Discover the most famous people died who died in the year 2013. This list includes people like Nelson Mandela, Paul Walker, Chris Kyle, Margaret Thatcher, Richard Ramirez and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include journalists, political leaders, composers and novelists who died in 2013. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, India & Italy and many more countries.
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1
Nelson Mandela(Anti-Apartheid Activist Who Served as the First President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999)
Birthdate: July 18, 1918
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Mvezo, South Africa
Died: December 5
Revered as the Father of the Nation by the South Africans, Nelson Mandela was a statesman who rose to become the country’s first black head of state. He reconciled a nation divided along racial lines and dismantled the legacy of apartheid.
2
Paul Walker(Best Known for His Role as 'Brian O'Conner' in the 'Fast & Furious' Franchise)
Birthdate: September 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glendale, California, United States
Died: November 30
Actor Paul Walker is remembered for his role as Brian O'Conner in the Fast & Furious franchise. A talented star who made his debut as a child actor, he was known for taking up challenging roles, especially in action films. Besides acting, he had a keen interest in marine biology. He was killed in a tragic car accident in 2013.
3
Chris Kyle(One of the Deadliest Snipers in U.S. Military History)
Birthdate: April 8, 1974
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Odessa, Texas, United States
Died: February 2
A U.S. Navy SEAL sniper, Chris Kyle was the recipient of one Silver Star Medal and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was a respected figure who had performed many acts of heroism. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2009. In an unfortunate turn of events, he was murdered by a former Marine in 2013.
4
James Gandolfini(Best Known for His Role as ‘Tony Soprano’ in the TV Series ‘The Sopranos’)
Birthdate: September 18, 1961
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Westwood, New Jersey, United States
Died: June 19
James Gandolfini was an American actor who achieved the rare feat of being identified more as the character he performed rather than as himself. Years of immaculately performing the role of a powerful crime boss for the TV series, The Sopranos, defined Gandolfini’s legacy forever as a character actor, a legacy he gracefully carried over to the big screen.
5
Cory Monteith(Actor and Musician Known for His Role as ‘Finn Hudson’ in the TV Series ‘Glee’)
Birthdate: May 11, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
Died: July 13
A talented young man whose life was snatched away too soon, Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor, singer, and musician who rose to fame after playing a role in the TV show ‘Glee.’ Despite being a great actor, he had a troubled life involving substance abuse and alcoholism that eventually caused his death at the age of 31.
Birthdate: August 2, 1932
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Leeds, England
Died: December 14
Peter O'Toole was a British actor who became popular as a Shakespearean actor with the English Stage Company and at the Bristol Old Vic. O'Toole, who holds the record for receiving the most number of Oscar nominations for acting without a win, has appeared on several greatest actors list in England and Ireland.
7
Tom Clancy(American Author Best Known for His Novel ‘The Hunt for Red October’)
Birthdate: April 12, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Died: October 1
Tom Clancy is best remembered for his espionage- and war-themed novels, many of which, such as The Hunt for Red October, The Sum of All Fears, and Clear and Present Danger, have been made into hit films. He was also a co-owner of the MLB team Baltimore Orioles.
8
Joan Fontaine(One of the Leading Actresses of the Hollywood During the 'Golden Age')
Birthdate: October 22, 1917
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Died: December 15
Joan Fontaine was a prominent Hollywood actress during the Golden Age. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, she won an Academy Award, becoming the only actor to win the award for a Hitchcock film - Suspicion. Apart from working as an actress, Joan Fontaine was also a licensed pilot, Cordon Bleu-level chef, and well-known interior decorator.
Birthdate: October 13, 1925
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Grantham, Lincolnshire, England
Died: April 8
United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister and also the longest serving Prime Minister in the 20th century, Margaret Thatcher served three consecutive terms in the office from 1979 till 1990. Her political views and leadership approach, known as Thatcherism, got her the nickname of Iron Lady. Though controversial, she prominently ranks high in the list of the best British Prime Ministers.
10
Lee Thompson Young(Best Known for His Role in the TV Series ‘The Famous Jett Jackson’)
Birthdate: February 1, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Died: August 19
An actor remembered for his role in the television series The Famous Jett Jackson, Lee Thompson Young was a popular young star who died too soon. Interested in acting from an early age, he made his debut as a teenager and went on to have a successful career. Sadly, he suffered from depression and died by suicide, at the age of 29.
