Famous people and celebrities who died on January 21
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on January 21. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.
- 1926 Camillo Golgi
MED - Italian physician and pathologist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1843)
- 1937 Marie Prevost
Canadian-american singer and actress (d. 1937).
- 1950 George Orwell
George Orwell was a seminal British writer who profoundly influenced political literature through his dystopian novels critiquing totalitarianism. His works 'Animal Farm' and '1984' remain globally significant commentaries on power, propaganda, and social control.
- 1959 Carl Switzer
Child actor famous for playing Alfalfa in the popular 'Our Gang' comedy film series during the 1930s.
- 1964 Joseph Schildkraut
Actor (cleopatra diary of anne frank), died at 68
- 1965 Geeta Bali
Geeta Bali was a prominent Bollywood actress of the 1950s, known for her versatile acting and charming screen presence. She appeared in numerous successful films before her untimely death at the age of 34.
- 1967 Ann Sheridan
Iconic Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known as the 'Oomph Girl' for her charismatic screen presence. She starred in notable films like 'Angels with Dirty Faces' and 'King's Row', becoming a prominent leading lady during Hollywood's golden era.
- 1984 Jackie Wilson
Legendary R&B and rock 'n' roll singer known for his extraordinary four-octave vocal range and dynamic performances. He was a pivotal figure in transitioning rhythm and blues to soul music and is considered one of the most influential performers of his era.
- 1985 James Beard
Pioneering American culinary expert and cookbook author who significantly influenced modern American cuisine and cooking education. He was a central figure in promoting food culture and professional cooking in the United States during the mid-20th century.
- 1985 Eddie Graham
Eddie Graham was a prominent American professional wrestler and wrestling promoter who significantly influenced the wrestling industry in the mid-20th century.
- 1989 Billy Tipton
Billy Tipton was a pioneering jazz musician who lived as a male performer, challenging gender norms in the mid-20th century music scene. His remarkable story reveals the complex intersections of gender identity, musical talent, and professional recognition in jazz history. Tipton's life was a testament to resilience and artistic passion.
- 1993 Charlie Gehringer
Hall of Fame second baseman who played his entire 19-year MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, known as one of the most consistent and skilled players of his era.
- 1997 Michael Duane
Educationalist dies at the age of 81.
- 1998 Jack Lord
Iconic American television actor best known for starring as Detective Steve McGarrett in the groundbreaking police procedural series 'Hawaii Five-O', which ran for 12 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon.
- 1999 Susan Strasberg
Renowned actress and daughter of acting teacher Lee Strasberg, she made her film debut in 1954 and famously portrayed Anne Frank on stage. Her early career was marked by significant theatrical and film performances.
- 1999 Charles Brown
Charles Brown was a renowned blues pianist and singer known for his smooth, jazz-influenced style. He was a significant figure in the post-war West Coast blues scene and influenced many later musicians.
- 2002 Peggy Lee
Legendary jazz and pop singer known for her distinctive voice and versatile career spanning music, film, and television. She was a Grammy-winning artist celebrated by Duke Ellington as 'the queen' and received an Oscar nomination for her acting.
- 2005 Parveen Babi
Indian actress (born 1955).
- 2008 Kenneth Parnell
Notorious criminal who kidnapped Steven Stayner in 1972, a case that shocked California and became a significant criminal story involving child abduction and long-term trauma.
- 2012 Eiko Ishioka
Eiko Ishioka was a groundbreaking Japanese costume designer who revolutionized visual aesthetics in film and theater. She won an Academy Award for her iconic costume design in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'. Her innovative and avant-garde designs significantly influenced visual storytelling in cinema.
- 2015 Marcus Borg
Prominent American biblical scholar and theologian known for his progressive Christian scholarship and historical Jesus research, challenging traditional interpretations of Christianity.
- 2015 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.
- 2019 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'.
- 2019 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.
- 2019 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.
- 2020 Terry Jones
Renowned British comedian, writer, and medieval historian, best known as a key member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe. He was a multifaceted artist who contributed significantly to comedy, literature, and historical scholarship.
- 2020 Morgan Wootten
Renowned American high school basketball coach who significantly influenced the sport and mentored numerous successful players throughout his career.
- 2022 Louie Anderson
Louie Anderson was an Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, and creator of the animated series 'Life with Louie'. He was known for his observational humor and heartfelt performances.
What Is special about January 21?
Discover what makes January 21 a memorable date