Famous people and celebrities who died in November 2004

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

Nov. 1 Mac Dre
Mac Dre was an influential American rapper from the Bay Area who pioneered the hyphy music movement and founded Thizz Entertainment before his tragic murder in 2004.
Nov. 2 Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Prominent leader who served as the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the United Arab Emirates, playing a crucial role in the nation's formation and development.
Nov. 2 Theo van Gogh
Dutch filmmaker tragically assassinated in Amsterdam in 2004, known for his controversial and outspoken work challenging societal norms.
Nov. 2 Gerrie Knetemann
Gerrie Knetemann was a prominent Dutch professional cyclist who competed during the 1970s and 1980s. He was a successful road cyclist, winning multiple stages in major tours and national championships. Knetemann was known for his versatility and competitive spirit in professional cycling.
Nov. 6 Johnny Warren
Prominent Australian soccer pioneer who significantly influenced football development in Australia, known for his extensive contributions as a player, manager, and sports commentator.
Nov. 6 Fred Dibnah
Renowned English steeplejack and television personality known for his documentaries about industrial heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
Nov. 7 Howard Keel
Howard Keel was a renowned American actor and singer, famous for his roles in Hollywood musicals like 'Oklahoma!' and 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'.
Nov. 9 Stieg Larsson
Renowned Swedish journalist and author famous for the posthumously published 'Millennium' crime novel trilogy, which includes 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. He was also a prominent researcher on right-wing extremism in Sweden.
Nov. 9 Iris Chang
Renowned Chinese-American historian and journalist who wrote the groundbreaking book 'The Rape of Nanking', documenting Japanese war crimes during World War II. Her powerful work brought international attention to the Nanking Massacre and tragically, she died by suicide in 2004.
Nov. 9 Emlyn Hughes
Emlyn Hughes was a legendary Liverpool FC defender and England national team captain, widely regarded as one of the most influential footballers of his generation.
Nov. 11 Yasser Arafat
Yasser Arafat was a prominent Palestinian political leader who played a pivotal role in the Palestinian national movement. He served as chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and first president of the Palestinian National Authority, becoming a globally recognized symbol of Palestinian struggle.
Nov. 11 Richard Dembo
French film director and screenwriter known for his contributions to French cinema in the late 20th century.
Nov. 13 Ol' Dirty Bastard
American rapper and producer (b. 1968)
Nov. 14 Michel Colombier
Versatile French musician who made significant contributions as a composer, arranger, conductor, and songwriter, working across multiple musical genres and mediums.
Nov. 15 Elmer Andersen
Prominent American businessman and politician who served as the 30th Governor of Minnesota, known for his significant contributions to state politics and business.
Nov. 16 Margaret Hassan
Irish-Iraqi humanitarian aid worker tragically kidnapped and killed in Iraq in 2004, symbolizing the dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones.
Nov. 17 Aleksandr Ragulin
Legendary Soviet ice hockey player who won three Olympic gold medals in 1964, 1968, and 1972, representing the USSR national team.
Nov. 18 Cy Coleman
Renowned American composer, songwriter, and pianist known for his significant contributions to musical theater and jazz. He composed memorable works like 'Sweet Charity' and 'City of Angels'. Coleman was a Grammy Award winner and Broadway legend.
Nov. 19 John Vane
MED - English pharmacologist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2004)
Nov. 19 Terry Melcher
American music producer and musician, son of actress Doris Day, known for his significant contributions to the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s.
Nov. 20 Ancel Keys
Renowned American physiologist who pioneered research on cardiovascular health and diet, famously developing the K-ration for military nutrition and the Mediterranean diet concept.
Nov. 23 Pete Franklin
American talk radio host (born 1928).
Nov. 24 Arthur Hailey
Renowned English-Canadian novelist famous for bestselling books like 'Airport' and 'Hotel', who wrote compelling fiction about complex professional environments.
Nov. 24 Joseph Hansen
American poet and novelist known for his contributions to LGBTQ+ literature and mystery writing.
Nov. 26 Philippe de Broca
Renowned French film director known for his significant contributions to the French New Wave cinema, creating memorable comedies and dramas throughout his career.
Nov. 29 John Drew Barrymore
American actor from the famous Barrymore theatrical dynasty, known for his acting career and family legacy.
Nov. 30 Pierre Berton
Influential Canadian journalist, author, and cultural commentator who significantly shaped Canadian literary and historical discourse.
Nov. 30 Seung Sahn
Influential Korean Zen Buddhist master who founded the Kwan Um School of Zen and played a crucial role in introducing Korean Zen Buddhism to the West.