Famous people and celebrities who died in 2008

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2008. 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. 15 Brad Renfro
Brad Renfro was a talented American actor who gained recognition in the 1990s for his compelling performances in legal drama films like 'The Client' and psychological thriller 'Apt Pupil'. Tragically, he passed away at a young age of 25 due to a drug overdose.
Jan. 22 Heath Ledger
Critically acclaimed Australian actor known for transformative roles in films like 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Dark Knight', where his portrayal of the Joker won a posthumous Academy Award.
Jan. 29 Margaret Truman
Margaret Truman was an accomplished American writer, musician, and daughter of President Harry S. Truman. She was known for her mystery novels and biographical works about her family.
Feb. 10 Roy Scheider
Roy Scheider was a prominent American actor famous for his iconic roles in 'Jaws' and 'The French Connection', two landmark films of the 1970s. He was known for his intense performances and memorable characters in Hollywood cinema.
Feb. 19 Lydia Shum
Prominent Hong Kong actress and comedian known for her comedic roles in film and television, who was a beloved entertainment figure in the region.
March 19 Paul Scofield
Paul Scofield was a distinguished British actor, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'A Man for All Seasons'. He was considered one of the greatest stage and screen actors of his generation.
March 24 Richard Widmark
Renowned Hollywood actor famous for his breakthrough role as a psychotic killer in the film noir 'Kiss of Death'. He was an Oscar-nominated performer with a diverse career spanning film, theater, and television. Widmark was also a film producer through his own company, Heath Productions.
May 29 Harvey Korman
Legendary American comedian and actor best known for his iconic role on 'The Carol Burnett Show', where he won four Emmy Awards. He was a prominent comedic performer in television and film, notably appearing in Mel Brooks' classic comedies 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein'.
June 2 Mel Ferrer
American actor known for roles in classic films like 'The Longest Day' and notable for his work in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
June 7 Jim McKay
Pioneering Emmy-winning sportscaster who became a legendary figure in television journalism, particularly known for his coverage of sports events and the Munich Olympics tragedy.
June 17 Cyd Charisse
Legendary Hollywood dancer and actress renowned for her exceptional performances in classic musicals, particularly in MGM productions during the 1950s. She was famous for her stunning dance sequences with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
June 22 George Carlin
Legendary American stand-up comedian known for his groundbreaking social commentary and controversial comedy routines. He was a pioneering figure in comedy who challenged societal norms and was inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame in 1994.
June 22 Dody Goodman
Dody Goodman was an American comedienne best known for her role in the cult comedy series 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' and her comedic performances alongside Max Duggan.
July 22 Estelle Getty
Estelle Getty was an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Sophia Petrillo on the popular sitcom 'The Golden Girls', which ran from 1985 to 1992.
Aug. 9 Bernie Mac
Renowned African American comedian and actor known for his sharp wit, stand-up comedy, and roles in films like 'The Original Kings of Comedy' and 'Ocean's Eleven'.
Aug. 10 Isaac Hayes
American singer, composer and black performer. he won the emmy award for the theme on 3/14/1972 and an oscar on 4/10/1973.
Aug. 11 George Furth
American playwright and actor best known for his collaborations with Neil Simon and his work in musical theater.
Sept. 1 Jerry Reed
Legendary country western singer, songwriter, and actor known for hit songs and roles in films like 'Smokey and the Bandit'. He was a charismatic performer who successfully crossed between music and acting careers.
Sept. 6 Anita Page
Prominent American actress of the silent film and early sound era, known for her roles in MGM productions during the late 1920s and early 1930s. She was one of the most popular actresses of her time and worked with notable stars like Buster Keaton.
Oct. 15 Edie Adams
Edie Adams was an accomplished American actress, comedian, and singer known for her work in television, film, and musical comedy.
Oct. 17 Levi Stubbs
Legendary American soul singer and lead vocalist of the iconic Motown group Four Tops, known for his powerful baritone voice and memorable hits.
Nov. 4 Michael Crichton
Renowned American author and medical doctor who became a bestselling science fiction and thriller novelist, famous for works like 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Andromeda Strain' that were adapted into successful movies.
Nov. 10 Miriam Makeba
Legendary South African singer and anti-apartheid activist known as 'Mama Africa', who used her music to fight racial oppression and became an international symbol of resistance.
Dec. 1 Paul Benedict
Paul Benedict was an accomplished American character actor known for his distinctive comedic roles, particularly as Harry on the popular sitcom 'The Jeffersons'.
Dec. 5 Nina Foch
Acclaimed Dutch-born American actress known for her Oscar-nominated supporting role in 'Executive Suite' and her work on 'Spartacus'. She was also an assistant director for the classic film 'Diary of Anne Frank'.
Dec. 5 Beverly Garland
Versatile American actress and businesswoman who had a successful career in film and television. She was particularly known for her roles in 'My Three Sons' and as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Dec. 8 Robert Prosky
Renowned American character actor known for his extensive stage, film, and television work, particularly memorable in roles in 'Hill Street Blues' and 'Broadcast News'.
Dec. 12 Van Johnson
Iconic Hollywood actor of the 1940s and 1950s, known for his distinctive red hair and boyish charm. He starred in 125 films and was a prominent performer in theater and cinema during the golden age of Hollywood.
Dec. 24 Harold Pinter
Renowned British playwright and Nobel Laureate in Literature, known for his distinctive dramatic style characterized by pauses and subtle psychological tension. His works significantly influenced modern theater and explored complex human relationships.
Dec. 25 Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was a legendary African American singer, actress, and activist known for her distinctive voice, iconic Catwoman role, and powerful civil rights advocacy.