Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2003

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

• Oct. 2 John Thomas Dunlop

  American scholar and politician, united states secretary of labor (b. 1914)

• Oct. 3 William Steig

  Acclaimed American cartoonist and children's book author, known for his distinctive illustrations and storytelling, including the book 'Shrek!'.

• Oct. 3 Florence Stanley

  Florence Stanley was an accomplished American actress and director who had a notable career in film and television during the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 5 Timothy Treadwell

  Timothy Treadwell was an American environmentalist and bear enthusiast who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska, ultimately killed by a bear in 2003, with his story documented in the Werner Herzog film 'Grizzly Man'.

• Oct. 7 Izzy Asper

  Prominent Canadian media entrepreneur who founded Canwest Global Communications, a major media conglomerate in Canada.

• Oct. 7 Arthur Berger

  Prominent American composer and music educator who significantly contributed to 20th-century classical music composition and academic music development.

• Oct. 9 Carl Fontana

  Renowned American jazz trombonist known for his innovative bebop and cool jazz styles, who significantly influenced trombone playing in the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 10 Eugene Istomin

  Renowned American classical pianist known for his exceptional interpretations of chamber music and solo performances, particularly celebrated for his collaborations with Isaac Stern and Leonard Rose.

• Oct. 12 Bill Shoemaker

  Legendary American jockey who set multiple racing records, winning over 8,800 races and becoming the first jockey to earn over $100 million in purses.

• Oct. 12 Joan Kroc

  Wife of Ray Kroc and significant owner of McDonald's and the San Diego Padres. She was known for her philanthropic efforts and business involvement.

• Oct. 13 Bertram N. Brockhouse

  Nobel Prize laureate for the development of neutron spectroscopy

• Oct. 14 Patrick Dalzel-Job

  Patrick Dalzel-Job was a British naval officer during World War II, known for his heroic rescue operations and reportedly serving as a partial inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond character.

• Oct. 16 László Papp

  Legendary Hungarian boxer who won multiple Olympic gold medals. A national sports hero who dominated boxing in the middleweight category during the 1940s and 1950s.

• Oct. 16 Stu Hart

  Legendary Canadian professional wrestling trainer and promoter who founded Stampede Wrestling, a highly influential wrestling promotion in North America during the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 16 Avni Arbaş

  Turkish painter (b. 1919)

• Oct. 18 Preston Smith

  40th Governor of Texas who played a significant role in state politics during the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 19 Alija Izetbegović

  Alija Izetbegović was a prominent Bosnian politician who served as the first President of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the critical period of the Bosnian War. He was a key figure in Bosnia's independence movement and played a crucial role in the country's transition from Yugoslavia.

• Oct. 19 Road Warrior Hawk

  Michael James Hegstrand, known as Road Warrior Hawk, was a famous professional wrestler who was part of the iconic tag team Legion of Doom (Road Warriors) in the WWE and NWA. He was known for his intense persona and distinctive face paint.

• 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. 21 Elliott Smith

  Elliott Smith was an influential indie rock singer-songwriter who gained critical acclaim for his deeply personal and melancholic music, particularly after his Oscar nomination for the song 'Miss Misery' from the film Good Will Hunting.

• Oct. 23 Tony Capstick

  English actor and singer (b. 1944)

• Oct. 25 Veikko Hakulinen

  Legendary Finnish cross-country skier who won gold medals in the 30km and 50km events at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. He was a dominant athlete in Nordic skiing during the 1950s and considered one of Finland's greatest winter sports athletes.

• Oct. 25 Pandurang Shastri Athavale

  Renowned Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and social activist who founded the Swadhyay Parivar movement promoting spiritual and social transformation.

• Oct. 27 Rod Roddy

  Famous television announcer best known for his work on game shows like 'The Price is Right', where his enthusiastic voice became iconic in American pop culture.

• Oct. 27 Stephanie Tyrell

  American record producer and songwriter (born 1949).

• 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.

• Oct. 29 Hal Clement

  Hal Clement was a renowned American science fiction writer and high school science teacher known for his hard science fiction novels and innovative storytelling.

• Oct. 31 Richard Neustadt

  Renowned American political scientist and historian known for his influential work on presidential power and decision-making.