Famous people and celebrities who died in September 2003

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

• Sept. 1 Terry Frost

  Terry Frost was a renowned English abstract painter and influential academic who made significant contributions to modern British art in the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 1 Rand Brooks

  Rand Brooks was an American actor best known for his supporting role as Charles Hamilton in the classic film Gone with the Wind.

• Sept. 3 Alan Dugan

  American soldier and poet (b. 1923)

• Sept. 4 Lola Bobesco

  Renowned Romanian-Belgian violinist and music educator who made significant contributions to classical music performance and teaching during the 20th century.

• Sept. 5 Gisele MacKenzie

  Canadian multi-talented entertainer who was a musical prodigy, performing on radio, television variety shows, and appearing in multiple entertainment formats during the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 7 Warren Zevon

  Singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Werewolves of London'.

• 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. 9 Edward Teller

  Hungarian-American physicist known as the 'father of the hydrogen bomb', Teller made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics, molecular physics, and spectroscopy. He played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project and developed significant theoretical frameworks in quantum mechanics and nuclear science.

• Sept. 9 Don Willesee

  Australian politician who served as the 29th Minister for Foreign Affairs, playing a significant role in Australia's diplomatic landscape during his tenure. He was a notable telegraphist and political figure who contributed to the country's governance in the mid-20th century.

• 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. 11 Anna Lindh

  Swedish Foreign Minister who was tragically assassinated in a Stockholm department store on September 10, 2003. Her death shocked Sweden and the international political community, highlighting issues of political violence.

• 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. 15 Garner Ted Armstrong

  Prominent American televangelist and religious broadcaster who founded the Intercontinental Church of God and was a significant figure in the religious media landscape of the 20th century.

• Sept. 16 Sheb Wooley

  American country music singer and actor, known for his novelty song 'Purple People Eater' and acting in numerous Western films.

• Sept. 18 Emil Fackenheim

  Prominent German-Jewish philosopher and theologian who survived the Holocaust and became a significant scholar of Jewish thought and post-Holocaust theology.

• Sept. 19 Slim Dusty

  Slim Dusty was a legendary Australian country music singer-songwriter who significantly influenced the national music scene, recording over 100 albums and becoming an iconic figure in Australian cultural history.

• Sept. 20 Gordon Mitchell

  Gordon Mitchell was a notable American actor and bodybuilder known for his muscular physique and roles in numerous films during the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 22 Gordon Jump

  Beloved television actor best known for his role as Arthur Carlson in 'WKRP in Cincinnati' and as the Maytag Repairman in iconic television commercials. He was a familiar face in American entertainment from the 1970s to early 2000s.

• Sept. 23 Ronnie Dawson

  American rockabilly singer known for his energetic performances and contributions to the early rock and roll scene in the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 25 Edward Said

  A groundbreaking Palestinian-American intellectual who revolutionized postcolonial studies and critical theory. He was a professor at Columbia University and authored the seminal work 'Orientalism', which critically examined Western perceptions of Eastern cultures.

• Sept. 25 George Plimpton

  George Plimpton was a pioneering participatory journalist who immersed himself in professional sports and wrote acclaimed books about his experiences. He was the long-time editor of the Paris Review and a respected literary figure in 20th-century American journalism.

• Sept. 25 Franco Modigliani

  ECO - Italian-american economist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2003)

• 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.

• Sept. 28 Althea Gibson

  Groundbreaking African American tennis player who broke racial barriers and became the first Black woman to win Wimbledon, revolutionizing women's tennis in the 1950s. She won 56 tournaments and five Grand Slam singles titles, paving the way for future generations of athletes.

• Sept. 30 Robert Kardashian

  Robert Kardashian was a prominent American lawyer and businessman, best known for being part of O.J. Simpson's defense team during his famous murder trial and for being the father of the Kardashian siblings.