Famous people and celebrities who died in November 2002

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in November 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

Nov. 2 Charles Sheffield
Renowned English-American mathematician, physicist, and science fiction author known for his interdisciplinary work.
Nov. 2 Tonio Selwart
German actor (born 1896).
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. 6 Sid Sackson
American board game designer (born 1920)
Nov. 7 Rudolf Augstein
Influential German journalist who founded Der Spiegel, one of Germany's most prominent news magazines, and significantly shaped post-war media landscape. He was known for his critical and independent journalism during the Cold War era.
Nov. 7 Raoul Diagne
Raoul Diagne was a pioneering French footballer who broke significant racial barriers by becoming the first Black player to represent the French national team. He had a distinguished career as a defender for notable clubs like Red Star FC and Racing Club de France, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in French football.
Nov. 8 Jon Elia
Renowned Pakistani poet, philosopher, and intellectual who significantly contributed to Urdu literature and critical thinking in the 20th century.
Nov. 10 Michel Boisrond
Prominent French filmmaker and writer who made significant contributions to French cinema across five decades, specializing in comedy and romantic drama genres.
Nov. 13 Rishikesh Shaha
Nepalese academic and politician (b. 1925)
Nov. 13 Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Uruguayan footballer and manager (b. 1925)
Nov. 15 Myra Hindley
Infamous British serial killer who, alongside Ian Brady, murdered multiple children in the Manchester area during the 1960s. She was considered one of the most notorious female criminals in British history, convicted of killing five children aged between 10 and 17.
Nov. 17 Abba Eban
South African-Israeli politician and diplomat who served as the first Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, playing a crucial role in Israel's early diplomatic efforts.
Nov. 17 Frank McCarthy
American painter and artist (born in 1924)
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.
Nov. 20 Kakhi Asatiani
Georgian footballer (b. 1947)
Nov. 21 Hadda Brooks
American singer-songwriter and pianist (b. 1916)
Nov. 22 Parley Baer
Parley Baer was a prolific American character actor known for his extensive work in radio, television, and film during the mid-20th century.
Nov. 23 Roberto Matta
Roberto Matta was a prominent Chilean-Italian surrealist painter and sculptor, known for his significant contributions to modern art and his influential role in the surrealist movement.
Nov. 24 John Rawls
Influential American political philosopher known for his seminal work 'A Theory of Justice', which revolutionized modern political and moral philosophy. He developed the concept of justice as fairness and made significant contributions to liberal political theory.
Nov. 25 Karel Reisz
Czech-English film director and producer who was a key figure in the British New Wave cinema movement.
Nov. 26 Polo Montanez
Renowned Cuban singer and songwriter who was a key figure in the traditional Cuban music scene, known for his authentic and heartfelt folk style.
Nov. 26 Verne Winchell
American businessman, founded winchell's donuts (b. 1915)
Nov. 27 Shivmangal Singh Suman
Indian poet and academic (b. 1915)
Nov. 28 Melih Cevdet Anday
Turkish poet and author (b. 1915)
Nov. 29 Daniel Gélin
Prominent French actor, director, writer, and poet who was a notable figure in mid-20th century French cinema. He was the father of actress Maria Schneider and actor Xavier Gélin, and had a complex personal life with five children and three marriages.
Nov. 29 George ''Two Ton'' Harris
American professional wrestler (born in 1927).