Famous people and celebrities who died in 2005

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2005. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

Jan. 12 Amrish Puri
Legendary Indian actor known for his powerful character roles in Bollywood cinema, particularly memorable as a villain in numerous iconic films.
Jan. 15 Ruth Warrick
Prominent American actress known for her roles in 'Citizen Kane' and the long-running soap opera 'All My Children', who had a significant career in film and television spanning several decades.
Jan. 17 Virginia Mayo
A prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in film noir and comedies during the Golden Age of cinema, Mayo was a celebrated star who appeared in numerous notable films with actors like Danny Kaye and James Cagney.
Feb. 4 Ossie Davis
Prominent African American actor, playwright, and civil rights activist from Cogdell, Georgia, known for his significant contributions to theater, film, and social justice movements.
Feb. 20 Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee was a prominent American actress and teenage film idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for her wholesome image and roles in romantic comedies.
Feb. 20 John Raitt
John Raitt was a prominent Broadway musical star known for his powerful baritone voice and leading roles in classic musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a significant figure in American musical theater, performing in notable productions like 'Carousel' and 'The Pajama Game'. His daughter Bonnie Raitt is also a well-known musician.
Feb. 22 Simone Simon
French actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Lac aux Dames', 'Cat People', and 'Curse of the Cat People', who was prominent in cinema during the 1940s.
March 6 Teresa Wright
Acclaimed Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, Teresa Wright won an Academy Award and was known for her memorable performances in classics like 'Mrs. Miniver', 'The Best Years of Our Lives', and 'Shadow of a Doubt'.
March 10 Dave Allen
Dave Allen was a renowned Irish comedian known for his satirical stand-up comedy and distinctive television shows that challenged social norms with wit and irreverence.
March 22 Gemini Ganesan
Prominent Indian actor and director who was a significant figure in South Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil films during the mid-20th century.
April 23 John Mills
Renowned British actor who had a distinguished career spanning several decades, winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1970 for 'Ryan's Daughter'. He was a versatile performer who made significant contributions to British cinema from the 1930s to the 1970s.
April 26 Maria Schell
Maria Schell was a renowned Austrian-Swiss actress and film producer who had a significant career in European cinema during the mid-20th century. She was known for her powerful performances in international films and won numerous awards for her acting. Her career spanned several decades, making her a prominent figure in post-war European cinema.
May 17 Frank Gorshin
Frank Gorshin was a renowned American actor famous for his comedic impressions and his iconic role as The Riddler in the 1960s Batman TV series. He was a versatile performer who excelled in comedy, dramatic roles, and stand-up comedy.
May 26 Eddie Albert
Eddie Albert was a renowned American actor and performer, best known for his starring role in the popular sitcom Green Acres and as a versatile actor in film and television.
June 6 Anne Bancroft
Anne Bancroft was an acclaimed American actress who won an Oscar for her iconic role in 'The Miracle Worker' and was nominated for her performances in 'The Graduate' and 'The Pumpkin Eater'. She was a versatile performer who excelled in film, theater, and television, winning multiple awards including a Tony and recognition from the British Film Academy.
June 24 Paul Winchell
Renowned American ventriloquist, voice actor, and inventor who created the famous puppet characters Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, and was also a pioneering voice actor for numerous cartoon characters.
July 1 Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer known for his exceptional vocal talent and romantic ballads. He was a prominent figure in soul music during the 1980s and 1990s, creating numerous hit songs and influencing many contemporary artists.
July 6 Evan Hunter
Evan Hunter was a prolific American novelist best known for writing 'The Blackboard Jungle' and for his crime fiction under the pseudonym Ed McBain. He was a significant literary figure who made substantial contributions to crime and mainstream fiction.
July 20 James Doohan
Famous Canadian-American actor best known for playing Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in the original Star Trek series. He was also a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Artillery.
Aug. 7 Peter Jennings
Renowned Canadian-American journalist who anchored ABC World News Tonight, winning 16 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his exceptional reporting and global millennium coverage.
Aug. 8 Barbara Bel Geddes
Acclaimed American actress known for her role as Miss Ellie in the TV series Dallas and her memorable performance in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo.
Aug. 23 Brock Peters
Renowned African American actor famous for his powerful roles in 'Carmen Jones' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird', who made significant contributions to cinema during the civil rights era.
Sept. 25 Don Adams
Famous American actor best known for his comedic role as Maxwell Smart in the classic TV series 'Get Smart'. He was a popular comedian and voice actor with a significant television career.
Oct. 2 Nipsey Russell
Renowned African American comedian and actor known for his witty rhyming wordplay and appearances on game shows and television.
Oct. 3 Ronnie Barker
Beloved British comedy actor famous for his roles in classic sitcoms like 'The Two Ronnies', 'Porridge', and 'Open All Hours', which became cornerstone programs of British television comedy.
Nov. 23 Constance Cummings
Constance Cummings was a prominent American actress known for her versatile performances in film and theater during the mid-20th century, with notable roles in both Hollywood and Broadway productions.
Nov. 24 Pat Morita
Pat Morita was a renowned Japanese-American actor best known for his iconic role as Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid film series. He was a beloved character actor who also appeared in the popular TV show Happy Days and starred in his own series Mr. T and Tina.
Dec. 10 Richard Pryor
Groundbreaking African American comedian and actor who revolutionized stand-up comedy with his raw, unfiltered social commentary and groundbreaking humor. He was a pivotal figure in comedy, known for his brutally honest and provocative performances that addressed race, social issues, and personal struggles.
Dec. 26 Vincent Schiavelli
Distinctive character actor known for memorable roles in films like 'Ghost' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', with a unique appearance and exceptional comedic talent.