Famous people and celebrities who died in November 2003
This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in November 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
- Nov. 3 Rasul Gamzatov
Renowned Russian poet and educator from Dagestan, known for his significant contributions to literature and cultural representation.
- Nov. 4 Charles Causley
Cornish poet and writer (born 1917).
- Nov. 5 Bobby Hatfield
Bobby Hatfield was a legendary American singer, best known as one half of the iconic duo The Righteous Brothers. He and Bill Medley revolutionized blue-eyed soul music in the 1960s, with their most famous hit being the timeless "Unchained Melody".
- Nov. 6 Rie Mastenbroek
Dutch Olympic swimmer who won multiple medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later becoming a respected swimming coach.
- Nov. 6 Just Betzer
Danish production manager and producer (b. 1944)
- Nov. 8 C.Z. Guest
American actress, fashion designer, and author (b. 1920)
- Nov. 8 Guy Speranza
American singer-songwriter (b. 1956)
- 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'.
- Nov. 11 Paul Janssen
Paul Janssen was a renowned Belgian physician, chemist, and pharmacologist who founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, a major global pharmaceutical company. He made significant contributions to medical research and drug development, establishing himself as a pioneering figure in the pharmaceutical industry. His work led to the creation of numerous important medications that have improved global healthcare.
- Nov. 11 Miquel Marti i Pol
Renowned Catalan poet who was a significant voice in contemporary Catalan literature, known for his powerful poetry addressing social and personal themes during the Franco era.
- Nov. 12 Jonathan Brandis
American actor known for his roles in SeaQuest DSV and Ladybugs, who tragically died by suicide at a young age, leaving behind a legacy of early promise.
- Nov. 12 Penny Singleton
Penny Singleton was a prominent American actress best known for voicing the cartoon character Blondie in the long-running film series and radio show. She had a successful career in film, radio, and television spanning several decades.
- Nov. 12 Tony Thompson
American drummer known for his work with bands Chic and Power Station. He was a prominent musician in the funk and rock scenes of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Nov. 14 Gene Anthony Ray
American actor best known for his iconic role as Leroy Johnson in the movie and television series 'Fame'.
- Nov. 15 Ray Lewis
Hall of Fame NFL linebacker who played his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and 13-time Pro Bowl selection known for his intense leadership and dominant defensive play.
- Nov. 15 Laurence Tisch
Prominent American businessman who led Loews Corporation, a significant conglomerate in media and hospitality industries.
- Nov. 15 Clarissa Eden
Clarissa Eden was the wife of British Prime Minister Anthony Eden and a significant figure in mid-20th century British political and social circles, known for her influential role as a political hostess.
- Nov. 15 Dorothy Loudon
Dorothy Loudon was an accomplished Broadway actress and singer, best known for her Tony Award-winning performance in the musical 'Annie'.
- Nov. 17 Arthur Conley
American soul singer known for his hit 'Sweet Soul Music', a significant figure in the 1960s R&B scene.
- Nov. 18 Michael Kamen
Renowned film score composer known for iconic movie soundtracks including 'Die Hard', 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', and 'X-Men'. He collaborated with numerous rock bands and was a versatile orchestral arranger.
- Nov. 20 Eugene Kleiner
Pioneering venture capitalist who co-founded Kleiner Perkins, a legendary Silicon Valley investment firm that played a crucial role in funding many groundbreaking technology companies.
- Nov. 20 Loris Azzaro
Renowned Tunisian-French fashion designer who made significant contributions to haute couture during the late 20th century. He was known for his elegant and innovative designs that captured the glamour of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Nov. 20 David Dacko
Central African political leader who served as the first president of the Central African Republic. His political career was marked by periods of leadership and political challenges in a complex post-colonial context.
- Nov. 20 Robert Addie
British actor known for his roles in television and film, who passed away in 2003 at a relatively young age.
- Nov. 24 Warren Spahn
Warren Spahn was a legendary left-handed baseball pitcher who played 18 seasons, primarily with the Milwaukee Braves, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1965.
- Nov. 26 Stefan Wul
French science fiction writer who was also a practicing dentist, combining a unique professional background with literary creativity.
- Nov. 26 Soulja Slim
American rapper from New Orleans who was tragically murdered in 2003, known for his influential work in Southern hip-hop.
- Nov. 30 Gertrude Ederle
Gertrude Ederle was a pioneering American competitive swimmer who made history by becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926, breaking gender barriers in long-distance swimming.