Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2001

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2001. 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 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. 2 William P. Rogers

  William P. Rogers was an influential American lawyer and politician who served as the 55th United States Secretary of State from 1969 to 1973 during the Nixon administration.

• Jan. 4 Les Brown

  American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader (d. 2001).

• Jan. 4 Yoshika

  Japanese fashion model (born 1983)

• Jan. 7 James Carr

  American soldier and politician (d.1818).

• Jan. 11 Denys Lasdun

  Renowned British architect famous for designing the Royal National Theatre in London, a landmark modernist building that significantly influenced 20th-century architectural design.

• Jan. 12 William Hewlett

  Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), a pioneering technology company that revolutionized computing and electronics. He was a key figure in the development of Silicon Valley's technology ecosystem.

• Jan. 12 Luiz Bonfá

  Renowned Brazilian guitarist and composer known for his significant contributions to bossa nova and Brazilian popular music, particularly famous for his work in the film 'Black Orpheus'.

• Jan. 12 Affirmed

  Legendary American racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1978, becoming one of the most celebrated thoroughbreds in horse racing history.

• Jan. 14 Kostas Rigopoulos

  Greek actor (born 1930).

• Jan. 15 Leo Marks

  English screenwriter, cryptographer and playwright (born 1920).

• Jan. 15 Ted Mann

  American screenwriter (born 1916).

• Jan. 16 Auberon Waugh

  Prominent British journalist and writer known for his satirical style, who came from a famous literary family. He was a notable columnist for publications like The Spectator and Private Eye. Despite losing an arm during military service, he became a respected and influential commentator.

• Jan. 17 Gregory Corso

  Beat poet (happy birthday of death and long live man)

• 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. 18 Laurent-Désiré Kabila

  Congolese revolutionary leader who served as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1997 until his assassination in 2001, playing a crucial role in overthrowing Mobutu Sese Seko's regime.

• Jan. 21 Byron De La Beckwith

  Notorious white supremacist and murderer of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, convicted decades after the 1963 assassination.

• Jan. 22 Tommie Agee

  Major League Baseball player who played for the New York Mets, notably contributing to their 1969 World Series championship.

• Jan. 24 Gaffar Okkan

  Turkish police chief (b. 1952)[48]

• Jan. 26 Al McGuire

  Renowned basketball coach and player who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He coached Marquette University to an NCAA championship and was known for his charismatic personality and coaching innovation.

• Jan. 27 Stavros Damianides

  Greek musician (born 1941)

• 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.

• Jan. 30 Johnnie Johnson

  Distinguished Royal Air Force pilot and air marshal who played a significant role during World War II. He was one of the most successful British fighter pilots, credited with shooting down multiple enemy aircraft.

• Jan. 31 Gordon R. Dickson

  Acclaimed science fiction author known for his innovative storytelling and significant contributions to the genre, particularly in space opera and military science fiction.