Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2002

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2002. 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 Julia Phillips

  American film producer and author who was an influential figure in Hollywood, known for her groundbreaking work in the film industry.

• Jan. 2 Armi Aavikko

  Armi Aavikko was a notable Finnish beauty queen, singer, and model who gained recognition in the late 20th century for her multifaceted career in entertainment and modeling.

• Jan. 3 Alfred Heineken

  Alfred Heineken was a visionary Dutch industrialist who transformed the Heineken brewery into a global beer empire, turning his family name into an internationally recognized brand.

• Jan. 3 Miki Dora

  Legendary American surfer known as the 'bad boy of surfing', famous for his exceptional skills and counterculture lifestyle during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 8 Dave Thomas

  Founder of Wendy's fast-food restaurant chain, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist who revolutionized the fast-food industry.

• Jan. 8 Alexander Prokhorov

  PHY - Australian-russian physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1916)

• Jan. 8 Aleksandr Mikhailovich Prokhorov

  Nobel Prize laureate for fundamental work in the field of quantum electronics, which has led to the construction of oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser-laser principle

• Jan. 11 Henri Verneuil

  Renowned Turkish-French film director, screenwriter, and producer who made significant contributions to French cinema during the 20th century.

• Jan. 12 Cyrus Vance

  Distinguished American diplomat who served as the 57th United States Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1980.

• Jan. 13 Frank Shuster

  Frank Shuster was a prominent Canadian comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his comedy work, particularly in television and radio during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 16 Michael Anthony Bilandic

  Prominent Chicago politician who served as mayor after Richard Daley's death, playing a significant role in the city's political landscape during the late 1970s.

• Jan. 16 Robert Hanbury Brown

  English astronomer and physicist (b. 1916)

• Jan. 17 Camilo José Cela

  Nobel Prize laureate for a rich and intensive prose, which with restrained compassion forms a challenging vision of man's vulnerability

• Jan. 19 Vavá

  Brazilian footballer who played as a striker and was part of Brazil's national team during the golden era of Brazilian football. He was a key player in Brazil's World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962.

• Jan. 20 Carrie Hamilton

  Carrie Hamilton was an American actress, singer, and playwright, daughter of legendary comedian Carol Burnett and Joe Hamilton, known for her artistic talents and family legacy.

• 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.

• Jan. 23 Pierre Bourdieu

  Influential French sociologist who revolutionized understanding of social structures, culture, and education. His groundbreaking works like 'Reproduction in Education' critically analyzed power dynamics and cultural transmission.

• Jan. 23 Robert Nozick

  Prominent American philosopher from Harvard University, best known for his influential work 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' and significant contributions to political philosophy and ethics.

• Jan. 23 Paul Aars

  American racecar driver (born 1934).

• Jan. 24 Elie Hobeika

  Lebanese commander and politician (b. 1956)

• Jan. 25 Cliff Baxter

  Employee at enron (b. 1958)

• Jan. 28 Astrid Lindgren

  Renowned Swedish children's author who created the iconic character Pippi Longstocking, revolutionizing children's literature with her imaginative and empowering storytelling.

• Jan. 28 Gustaaf Deloor

  Belgian professional cyclist who competed in the early to mid-20th century, known for his cycling achievements.

• Jan. 29 Harold Russell

  Harold Russell was a Canadian-American actor and World War II veteran who won two Academy Awards for his role in 'The Best Years of Our Lives', a groundbreaking film about veterans returning from war. He was a real-life double amputee who portrayed a disabled veteran, making his performance uniquely powerful and authentic.

• Jan. 31 Gabby Gabreski

  Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski was a renowned American fighter pilot and World War II hero, credited with being one of the top American fighter aces in the European Theater of Operations.