Famous people and celebrities who died in February 2012
This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in February 2012. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world
- Feb. 1 Don Cornelius
Iconic African American television host and producer who created 'Soul Train', a groundbreaking music and dance show that significantly influenced black popular culture.
- Feb. 1 Wisława Szymborska
LIT - Polish poet and translator, nobel prize laureate (b. 1923)
- Feb. 2 George Esper
American journalist and academic (b. 1932)
- Feb. 2 Frederick William Danker
American lexicographer and scholar (b. 1920)
- Feb. 2 Joyce Barkhouse
Canadian author (b. 1913)
- Feb. 3 Toh Chin Chye
Prominent Singaporean politician who served as the first deputy prime minister of Singapore, playing a significant role in the country's early political development.
- Feb. 3 Ben Gazzara
Acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films like 'Anatomy of a Murder' and television series 'Run for Your Life'.
- Feb. 4 Florence Green
Florence Green was the last surviving veteran of World War I, serving in the Royal Air Force Women's Royal Air Force during the conflict. She lived an extraordinary life spanning over 110 years.
- Feb. 4 István Csurka
Hungarian journalist, author, and right-wing politician known for his controversial nationalist views and significant role in post-communist Hungarian politics.
- Feb. 5 Jo Zwaan
Dutch sprinter (b. 1922)
- Feb. 6 Antoni Tàpies
Renowned Spanish painter and sculptor who was a key figure in the abstract art movement, particularly in Catalonia. He was known for his innovative mixed media works that often incorporated unconventional materials like sand, marble dust, and found objects.
- Feb. 6 Janice Voss
Accomplished NASA astronaut who flew on five Space Shuttle missions, contributing significantly to space exploration and scientific research.
- Feb. 6 David Rosenhan
American psychologist and academic (b. 1929)
- Feb. 7 Harry Keough
American soccer player and coach (b. 1927)
- Feb. 8 Wando
Brazilian singer-songwriter (b. 1945)[379]
- Feb. 10 Jeffrey Zaslow
American journalist and author (b. 1958)
- Feb. 11 Whitney Houston
Iconic American singer who passed away in 2012, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Her powerful voice and emotional performances made her a global superstar.
- Feb. 11 Aharon Davidi
Israeli general (b. 1927)
- Feb. 12 David Kelly
David Kelly was a beloved Irish character actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater, known for his versatile and often comedic roles.
- Feb. 14 Dory Previn
A versatile artist known for her songwriting and personal musical narratives. She was an Oscar-nominated lyricist who created deeply introspective and autobiographical albums that explored her personal experiences.
- Feb. 15 Cyril Domb
Theoretical physicist known for his contributions to the field of condensed matter physics.
- Feb. 16 Anthony Shadid
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist renowned for his exceptional and nuanced reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts. His work was highly respected for its depth and humanity.
- Feb. 17 Robert Carr
British Conservative politician who served as Home Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons during the 1970s, playing a significant role in UK politics during a transformative period.
- Feb. 17 Ulric Neisser
Ulric Neisser was a pioneering German-American psychologist known as the 'father of cognitive psychology' who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding human perception and memory.
- Feb. 22 Marie Colvin
Renowned American war correspondent known for her courageous reporting from conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. She was killed while covering the Syrian Civil War in Homs, becoming a symbol of journalistic bravery and dedication.
- Feb. 22 Frank Carson
Beloved Northern Irish comedian known for his distinctive comedic style, infectious laugh, and famous catchphrase 'That's the way I tell 'em'.
- Feb. 22 Sukhbir
Indian author and poet (b. 1925)
- Feb. 24 Oliver Wrong
English nephrologist and academic (b. 1925)
- Feb. 26 Richard Carpenter
Richard Carpenter was a renowned American musician and half of the iconic Carpenters duo with his sister Karen. They were one of the most successful pop music acts of the 1970s, known for their distinctive soft rock and pop sound. Their hits like 'Close to You' and 'We've Only Just Begun' became timeless classics.
- 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.