Famous People Who Died At 54

The list of famous people who died at 54 includes Christopher Columbus, Michael Clarke Duncan, John Ritter, Michael Landon, Benazir Bhutto. Famous personalities featured on this list, include political leaders, emperors & kings, spiritual & religious leaders and actors and from other domains of life. This list of celebrities who died at 54 includes people from United States, United Kingdom, Germany & France and many more countries.
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 1 
Christopher Columbus
212
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 31, 1451
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Genoa, Italy
Died: May 20, 1506

An Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, wanted to discover a direct water route from Europe to Asia. In his four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain, however, what he ended up discovering was not Asia, but America. Though he was not the first one to land in America, his historical journey began what eventually turned into Spanish colonization of America.

 2 
Matthew Perry
(Best Known for His Role of 'Chandler Bing' on the TV Sitcom 'Friends')
Matthew Perry
84
Birthdate: August 19, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States
Died: October 28, 2023

Matthew Perry gained worldwide popularity for playing the character of Chandler Bing on the television sitcom Friends. The sitcom ran from 1994 to 2004 and remains one of the most popular ones till date. He also starred in other television series and a number of films. He had issued with vicodin, methadone, amphetamines and alcohol addiction.

Michael Clarke Duncan
31
Birthdate: December 10, 1957
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: September 3, 2012

Michael Clarke Duncan was one of the most popular actors best known for his portrayal of John Coffey in the fantasy drama film The Green Mile. Apart from acting in films and TV series, he was also featured in several video games, such as SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, and The Suffering: Ties That Bind.

 4 
John Ritter
(American Actor Best Known for His Role as ‘Jack Tripper’ on the ABC Sitcom ‘Three's Company’)
John Ritter
22
Birthdate: September 17, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Burbank, California, United States
Died: September 11, 2003

American actor and comedian, John Ritter is best remembered for playing Jack Tripper in sitcom Three’s Company, a work that earned him both the Golden Globe and Emmy Award. His work in television show Hooperman and animated children's series Clifford the Big Red Dog was also appreciated tremendously. John Ritter has also appeared in numerous films and Broadway productions too.

 5 
Michael Landon
(Actor and Filmmaker)
Michael Landon
18
Birthdate: October 31, 1936
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Forest Hills, New York, United States
Died: July 1, 1991

One of the most popular actors of his generation, Michael Landon appeared on the cover of TV Guide on 22 occasions, the most for an actor and second only to Lucille Ball. Also a singer and director, Landon had a major impact on the film industry, so much so that a community building was named after him following his demise.

 6 
Lisa Marie Presley
(Singer-songwriter & the Only Child of Elvis Presley)
Lisa Marie Presley
43
Birthdate: February 1, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Died: January 12, 2023

The only child of the legendary singer and musician, Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley fought her addiction with drugs during her teens and later launched herself as singer-songwriter with her debut album To Whom It May Concern. It was followed by two more commercially and critically successful albums. Lisa Marie Presley has also earned appreciation for her numerous philanthropic work.

 7 
Elizabeth Báthory
(Hungarian Noblewoman and Serial Killer)
Elizabeth Báthory
110
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: August 7, 1560
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Nyírbátor, Hungary
Died: August 21, 1614
Known as The Blood Countess and Countess Dracula, Elizabeth Báthory was a Hungarian noblewoman who was accused of killing at least 650 young women from 1590 to 1610. She was also accused of cannibalism and bathing in the blood of her victims. She evaded punishment and died in house arrest.
 8 
Peter Sellers
(English Actor and Comedian Known for His Role as ‘Inspector Jacques Clouseau’ in ‘The Pink Panther’ Film Series)
Peter Sellers
12
Birthdate: September 8, 1925
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Portsmouth, England
Died: July 24, 1980
Best known for his Academy Award-nominated roles in Dr. Strangelove and Being There, and as Clouseau from the Pink Panther series, Peter Sellers was admired for his impeccable comic skills. He initially toured around Europe as a drummer and also participated in radio shows such as The Goon Show
 9 
Luther Vandross
49
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 20, 1951
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York City
Died: July 1, 2005

Luther Vandross was an American record producer and singer-songwriter. As a background vocalist, Vandross contributed to the success of several songs recorded by artists like David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Judy Collins. Regarded as a singer with one of the greatest voices in recorded history, Luther Vandross' works have influenced many artists like D'Angelo, Jaheim, Ne-Yo, John Legend, and Usher.

