Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2002

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

Oct. 1 Walter Annenberg
Walter Annenberg was a prominent American media mogul who built a significant publishing empire and was known for his philanthropy. He was a conservative businessman who donated billions to charitable causes and supported journalism education. Annenberg was also recognized for his elegant lifestyle and influential social connections.
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. 4 André Delvaux
Pioneering Belgian film director who significantly influenced the development of Belgian cinema, known for his innovative and artistic approach to filmmaking.
Oct. 4 Alphonse Chapanis
Known for his work in ergonomics and human factors engineering.
Oct. 7 Pierangelo Bertoli
Renowned Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his poetic lyrics and significant contributions to Italian folk and protest music during the 1970s and 1980s.
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. 9 Aileen Wuornos
Infamous female serial killer who murdered seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990, later executed by lethal injection. Her life was dramatized in the movie 'Monster' starring Charlize Theron.
Oct. 9 Charles Guggenheim
Charles Guggenheim was a renowned American documentary filmmaker and producer known for his compelling storytelling and historical documentaries. He won multiple Emmy Awards and was particularly celebrated for his political and biographical films. His work often explored significant moments in American history and social change.
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. 12 Ray Conniff
Renowned American bandleader, arranger, and musician famous for his innovative choral pop music style. He led the Ray Conniff Singers and was a significant figure in mid-20th century popular music.
Oct. 12 Audrey Mestre
Renowned French freediver who tragically died during a world record deep dive attempt in the Dominican Republic.
Oct. 13 Keene Curtis
Accomplished American stage and screen actor who won a Tony Award and was known for character roles in theater, film, and television.
Oct. 14 Norbert Schultze
German composer known for his musical works during the mid-20th century, particularly active in the entertainment and film music industry.
Oct. 17 Derek Bell
Derek Bell was a renowned Irish traditional musician, best known as a harpist and pianist for the iconic folk band The Chieftains. He was a significant contributor to Irish traditional music and helped popularize Celtic music globally.
Oct. 22 Richard Helms
Prominent CIA director who played a crucial role in shaping American intelligence during the Cold War. He served in the OSS during World War II and became CIA Director in 1966, significantly influencing US espionage strategies.
Oct. 23 Adolph Green
Adolph Green was a renowned American lyricist and playwright, famous for his Broadway and Hollywood collaborations, particularly with Betty Comden in the golden age of musical theater.
Oct. 24 Harry Hay
A pioneering LGBTQ+ activist who founded the Mattachine Society and the Radical Faeries, Harry Hay was a transformative figure in the American gay rights movement. As a former Communist Party member, he challenged social norms and fought for gay liberation during a deeply conservative era. His lifelong activism and personal courage made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.
Oct. 25 René Thom
Renowned French mathematician who pioneered catastrophe theory, making significant contributions to topology and mathematical modeling of complex systems.
Oct. 25 Richard Harris
Legendary Irish actor known for his versatility, winning multiple prestigious awards including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 and was renowned for his powerful performances in film and theater.
Oct. 26 Jacques Massu
French military general who played a significant role in World War II and later in the Algerian War of Independence, known for his controversial leadership and strategic capabilities.
Oct. 28 Erling Persson
Swedish entrepreneur who founded H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), transforming the global fashion retail industry with an innovative business model of affordable, trendy clothing.
Oct. 28 Margaret Booth
Pioneering film editor and producer who worked extensively in Hollywood during the golden age of cinema, making significant contributions to film editing techniques.
Oct. 30 Jam Master Jay
Jam Master Jay was a pioneering hip-hop DJ and founding member of the legendary rap group Run-DMC, who significantly influenced the development of hip-hop music in the 1980s.
Oct. 30 Juan Antonio Bardem
Influential Spanish film director and screenwriter who was a key figure in the Spanish New Wave cinema movement.
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.
Oct. 31 Lionel Poilâne
Renowned French master baker who revolutionized artisan bread-making, transforming traditional baking techniques and gaining international recognition for his exceptional craftsmanship and quality.
Oct. 31 Michail Stasinopoulos
Greek jurist and politician who served as President of Greece, playing a key role in the country's political landscape during the mid-20th century.