Famous people and celebrities who died in 2003

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2003. 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. 5 Massimo Girotti
Massimo Girotti was a renowned Italian actor with a remarkable career spanning seven decades, known for his significant contributions to Italian cinema during the mid-20th century.
Jan. 12 Maurice Gibb
Maurice Gibb was a British-American musician and founding member of the Bee Gees, a highly successful pop group that wrote over 1,000 songs and significantly influenced global music.
Jan. 17 Richard Crenna
Versatile American actor known for comedic roles in radio and television, particularly famous for his work in 'Our Miss Brooks' and later dramatic roles in films like the Rambo series.
Feb. 3 Lana Clarkson
American actress and model tragically murdered by music producer Phil Spector in 2003, known for her roles in B-movies and music videos.
Feb. 25 Alberto Sordi
Iconic Italian actor, director, and screenwriter who was a major figure in Italian cinema during the mid-20th century, known for his comedic roles and satirical portrayals of Italian society.
March 3 Horst Buchholz
Prominent German actor known for international roles, particularly in 1960s cinema. He was a notable romantic lead in American and British films and won recognition at the Cannes Film Festival early in his career.
March 30 Michael Jeter
Acclaimed character actor known for roles in 'Jurassic Park III', 'The Green Mile', and 'Sesame Street'. He was an openly gay performer who courageously spoke about his HIV/AIDS diagnosis.
April 1 Leslie Cheung
Iconic Hong Kong singer and actor who was a major cultural figure in Asian entertainment, known for his versatility and groundbreaking performances in film and music.
April 21 Nina Simone
Nina Simone was a groundbreaking African American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist who blended multiple musical genres including soul, blues, jazz, and gospel. Her powerful voice and emotionally charged performances made her an iconic figure in 20th-century music. She was particularly known for her civil rights anthems and unique interpretations of classic songs.
May 14 Robert Stack
Robert Stack was a versatile American actor known for his Emmy-winning role in 'The Untouchables' and Oscar-nominated performance in 'Written on the Wind'. Beyond acting, he was an accomplished sportsman who set world records in skeet shooting and boat racing before becoming a prominent Hollywood actor.
May 15 June Carter Cash
Renowned American country music singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her work with Johnny Cash and her significant contributions to country music.
May 24 Rachel Kempson
Renowned English actress known for her stage and screen performances, and mother of famous actors Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave.
June 11 David Brinkley
Renowned American TV news correspondent who co-anchored the groundbreaking 'Huntley-Brinkley Report' on NBC from 1956 to 1970. His witty style and partnership with Chet Huntley revolutionized television news broadcasting.
June 12 Gregory Peck
Legendary Hollywood actor known for his iconic role in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', for which he won an Oscar. He was a highly respected performer with numerous prestigious awards, including the AFI and Kennedy Center lifetime achievement honors.
June 15 Hume Cronyn
Renowned Canadian-American actor, producer, and screenwriter known for his extensive work in film, television, and theater, often collaborating with his wife Jessica Tandy.
June 29 Katharine Hepburn
Legendary Hollywood actress who revolutionized the portrayal of women in cinema, winning a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress and known for her independent and strong-willed screen persona.
July 6 Buddy Ebsen
Buddy Ebsen was a versatile American actor and dancer, best known for his iconic role as Jed Clampett in the immensely popular sitcom 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. He had a long and successful career in film and television spanning several decades.
July 27 Bob Hope
Bob Hope was an iconic American comedian, actor, and entertainer who became famous for his USO tours entertaining troops during World War II and subsequent conflicts. He was a pioneering multimedia performer who excelled in vaudeville, radio, film, and television, becoming one of the most recognizable entertainers of the 20th century.
Aug. 9 Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines was a legendary African American tap dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer who revolutionized tap dancing in the 20th century. He starred in numerous films like 'White Nights' and brought tap dance to mainstream entertainment. His innovative style and passionate performances made him an iconic figure in dance and performing arts.
Aug. 30 Charles Bronson
Iconic American actor known for tough-guy roles in action films, Charles Bronson rose from humble coal mining origins to become a Hollywood star. He appeared in over 70 films, including the famous 'Death Wish' series, and was particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. His rugged persona and distinctive looks made him a unique figure in cinema.
Sept. 8 Leni Riefenstahl
Controversial German film director known for her Nazi propaganda films, particularly 'Triumph of the Will'. Her artistic work was deeply intertwined with the Nazi regime, which ultimately destroyed her professional reputation. Despite her technical brilliance, she remained a polarizing figure in film history.
Sept. 11 John Ritter
Beloved American television actor known for his comedic roles in 'Three's Company' and 'Hooperman', who won multiple awards including Golden Globe and Emmy, and was part of a renowned theatrical family.
Sept. 12 Johnny Cash
Legendary country and rock musician who revolutionized American music with his distinctive deep voice and rebellious persona. He was a pivotal figure in the development of rockabilly and country music, known for his powerful storytelling through songs. His iconic performances at Folsom Prison and San Quentin transformed his career and cultural status.
Sept. 27 Donald O'Connor
Legendary Hollywood performer known for his extraordinary versatility in comedy, dance, and acting. He was a standout performer in classic musicals like 'Singin' in the Rain' and achieved remarkable success at a young age. His energetic performances and comedic talents made him a beloved entertainment icon of mid-20th century America.
Sept. 28 Elia Kazan
Influential Turkish-born American film and stage director who significantly shaped Hollywood's golden era. He discovered and launched the careers of Marlon Brando and James Dean, while also being a controversial figure for his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Oct. 20 Jack Elam
Iconic Western character actor known for his distinctive menacing stare and roles as villainous thugs in over 60 films. His unique appearance was partly due to losing sight in his left eye during a childhood fight. Transitioned from accounting to become a memorable Hollywood heavy in the 1950s.
Oct. 29 Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli was a legendary Italian tenor renowned for his exceptional vocal technique, passionate performances, and striking good looks. He was considered the most beautiful tenor of his era, famous for his powerful voice and unique vocal style characterized by dramatic diminuendos at high notes. His charismatic stage presence and romantic interpretations made him a favorite among opera enthusiasts worldwide.
Nov. 9 Art Carney
Emmy and Oscar-winning actor best known for his iconic role as Ed Norton in 'The Honeymooners'. He was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned from radio comedy to television and film, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1974 for 'Harry and Tonto'.
Dec. 27 Alan Bates
Renowned British actor who was a key figure in the British New Wave cinema and theatre. He starred in iconic films like 'Women in Love' and 'Zorba the Greek', and was celebrated for his powerful stage performances.
Dec. 30 Anita Mui
Iconic Hong Kong singer and actress who was a major cultural figure in Asian entertainment, known for her powerful performances and nicknamed the 'Madonna of Asia'.