Famous People Who Died In 1990

Discover the most famous people died who died in the year 1990. This list includes people like Leonard Bernstein, Roald Dahl, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ava Gardner, Lev Yashin and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include political leaders, journalists, poets and novelists who died in 1990. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, Italy & India and many more countries.
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 1 
Roald Dahl
(One of the World's Greatest Authors)
Roald Dahl
82
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 13, 1916
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales
Died: November 23

British writer, Roald Dahl, is considered as one of the greatest children’s authors. He is one of the best-selling authors of all-time and had a career spanning decades. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, The Twits and Matilda are some of his classic works. He also wrote short stories and novels meant for adults.

 2 
Ava Gardner
(Actress)
Ava Gardner
34
Birthdate: December 24, 1922
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Grabtown, North Carolina, United States
Died: January 25

Ava Gardner was one of the top stars of the 1950s. She was also considered one of the leading Hollywood actresses of her time. In 1999, she was ranked 25th in the greatest female screen legends list issued by The American Film Institute. A truly international figure, a statue of Gardner has been erected in Tossa de Mar, Spain.

 3 
Stevie Ray Vaughan
(Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer)
Stevie Ray Vaughan
34
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 3, 1954
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dallas
Died: August 27

Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American musician. Stevie achieved so much in his mainstream career, that spanned only seven years, that he is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists ever and one of the most influential and iconic musicians in the blues music history. He is credited with reviving blues-rock and his work continues to influence several artists.

 4 
Jim Henson
(Puppeteer)
Jim Henson
40
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: September 24, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Greenville, Mississippi, United States
Died: May 16

Jim Henson was an American animator, puppeteer, cartoonist, inventor, actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and composer. He is credited with creating The Muppets, an ensemble cast of puppet characters, for which he achieved worldwide popularity. He is also credited with co-founding Muppets, Inc. in 1958, which eventually became The Jim Henson Company. In 2011, Jim Henson was named a Disney Legend.

 5 
Sammy Davis Jr.
(Singer, Dancer and Actor Known for His Song ‘The Candy Man’)
Sammy Davis Jr.
30
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 8, 1925
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
Died: May 16

Nicknamed “Mister Show Business,” posthumous Grammy-winner Samuel Davis Jr. was a multifaceted performer who excelled in dancing, singing, and acting. From delivering vaudeville performances as a child, Samuel graduated to creating Billboard charters and performing with Frank Sinatra as part of the Rat Pack. Sadly, he died in debt.

 6 
Barbara Stanwyck
(American Actress Known for Her Strong, Realistic Screen Presence and Versatility)
Barbara Stanwyck
18
Birthdate: July 16, 1907
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: January 20

Barbara Stanwyck went on to become one of the greatest actresses of Classical Hollywood cinema after being orphaned at age four. One of the favorite actresses of directors like Cecil B. DeMille, Barbara had become the highest-paid actress in America by 1944. Known for her realistic screen presence, Barbara won several prestigious honorary lifetime awards for her contribution to cinema.

 7 
Greta Garbo
(One of the Greatest Female Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema)
Greta Garbo
44
Birthdate: September 18, 1905
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
Died: April 15

Iconic Swedish-American movie star Greta Garbo is remembered for her melancholic characters. She soared to fame with silent movies such as A Woman of Affairs and talkies such as Mata Hari and Anna Karenina. The three-time Academy Award nominee quit films at 35 and lived a private life.

 8 
Leonard Bernstein
(Composer Whose Best-Known Work is the Broadway Musical 'West Side Story')
Leonard Bernstein
28
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 25, 1918
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lawrence, Massachusetts, United States
Died: October 14

Leonard Bernstein was an American composer, music educator, conductor, pianist, author, and humanitarian. One of the most important cultural personalities of 20th century America, Bernstein influenced many generations of musicians. He is also credited with mentoring famous conductors like John Mauceri, Herbert Blomstedt, Alexander Frey, Marin Alsop, and Edo de Waart among many others.

 9 
Lev Yashin
(One of the Greatest Goalkeeper in the History of Football)
Lev Yashin
27
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 22, 1929
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Died: March 20
Legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin was nicknamed the Black Spider or the Black Panther for his signature all-black attire. He played in four World Cups and later also served as the deputy chairman of the Football Federation of his country. He became the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or.
 10 
Jill Ireland
(Actress and Singer Who Has Appeared in Several Films Director by Her Husband Charles Bronson)
Jill Ireland
15
Birthdate: April 24, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England
Died: May 18

Jill Ireland was an English singer and actress. She is best known for working with her husband Charles Bronson in 15 films. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Ireland started writing books chronicling her fight with cancer. She also started working with the American Cancer Society. Her fight with cancer inspired the movie Reason for Living: The Jill Ireland Story.

