Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2005

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2005. 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. 1 Shirley Chisholm

  Pioneering African American congresswoman who broke significant racial and gender barriers in U.S. politics, serving as the first Black woman elected to Congress and running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.

• Jan. 2 Frank Kelly Freas

  Renowned science fiction and fantasy artist, famous for his iconic illustrations in magazines like Analog and covers for numerous sci-fi book publications.

• Jan. 2 Cyril Fletcher

  English comedian, actor, and television personality known for his humorous poetry and appearances on various British TV shows.

• Jan. 3 Will Eisner

  Pioneering American cartoonist who revolutionized the graphic novel medium and is considered a foundational figure in comic book art.

• Jan. 5 Danny Sugerman

  Danny Sugerman was the manager of the iconic rock band The Doors and co-authored a best-selling biography about lead singer Jim Morrison titled 'No One Gets Out of Here Alive'.

• Jan. 7 Rosemary Kennedy

  Member of the prominent Kennedy family who became a symbol of awareness for intellectual disabilities and medical ethics. Her controversial lobotomy in 1941 led to lifelong institutionalization and became a pivotal moment in discussions about disability rights.

• Jan. 7 Pierre Daninos

  Renowned French humorist and writer famous for his 'Major Thompson' book series, which humorously explored cultural differences between France and other countries.

• Jan. 10 Jack Horner

  Prominent paleontologist renowned for groundbreaking research and significant contributions to our understanding of dinosaur biology and evolution.

• Jan. 11 Fabrizio Meoni

  Famous Italian motorcycle racer who competed in multiple Dakar Rally events and tragically died during the 2005 Dakar Rally in Mauritania.

• Jan. 11 Spencer Dryden

  Influential rock drummer who played with Jefferson Airplane and other notable psychedelic rock bands of the 1960s.

• Jan. 11 James Bennett Griffin

  James Bennett Griffin was a renowned American archaeologist who made significant contributions to understanding North American prehistoric archaeology.

• 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. 13 Earl Cameron

  Canadian broadcaster (born in 1915).

• Jan. 14 Charlotte MacLeod

  Canadian-American author known for her mystery novels and contributions to the literary world.

• Jan. 15 Ruth Warrick

  Ruth Warrick was a prominent American actress known for her roles in film and television, including the long-running soap opera 'All My Children'.

• Jan. 15 Victoria de los Ángeles

  Renowned Spanish soprano who was a leading classical music artist of the 20th century, celebrated for her exceptional vocal range and interpretative skills.

• Jan. 16 Marjorie Williams

  Marjorie Williams was a prominent American journalist and political columnist known for her insightful writing in prestigious publications like Vanity Fair and The Washington Post. Her work often provided sharp political commentary and personal profiles of influential figures.

• 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.

• Jan. 17 Zhao Ziyang

  Influential Chinese political leader who served as Premier of the People's Republic of China and was a key figure during the Tiananmen Square protests.

• Jan. 20 Per Borten

  Norwegian lawyer and politician who served as the 18th Prime Minister of Norway from 1965 to 1971, playing a significant role in Norwegian political history during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 21 Parveen Babi

  Indian actress (born 1955).

• Jan. 22 Consuelo Velázquez

  Renowned Mexican pianist and songwriter famous for composing the iconic romantic song 'Bésame Mucho', which became an international classic.

• Jan. 22 Rose Mary Woods

  Rose Mary Woods was President Nixon's personal secretary during the Watergate scandal, famously known for allegedly erasing 18.5 minutes of crucial White House tape recordings.

• Jan. 23 Johnny Carson

  Legendary American television host of 'The Tonight Show' who defined late-night entertainment for decades.

• Jan. 25 Philip Johnson

  Philip Johnson was a pioneering American architect who significantly influenced modern architecture through diverse projects including iconic skyscrapers, museums, and cultural centers. He was a key figure in the postmodern architectural movement and designed landmark buildings like the Glass House in Connecticut. His innovative designs challenged traditional architectural conventions throughout the 20th century.

• Jan. 28 Jim Capaldi

  Renowned English musician, songwriter, and drummer for the rock band Traffic, who significantly contributed to the music scene of the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 28 Jacques Villeret

  Jacques Villeret was a celebrated French actor known for his comedic roles, particularly in 'Le Dîner de Cons', and was honored with the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

• Jan. 29 Ephraim Kishon

  Ephraim Kishon was a renowned Israeli satirist, writer, and filmmaker who gained international recognition for his sharp wit and humor. He was an Oscar-nominated director and one of the most popular contemporary satirists globally, known for his insightful social commentary.