Birthdate: October 22, 1942
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Utica, New York, United States
Died: April 8
Annette Funicello started performing with the Mickey Mouse Club, as a Mouseketeer, at age 12. She later delivered hit singles such as Tall Paul and Pineapple Princess and also became a successful actor, appearing in Beach Party films such as Bikini Beach. She died of multiple sclerosis at age 70.
12
George Jones(Country Singer Best Known for His Song ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today')
Birthdate: September 12, 1931
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Saratoga, Texas, United States
Died: April 26
George Jones was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Renowned for his distinctive voice and phrasing, George Jones was widely regarded as the greatest living country singer during the last 20 years of his life. Jones is also remembered for staying painstakingly loyal to country music throughout his life. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
Birthdate: January 19, 1923
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, New York
Died: May 31
Jean Stapleton was an American actress best known for her portrayal of Edith Bunker in the popular sitcom, All in the Family, for which she won twoGolden Globe Awards and three Emmy Awards. In 2002, she was inducted into theAmerican Theatre Hall of Fame as well as theTelevision Hall of Fame.
14
Lou Reed(Lead Guitarist, Vocalist & Principal Songwriter of the Rock Band “The Velvet Underground”)
Birthdate: March 2, 1942
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: October 27
Lou Reed redefined the glam rock genre with his album Transformer. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee initially wrote sings for Pickwick Records and performed with the Velvet Underground. He then released 20 solo albums. His parents had made him go through electro-shock therapy to “cure” his bisexuality.
Birthdate: June 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Urbana, Illinois, United States
Died: April 4
Roger Ebert was an American journalist, author, screenwriter, film historian, and film critic. While working as a film critic for the daily newspaper Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, becoming the first film critic to be honored with the prestigious award. He was often described as America's most influential and prominent film critic of all time.
16
Jonathan Winters(Actor and Comedian Known for His Films: ‘It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’ and ‘The Loved One’)
Birthdate: November 11, 1925
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, United States
Died: April 11
Two-time Grammy-winning artist and comedian Jonathan Winters is best remembered for his comedy albums such as Crank(y) Calls. He won an Emmy for playing Gunny Davis in the sitcom Davis Rules and voiced Papa Smurf in The Smurfs franchise. He also wrote a bestselling short-story anthology and held painting exhibitions.
Birthdate: November 16, 1930
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ogidi, Nigeria Protectorate
Died: March 21
Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian poet, novelist, professor, and critic. Often described as Africa's greatest storyteller, Achebe is widely regarded as the father of modern African writing. He was the recipient of several awards and honors, including the Man Booker International Prize 2007. His novel Things Fall Apart is one of the most read books in Africa.
18
Mikhail Kalashnikov(Inventor of 'AK-47' Assault Rifle, PK Machine Gun and 'RPK Light Machine Gun')
Birthdate: November 10, 1919
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kur'ya, Russia
Died: December 23
Russian military leader Mikhail Kalashnikov is remembered for inventing the AK-47 assault rifle, along with other weapons such as the AKM, the AK-74, the PK machine gun, and the RPK light machine gun. He was named the Hero of the Russian Federation and received the Order of Military Merit.
19
James Avery(Film actor)
Birthdate: November 27, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Suffolk, Virginia, U.S.
Died: December 31
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
20
Dennis Farina(Best Known for His Role as ‘Joe Fontana’ in the TV Series ‘Law & Order’)
Birthdate: February 29, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: July 22
Dennis Farina went from being a CPD officer to an actor who is mostly cast in roles of police officers or mobsters. He is best known for his portrayal of Joe Fontana in Law and Order. He has also been part of movies such as Midnight Run and Get Shorty.
Birthdate: July 1, 1939
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Park Ridge, Illinois, United States
Died: August 8
A multifaceted personality, Karen Black was an actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. In the 1970s, she appeared in many major studio and independent films, mostly playing eccentric and unconventional characters. She became known as a figure of New Hollywood. Her career spanned five decades and she continued working until shortly before her death.