 11 
B. F. Skinner
(American psychologist)
B. F. Skinner
15
Birthdate: March 20, 1904
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: August 18

B. F. Skinner was an American behaviorist, psychologist, inventor, author, and social philosopher. Skinner, who taught psychology at Harvard University, is credited with founding a school of thought in psychology called the experimental analysis of behavior. Regarded as a pioneer of modern behaviorism, Skinner was named the 20th century's most influential psychologist, according to a survey conducted in June 2002. 

 12 
Ryan White
(Activist)
Ryan White
20
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: December 6, 1971
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kokomo, Indiana, United States
Died: April 8

Ryan White became an icon for HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980s, when he was not allowed to return to school after an AIDS diagnosis. He was apparently infected with the virus during a blood treatment for haemophilia. His case led to the passage of the Ryan White CARE Act.

 13 
Paulette Goddard
(One of the Most Popular Female Stars of the Early 1940s)
Paulette Goddard
3
Birthdate: June 3, 1910
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: April 23

Paulette Goddard was an American actress best known for playing the female lead in Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times. Goddard, who started her career as a child fashion model, went on to establish herself as a major star in the 1940s. Over the years, she has been depicted in many films by actresses like Diane Lane and Natalie Wilder.

 14 
Alan Hale Jr.
(Actor)
Alan Hale Jr.
13
Birthdate: March 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Died: January 2
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 15 
Rex Harrison
2
Birthdate: March 5, 1908
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Huyton, Knowsley, Merseyside, England
Died: June 2

Rex Harrison was an English actor who won a couple of Tony Awards and an Academy Award in a career spanning 60 years. For his contribution to the film and TV industry, Harrison was honored with a couple of stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1979, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

 16 
Halston
(Fashion Designer)
Halston
14
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: April 23, 1932
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Died: March 26

Designer Halston began his career designing hats for American milliner Lilly Daché. He is primarily remembered for pioneering cashmere, or Ultrasued, in the mid-1970s. Known for his party-loving personality, he popularized the halter dress for women. He was also known for his homosexual relationship with Victor Hugo.

 17 
Eve Arden
(Actress)
Eve Arden
2
Birthdate: April 30, 1908
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Mill Valley, California, USA
Died: November 12
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 18 
Irene Dunne
(One of the Greatest Actresses of Golden Age of Hollywood)
Irene Dunne
6
Birthdate: December 20, 1898
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Died: September 4

Irene Dunne was a prominent actor of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is best known for her comedy roles and was nominated for the Academy Award five times. Some of her best-known films were Theodora Goes Wild and I Remember Mama. A devout Catholic, she received the papal knighthood.

 19 
Aaron Copland
(Composer, Teacher)
Aaron Copland
9
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 14, 1900
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: December 2
 20 
Tom Fogerty
(Singer, Guitarist)
Tom Fogerty
7
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 9, 1941
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Berkeley
Died: September 6
 21 
Susan Oliver
(American Actress and Aviator)
Susan Oliver
4
Birthdate: February 13, 1932
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: May 10

Susan Oliver was an American actress, aviator, and television director. She achieved popularity after appearing in popular TV series like Star Trek. Susan Oliver also achieved fame as an aviator; in 1967, she became only the fourth woman to fly a single-engined airplane solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

 22 
Aldo Gucci
(Businessman, Fashion designer)
Aldo Gucci
7
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: May 26, 1905
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Died: January 19
 23 
Joel McCrea
(Actor)
Joel McCrea
2
Birthdate: November 5, 1905
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: South Pasadena, California, USA
Died: October 20
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 24 
Joan Bennett
(Actress)
Joan Bennett
8
Birthdate: February 27, 1910
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Fort Lee, New Jersey, United States
Died: December 7

Joan Bennett was an American actress best remembered for her femme fatale roles in movies like The Woman in the Window and Man Hunt. Her contribution to the film industry earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, although she also made immense contributions to radio, TV, and theater.

