Famous people and celebrities who died in 2015

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2015. 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. 1 Donna Douglas
Donna Douglas was an American actress best known for her role as Elly May Clampett in the popular sitcom 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. She was a beloved television star during the 1960s.
Jan. 7 Rod Taylor
Renowned Australian-American actor known for his roles in classic films like 'The Birds' and 'The Time Machine', with a significant Hollywood career spanning several decades.
Jan. 11 Anita Ekberg
Iconic Swedish actress and international sex symbol best known for her memorable fountain scene in Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita', which became a defining moment in cinema history.
Jan. 17 Faten Hamama
Iconic Egyptian actress and film producer who was a leading figure in the golden age of Egyptian cinema, known for her powerful performances and significant cultural impact.
Jan. 29 Colleen McCullough
Acclaimed Australian novelist best known for her international bestseller 'The Thorn Birds', a sweeping family saga that captivated readers worldwide.
Jan. 30 Geraldine McEwan
Renowned Scottish actress known for her roles in television and theater, including Miss Marple adaptations. She was a BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Award winner with a distinguished career spanning several decades.
Feb. 11 Roger Hanin
Prominent French actor and film director known for the popular TV drama 'Navarro' which aired in 1989 and became a significant part of French television history.
Feb. 14 Louis Jourdan
Renowned French actor who starred in numerous Hollywood classics, known for his sophisticated charm and memorable roles in films like 'Gigi' and 'Octopussy'. He was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between European and American cinema during the mid-20th century.
Feb. 16 Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore was an influential American pop singer of the 1960s, best known for her iconic hit songs 'It's My Party' and 'You Don't Own Me', which became anthems of female empowerment.
Feb. 27 Leonard Nimoy
Iconic American actor best known for portraying Spock in the original Star Trek series from 1965-1967. He was a versatile performer who made significant contributions to television, film, and theater throughout his long career.
April 6 James Best
James Best was an American character actor best known for his comedic role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in the popular television series 'The Dukes of Hazzard', which aired from 1979 to 1985. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his five-decade career, including Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'.
June 7 Christopher Lee
Legendary British actor renowned for iconic horror roles in Hammer Films, particularly as Dracula. He was a towering figure in cinema with over 130 screen credits and a career spanning multiple genres. Lee was also known for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars franchises.
June 11 Ron Moody
British actor known for his memorable roles in comedy films, particularly as Fagin in the musical 'Oliver!'
June 23 Dick Van Patten
Versatile American actor who rose to fame with the popular family television series 'Eight is Enough' from 1977-1981. He began his acting career as a child, making his Broadway debut at just seven years old and continued to work in television and commercials throughout his career.
July 10 Omar Sharif
Legendary Egyptian actor known for iconic roles in epic films like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Doctor Zhivago'. He was an internationally renowned screen star and accomplished bridge player with a syndicated column about the game.
July 18 Alex Rocco
American actor known for roles in film and television, including memorable performances in 'The Godfather' and 'The Stunt Man'.
July 31 Roddy Piper
Professional wrestler famous for his iconic WWE performances and legendary feud with Hulk Hogan, known for his charismatic personality and memorable wrestling career.
Aug. 1 Cilla Black
Iconic British singer and television presenter who rose to fame in the 1960s. She was closely associated with the Beatles and Liverpool music scene, becoming a popular entertainer with numerous hit songs and successful TV shows.
Aug. 9 Frank Gifford
Legendary NFL player for the New York Giants and later a prominent ABC sportscaster. He was a Hall of Fame football player who set multiple NFL records and was named MVP in 1956.
Aug. 12 Stephen Lewis
Prominent Canadian diplomat and politician who served as the 14th Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, known for his significant international advocacy work.
Aug. 15 Julian Bond
Prominent civil rights leader and politician who served in the Georgia state legislature and as chairman of the NAACP, working to revitalize the organization and advance social justice.
Aug. 17 Yvonne Craig
Yvonne Craig was an American actress and dancer best known for her iconic role as Batgirl in the 1960s Batman television series, which made her a pop culture icon of the era.
Sept. 6 Martin Milner
American actor best known for his roles in TV series 'Adam-12' and 'Route 66', who had a successful career in television and film during the 1950s and 1960s.
Oct. 17 Danièle Delorme
French actress and film producer, daughter of a noted painter and resistance worker. She was a prominent figure in mid-20th century French cinema, known for her versatile acting and production work.
Oct. 24 Maureen O'Hara
A legendary Irish-American actress known for her vibrant screen presence in classic Hollywood films, particularly in romantic comedies and westerns. She starred in iconic movies like 'The Quiet Man' and 'Miracle on 34th Street', working with directors like John Ford and becoming a symbol of strong, spirited female characters.
Nov. 1 Fred Thompson
Fred Thompson was a prominent American politician, actor, and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee and gained national recognition through his roles in film and television, including the popular TV series 'Law & Order'.
Nov. 15 Saeed Jaffrey
Renowned Indian-English actor who had a significant career in film, television, and theater, bridging Indian and Western cinema.
Nov. 20 Keith Michell
Renowned Australian actor famous for portraying Henry VIII in multiple productions, including the acclaimed TV series 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII'.
Dec. 4 Robert Loggia
Renowned American actor known for memorable roles in films like 'Big', 'Scarface', and 'An Officer and a Gentleman'. He was a versatile performer with a career spanning several decades in film and television.
Dec. 31 Wayne Rogers
Wayne Rogers was an American actor best known for his iconic role as Trapper John McIntyre in the groundbreaking TV series M*A*S*H, which ran from 1972 to 1979. He was a versatile performer who also appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.