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 an american actor known for his roles in films such as the client and apt pupil.
- Jan. 22 Heath Ledger
Australian actor. he was a young, talented man who was well-known for his intense performances.
- Jan. 29 Margaret Truman
American writer, daughter harry s. truman (1924).
- Feb. 2 Barry Morse
Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter (b. 1918)
- Feb. 10 Roy Scheider
Roy scheider was an american actor known for his roles in iconic films such as jaws and the french connection.
- March 19 Paul Scofield
Hurst, england -- actor. (man for all seasons, train).
- March 24 Richard Widmark
American actor who played a psychotic killer in the 1947 film "kiss of death". he was nominated for the oscar best supporting actor award. his career was a lasting star with notable performances in theater, film, and tv, including film production through his company heath productions.
- May 29 Harvey Korman
American comedian and actor, who has performed on tv commercials and stage. his most notable role was that of the lead in "the carol burnett show", which won him four emmy awards from 1967-1977. he was also seen in "blazing saddles" and "the young dr. frankenstein." before he found his niche in comedy, he played small parts on broadway and …
- June 2 Mel Ferrer
Elberon, new jersey -- actor (longest day, eaten alive, 5th floor)
- June 7 Jim McKay
American journalist. television's first emmy-winning sportscaster. he was honored with awards on 5/19/1968, and again on 5/22/1973. mckay was a student of sociology in school and served in the u.s navy 1943-46, before he joined news service as a commentator and reporter. in august 1950, he joined cbs new york city.
- June 17 Cyd Charisse
Cyd charisse was an american dancer and actress known for her roles in classic hollywood musicals such as singin' in the rain and the band wagon.
- June 22 George Carlin
American comedian who started doing tv variety shows and nightclubs in 1966. his films include "with six, you get eggroll," 1968, and "outrageous fortune," 1987. he also directed "bill and ted's excellent adventure." in 1994, he was inducted into the comedy hall of fame.
- June 22 Dody Goodman
Columbus, ohio -- comedienne mary hartman! max duggan
- July 2 Elizabeth Spriggs
English actress and screenwriter (b. 1929)
- July 4 Evelyn Keyes
Port arthur, texas -- actress (adventure to martin eden).
- July 22 Estelle Getty
Estelle Getty was an American actress best known for her role as Sophia Petrillo on the TV series 'The Golden Girls.'
- Aug. 9 Bernie Mac
American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer (b. 1957)
- 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.
- Sept. 1 Jerry Reed
American country western singer, songwriter and recording artist. he is best known for his hit song "amos moses". in 4/1970, he first appeared on tv's "glenn campbell show". reed also starred in "smokey and the bear" with burt reynolds. he appeared as a guest on "evening shade" in 1994, years later. the pilot for his tv series, "good ol’ boys," …
- Sept. 6 Anita Page
American singer and actress (d. 2008).
- Oct. 15 Edie Adams
American actress and singer (born 1927).
- Oct. 17 Levi Stubbs
American baritone singer (four tops) (born 1936)
- Oct. 26 Delmar Watson
Delmar Watson was a child actor known for his roles in classic films like 'Gone with the Wind'.
- Nov. 4 Michael Crichton
American author, best-selling sci-fi thriller writer. many of his books were made into movies. he was 6'9" tall and a doctor assistant to dr. jonas salk. he had sold more than 300 articles to magazines by the age of 30 and quit medicine when "andromeda strain", 1969 became a huge hit.
- Nov. 10 Miriam Makeba
South african singer and antiapartheid activist (born in 1932).
- Nov. 16 Reg Varney
English screenwriter and actor (d. 2008).
- Dec. 5 Nina Foch
American actress, dutch-born in 1954, she was nominated as best supporting actress in the "executive suite" film. foch became the assistant director for the classic film "diary of anne frank" four years later. foch began her career in 1960 with "spartacus", and she then decided to retire after eight years of service.
- Dec. 12 Van Johnson
American actor. a redhead with a boyish appearance, who starred in 125 films between the '40s & '50s. he arrived in new york at the age of 18, star-struck, with $5 in his pocket. also, he had a straw bag containing all his possessions. his 6'3" height was the highlight of his dancing, and he performed in the chorus in …
- Dec. 24 Harold Pinter
British playwright, screenwriter, and poet. he is one of the most well-known dramatists from the 1960s. pinteraeur(tm), a complex and challenging writer, was noted for his use of understatement. for his 1965 play "the homecoming", he won many awards, including the tony and new york drama criticsaeur (tm) circle awards.
- Dec. 25 Eartha Kitt
Eartha kitt was a renowned pop singer and actress known for her sultry voice and captivating performances, gaining fame for her hit songs and her role as catwoman in the batman television series.
What happened in 2008?
Discover what the world looked like in 2008:
2008 Movies 2008 Songs 2008 Books 2008 Historical Events