Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2007

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2007. 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 A I Bezzerides
A.I. Bezzerides was an American screenwriter and novelist known for his hard-boiled crime fiction and notable film adaptations, particularly in the film noir genre.
Jan. 2 Teddy Kollek
Hungarian-born Israeli politician who served as Mayor of Jerusalem for 28 years, transforming the city's landscape and cultural identity. A visionary leader who played a crucial role in Jerusalem's development after 1967.
Jan. 4 Marais Viljoen
South african politician, 5th state president of south africa (b. 1915)
Jan. 5 Momofuku Ando
Taiwanese-Japanese inventor and entrepreneur who founded Nissin Foods and invented instant ramen, revolutionizing global food culture.
Jan. 7 Magnus Magnusson
Icelandic-born British television presenter and journalist, famously known for hosting the iconic quiz show 'Mastermind' for 25 years, becoming a beloved media personality in the UK.
Jan. 8 Yvonne De Carlo
Versatile Canadian-American entertainer with a six-decade career spanning film, television, musical theatre, and stage, known for her diverse performing talents.
Jan. 8 Iwao Takamoto
Renowned Japanese-American animator who created the iconic cartoon character Scooby-Doo, working extensively with Hanna-Barbera Productions.
Jan. 9 Jean-Pierre Vernant
Jean-Pierre Vernant was a renowned French historian and anthropologist who revolutionized the understanding of ancient Greek society through his structuralist approach to myths and social structures.
Jan. 10 Bradford Washburn
Legendary American cartographer, explorer, and mountaineer who directed the Boston Museum of Science for over 40 years. He was a pioneering photographer and cartographer known for his extensive Alaska and Yukon expeditions.
Jan. 10 Carlo Ponti
Renowned Italian film producer who discovered and married actress Sophia Loren. He was instrumental in producing landmark films like 'La Strada', 'Yesterday and Tomorrow', and 'Doctor Zhivago', significantly contributing to Italian and international cinema.
Jan. 11 Solveig Dommartin
French-German actress known for her roles in art house films, particularly her collaboration with director Wim Wenders in movies like 'Wings of Desire'.
Jan. 12 Alice Coltrane
Alice Coltrane was a pioneering jazz musician who significantly influenced spiritual and avant-garde jazz through her innovative harp and keyboard work, and her deep connection to her late husband John Coltrane's musical legacy.
Jan. 13 Michael Brecker
Renowned American jazz saxophonist and composer, known for his innovative work with Steps Ahead and Parliament-Funkadelic.
Jan. 15 James Hillier
Canadian-American scientist who co-invented the electron microscope, significantly advancing scientific research and microscopic imaging technology.
Jan. 15 Awad Hamed al-Bandar
Iraqi judge who was controversially involved in the trial of Saddam Hussein and subsequently executed in 2007.
Jan. 15 Bo Yibo
Prominent Chinese politician who served as Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, playing a significant role in the country's political development during the late 20th century.
Jan. 17 Art Buchwald
Pulitzer Prize-winning American columnist renowned for his witty and satirical writing style, known for his humorous and insightful commentary on American politics and culture.
Jan. 19 Denny Doherty
Iconic member of the legendary folk-rock band The Mamas & The Papas, who played a crucial role in the 1960s music scene and helped define the California sound.
Jan. 19 Hrant Dink
Prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist and human rights activist who was assassinated in Istanbul, known for his advocacy for Armenian-Turkish reconciliation and minority rights.
Jan. 22 Liz Renay
Liz Renay was an American exotic dancer, model, and actress known for her provocative career and colorful life. She was married seven times and attempted to break into Hollywood during the 1950s. Her life was marked by controversy and legal challenges.
Jan. 22 Abbé Pierre
French Roman Catholic priest and humanitarian who heroically helped Jews escape during World War II and founded Emmaus, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing and support for the poor and marginalized.
Jan. 23 E Howard Hunt
Key figure in the Watergate scandal, a CIA officer who was involved in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972.
Jan. 23 Ryszard Kapuściński
Renowned Polish journalist, writer, and poet famous for his profound reportage on developing world conflicts and postcolonial transformations.
Jan. 24 İsmail Cem İpekçi
Prominent Turkish journalist and politician who served as the 45th Minister of Foreign Affairs, playing a significant role in Turkey's diplomatic landscape.
Jan. 24 Emiliano Mercado del Toro
Puerto Rican supercentenarian, oldest living person in the world at the time of his death.
Jan. 30 Sidney Sheldon
Prolific American novelist and screenwriter who sold over 300 million books worldwide. He wrote numerous bestsellers and was successful in television and film before becoming a renowned novelist.
Jan. 31 Molly Ivins
Prominent American journalist and political commentator known for her sharp, satirical writing about Texas politics and culture. She was a nationally syndicated columnist who fearlessly critiqued political hypocrisy.
Jan. 31 Adelaide Tambo
Prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who played a crucial role in the struggle against racial segregation and for human rights.