning performances that helped define early television comedy.
June 21 Carroll O'Connor
Carroll O'Connor was an iconic American actor best known for his groundbreaking role as Archie Bunker in the influential sitcom 'All in the Family', which challenged racial stereotypes and social norms in the 1970s.
June 21 Soad Hosny
Iconic Egyptian actress and singer known for her significant contributions to Arabic cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, often referred to as the 'Cinderella of Arabic Cinema'.
June 27 Jack Lemmon
Legendary American actor who won multiple Academy Awards and was renowned for his comedic and dramatic versatility. He starred in classic films like 'Some Like It Hot' and 'The Apartment', becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved performers of the mid-20th century. Lemmon's career spanned over four decades with numerous critically acclaimed performances.
June 27 Joan Sims
British comedy actress famous for her roles in the iconic 'Carry On' film series, known for her comedic talent and memorable performances in classic British comedy films.
Aug. 6 Jorge Amado
Renowned Brazilian novelist who wrote critically acclaimed works depicting Brazilian social life, often challenging political systems. His novels 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' and 'Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands' became international literary sensations and were adapted into successful films.
Aug. 6 Dorothy Tutin
Renowned British actress celebrated for her exceptional Shakespearean performances, Dorothy Tutin was a prominent figure in theater from the 1950s. She began her career early, joining Peter Hall's company and quickly establishing herself as a significant stage talent.
Aug. 24 Jane Greer
Renowned American film noir actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood movies like 'Out of the Past' and 'The Big Steal'. She was a prominent figure in 1940s and 1950s cinema.
Sept. 2 Troy Donahue
American actor and heartthrob of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his roles in teen films and television series like 'Surfside 6' and 'Hawaiian Eye'.
Sept. 11 Mohammed Atta
Lead hijacker of American Airlines Flight 11 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, who deliberately crashed the plane into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Sept. 12 Victor Wong
Victor Wong was a prominent Chinese-American actor known for his roles in films like 'The Last Emperor' and 'Tremors', with a career spanning several decades.
Sept. 13 Dorothy McGuire
American actress (born 1916).
Sept. 18 Ernie Coombs
Beloved Canadian television host best known as 'Mr. Dressup', who entertained and educated children for decades on CBC.
Nov. 7 Nida Blanca
Filipino actress (b. 1936)
Nov. 13 Peggy Mount
Peggy Mount was a prominent English character actress known for her comedic roles in theater, film, and television during the mid-20th century.
Nov. 16 Tommy Flanagan
Scottish actor renowned for his distinctive gravelly voice and memorable roles in critically acclaimed films like Gladiator and the TV series Sons of Anarchy. He was a versatile character actor with a long and respected career in film and television.
Dec. 10 Ashok Kumar
Legendary Indian actor, singer, and producer who was a pioneering figure in Bollywood's golden era, known for his versatile performances across multiple decades.
Dec. 18 Gilbert Bécaud
Renowned French singer-songwriter who was a major figure in French popular music, famous for international hits like 'What Now My Love?' and 'Let It Be Me'.
Dec. 26 Nigel Hawthorne
Acclaimed British actor known for his Oscar-nominated performance as King George III in 'The Madness of King George'. He was a late-blooming talent who rose to international recognition in his early 50s, celebrated for his stage and screen performances.