 10 
Robert Palmer
(Snger)
Robert Palmer
10
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 19, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Batley, England
Died: September 26, 2003
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 11 
Charles II
(King of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1660 to 1685)
Charles II
37
Birthdate: May 29, 1630
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: St James's Palace, London, England
Died: February 6, 1685
Charles II, son of King Charles I of England, ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 to 1685. He was initially defeated by Oliver Cromwell and forced to go into exile, but returned to England after Cromwell’s death. He introduced the Clarendon Code and later sided with the Tories.
 12 
John Calvin
(French Theologian, Pastor and Reformer in Geneva During the Protestant Reformation)
John Calvin
7
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 10, 1509
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Noyon, France
Died: May 27, 1564

French theologian, pastor, and reformer John Calvin was a major figure during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He was influential in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he broke from the Roman Catholic Church to embrace Protestantism. As an apologetic writer, he generated much controversy.

 13 
Michael K. Williams
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Omar Little’ in the TV Series ‘The Wire’)
Michael K. Williams
41
Birthdate: November 22, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: September 6, 2021

Known for his supporting roles in films such as The Road, 12 Years a Slave, and When They See Us, Michael K. Williams is a budding talent of Hollywood. Fans adored him as Albert "Chalky" White in Boardwalk Empire. He became a critics’ favorite with his Emmy-winning role in Bessie.

 14 
Raul Julia
(Golden Globe- and Emmy-Winning Puerto Rican Actor)
Raul Julia
18
Birthdate: March 9, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Floral Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Died: October 24, 1994
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 15 
Eliot Ness
(American Prohibition Agent Known for His Efforts to Bring Down Al Capone)
Eliot Ness
12
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: April 19, 1903
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: May 16, 1957
Eliot Ness led the group of American law-enforcement agents known as The Untouchables. He is remembered for enforcing the Prohibition in the U.S. and is considered responsible for bringing crime lord Al Capone to justice. He co-authored the book The Untouchables, which led to many screen adaptations.
 16 
Jill Ireland
(Actress and Singer Who Has Appeared in Several Films Director by Her Husband Charles Bronson)
Jill Ireland
12
Birthdate: April 24, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England
Died: May 18, 1990

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.

 17 
Rudolf Nureyev
(Choreographer & One of the Greatest Male Ballet Dancers of His Generation)
Rudolf Nureyev
17
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: March 17, 1938
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Irkutsk, Russia
Died: January 6, 1993

Born into a Tatar Muslim family, Rudolf Nureyev grew up to gain fans both for his exceptional ballet skills and for his sharp cheek bones. One of the greatest male ballet dancers ever, he gained fame performing with stars such as Margot Fonteynhe. A closeted homosexual, he died of AIDS.

 18 
Paul Gauguin
(French Post-Impressionist Artist)
Paul Gauguin
12
Birthdate: June 7, 1848
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: May 8, 1903
French Post-Impressionist artist, sculptor, and writer Paul Gauguin was a major figure in the Symbolist movement. He had worked as a stockbroker and businessman before gaining fame as an artist. He influenced the French avant-garde and modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and also led the way for Primitivism.
 19 
Victor French
8
Birthdate: December 4, 1934
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Died: June 15, 1989

Victor French was an American actor remembered for playing important roles in television series, such as Carter Country, Highway to Heaven, and Little House on the Prairie. The son of actor and stuntman Ted French, Victor followed in the footsteps of his father and started his career as a stuntman before establishing himself as a successful actor.