22
Tommy Morrison(1993 WBO Heavyweight Champion )
Birthdate: January 2, 1969
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Gravette, Arkansas, United States
Died: September 1
Tommy Morrison was an American boxer who was ranked among the best boxer in the world by BoxRecheld in 1992. He held the WBO heavyweight championship in 1993. In addition to his boxing career, Tommy Morrison also had an acting career; he portrayed Tommy Gunn and appeared alongside Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone in the 1990 sports drama movie Rocky V.
23
Dale Robertson(Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series ‘Tales of Wells Fargo’ and ‘Iron Horse’)
Birthdate: July 14, 1923
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Harrah, Oklahoma, United States
Died: February 27
Dale Robertson was an American actor who achieved popularity in the 1950s, playing important roles in Western films, such as Return of the Texan and The Outcasts of Poker Flat. In 1985, he was honored with a Golden Boot Award for his contribution to Western films and TV series.
24
Ray Manzarek(Keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, an iconic rock band that was prevalent from 1965 until 1973.)
Birthdate: February 12, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: May 20
25
Ed Koch(105th Mayor of New York City)
Birthdate: December 12, 1924
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: February 1
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
26
Reeva Steenkamp(South African Model Who was the First Face of 'Avon' Cosmetics in South Africa)
Birthdate: August 19, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Died: February 14
Reeva Steenkamp was a British-South African model and TV personality. She had a successful career as a model before she was shot dead, at the age of 29, by Paralympic champion, Oscar Pistorius. Her death became international news and she was posthumously named SA Persons of the year along with Anene Booysen by the Daily Maverick in 2013.
27
Mindy McCready(Platinum-selling country music singer who is known for albums like 1996's Ten Thousand Angels)
Birthdate: November 30, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Fort Myers, Florida, United States
Died: February 17
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
28
Esther Williams(American Competitive Swimmer and Actress)
Birthdate: August 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States
Died: June 6
Esther Williams was an American actress, competitive swimmer, and businesswoman. When she couldn't realize her dream of participating in the 1940 Summer Olympics due to the outbreak of the Second World War, Williams went on to establish herself as an actress. She gained national recognition after playing Annette Kellerman in Million Dollar Mermaid and helped popularize swimming in the USA.
Birthdate: November 8, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago
Died: January 11
Aaron Swartz was an internet hacktivist, best remembered for creating the web feed RSS, Markdown, and Creative Commons. He also worked with Reddit and founded Demand Progress, which supports internet freedom. He was later charged with computer fraud after breaking into a system at MIT and eventually died by suicide.
Birthdate: April 15, 1922
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Syria
Died: July 31
Michael Ansara is best remembered as Cochise from the series Broken Arrow and Kane from Buck Rogers. Fans also loved him as Commander Kang in the series Star Trek and as the voice of Mr. Freeze in Batman: The Animated Series TV franchise. He was once married to Barbara Eden.
Birthdate: November 4, 1929
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bangalore
Died: April 21
A child prodigy who was never formally educated, Shakuntala Devi became a mathematical genius earning the title of Human Computer for her exceptional calculating abilities. The Indian genius was also an astrologer and a gifted writer who authored books on maths, astrology, homosexuality in India and a crime thriller novel.
32
Seamus Heaney(Poet, Playwright & Translator Who Received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature)
Birthdate: April 13, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Castledawson, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Died: August 30
Seamus Heaney was an Irish poet, translator, and playwright. One of the most respected poets of his generation, Heaney was honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995. He also won other prestigious awards, such as the Eric Gregory Award. Several years after his death, Seamus Heaney is still considered one of the main contributors to poetry in Ireland.
33
Eileen Brennan(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Captain Doreen Lewis’ in the Film ‘Private Benjamin’)
Birthdate: September 3, 1932
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: July 28
Eileen Brennan was an American actress who was active in Hollywood for six decades. She appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and TV shows. Beginning her career while attending university, she first appeared in stage productions. Eventually, she started acting in films and TV shows as well. She usually played sympathetic, supporting characters. She received one Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
34
Jim Kelly(American Athlete, Martial Artist and Actor)
Birthdate: May 5, 1946
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Paris, Kentucky, United States
Died: June 29
Athlete and martial artist Jim Kelly won hearts with his Afro hairstyle and his roles in action film such as Enter the Dragon and Black Belt Jones. Apart from films, he also excelled in karate, winning contests such as the International Middle Weight Karate Championship. He has also played professional tennis.
