Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2003

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

• Jan. 1 Joe Foss

  Decorated American World War II fighter pilot, Medal of Honor recipient, and 20th Governor of South Dakota, known for his distinguished military and political career.

• Jan. 3 Sid Gillman

  Pioneering American football coach who revolutionized offensive strategies and is considered one of the most influential coaches in NFL history.

• Jan. 4 Conrad Hall

  Legendary cinematographer who won multiple Academy Awards for his groundbreaking visual storytelling in films like American Beauty and Road to Perdition. He is considered one of the most influential cinematographers of the late 20th century.

• 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. 5 Roy Jenkins

  Prominent British politician who played a pivotal role in the Social Democratic Party and served as a key figure in British politics during the late 20th century.

• Jan. 5 Jean Kerr

  Jean Kerr was a renowned American playwright, author, and humorist known for her witty and insightful writing about family life and social dynamics. Her works include the successful play 'Mary, Mary' and the humorous book 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies'.

• Jan. 8 Ron Goodwin

  Prominent English composer and conductor known for his film scores and orchestral works, who made significant contributions to 20th-century music.

• Jan. 11 Mickey Finn

  English drummer known for his work with T. Rex, Hapshash, and the Coloured Coat, who was an important figure in the glam rock scene.

• 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. 12 Alan Nunn May

  English physicist and spy (b. 1911)

• Jan. 13 Norman Panama

  American director and screenwriter (b. 1914)

• Jan. 15 Doris Fisher

  Doris Fisher was a pioneering businesswoman who co-founded Gap Inc., transforming it from a single store to a global retail empire.

• 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.

• Jan. 18 Harivansh Rai Bachchan

  Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a renowned Indian poet who significantly contributed to Hindi literature, known for his lyrical and profound poetry that influenced generations.

• Jan. 18 Ed Farhat

  Professional wrestler known as 'The Sheik', an influential American wrestler and trainer who significantly impacted professional wrestling.

• Jan. 19 Françoise Giroud

  Influential French journalist, screenwriter, and politician who served as Minister of Culture, playing a significant role in French media and cultural policy during the late 20th century.

• Jan. 20 Al Hirschfeld

  Renowned caricaturist known for his distinctive black and white line drawings of celebrities, capturing the essence of performing arts and entertainment personalities.

• Jan. 20 Nedra Volz

  American character actress known for her comedic roles in television and film during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 22 Bill Mauldin

  Renowned American editorial cartoonist who captured the gritty realities of World War II soldiers through his iconic cartoon characters Willie and Joe. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for his groundbreaking wartime illustrations and social commentary. His work 'Up Front' became a seminal representation of soldier experiences during WWII.

• Jan. 23 Nell Carter

  Acclaimed Broadway and television actress known for her powerful voice and Tony Award-winning performance in 'Ain't Misbehavin''. She was a prominent African American performer who starred in the popular sitcom 'Gimme a Break!'

• Jan. 24 Gianni Agnelli

  Legendary Italian industrialist who led Fiat from 1966, transforming the company into a global automotive and industrial powerhouse. He was a prominent business figure who significantly influenced Italian economy and society.

• Jan. 26 Valeriy Brumel

  Legendary Soviet high jumper who set multiple world records and won Olympic gold in 1964. He was known for revolutionizing high jump technique with his innovative 'Fosbury Flop' style.

• Jan. 26 Annemarie Schimmel

  Renowned German scholar of Islamic culture and numerology, Annemarie Schimmel was a distinguished professor at Harvard University who authored numerous influential books on Muslim cultural studies. Her seminal work 'The Mystery of Numbers' and her biography of Prophet Muhammad are significant contributions to academic understanding of Islamic culture.

• Jan. 26 Hugh Trevor-Roper

  Renowned British historian and academic, best known for his historical works and scholarly contributions. He was a prominent intellectual who specialized in 20th-century European history.

• Jan. 26 George Younger

  4th Viscount Younger of Leckie, a prominent Scottish banker and politician who served as Secretary of State for Defence during his career.

• Jan. 29 Frank Moss

  Frank Moss was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Utah from 1959 to 1977. He was known for his progressive policies and advocacy for senior citizens' rights.