 20 
Moctezuma II
(Emperor of Aztec Empire (1502-1520))
Moctezuma II
15
Birthdate: 1466 AD
Birthplace: Tenochtitlan, Mexico
Died: June 29, 1520
 21 
Tony Gwynn
(Baseball Player)
Tony Gwynn
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 9, 1960
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Died: June 16, 2014
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 22 
Tycho Brahe
(16th Century Danish Astronomer Who is Known for His Accurate and Comprehensive Astronomical Observations)
Tycho Brahe
20
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 14, 1546
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Knutstorp Manor, Sweden
Died: October 24, 1601
Danish astronomer and writer Tycho Brahe, an heir to a noble family, was one of the last greatest naked-eye astronomers. According to the Tychonic system of astronomy, the Sun orbited the Earth. His assistant Johannes Kepler used Tycho's astronomical data to form his laws of planetary motion.
 23 
Wilma Rudolph
(The First American Woman to Win Three Gold Medals in a Single Olympic Games)
Wilma Rudolph
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 23, 1940
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Clarksville, Tennessee, United States
Died: November 12, 1994

Sprinter Wilma Rudolph made history by becoming the first American female athlete to win three track and field gold medals in a single Olympic game. As a child, she needed orthopedic shoes to help her walk. The sports icon lost her life to cancer but was immortalized through books and movies.

 24 
The Ultimate Warrior
(Professional Wrestler and Bodybuilder)
The Ultimate Warrior
42
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Crawfordsville, Indiana, United States
Died: April 8, 2014

WWF legend James Hellwig was better known as The Ultimate Warrior and the Dingo Warrior and won the WWF Heavyweight Championship once and the Intercontinental Championship twice. Following his retirement, he became a public speaker. Shortly before his death, he was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame.

 25 
Nell Carter
(Singer)
Nell Carter
12
Birthdate: September 13, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Died: January 23, 2003
Height: 4'11" (150 cm)
 26 
Sridevi
(Indian Actress Cited as the 'First Female Superstar' of Indian Cinema)
Sridevi
26
Birthdate: August 13, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Sivakasi, Madras State, India
Died: February 24, 2018

Sridevi was an Indian film actress who appeared in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam language films. Considered one of the most popular actresses of all time, Sridevi was dubbed the First Female Superstar in India. With several prestigious awards under her belt, she was also regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation.

 27 
James Thomas Patrick Walsh
(Actor)
James Thomas Patrick Walsh
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1943
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: February 27, 1998
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 28 
Sandy Dennis
(Actress)
Sandy Dennis
6
Birthdate: April 27, 1937
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hastings, Nebraska, United States
Died: March 2, 1992
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 29 
Benazir Bhutto
(Former Prime Minister of Pakistan)
Benazir Bhutto
57
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 21, 1953
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Karachi
Died: December 27, 2007

Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as Pakistan's prime minister in two separate terms and became the first woman in a Muslim majority nation to lead a democratic government. She was assassinated, at the age of 54, and after her death has been revered by many as an icon for women's rights.

 30 
Andrei Tarkovsky
(One of the Greatest and Most Influential Filmmakers in Soviet and World Cinema)
Andrei Tarkovsky
8
Birthdate: April 4, 1932
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Zavrazh'ye, Russia
Died: December 29, 1986

Andrei Tarkovsky was a Soviet and Russian writer, theatre director, filmmaker, and film theorist. Renowned for making movies that explored metaphysical and spiritual themes, Tarkovsky is often regarded as one of the most influential and greatest directors in the history of world cinema. The recipient of many prestigious awards, Andrei Tarkovsky's work continues to influence several filmmakers around the world.

 31 
John Graves Simcoe
(British Army General Who Founded the City of Toronto and Abolished Slavery in Canada)
John Graves Simcoe
6
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 25, 1752
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Cotterstock, Oundle, England
Died: October 26, 1806

John Graves Simcoe was a British Army general best remembered for founding York (present-day Toronto, Canada). Simcoe, who served as the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, was responsible for introducing institutions like trial by jury, courts of law, freehold land tenure, and English common law. John Graves Simcoe also played a key role in abolishing slavery in Canada.