 25 
Vic Tayback
3
Birthdate: January 6, 1930
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: May 25
 26 
Tom Harmon
(American Football Players)
Tom Harmon
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 28, 1919
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rensselaer, Indiana, USA
Died: March 15
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 27 
Del Shannon
(Singer, Singer-songwriter, Songwriter, Guitarist, Musician)
Del Shannon
6
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 30, 1934
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Grand Rapids
Died: February 8
 28 
Armand Hammer
(Business people)
Armand Hammer
7
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: May 21, 1898
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: December 10
 29 
Terry-Thomas
(Actor)
Terry-Thomas
2
Birthdate: July 14, 1911
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, England
Died: January 8
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 30 
Viktor Tsoi
(Soviet Singer-Songwriter and Co-Founder of the Rock Band 'Kino')
Viktor Tsoi
10
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 21, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Died: August 15

Viktor Tsoi, the lead singer of the legendary Russian rock band Kino, broke the hearts of his fans across the world when he died in a tragic car crash at age 28. A symbol of rebellion, Tsoi transformed rock music from an underground movement to a mainstream phenomenon in Russia.

 31 
Curtis Lemay
(General)
Curtis Lemay
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 15, 1906
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Died: October 1
 32 
Capucine
(Model)
Capucine
8
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: January 6, 1928
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Saint-Raphaël, Var, France
Died: March 17
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 33 
Tunku Abdul Rahman
(1st Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Tunku Abdul Rahman
9
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 8, 1903
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Alor Setar, Malaysia
Died: December 6
Tunku Abdul Rahman was a Malaysian statesman who served as the first prime minister of Malaysia from 1957 to 1970. Before becoming the Malaysian prime minister, Tunku played an important role in the independence process that came to an end in 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman is widely regarded as Malaysia's founding father for his role in the formation of Malaysia.
 34 
David Stirling
(Scottish Officer in the British Army Who Founded Special Air Service)
David Stirling
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 15, 1915
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lecropt, Perthshire, Scotland
Died: November 4

Scottish-born British Army officer David Stirling was known for his exploits in World War II, during which he formed and led the British Special Air Service (SAS). Following the war, he focused on combating racism in colonial Africa and even formed a foundation for animal conservation. He was knighted for his achievements.

 35 
Mary Martin
(Actress, Singer)
Mary Martin
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 1, 1913
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Weatherford, Texas, U.S.
Died: November 3
 36 
Don Draper
(Actor)
Don Draper
9
Birthdate: September 25, 1929
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Modesto, California, USA
Died: December 17
 37 
Sarah Vaughan
(Singer)
Sarah Vaughan
8
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 27, 1924
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: April 3
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 38 
Bill Cullen
(Television personality)
Bill Cullen
3
Birthdate: February 18, 1920
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: July 7
 39 
Pearl Bailey
(Actress)
Pearl Bailey
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 29, 1918
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, USA
Died: August 17
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 40 
Gary Merrill
1
Birthdate: August 2, 1915
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Died: March 5
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 41 
Robin Harris
(Comedian)
Robin Harris
6
Birthdate: August 30, 1953
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: March 18
 42 
Hank Gathers
(Basketball player)
Hank Gathers
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 11, 1967
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: March 4
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 43 
Rocky Graziano
(Boxer)
Rocky Graziano
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 1, 1919
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: May 22
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 44 
Gordon Jackson
(Actor)
Gordon Jackson
0
Birthdate: December 19, 1923
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Died: January 15
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 45 
Robert Noyce
(Co-inventor of the integrated circuit)
Robert Noyce
1
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: December 12, 1927
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Burlington
Died: June 3

American engineer Robert Noyce, who co-invented the integrated circuit, later gained the nickname the Mayor of Silicon Valley. The co-founder of Intel and Fairchild Semiconductor, Noyce is also said to have given Silicon Valley its name with his invention that included a silicon microchip. He was also a swimming champion.

 46 
Art Blakey
(Drummer)
Art Blakey
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 11, 1919
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died: October 16
 47 
Elliott Roosevelt
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: September 23, 1910
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: October 27
 48 
Johnnie Ray
(Singer)
Johnnie Ray
5
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 10, 1927
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Dallas, Oregon, USA
Died: February 24
 49 
Xavier Cugat
(Spanish Musician and Bandleader)
Xavier Cugat
8
Birthdate: January 1, 1900
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Died: October 27

Xavier Cugat was a Spanish musician and bandleader. He studied classical violin as a child and began working in silent films to support his family. He grew up to become a successful musician and played a leading role in the spread of Latin music. Besides music, he was also a cartoonist and a restaurateur. He was married five times. 

 50 
Bronko Nagurski
(American Football Player)
Bronko Nagurski
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 3, 1908
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rainy River, Canada
Died: January 7
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)