Famous people and celebrities who died in February 2003

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in February 2003. 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

• Feb. 1 Rick Husband

  NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle Columbia commander who tragically died during the spacecraft's catastrophic reentry on February 2, 2003. He was a US Air Force colonel leading a mission that ended in the loss of all seven crew members.

• Feb. 1 David M. Brown

  NASA astronaut and US Navy captain who tragically perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003.

• Feb. 1 Michael P. Anderson

  American colonel, pilot, and NASA astronaut who tragically died during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003, while returning from a space mission.

• Feb. 1 Kalpana Chawla

  Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. She was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, inspiring millions worldwide.

• Feb. 1 Mongo Santamaria

  Renowned Cuban percussionist and band leader who significantly influenced Latin jazz and salsa music during the mid-20th century.

• Feb. 1 William C. McCool

  NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle Columbia pilot who tragically died during the Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003, while returning from a scientific mission.

• Feb. 1 Laurel Clark

  NASA astronaut and mission specialist who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003, during the shuttle's reentry.

• Feb. 1 Ilan Ramon

  Ilan Ramon was an Israeli astronaut and colonel who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003, becoming a national hero.

• Feb. 2 Lou Harrison

  Lou Harrison was a pioneering American composer known for his innovative work blending Western and Asian musical traditions, particularly in minimalist and world music genres.

• 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. 7 Augusto Monterroso

  Renowned Latin American writer known for his humorous and ironic short stories, a key figure in the Latin American literary 'boom' who received multiple prestigious international literary awards.

• Feb. 9 Masatoshi Gündüz Ikeda

  Japanese-Turkish mathematician who made significant contributions to algebraic number theory, known for his advanced research in mathematical fields.

• Feb. 10 Edgar de Evia

  Edgar de Evia was a prominent Mexican-American photographer known for his significant contributions to mid-20th century photography, particularly in fashion and portrait work.

• Feb. 10 Curt Hennig

  Professional wrestler known as 'Mr. Perfect', famous for his exceptional athletic skills and charismatic persona in WWE during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

• Feb. 13 Axel Jensen

  Prominent Norwegian poet and author known for his significant contributions to Norwegian literature in the mid-20th century.

• Feb. 13 Kid Gavilán

  Cuban-American boxer known for his significant contributions to boxing.

• Feb. 14 Dolly

  Dolly the sheep was the first mammal successfully cloned from an adult somatic cell, a groundbreaking scientific achievement that revolutionized genetic research.

• Feb. 14 Johnny Longden

  Legendary horse racing jockey and trainer who had a remarkable career in American horse racing, known for his significant achievements and longevity in the sport.

• Feb. 19 Johnny Paycheck

  Johnny Paycheck was a prominent American country music singer-songwriter known for his hit song 'Take This Job and Shove It'. He was a significant figure in outlaw country music during the 1970s and early 1980s.

• Feb. 20 Orville Freeman

  Prominent American politician who served as Secretary of Agriculture under President John F. Kennedy and was a key figure in Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

• Feb. 20 Maurice Blanchot

  Influential French philosopher and writer who significantly impacted poststructuralist thought, with a mysterious persona and active resistance during World War II.

• Feb. 23 Robert K. Merton

  Influential American sociologist who made significant contributions to social theory, scientific methodology, and the sociology of science.

• Feb. 23 Howie Epstein

  Bass player and producer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who tragically passed away in 2003 due to drug-related issues.

• Feb. 24 Bernard Loiseau

  Renowned French chef who tragically committed suicide after facing potential loss of his prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant rating, symbolizing the intense pressure in haute cuisine.

• 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.

• Feb. 27 Fred Rogers

  Beloved American television host of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood', a groundbreaking children's educational program that ran for 34 years. He was a compassionate educator, songwriter, author, and ordained minister who profoundly impacted children's television.

• Feb. 28 Chris Brasher

  Guyanese-English runner and journalist who co-founded the London Marathon, significantly contributing to the popularization of long-distance running in the United Kingdom.