Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2004

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2004. 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. 4 Joan Aiken

  Renowned English author known for her children's literature, gothic novels, and supernatural fiction, with a prolific writing career spanning several decades.

• Jan. 4 John Toland

  Prominent American historian and author known for his comprehensive historical works, particularly on World War II.

• Jan. 5 Norman Heatley

  Crucial member of the Oxford University team that developed penicillin, a groundbreaking medical discovery that revolutionized modern medicine and saved millions of lives.

• Jan. 5 Tug McGraw

  Professional baseball player best known for his career with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. He is also the father of country music star Tim McGraw.

• Jan. 6 Francesco Scavullo

  Francesco Scavullo was a renowned American fashion photographer who significantly influenced the visual aesthetics of fashion and celebrity photography in the 20th century. He was famous for his iconic magazine covers and portraits of celebrities, particularly for Cosmopolitan magazine. Scavullo's distinctive style captured the glamour and beauty of his subjects with remarkable artistic sensitivity.

• Jan. 7 Ingrid Thulin

  Ingrid Thulin was a renowned Swedish actress who collaborated extensively with legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, starring in iconic films like 'The Silence' and 'Winter Light'. She was a key figure in the Swedish New Wave cinema of the 1960s and known for her intense, nuanced performances.

• Jan. 9 Norberto Bobbio

  Prominent Italian philosopher, political theorist, and academic who significantly contributed to liberal and democratic political thought in the 20th century. He was a renowned intellectual who wrote extensively on democracy, human rights, and political philosophy. Bobbio was a key figure in post-war Italian intellectual life and a respected scholar internationally.

• Jan. 10 Spalding Gray

  Innovative American monologist and performer known for his deeply personal, introspective storytelling performances that blended humor, anxiety, and profound self-reflection. His most famous monologues include 'Swimming to Cambodia' and 'Gray's Anatomy'.

• Jan. 10 Alexandra Ripley

  American novelist best known for her historical romance novel 'Scarlett', an authorized sequel to Margaret Mitchell's 'Gone with the Wind'.

• Jan. 12 Olga Ladyzhenskaya

  Prominent Russian mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to partial differential equations and fluid dynamics.

• Jan. 13 Harold Shipman

  Notorious British serial killer who murdered approximately 250 patients while working as a general practitioner in Hyde, Manchester. He was convicted in 2000 and became one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history.

• Jan. 13 Arne Næss

  Norwegian philosopher, mountaineer, and founder of the deep ecology environmental movement. He was a prominent academic and environmental activist who significantly influenced ecological thinking worldwide.

• Jan. 14 Uta Hagen

  Renowned German-American actress and acting teacher, famous for her role in 'The Boys from Brazil' and her influential method acting techniques.

• Jan. 17 Ray Stark

  Prominent Hollywood film producer known for creating numerous successful movies across multiple decades. He was particularly famous for producing iconic films like 'Funny Girl' and 'The Way We Were'. Stark was a significant figure in the American film industry during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 17 Noble Willingham

  American character actor best known for his recurring role as C.D. Parker in the popular TV series Walker, Texas Ranger alongside Chuck Norris.

• Jan. 19 Harry E Claiborne

  American federal judge who was known for his controversial legal career and tragic end through suicide.

• Jan. 20 Guinn Smith

  American athlete and military pilot who excelled in pole vaulting and served his country during his lifetime.

• Jan. 22 Ann Miller

  Renowned Broadway dancer and actress famous for her incredible tap dancing skills, performing 500 taps per hour and starring in 'Sugar Babies' alongside Mickey Rooney. She was a notable performer in Hollywood's golden age, known for her energetic performances and glamorous lifestyle.

• Jan. 22 Billy May

  Renowned American orchestra leader and musical arranger who worked extensively with Milton Berle and was a prominent figure in mid-20th century entertainment.

• Jan. 23 Helmut Newton

  Renowned German-born photographer famous for his provocative fashion and nude photography that challenged traditional gender roles and sexuality. His iconic black-and-white images appeared in prestigious magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Playboy. Newton's work significantly influenced contemporary fashion and art photography.

• Jan. 23 Bob Keeshan

  Famous American television personality best known as Captain Kangaroo, a beloved children's show host who entertained generations of kids.

• Jan. 24 Leonidas da Silva

  Legendary Brazilian footballer known as the 'Rubber Man' who popularized the bicycle kick and played for Brazil's national team in the 1930s and 1940s.

• Jan. 25 Fanny Blankers-Koen

  Dutch track and field athlete known as the 'Flying Housewife', who became the first woman to win four gold medals in a single Olympic Games in 1948, breaking multiple world records and revolutionizing women's athletics.

• Jan. 27 Jack Paar

  Pioneering American television talk show host who significantly influenced late-night entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s, preceding Johnny Carson.

• Jan. 28 Joe Viterelli

  American character actor known for supporting roles in numerous films, particularly in mob-related movies during the 1980s and 1990s.

• Jan. 28 Elroy Hirsch

  Legendary American football player known for his exceptional speed and agility, playing in the NFL and AAFC during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 29 Janet Frame

  Janet Frame was a critically acclaimed New Zealand novelist whose powerful and introspective writing explored themes of mental health, isolation, and human complexity.

• Jan. 31 Eleanor Holm

  Eleanor Holm was an accomplished American swimmer and actress who won a gold medal in the 1932 Olympics and later transitioned to entertainment.