Famous people and celebrities who died in 2006

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2006. 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. 7 Heinrich Harrer
Austrian mountaineer, geographer, and adventurer best known for his remarkable journey through Tibet and his book 'Seven Years in Tibet', which detailed his experiences during World War II.
Jan. 14 Shelley Winters
Acclaimed Hollywood actress who won two Academy Awards and was known for powerful dramatic performances in films like 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and 'A Patch of Blue'.
Jan. 19 Wilson Pickett
Legendary soul singer who was a key figure in the development of soul music in the 1960s, known for his powerful voice and energetic performances.
Jan. 31 Moira Shearer
A renowned Scottish ballerina and actress, Moira Shearer was a principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet and gained international fame through her iconic role in the film 'The Red Shoes'.
Feb. 4 Betty Friedan
Pioneering American feminist who wrote 'The Feminine Mystique' and co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), significantly advancing women's rights in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Feb. 5 Franklin Cover
American television actor best known for his role in 'The Jeffersons' sitcom, playing the character Tom Willis.
Feb. 24 Don Knotts
Don Knotts was an iconic American comedic actor best known for his memorable role as Deputy Barney Fife on 'The Andy Griffith Show'. He was a beloved television and film comedian who won five Emmy Awards for his outstanding comedic performances.
Feb. 24 Dennis Weaver
Renowned American actor best known for his roles in 'Gunsmoke' and 'McCloud', Weaver was a versatile performer who won an Emmy Award and starred in multiple television series.
March 10 Anna Moffo
Renowned lyric-coloratura soprano who performed at the Metropolitan Opera for 17 seasons and was known as 'la bellissima'. She hosted an Italian TV show in the 1960s but suffered a vocal breakdown in 1974 that impacted her career.
March 13 Maureen Stapleton
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful dramatic performances on Broadway and in film. She won an Academy Award and was renowned for her versatile and emotionally intense acting style.
March 25 Rocío Dúrcal
Renowned Spanish singer and actress who was a prominent figure in Latin American music, known for her romantic ballads and successful career spanning several decades.
April 22 Alida Valli
Renowned Italian actress of international fame, Alida Valli was a prominent figure in European cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in Pola, she began her acting career at 16 and quickly became known for her exceptional beauty and dramatic talent. Her performances in films like 'The Third Man' solidified her status as a significant actress of her era.
April 29 John Kenneth Galbraith
Renowned economist who wrote extensively about economic power, affluence, and social inequality, winning the Hillman Award in 1958 for his influential work.
July 13 Red Buttons
Red Buttons was a renowned American comedian, actor, and entertainer known for his versatile performances in film and television. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 'Sayonara' (1957) and was a popular comedian in the mid-20th century.
July 19 Jack Warden
Jack Warden was a renowned American character actor known for his versatile roles in film and television, including memorable performances in 'Twelve Angry Men' and 'Being There'.
Aug. 14 Bruno Kirby
Renowned American comedy actor known for roles in films like 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'The Godfather Part II'. He was a frequent collaborator with Billy Crystal and a talented comedian.
Aug. 30 Glenn Ford
Renowned Canadian-American actor who starred in over 200 films, particularly famous for his Western movies and notable works like 'Blackboard Jungle' and 'The Rounders'.
Sept. 14 Mickey Hargitay
Renowned bodybuilder and Mr. Universe (1955) who was famously married to Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield. He was part of Mae West's entourage and had a notable career in physical culture and entertainment.
Oct. 2 Tamara Dobson
Prominent African American actress known for her iconic role in the 1970s blaxploitation film 'Cleopatra Jones', where she played a tall, powerful undercover agent fighting drug crime.
Oct. 19 Phyllis Kirk
Phyllis Kirk was an American actress known for her roles in film noir and television during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly remembered for her performance in the classic horror film 'House of Wax'.
Oct. 20 Jane Wyatt
Renowned American actress known for her roles in television and film, particularly in the classic sitcom 'Father Knows Best'.
Nov. 1 William Styron
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for exploring complex psychological themes in works like 'Sophie's Choice' and 'The Confessions of Nat Turner'. He was a prominent literary figure who openly discussed his struggles with depression.
Nov. 10 Jack Palance
Jack Palance was a renowned American actor famous for his intense performances in Western films and his Oscar-winning role in 'City Slickers'. He was known for his distinctive rugged looks and powerful screen presence.
Nov. 20 Robert Altman
Renowned American film director who revolutionized cinema with innovative storytelling techniques. He directed critically acclaimed films like 'M*A*S*H', 'Nashville', and 'McCabe and Mrs. Miller' during the 1970s. His unique ensemble cast approach and unconventional narrative style made him a significant figure in New Hollywood cinema.
Nov. 23 Philippe Noiret
Renowned French actor who starred in over 100 films across a 55-year career, including critically acclaimed movies like 'Cinema Paradiso' and 'Il Postino'. He was celebrated for his versatility in both comedy and dramatic roles, establishing himself as a significant figure in French cinema.
Dec. 1 Claude Jade
Renowned French actress of the New Wave cinema, famous for her iconic collaborations with François Truffaut in his Antoine Doinel trilogy, including 'Stolen Kisses' and 'Bed and Board'.
Dec. 12 Peter Boyle
Renowned American actor best known for his roles in 'Young Frankenstein' and the TV series 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. He was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between comedy and dramatic roles.
Dec. 18 Joseph Barbera
Joseph Barbera was a legendary American animator, cartoonist, and television producer who co-founded Hanna-Barbera, one of the most influential animation studios in history, creating iconic cartoon characters like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo.
Dec. 23 Charlie Drake
Charlie Drake was a popular British comedian known for his slapstick comedy and comedic television performances during the mid-20th century.
Dec. 26 Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States, who assumed office after Richard Nixon's resignation. He was the first president to take office without being elected as president or vice president, serving from 1974 to 1977. Ford played a crucial role in healing the nation after the Watergate scandal.