 32 
Constantine I
(Former King of Greece (1913 - 1917))
Constantine I
5
Birthdate: August 2, 1868
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Athens, Greece
Died: January 11, 1923
Constantine I reigned as the king of Greece from 1913 to 1917 and again from 1920 to 1922. He led the Greek army during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913. The National Schism was a result of his disagreement with Eleftherios Venizelos on whether Greece should join World War I.
 33 
Vinnie Paul
(Former Musician best known for being the drummer and co-founder of the heavy metal band Pantera)
Vinnie Paul
8
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 11, 1964
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Abilene, Texas, United States
Died: June 22, 2018
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 34 
Ed Wood
(Actor)
Ed Wood
3
Birthdate: October 10, 1924
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
Died: December 10, 1978
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 35 
Lynne Thigpen
(Actress)
Lynne Thigpen
8
Birthdate: December 22, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, United States
Died: March 12, 2003
 36 
Seve Ballesteros
(Spanish Professional Golfer)
Seve Ballesteros
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pedreña, Cantabria, Spain
Died: May 7, 2011
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 37 
Teena Marie
(Singer-songwriter, Record producer)
Teena Marie
6
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 5, 1956
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
Died: December 26, 2010
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
 38 
Roy Kinnear
(British Character Actor)
Roy Kinnear
5
Birthdate: January 8, 1934
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Died: September 20, 1988

Roy Kinnear was a British actor known for playing important roles in Richard Lester's films, such as Help!, How I Won the War, and The Three Musketeers. Kinnear died in an accident while filming the 1989 sequel of The Three Musketeers. In 1994, the 'Roy Kinnear Trust' was founded in his honor. The foundation aims at helping differently-abled young adults.

 39 
Thomas Kinkade
9
Birthdate: January 19, 1958
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Sacramento, California, United States
Died: April 6, 2012

Painter Thomas Kinkade is remembered for his realistic and idyllic themes. He gained fame by selling printed copies of his art through the Thomas Kinkade Company. He called himself the "Painter of Light” and copyrighted the phrase, too. The movie Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage was based on his life.

 40 
Anthony Minghella
(Screenwriter, Playwright, Film director, Film producer, Writer)
Anthony Minghella
3
Birthdate: January 6, 1954
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ryde
Died: March 18, 2008
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 41 
Mark Fidrych
(Baseball player)
Mark Fidrych
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 14, 1954
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Died: April 13, 2009
 42 
Brion James
(Actor)
Brion James
0
Birthdate: February 20, 1945
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Redlands, California, USA
Died: August 7, 1999
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 43 
Lynn Shelton
(Film director)
Lynn Shelton
2
Birthdate: August 27, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Oberlin, Ohio, U.S.
Died: May 16, 2020
 44 
John C. Breckinridge
(14th Vice President of the United States (1857 - 1861))
John C. Breckinridge
17
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: January 16, 1821
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Died: May 17, 1875

From being the youngest vice-president of the United States to joining the Confederate Army during the American civil war, John Breckinridge was a controversial figure in politics. While he was regarded as a shrewd military commander, the former Democratic Congressman was considered a traitor in the northern region. He fled the US after the Civil War but later on returned.

 45 
Bibi Besch
(Best Known for Her Role in the Film ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’)
Bibi Besch
5
Birthdate: February 1, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Died: September 7, 1996

Bibi Besch was an Austrian-American actress best known for her role in the science fiction film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The daughter of an actress, she chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Making her debut in the mid-1950s, she remained active in the entertainment industry until her death. Her daughter is also an actress.

 46 
Kate Chopin
(Author)
Kate Chopin
4
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 8, 1850
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: St. Louis
Died: August 22, 1904
 47 
Vitellius
(Roman emperor)
Vitellius
6
Birthdate: September 24, 0015
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Died: December 20, 0069
 48 
Paul Ritter
10
Birthdate: December 20, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kent, England
Died: April 5, 2021
 49 
Gerda Wegener
(Danish Illustrator, Painter and Partner of Transgender Woman Lili Elbe)
Gerda Wegener
5
Birthdate: March 15, 1886
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hammelev, Denmark
Died: July 28, 1940

Gerda Wegener was a Danish painter and illustrator. She began painting as a young girl and received her training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As a painter, she often depicted confident and elegant women performing a variety of activities in her works. She also painted fashion illustrations and what was labeled “lesbian erotica.” 

 50 
Jean-Baptiste Lully
(French Composer, Instrumentalist, and Dancer)
Jean-Baptiste Lully
3
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 28, 1632
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Florence, Italy
Died: March 22, 1687

Born to Italian parents, Jean-Baptiste Lully grew up to be a legendary composer who ruled the French courts. He started his journey as a violinist in Louis XIV’s band and later came to be known for his tragic operas. He had also apparently invented the French overture.