Famous people and celebrities who died in March 2016
This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in March 2016. 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
- March 3 Martin Crowe
Renowned New Zealand cricket player and sports commentator who was considered one of the most talented batsmen of his generation.
- March 4 Bud Collins
Legendary tennis journalist and broadcaster who significantly shaped tennis media coverage for over five decades.
- March 5 Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Nikolaus Harnoncourt was a renowned Austrian conductor and cellist who revolutionized the performance of early music. He was a leading figure in the historically informed performance movement, bringing new insights to Baroque and Classical repertoire. His interpretations profoundly influenced classical music performance practices.
- March 5 Ray Tomlinson
Legendary computer programmer who invented email and chose the '@' symbol for email addresses, fundamentally transforming global communication.
- 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 8 George Martin
George martin is a renowned novelist best known for his epic fantasy series, a song of ice and fire, which was adapted into the popular television series game of thrones.
- 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 9 Clyde Lovellette
Clyde Lovellette was a prominent NBA player who won multiple championships with the Minneapolis Lakers and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a key figure in professional basketball during the 1950s and early 1960s.
- March 10 Jovito Salonga
Prominent Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 14th President of the Senate of the Philippines, playing a significant role in the country's democratic transition.
- March 10 Ken Adam
Renowned German-born British production designer who significantly influenced film art direction, particularly in James Bond and Stanley Kubrick films.
- March 11 Iolanda Balaș
Legendary Romanian high jumper who dominated women's high jump in the 1960s, setting multiple world records and winning Olympic gold medals. She was a pioneering athlete who significantly advanced women's track and field.
- March 12 Lloyd Shapley
Renowned mathematician and economist who won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in game theory and the Shapley value. He was a key figure in developing mathematical approaches to economic decision-making and strategic interactions.
- March 15 Sylvia Anderson
English voice actress and television and film producer (b. 1927)
- March 17 Meir Dagan
Meir Dagan was a highly influential Israeli intelligence officer who served as Mossad director from 2002 to 2011, known for his strategic approach to national security.
- March 21 Andrew Grove
Legendary Hungarian-American engineer who transformed Intel into a global technology powerhouse. A pivotal figure in Silicon Valley's development, Grove played a crucial role in the personal computer revolution. He was a respected business leader, author, and mentor to many tech entrepreneurs.
- March 22 Phife Dawg
Phife Dawg was a legendary rapper and founding member of the influential hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, known for his innovative and socially conscious music.
- March 22 Rob Ford
Controversial former mayor of Toronto, known for his tumultuous political career and public struggles with substance abuse.
- 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 24 Johan Cruyff
Revolutionary Dutch soccer player and coach who transformed modern football through 'Total Soccer' philosophy. He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax Amsterdam and was a pivotal figure in Dutch national team's golden era. His innovative playing and tactical approach influenced generations of footballers worldwide.
- March 26 Jim Harrison
Jim Harrison was a renowned American novelist, poet, and essayist known for his profound literary works exploring themes of nature, wilderness, and human experience. He authored numerous critically acclaimed books including 'Legends of the Fall' and was considered a significant voice in contemporary American literature.
- March 27 Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica was a prominent American Catholic nun who founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), revolutionizing religious broadcasting worldwide and becoming a significant media influencer in Catholic communication.
- March 29 Patty Duke
Oscar-winning actress who overcame significant personal challenges, including childhood abuse and mental health struggles. She was a pioneering child actress and later an advocate for mental health awareness.
- 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.
- March 31 Imre Kertész
Imre Kertész was a renowned Hungarian novelist, Holocaust survivor, and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate who wrote extensively about his experiences during World War II and the Holocaust.
- March 31 Hans-Dietrich Genscher
Hans-Dietrich Genscher was a prominent German politician who served as Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister, playing a crucial role in German politics during the Cold War and reunification era.
- March 31 Zaha Hadid
Pioneering Iraqi-British architect who was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Her innovative and futuristic designs revolutionized modern architecture, making her one of the most influential architects of the 21st century.