Famous people and celebrities who died in 2011

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2011. 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. 2 Anne Francis
American actress and model who began her career as a child performer, appearing in Broadway and Hollywood productions. She is best known for her role in the science fiction TV series 'Forbidden Planet' and various films of the 1950s.
Jan. 2 Pete Postlethwaite
Pete Postlethwaite was a renowned British character actor known for powerful performances in films like 'The Usual Suspects', 'Inception', and 'In the Name of the Father'. He was critically acclaimed for his versatile and intense acting style.
Jan. 15 Susannah York
Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in over 60 films, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' and her groundbreaking performance in 'The Killing of Sister George'. She was also a talented author of screenplays and children's books.
Jan. 23 Jack LaLanne
Jack LaLanne was a pioneering fitness guru who revolutionized American health and wellness through television fitness programs and promoting physical exercise. He is widely considered the 'Godfather of Fitness' who inspired millions to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Feb. 3 Maria Schneider
Maria Schneider was a French actress famous for her controversial role in Bernardo Bertolucci's 'Last Tango in Paris' alongside Marlon Brando, which sparked significant debate about artistic boundaries and consent.
Feb. 12 Betty Garrett
Versatile American actress with a remarkable 60-year career in Broadway musicals, film, and television. She worked with MGM and starred alongside notable actors like Jack Lemmon and Frank Sinatra in various productions.
Feb. 12 Kenneth Mars
Kenneth Mars was an accomplished American character actor and comedian known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in films like 'The Producers' and 'Young Frankenstein'. He had a successful career in both film and voice acting, bringing humor and unique characterizations to many beloved productions.
March 17 Michael Gough
Renowned English actor known for his versatile roles in film and television, including appearances in Batman films and numerous stage productions.
March 23 Elizabeth Taylor
Iconic Hollywood actress known for her extraordinary beauty, multiple marriages, and humanitarian work. She was a two-time Academy Award winner and a major film star during the 1950s and 1960s.
March 27 Farley Granger
Farley Granger was a prominent American actor known for his roles in classic films like Alfred Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train' and 'Rope'. He transitioned from theater to Hollywood, becoming a notable figure in mid-20th century cinema with his distinctive dark looks and nuanced performances.
April 9 Sidney Lumet
Renowned American film director, known for critically acclaimed movies like '12 Angry Men', 'Dog Day Afternoon', and 'Network'. He was a significant figure in New Hollywood cinema and received multiple Academy Award nominations.
May 2 Osama Bin Laden
Founder of al-Qaeda, mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a key figure in global terrorism who was killed by US special forces in Pakistan.
May 3 Jackie Cooper
Renowned child actor who was one of the most famous Hollywood performers of the early 1930s. He was the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor at that time. His performances in films like 'Skippy' and 'The Champ' were groundbreaking for child actors.
May 5 Dana Wynter
German-English actress known for her roles in classic films, including the science fiction thriller 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956).
May 17 Edward Hardwicke
English actor known for his roles in film and television, particularly for portraying Dr. Watson alongside Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes.
May 27 Jeff Conaway
American actor known for roles in 'Grease' and 'Taxi', who was also a musician and model in his early career. He appeared in Broadway and film, releasing a vocal album in 1980.
June 3 James Arness
Iconic American actor best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the legendary western television series 'Gunsmoke', which ran for 20 years and became one of the most successful TV shows in history.
June 20 Ryan Dunn
Ryan Dunn was an American actor and stunt performer, best known for his appearances in the MTV show Jackass and its related movies, where he was part of a group of daredevil entertainers who performed outrageous and dangerous stunts.
June 23 Peter Falk
Peter Falk was an iconic American actor best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo in the groundbreaking detective series. His distinctive glass eye and rumpled raincoat made him one of the most recognizable television detectives in history.
July 15 Googie Withers
British actress known for her roles in classic British films, including the wartime drama '1 Our Aircraft is Lost'.
July 22 Linda Christian
Mexican-American actress known for her roles in films like Athena and Battle Zone during the mid-20th century.
July 23 Amy Winehouse
Iconic British singer-songwriter known for her distinctive soul and jazz-influenced music, who tragically died at 27 from alcohol poisoning. Her album 'Back to Black' made her a global sensation and won multiple Grammy Awards. She was a significant cultural figure who influenced modern music despite her personal struggles.
Aug. 3 Bubba Smith
Former NFL defensive end for the Baltimore Colts and popular comedic actor best known for his memorable roles in the 'Police Academy' film series, where he played the gentle giant Hightower.
Sept. 11 Andy Whitfield
Andy Whitfield was a Welsh actor best known for his breakthrough role as Spartacus in the critically acclaimed Starz television series. Tragically, he passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the young age of 39, cutting short a promising acting career.
Oct. 6 Diane Cilento
Australian actress known for her roles in 'The Agony and the Ecstasy' and 'The Wicker Man', who was also briefly married to Sean Connery.
Oct. 15 Betty Driver
Betty Driver was a beloved English actress, singer, and author best known for her long-running role in the television series Coronation Street as Betty Turpin.
Nov. 19 John Neville
Renowned English-Canadian actor with a distinguished career in theater, film, and television.
Nov. 27 Ken Russell
Renowned British film director known for provocative and controversial works. He was a pioneering filmmaker who challenged cinematic norms in the 1960s and 1970s. His most famous films include 'Women in Love' and 'The Devils', which pushed artistic and social boundaries.
Dec. 7 Harry Morgan
Renowned American actor best known for his iconic roles in TV series M*A*S*H and Dragnet, with a career spanning over five decades in film and television.
Dec. 16 Nicol Williamson
Nicol Williamson was a renowned British actor celebrated for his powerful stage performances and memorable film roles, particularly in theater and Arthurian adaptations.