35
Jerry Buss(Businessman Known Worldwide as the Former Owner of the 'Los Angeles Lakers' Basketball Franchise)
Birthdate: January 27, 1933
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Died: February 18
Legendary LA Lakers co-owner Jerry Buss lived through a poverty-stricken childhood during the Great Depression. Growing up working odd jobs, he also once quit school to work for the railroads. He grew up to be a chemist and later also taught chemistry, before investing in real estate.
36
Eleanor Parker(American Actress Known for Her Films: ‘Caged’, ‘Detective Story’ and ‘Interrupted Melody’)
Birthdate: June 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cedarville, Ohio, United States
Died: December 9
Eleanor Parker, best known as Baroness Elsa von Schraeder from The Sound of Music, had also delivered Academy Award-nominated performances in the films Caged, Detective Story, and Interrupted Melody. She had also been part of stage productions such as Applause and the Broadway version of All About Eve.
Birthdate: January 6, 1944
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
Died: March 1
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
38
Marcia Joan Wallace(Primarily known for her roles in television situation comedies)
Birthdate: November 1, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Creston, Iowa, United States
Died: October 25
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Birthdate: August 16, 1928
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: August 10
40
J.J. Cale(Guitarist, Singer Known for songs After Midnight, Cocaine, Clyde, and Call Me the Breeze)
Birthdate: December 5, 1938
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Died: July 26
41
Richard Griffiths(Film and Stage Actor Known for His Stage Play ‘The History Boys’)
Birthdate: July 31, 1947
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Thornaby, United Kingdom
Died: March 28
Richard Griffiths was an English actor known for his contribution across all the three major acting mediums. He played important roles in popular movies, such as the Harry Potter film series, Chariots of Fire, Gandhi, The French Lieutenant's Woman, and Hugo. In the 2008 New Year Honours, Richard Griffiths was appointed an OBE for his contributions.
Birthdate: March 5, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Southington, Connecticut, United States
Died: August 15
Lisa Robin Kelly was an American actress best known for playingLaurie Formanin the popular sitcom, That '70s Show. Troubled by legal issues and alcohol addiction throughout her life, Lisa Robin Kelly died atPax Rehab Housein California due to multiple drug intoxication.
43
Stan Musial(Baseball Player)
Birthdate: November 21, 1920
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Donora, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: January 19
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
44
Ken Norton(American Professional Boxer and WBC Heavyweight Champion in 1978)
Birthdate: August 9, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Illinois, United States
Died: September 18
Professional boxer Ken Norton is remembered for his three highly publicized fights with Muhammad Ali, out of which he lost two. Norton was a towering figure in the boxing world and held the WBC heavyweight title in 1978. He was a forward-pressing fighter notable for his unusual stance. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
45
David Frost(Television Host Best Remembered for the show 'Through the Keyhole' and 'That Was the Week That Was')
Birthdate: April 7, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Tenterden, Kent, England
Died: August 31
David Frost was an English media personality, journalist, television host, comedian, and writer. One of the most popular television interviewers of all time, Frost interviewed eight British prime ministers and seven American presidents in office. His interview with Richard Nixon was adapted into a play and film. He also played a key role in the establishment of TV-am in 1983.
Birthdate: October 22, 1919
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kermanshah, Iran
Died: November 17
47
Tom Laughlin(Actor)
Birthdate: August 10, 1931
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Died: December 12
Birthdate: January 29, 1927
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pensacola, Florida, United States
Died: April 6
Don Shirley was an American jazz and classical pianist and composer. He is best remembered for his association with Cadence Records where he recorded many albums during the 1950s and 1960s. Apart from performing in numerous concert tours, Shirley also wrote organ symphonies and piano concerti. Shirley's friendship with his bodyguard Tony Lip was dramatized in the film Green Book.
49
Conrad Bain(Television Actor)
Birthdate: February 4, 1923
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lethbridge, Canada
Died: January 14
Birthdate: November 2, 1929
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: July 12
Amar Bose was an American academic, entrepreneur, sound engineer, and electrical engineer. Bose served as a professor at MIT for more than 45 years. He is also credited with founding a manufacturing company called Bose Corporation where he served as the chairman. In 2008, Amar Bose was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
