Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2015

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2015. 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 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. 1 Mario Cuomo

  Prominent American politician who served as Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994, known for his powerful oratory and progressive Democratic leadership.

• Jan. 3 Edward Brooke

  First African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction, serving as Massachusetts Attorney General and breaking significant racial barriers in American politics.

• Jan. 4 Stuart Scott

  A groundbreaking ESPN sports broadcaster who transformed sports commentary with his unique, energetic style and memorable catchphrases. Scott was particularly known for his innovative approach to reporting and his significant impact on sports media.

• 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. 7 Georges Wolinski

  Renowned French-Tunisian cartoonist and satirical journalist, tragically killed in the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in 2015. He was a prominent figure in French media and political satire.

• Jan. 9 Abdul Rahman Ya'kub

  Malaysian lawyer and politician who served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1970 to 1981, playing a significant role in the state's political development during a crucial period of Malaysian history.

• Jan. 9 Roy Tarpley

  Professional basketball player who played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his talent but struggled with substance abuse issues that impacted his career.

• Jan. 10 Taylor Negron

  American comedian, actor, and artist known for comedic roles in films like 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' and 'The Last Boyscout'.

• Jan. 10 Robert Stone

  Renowned American novelist and short story writer who made significant contributions to contemporary literature during the late 20th century.

• 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. 12 Elena Obraztsova

  Renowned Russian soprano and actress, celebrated for her exceptional operatic performances and significant contributions to classical music during the 20th century.

• Jan. 15 Kim Fowley

  Influential American record producer and music impresario known for his eccentric personality and significant contributions to rock music, particularly for managing the pioneering all-female rock band The Runaways.

• 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. 18 Tony Verna

  Pioneering American television director and producer who invented instant replay, revolutionizing sports broadcasting and television technology.

• Jan. 21 Marcus Borg

  Prominent American biblical scholar and theologian known for his progressive Christian scholarship and historical Jesus research, challenging traditional interpretations of Christianity.

• Jan. 21 Leon Brittan

  Leon Brittan was a prominent British politician and lawyer who served as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, playing a significant role in UK government.

• Jan. 23 Ernie Banks

  Legendary baseball player known as 'Mr. Cub' who played his entire career with the Chicago Cubs, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and considered one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history.

• Jan. 25 Richard McBrien

  Prominent Catholic priest, theologian, and professor at the University of Notre Dame who was a leading progressive voice in American Catholic scholarship and public discourse.

• Jan. 27 Charles Townes

  Charles Townes was a pioneering American physicist who revolutionized quantum electronics and played a crucial role in the development of the laser. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964 for his groundbreaking work, which had profound implications for scientific research and technological innovation.

• Jan. 28 Yves Chauvin

  CHE - French chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1930)

• 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.

• Jan. 30 Carl Djerassi

  Renowned scientist and inventor who played a pivotal role in developing the first oral contraceptive pill, revolutionizing reproductive health and women's rights globally.

• Jan. 31 Lizabeth Scott

  Prominent Hollywood film noir actress known for her roles in classic movies like 'Dark City' and 'Desert Fury' during the 1940s and 1950s. She was a distinctive femme fatale figure in American cinema.

• Jan. 31 Udo Lattek

  Legendary German football manager who coached Bayern Munich and the German national team, winning multiple European and domestic titles.

• Jan. 31 Richard von Weizsäcker

  German politician who served as the 6th President of Germany from 1984 to 1994, known for his significant role in German reunification and reconciliation.