Famous people and celebrities who died in 2002

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2002. 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 Peggy Lee
Legendary jazz and pop singer known for her distinctive voice and versatile career spanning music, film, and television. She was a Grammy-winning artist celebrated by Duke Ellington as 'the queen' and received an Oscar nomination for her acting.
Feb. 1 Hildegard Knef
Renowned German actress who appeared in 56 films by 1978, including the notable film 'Fedora'. She was also an accomplished author of two autobiographies published in 1970.
Feb. 4 George Nader
George Nader was a prominent American actor at Universal Studios during the 1950s, known for his international film career. He appeared in notable films like 'Rustlers on Horseback' and 'Carnival Story', and also directed the 1963 film 'Walk by the Sea'.
Feb. 21 John Thaw
Renowned British actor famous for his iconic role as Inspector Morse in the popular detective television series. He was a highly respected performer in British television and film.
Feb. 27 Spike Milligan
Renowned British comedian, writer, and performer best known for creating and starring in 'The Goon Show', a groundbreaking radio comedy series that significantly influenced British humor and comedy. He was a multitalented artist who worked as a musician, writer, poet, and actor.
Feb. 28 Mary Stuart
American actress and singer (b. 1926)
March 27 Milton Berle
Pioneering American comedian known as 'Mr. Television' who revolutionized television entertainment in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His weekly 'Texaco Star Theater' was a massive cultural phenomenon that helped popularize television as a medium. Berle was a comedic icon who significantly influenced early television programming.
March 27 Dudley Moore
Renowned British-American comedian, actor, and musician famous for comedy films 'Arthur' and '10'. He was a talented pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall and had a distinguished career in entertainment.
April 7 John Agar
American actor primarily known for his marriage to Shirley Temple and his roles in science fiction and western films during the 1950s.
April 8 María Félix
María Félix was a legendary Mexican film actress who dominated Latin American cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. Known as 'La Doña', she was renowned for her extraordinary beauty, powerful screen presence, and iconic roles in Mexican golden age cinema. She is considered one of the most significant and influential actresses in Spanish-language film history.
April 16 Robert Urich
American actor known for television series like Spenser: For Hire and Vega$, who appeared in films such as Magnum Force and worked across stage, film, and radio.
April 20 Alan Dale
American singer and actor known for his musical and television performances.
June 29 Rosemary Clooney
Renowned American singer and actress who rose to prominence in the 1950s, known for her warm, enchanting voice and versatile musical performances across various genres including ballads, show tunes, and novelty numbers.
July 5 Ted Williams
Ted Williams was a legendary American baseball player for the Boston Red Sox, renowned for his exceptional batting skills and military service as a Marine pilot during World War II. He was a three-time Most Valuable Player and later became a successful manager with the Washington Senators.
July 5 Katy Jurado
Katy Jurado was a pioneering Mexican actress who became the first Latin American actress to win a Golden Globe Award. She gained international recognition for her powerful performances in classic Western films, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future Hispanic actors in Hollywood.
July 9 Rod Steiger
Acclaimed American actor known for powerful performances in films like 'In the Heat of the Night' and 'Pawnbroker', winning an Oscar for Best Actor in 1968.
July 23 Leo McKern
Renowned Australian-English actor known for his distinctive voice and powerful performances in film and television, including roles in 'Rumpole of the Bailey' and 'Help!'.
Sept. 7 Katrin Cartlidge
British actress renowned for her powerful performances in independent films, particularly her critically acclaimed role in Lars von Trier's 'Breaking the Waves'.
Sept. 11 Kim Hunter
Acclaimed American actress known for her Oscar-winning role in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and her significant contribution to theater and film. She was a victim of Hollywood's blacklisting during the Red Scare, which temporarily derailed her career.
Oct. 3 Bruce Paltrow
Renowned American film and television producer known for his significant contributions to entertainment, including producing the TV series 'St. Elsewhere' and being the father of actress Gwyneth Paltrow.
Oct. 8 Phyllis Calvert
Prominent British film actress of the mid-20th century, known for her roles in classic British cinema during the 1940s and 1950s.
Oct. 10 Teresa Graves
Teresa Graves was an American actress and singer known for her roles in comedy and television during the 1960s and 1970s.
Oct. 31 Raf Vallone
Renowned Italian actor who rose to international fame through neorealist cinema, particularly with his breakthrough role in 'Bitter Rice' and his collaboration with Vittorio De Sica. He was a multifaceted talent who transitioned from professional soccer to acting, becoming a significant figure in mid-20th century Italian film.
Nov. 3 Jonathan Harris
Jonathan Harris was an American actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Smith in the classic science fiction television series 'Lost in Space'. He was a versatile performer with a long career in television and film.
Nov. 3 Lonnie Donegan
A pioneering Scottish skiffle musician who significantly influenced British rock and pop music, releasing 17 top ten hits between 1956 and 1962, including three number one singles.
Nov. 18 James Coburn
Acclaimed American actor known for versatile roles in Westerns and spy films, winning an Oscar for 'Affliction'. He was a charismatic performer who transitioned from tough cowboy characters to sophisticated comedic roles throughout his career.
Dec. 3 Glenn Quinn
Irish-American actor known for his role in the popular TV series 'Roseanne', who tragically died at a young age.
Dec. 10 Ian MacNaughton
Scottish television producer and director best known for his work with comedy groups, particularly Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Dec. 22 Joe Strummer
Legendary frontman of punk rock band The Clash, known for his influential music and political activism.
Dec. 27 George Roy Hill
Acclaimed American film director known for classic films like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting', who won numerous awards and significantly influenced Hollywood cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.