Famous people and celebrities who died in 2012

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2012. 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.

Feb. 29 Davy Jones
Lead singer of The Monkees, a popular 1960s pop rock band known for hit songs like 'I'm a Believer' and their successful TV show.
April 18 Dick Clark
Legendary American television host who revolutionized pop music broadcasting through 'American Bandstand' and pioneered multiple game show formats across national networks. He was a cultural icon who introduced generations to popular music and entertainment. Clark's influence on American media and music culture was profound and long-lasting.
April 19 Levon Helm
Legendary drummer and founding member of The Band, a pioneering rock group known for their influential Americana and roots music. He was a Grammy Award winner and critically acclaimed musician who also appeared in films.
April 28 Patricia Medina
Prominent English actress known for her roles in numerous films during the mid-20th century, particularly in British cinema and Hollywood productions.
June 2 Richard Dawson
Richard Dawson was a charismatic British-American television host and actor, most famous for hosting the popular game show 'Family Feud' from 1976 to 1985. He was known for his witty interactions with contestants and became a beloved television personality.
June 5 Ray Bradbury
Renowned American science fiction and fantasy writer, famous for groundbreaking works like 'Fahrenheit 451' and 'The Martian Chronicles'. He significantly influenced modern speculative fiction and was a pivotal figure in 20th-century literature.
June 11 Ann Rutherford
Ann Rutherford was a Canadian-American actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly as Scarlett O'Hara's sister in 'Gone with the Wind'. She was also a television panelist on the show 'Leave It to the Girls'.
July 3 Andy Griffith
Beloved American actor and comedian best known for his starring role in 'The Andy Griffith Show', a classic sitcom that captured the charm of small-town Southern life.
July 4 Eric Sykes
Renowned British comedian, actor, writer, and director who was a significant figure in British comedy during the mid-20th century, known for his distinctive humor and numerous television and film appearances.
July 8 Ernest Borgnine
Legendary American actor with a remarkable six-decade career, winning an Academy Award for 'Marty' in 1955 and starring in iconic TV series like McHale's Navy and Airwolf. He was nominated for an Emmy at 92, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.
July 15 Celeste Holm
Renowned American actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and was a versatile performer in theater and film. She had a distinguished career spanning Broadway and Hollywood, with notable roles in classic productions like 'Oklahoma!'
July 21 Angharad Rees
Welsh actress and jewellery designer known for her roles in television series like 'Poldark' and her successful career in fashion and design.
July 24 Sherman Hemsley
Sherman Hemsley was a prominent African American actor famous for his iconic role as George Jefferson in the groundbreaking sitcoms 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons', which challenged racial stereotypes in 1970s television.
July 24 Chad Everett
Chad Everett was a prominent American television actor best known for his leading role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the popular medical drama series 'Medical Center' which aired from 1969 to 1976.
July 27 Tony Martin
Renowned American singer and actor known for his work in show business, particularly famous for hit songs like 'Tonight We Love'.
July 31 Gore Vidal
Renowned American writer, novelist, essayist, and playwright known for his sharp social commentary and prolific literary career spanning multiple genres.
Aug. 14 Phyllis Thaxter
Phyllis Thaxter was a notable American actress who appeared in significant Hollywood films during the mid-20th century, including the war film 'Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo' and the superhero movie 'Superman'.
Aug. 16 William Windom
Accomplished American actor known for memorable roles in television series like 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'The Farmer's Daughter', with a career spanning several decades.
Aug. 20 Phyllis Diller
Pioneering American comedian known for her eccentric stage persona, self-deprecating humor, and groundbreaking comedy performances in the 1950s and 1960s. She was a trailblazing female comedian who challenged traditional comedy norms with her unique style and wit.
Aug. 31 Max Bygraves
British cockney comedian and entertainer who was a prominent figure in mid-20th century British entertainment. He was known for his sing-along comedy and frequent performances at Royal Variety Shows. In 1976, he published his autobiography 'I Wanna Tell You a Story'.
Sept. 3 Michael Clarke Duncan
Renowned American actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role in 'The Green Mile', famous for his imposing physique and powerful performances in Hollywood films.
Oct. 10 Alex Karras
Renowned NFL player for the Detroit Lions who later became a successful actor, known for his versatility in sports and entertainment.
Oct. 13 Gary Collins
American television host and actor who won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1984 for hosting 'Hour Magazine'. He had a varied career in television and film, appearing in movies like 'Airport' and hosting several TV series.
Oct. 18 Sylvia Kristel
Dutch actress famous for her iconic role in the 1970s erotic film series 'Emmanuelle', which made her an international sex symbol and pioneered softcore cinema.
Oct. 24 Anita Björk
Renowned Swedish actress known for her powerful performances in mid-20th century cinema, with a significant career in theater and film.
Nov. 6 Clive Dunn
English actor and comedian best known for his role in the popular BBC sitcom 'Dad's Army', where he played the beloved character Lance Corporal Jack Jones.
Nov. 23 Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman was a renowned American actor famous for his iconic roles in TV series 'Dallas' as J.R. Ewing and 'I Dream of Jeannie'. He was a charismatic television star who became a pop culture legend in the 1980s.
Dec. 11 Galina Vishnevskaya
Renowned Russian operatic soprano famous for her powerful performances, particularly in Madama Butterfly. She was a celebrated artist of the Bolshoi Theatre and an internationally recognized classical music icon.
Dec. 24 Jack Klugman
Jack Klugman was a renowned American television actor best known for his iconic roles in 'The Odd Couple' and 'Quincy, M.E.', two highly popular TV series of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Dec. 24 Charles Durning
Acclaimed American character actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including notable performances in 'Dog Day Afternoon' and 'Tootsie'. A World War II veteran who later became a respected Hollywood performer with multiple Emmy and Tony Award nominations.