Famous people and celebrities who died in 2016

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2016. 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. 6 Silvana Pampanini
Renowned Italian film actress and beauty queen who was a major star in 1950s Italian cinema. She won Miss Italy in 1947 and transitioned from concert singing to become a celebrated actress and sex symbol of her era.
Jan. 6 Pat Harrington
Pat Harrington Jr. was an American actor and screenwriter best known for his role in the popular sitcom 'One Day at a Time'.
Jan. 10 David Bowie
Legendary British rock musician, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon who revolutionized popular music through innovative sound, theatrical performances, and constant reinvention of his artistic persona.
Jan. 14 Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman was a critically acclaimed British actor famous for iconic roles in Harry Potter as Severus Snape and as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. He was also a respected stage actor and director with a distinguished career in theater and film.
Jan. 19 Ettore Scola
Renowned Italian film director and screenwriter who made significant contributions to Italian cinema. He worked as a journalist and scriptwriter before becoming a celebrated director, known for his insightful and satirical films about Italian society.
Jan. 26 Abe Vigoda
Iconic American character actor best known for his memorable roles in 'The Godfather' as Salvatore Tessio and in the TV sitcom 'Barney Miller'. He became a pop culture figure known for his long-lasting career and humorous public persona.
Feb. 28 George Kennedy
George Kennedy was a renowned American actor famous for his versatile character roles in classic films like Cool Hand Luke and The Naked Gun comedy series, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1968.
March 6 Nancy Reagan
First Lady of the United States during Ronald Reagan's presidency, Nancy Reagan was a prominent political and cultural figure who significantly influenced American politics and social discourse. She was known for her advocacy of the 'Just Say No' anti-drug campaign and her unwavering support of her husband's political career. Her memoirs provide insights into her life and experiences in the …
March 9 Robert Horton
American television actor known for his prominent role in 'Wagon Train' from 1957-1961. He studied drama at UCLA and the Strasberg School, overcoming childhood accidents to build a successful acting career.
March 23 Ken Howard
American actor, writer, and musician known for starring in the TV series 'White Shadow' and winning prestigious theater awards including a Tony Award for his supporting role in 'Child's Play'.
March 24 Garry Shandling
Influential American comedian and television pioneer who revolutionized comedy with innovative sitcoms like 'It's Garry Shandling's Show' and 'The Larry Sanders Show', which critically deconstructed the television talk show format.
March 31 Ronnie Corbett
Beloved Scottish comedian famous for 'The Two Ronnies' comedy sketch show, known for his witty humor and distinctive short stature. He was a prominent figure in British comedy during the 1970s and 1980s.
May 1 Madeleine Lebeau
Madeleine Lebeau was a renowned French actress immortalized by her iconic role as Yvonne in the classic film 'Casablanca', one of the most celebrated movies in cinema history.
June 19 Anton Yelchin
Anton Yelchin was a talented Russian-American actor best known for his roles in the Star Trek reboot series and the critically acclaimed film Alpha Dog. Tragically, he died in a freak accident at the young age of 27, cutting short a promising acting career.
June 27 Bud Spencer
Bud Spencer was a famous Italian actor, filmmaker, and former professional swimmer known for his iconic action-comedy movies with Terence Hill. He starred in over 20 films together with Hill, creating a legendary comedy duo in European cinema. His unique physique and comedic timing made him a beloved international star.
July 4 Abbas Kiarostami
Acclaimed Iranian film director known for his innovative and poetic approach to cinema, particularly in the realm of art house and documentary filmmaking.
Aug. 13 Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker was a renowned English actor best known for portraying R2-D2 in the Star Wars film series. He was a key figure in the original Star Wars trilogy and worked closely with George Lucas.
Aug. 14 Fyvush Finkel
Emmy Award-winning character actor known for his roles in television series like 'Picket Fences' and his work in Yiddish theater. A beloved figure in Jewish-American entertainment.
Aug. 29 Gene Wilder
Iconic American actor and comedian known for his brilliant comedic roles in classic films like 'Blazing Saddles', 'Young Frankenstein', and 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'. He was a master of comedic timing and collaborated frequently with Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor.
Sept. 5 Hugh O'Brian
Hugh O'Brian was a prominent American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Wyatt Earp in the popular television series 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' which aired from 1955 to 1961.
Sept. 20 Curtis Hanson
American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'L.A. Confidential' and 'Wonder Boys'.
Nov. 11 Robert Vaughn
Robert Vaughn was a renowned American actor best known for his iconic role as Napoleon Solo in the popular spy television series 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' He was an accomplished actor with a career spanning several decades in film and television.
Nov. 23 Andrew Sachs
German-British actor famous for playing Manuel in the iconic British comedy series 'Fawlty Towers'. He was a versatile radio playwright who wrote over a dozen radio plays and had a significant impact on British entertainment.
Nov. 24 Florence Henderson
Iconic American actress and television star best known for her role as Carol Brady in the groundbreaking family sitcom 'The Brady Bunch'. She was a versatile performer who appeared on Broadway, television, and in various entertainment venues throughout her career.
Nov. 26 Fritz Weaver
Accomplished American stage and screen actor known for his versatile performances in theater, television, and film during the mid-20th century.
Dec. 18 Zsa Zsa Gabor
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a famous Hungarian-American actress, socialite, and celebrity known for her glamorous lifestyle, multiple marriages, and witty personality. She was a prominent Hollywood personality who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career.
Dec. 24 Liz Smith
Renowned American gossip columnist who wrote for major newspapers and published the autobiography 'Natural Blonde' in 2000. She was a prominent entertainment journalist who covered celebrity news for decades.
Dec. 27 Carrie Fisher
Iconic American actress, writer, and mental health advocate best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. She was a talented screenwriter and humorist who openly discussed her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction.
Dec. 28 Debbie Reynolds
Iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Singin' in the Rain'. She was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between film, television, and stage throughout her career. Reynolds was also the mother of actress Carrie Fisher.
Dec. 31 William Christopher
American actor best known for playing Father Mulcahy in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, a role that made him widely recognized in television history.