Famous people and celebrities who died in 2009

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2009. 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. 13 Patrick McGoohan
Acclaimed actor known for his iconic role in the groundbreaking TV series 'The Prisoner', McGoohan was a versatile performer who won an Emmy for his guest appearance on 'Columbo' and starred in notable films like 'Ice Station Zebra'.
Jan. 16 John Mortimer
Renowned British writer, playwright, and barrister famous for creating the beloved character Rumpole of the Bailey and advocating for civil liberties through his legal and literary work.
Jan. 27 John Updike
Renowned American novelist and literary craftsman, best known for his 'Rabbit' series and Pulitzer Prize-winning works. He was a prolific writer who explored themes of suburban American life with exceptional prose style.
Feb. 6 James Whitmore
Acclaimed American actor renowned for his stage and film performances, including Tony Award-winning portrayals of historical figures like Will Rogers. He starred in significant films such as 'Black Like Me' and 'Give 'Em Hell, Harry'.
Feb. 6 Philip Carey
Decorated American actor and Marine veteran who served in World War II aboard the USS Franklin and later in the Korean War, with a notable career in stage, film, and television.
March 14 Alain Bashung
Renowned French singer, songwriter, and actor who was a significant figure in French contemporary music, known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive musical style.
March 15 Ron Silver
Ron Silver was a prominent American actor, director, and political activist known for his versatile roles in film and television, and his passionate political engagement.
March 18 Natasha Richardson
Acclaimed British actress from a legendary theatrical family, Natasha Richardson was a Tony Award-winning performer known for her powerful stage presence and notable roles in theatre and film. She tragically died in 2009 after a skiing accident, cutting short a promising career that spanned Broadway and international cinema.
April 12 Marilyn Chambers
Iconic adult film actress who was a prominent figure in the pornographic film industry during the 1970s. She starred in notable films like 'Insatiable' and 'Behind the Green Door'.
May 4 Dom DeLuise
Dom DeLuise was a beloved American comedian and actor known for his hilarious performances in comedy films, frequently collaborating with directors Mel Brooks and Burt Reynolds.
May 20 Lucy Gordon
British actress and model who tragically died young, known for her roles in films like 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Serendipity'.
June 3 David Carradine
Iconic American actor known for his roles in martial arts films and television, particularly the series 'Kung Fu'. He came from a famous acting family and had a complex personal and professional life marked by both success and controversy.
June 25 Michael Jackson
Legendary pop icon known as the 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson revolutionized music and dance with his groundbreaking performances and iconic albums like 'Thriller'. He was a member of the Jackson 5 before launching an extraordinary solo career that transformed the music industry.
June 27 Gale Storm
Versatile American actress and singer who rose to fame through popular TV shows in the 1950s, particularly 'My Little Margie' and 'The Gale Storm Show'. She was also a successful recording artist with multiple top ten hits.
June 30 Harve Presnell
American actor and singer known for his powerful baritone voice and notable performances in musical theatre, including memorable roles in film and stage productions.
July 1 Mollie Sugden
Renowned British comedy actress best known for her iconic role as Mrs. Slocombe in the popular sitcom 'Are You Being Served?'
July 4 Brenda Joyce
Brenda Joyce was a prominent American actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her roles in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
July 6 Robert McNamara
Influential American business executive and government official who served as U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War era. He was the first non-family president of Ford Motor Company and later led the World Bank. McNamara played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military and foreign policy during the 1960s.
July 17 Walter Cronkite
Legendary CBS News anchor who was a trusted voice of journalism during pivotal moments in American history, including the Vietnam War and moon landing. Known as 'the most trusted man in America', he significantly influenced public opinion and media reporting. His career spanned several decades and he was instrumental in shaping television news journalism.
Aug. 6 John Hughes
Legendary American film director who defined 1980s teen cinema with iconic movies like 'The Breakfast Club', 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', and 'Sixteen Candles'. His films captured the essence of teenage life and culture.
Aug. 18 Robert Novak
Prominent American political journalist and conservative commentator known for his influential syndicated column and political analysis.
Aug. 26 Dominick Dunne
Renowned American writer and journalist who specialized in covering high-profile criminal cases, transforming personal tragedy into powerful storytelling.
Sept. 14 Patrick Swayze
Iconic American actor and dancer known for his memorable roles in 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost', who became a major Hollywood star in the 1980s and 1990s. He was renowned for his versatility and charismatic screen presence.
Sept. 14 Henry Gibson
American comedian, actor, and poet best known for his appearances on the comedy show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' and numerous film roles.
Oct. 22 Soupy Sales
Soupy Sales was an iconic American comedian who revolutionized television comedy with his zany humor and famous pie-throwing routines, becoming a beloved entertainer of early TV.
Nov. 16 Edward Woodward
Renowned English actor and singer known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater, including the iconic role in 'The Equalizer' TV series.
Dec. 4 Richard Todd
Irish actor known for his roles in classic films like 'Dorian Gray' and 'Yangtze Incident', a notable performer in British cinema during mid-20th century.
Dec. 9 Gene Barry
Gene Barry was a prominent American actor known for his roles in television and film, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in popular TV series like 'Bat Masterson' and 'Burke's Law', establishing himself as a charismatic leading man of his era.
Dec. 17 Jennifer Jones
Acclaimed American actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1943 for her remarkable portrayal of Bernadette in 'The Song of Bernadette'. She was known for her powerful performances in films like 'Love Letters' and 'Duel in the Sun'.
Dec. 20 Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy was a talented American actress known for her versatile roles in comedy and drama films, who tragically died at a young age. She gained widespread recognition for her performances in 'Clueless', '8 Mile', and 'Just Married', becoming a beloved Hollywood personality in the early 2000s.