Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2012

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 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

Jan. 1 Nay Win Maung
Burmese physician, businessman, and activist (b. 1962)
Jan. 1 Tommy Mont
American football player and coach (b. 1922)
Jan. 2 Gordon Hirabayashi
American-canadian sociologist and academic (b. 1918)
Jan. 2 Silvana Gallardo
American actress and producer (b. 1953)
Jan. 4 Eve Arnold
Pioneering American photographer and photojournalist known for her intimate portraits of celebrities and her work documenting social issues.
Jan. 5 Frederica Sagor Maas
American author, playwright, and screenwriter (b. 1900)
Jan. 5 Isaac Díaz Pardo
Spanish painter and sculptor (b. 1920)
Jan. 6 Bob Holness
South African-born radio and television presenter best known for hosting the popular quiz show Blockbusters in the UK during the 1980s.
Jan. 6 Spike Pola
Australian footballer and soldier (b. 1914)
Jan. 7 Tony Blankley
British-born american child actor, journalist and pundit (b. 1948)
Jan. 8 Alexis Weissenberg
Renowned Bulgarian-French classical pianist and music educator who was celebrated for his exceptional interpretations of Bach and Prokofiev, particularly known for his virtuosic performances.
Jan. 9 László Szekeres
Hungarian physician and academic (b. 1921)
Jan. 10 Gevork Vartanian
Gevork Vartanian was a legendary Soviet intelligence officer who played a crucial role in counterintelligence during the Cold War. He was instrumental in uncovering and neutralizing numerous espionage threats against the Soviet Union.
Jan. 12 Bjørn G. Andersen
Norwegian geologist and academic (b. 1924)
Jan. 12 Glenda Dickerson
American director, choreographer, and educator (b. 1945)
Jan. 12 Charles H. Price II
American businessman and diplomat, united states ambassador to the united kingdom (b. 1931)
Jan. 14 Giampiero Moretti
Renowned Italian race car driver and entrepreneur who founded MOMO, a famous automotive accessories company.
Jan. 14 Rosy Varte
Prominent French actress who made significant contributions to French cinema and television during her career.
Jan. 14 Arfa Karim
Remarkable Pakistani student and computer prodigy who became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional in 2004, tragically passing away at a young age.
Jan. 14 Dan Evins
Founder and CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, a popular American restaurant and retail chain known for its Southern-style cuisine and nostalgic country store atmosphere.
Jan. 15 Manuel Fraga Iribarne
Prominent Spanish politician and diplomat who served in multiple high-level government roles during and after Franco's era. He was a key figure in Spain's political transition and became the president of Galicia. He was known for his significant contributions to Spanish political life.
Jan. 17 Johnny Otis
Influential American R&B musician, bandleader, and record producer known for his significant contributions to rhythm and blues and rock and roll music.
Jan. 17 Julius Meimberg
German soldier and pilot (b. 1917)
Jan. 19 Rudi van Dantzig
Rudi van Dantzig was a renowned Dutch choreographer and ballet dancer who made significant contributions to contemporary dance and artistic expression.
Jan. 20 John Levy
John Levy was a pioneering African American jazz bassist and music manager who played a significant role in promoting jazz musicians during the mid-20th century. He managed notable artists like Cannonball Adderley and George Shearing, helping advance their careers. Levy was also inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
Jan. 20 Etta James
Legendary singer known for her powerful voice and soulful music.
Jan. 21 Eiko Ishioka
Eiko Ishioka was a groundbreaking Japanese costume designer who revolutionized visual aesthetics in film and theater. She won an Academy Award for her iconic costume design in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'. Her innovative and avant-garde designs significantly influenced visual storytelling in cinema.
Jan. 22 Joe Paterno
Legendary Penn State football coach who led the team for 46 years and became one of the most successful coaches in college football history, though later controversial due to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
Jan. 29 Oscar Luigi Scalfaro
Italian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th President of Italy from 1992 to 1999, playing a crucial role during a critical period of political transformation in the country.
Jan. 31 Dorothea Tanning
Renowned surrealist artist who was a pivotal figure in the 20th-century art movement, known for her innovative paintings, sculptures, and writings that challenged traditional artistic boundaries.