Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2019
This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2019. 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 Pegi Young
Philanthropist and co-founder of the Bridge School, dedicated to supporting children with severe speech and physical impairments.
- Jan. 1 George
Last known achatinella apexfulva (b. )[459]
- Jan. 2 Gene Okerlund
Legendary wrestling announcer and interviewer who became an iconic personality in professional wrestling, particularly during the WWE's golden era.
- Jan. 2 Daryl Dragon
American musician (b. 1942)
- Jan. 3 Herb Kelleher
Legendary American entrepreneur who co-founded Southwest Airlines, revolutionizing low-cost air travel in the United States and transforming the airline industry with an innovative business model.
- Jan. 4 Harold Brown
Harold Brown served as the 14th United States Secretary of Defense from 1977 to 1981 during the Carter administration. He was a key defense policy maker during the Cold War era and played a significant role in strategic arms negotiations.
- Jan. 5 Bernice Sandler
American women's rights activist (b. 1928)
- Jan. 5 Dragoslav Šekularac
Serbian footballer and manager (b. 1937)
- Jan. 6 Lamin Sanneh
Gambian-born american professor (b. 1942)
- Jan. 6 W. Morgan Sheppard
British actor (b. 1932)
- Jan. 6 José Ramón Fernández
Cuban revolution leader (b. 1923)
- Jan. 9 Verna Bloom
Verna Bloom was an accomplished American actress from Lynn, Massachusetts, known for her roles in notable films and television series.
- Jan. 9 Paul Koslo
German-canadian actor (b. 1944)
- Jan. 11 Michael Atiyah
Highly influential mathematician known for groundbreaking work in geometry and topology, recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Fields Medal.
- Jan. 15 Carol Channing
Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles. She was a Tony Award winner famous for her performances in 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
- Jan. 16 John C. Bogle
Founder of The Vanguard Group and pioneer of index investing, who revolutionized the mutual fund industry by creating low-cost index funds for individual investors.
- Jan. 16 Lorna Doom
American musician (b. 1958)
- Jan. 16 Chris Wilson
Australian musician (b. 1956)
- Jan. 17 Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver was a renowned American poet celebrated for her profound and contemplative works exploring nature, humanity, and spirituality. She won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, establishing herself as one of the most significant poets of her generation. Her poetry is characterized by its accessibility, deep reverence for the natural world, and philosophical insights.
- Jan. 21 Kaye Ballard
Versatile American entertainer who rose from burlesque to Broadway and television, known for her comedic talents and starring in the popular TV series 'The Mothers-in-Law'.
- Jan. 21 Emiliano Sala
Emiliano Sala was a promising Argentine professional footballer who tragically died in a plane crash while transferring to Cardiff City, shocking the football world and leading to significant safety discussions.
- Jan. 21 Russell Baker
Russell Baker was a renowned American journalist and humorist who won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1979. He wrote a syndicated humor column for The New York Times for over three decades, becoming a respected voice in American journalism.
- Jan. 21 Harris Wofford
Harris Wofford was an American politician, civil rights activist, and author who played a significant role in advancing social justice and political reform.
- Jan. 23 Oliver Mtukudzi
Zimbabwean afro jazz musician (b. 1952)
- Jan. 23 Aloysius Pang
Singaporean actor (b. 1990)
- Jan. 28 Pepe Smith
Filipino rock musician (b. 1947)
- Jan. 29 James Ingram
Grammy-winning R&B singer and songwriter known for his soulful voice and collaborations with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. He was a prominent figure in the 1980s and 1990s music scene, with hit songs like 'Yah Mo B There' and 'Just Once'.
- Jan. 29 George Fernandes
Prominent Indian politician and journalist who served as Minister of Defence, known for his significant role in Indian politics.
- Jan. 30 Dick Miller
Prolific character actor known for numerous roles in Roger Corman and Joe Dante films, appearing in cult classics like 'Gremlins' and 'The Terminator'.