Famous people and celebrities who died in March 2005

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

• March 1 Peter Malkin

  Israeli secret agent famous for his role in capturing Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1960.

• March 2 Martin Denny

  Martin Denny was a pioneering American exotica and jazz musician known for his influential lounge and tropical music in the 1950s and 1960s.

• March 3 Max Fisher

  Writer for The New York Times focusing on international affairs.

• March 4 Nicola Calipari

  Italian secret service agent who was tragically killed during a mission in Iraq while escorting journalist Giuliana Sgrena to safety.

• 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 6 Hans Bethe

  Renowned German-American physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding stellar energy and nuclear reactions, winning the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work.

• March 6 Hans Albrecht Bethe

  Nobel Prize laureate for his contributions to the theory of nuclear reactions, especially his discoveries concerning the energy production in stars

• March 7 Debra Hill

  Pioneering film producer and screenwriter who significantly contributed to the horror genre, notably co-creating the Halloween film franchise.

• March 8 Aslan Maskhadov

  Prominent Chechen separatist leader who served as the third president of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria during the tumultuous Chechen Wars, known for his political and military leadership against Russian forces.

• March 8 César Lattes

  Prominent Brazilian physicist who made significant contributions to academic research and scientific understanding.

• March 9 Chris LeDoux

  Chris LeDoux was a popular American country music singer, songwriter, and professional rodeo cowboy who significantly influenced the country music scene.

• 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 11 Aurelio Fierro

  Popular Italian singer and actor specializing in Neapolitan music. He was famous for hit songs like 'Guaglione' and contributed significantly to the Neapolitan musical tradition.

• March 16 Ralph Erskine

  Renowned English-Swedish architect famous for innovative modernist designs like the Ark and Byker Wall housing project in Newcastle, UK. He was a pioneer in sustainable and socially conscious architecture.

• March 16 Allan Hendrickse

  South African anti-apartheid politician who played a significant role in the Labour Party during the transition period of South African politics.

• March 16 Dick Radatz

  American baseball pitcher known as 'The Monster', who played for the Boston Red Sox and was a dominant relief pitcher in the 1960s.

• March 17 George F. Kennan

  Renowned American diplomat and historian who was a key architect of the US Cold War containment policy towards the Soviet Union.

• March 21 Bobby Short

  Legendary Manhattan cabaret performer who epitomized New York's sophisticated musical scene. He was a renowned singer and pianist at Cafe Carlyle for over 25 years, known for his distinctive voice and witty performances.

• 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.

• March 22 Kenzo Tange

  Renowned Japanese architect who significantly influenced modern architecture, particularly in post-war Japan. He was a key figure in the metabolist movement and designed iconic structures like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Yoyogi National Stadium.

• March 22 Rod Price

  English rock guitarist and member of the blues-rock band Foghat, who was active in the 1970s and early 1980s.

• March 26 James Callaghan

  James Callaghan was a prominent British Labour Party politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979. He was the only person to have held all four Great Offices of State: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Prime Minister.

• March 26 Paul Hester

  Australian musician and drummer known for his work with iconic bands Crowded House, Split Enz, Deckchairs Overboard, and Tarmac Adam. Tragically died by suicide in 2005.

• March 26 Frederick Rotimi Williams

  Frederick Rotimi Williams was a prominent Nigerian lawyer, politician, and jurist who played a significant role in Nigeria's legal and political landscape during the mid-20th century. He was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and constitutional development. Williams was known for his expertise in constitutional law and his contributions to Nigeria's legal system.

• March 27 Ahmed Zaki

  Prominent Egyptian actor and producer who made significant contributions to Egyptian cinema, passing away in 2005.

• March 28 Moura Lympany

  Renowned British classical pianist who was honored with an OBE in 1979. She was celebrated for her exceptional musical performances and contributions to classical music.

• March 30 Mitch Hedberg

  Mitch Hedberg was an iconic stand-up comedian renowned for his unique, absurdist comedy style and innovative one-liner jokes. He was a significant influence on alternative comedy in the late 1990s and early 2000s before his untimely death at age 37.

• March 30 Fred Korematsu

  Fred Korematsu was a prominent Japanese American civil rights activist who challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. His landmark Supreme Court case in 1944 became a pivotal moment in the fight against racial discrimination in the United States.

• March 31 Terri Schiavo

  Terri Schiavo was at the center of a landmark right-to-die legal case that captivated the United States, involving complex medical ethics, family conflict, and national political intervention. Her persistent vegetative state and the prolonged legal battle between her husband and parents became a pivotal moment in discussions about end-of-life decisions and patient autonomy.