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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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.

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.

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.

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’)

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)

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)

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')

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)

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.

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. 

 11 

Jill Ireland

(Actress and Singer Who Has Appeared in Several Films Director by Her Husband Charles Bronson)

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.

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 

Alan Hale Jr.

(Actor)

Birthdate: March 8, 1921

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA

Died: January 2

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

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.

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 Awardsand an Academy Awardin 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.

Birthdate: November 14, 1900

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Died: December 2

 17 

Irene Dunne

(One of the Greatest Actresses of Golden Age of Hollywood)

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.

 18 

Aldo Gucci

(Businessman, Fashion designer)

Birthdate: May 26, 1905

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Died: January 19

 19 

Eve Arden

(Actress)

Birthdate: April 30, 1908

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Mill Valley, California, USA

Died: November 12

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

 20 

Halston

(Fashion Designer)

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.

 21 

Tom Fogerty

(Singer, Guitarist)

Birthdate: November 9, 1941

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Berkeley

Died: September 6

 22 

Susan Oliver

(American Actress and Aviator)

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.

Birthdate: January 6, 1930

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Died: May 25

 24 

Joel McCrea

(Actor)

Birthdate: November 5, 1905

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: South Pasadena, California, USA

Died: October 20

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

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.

 26 

Del Shannon

(Singer, Singer-songwriter, Songwriter, Guitarist, Musician)

Birthdate: December 30, 1934

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Grand Rapids

Died: February 8

 27 

Tom Harmon

(American Football Players)

Birthdate: September 28, 1919

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Rensselaer, Indiana, USA

Died: March 15

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

Birthdate: July 19, 1952

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Died: January 23

 29 

Terry-Thomas

(Actor)

Birthdate: July 14, 1911

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: London, England

Died: January 8

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

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.

 31 

Capucine

(Model)

Birthdate: January 6, 1928

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Saint-Raphaël, Var, France

Died: March 17

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

Birthdate: December 1, 1913

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Weatherford, Texas, U.S.

Died: November 3

 33 

David Stirling

(Officer)

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.

Birthdate: November 15, 1906

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Died: October 1

 35 

Armand Hammer

(Business people)

Birthdate: May 21, 1898

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Died: December 10

 36 

Sarah Vaughan

(Singer)

Birthdate: March 27, 1924

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

Died: April 3

Height: 5'3" (160 cm)

 37 

Don Draper

(Actor)

Birthdate: September 25, 1929

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Modesto, California, USA

Died: December 17

 38 

Bill Cullen

(Television personality)

Birthdate: February 18, 1920

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Died: July 7

 39 

Hank Gathers

(Basketball player)

Birthdate: February 11, 1967

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Died: March 4

Height: 6'7" (201 cm)

 40 

Pearl Bailey

(Actress)

Birthdate: March 29, 1918

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, USA

Died: August 17

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

 41 

Viktor Tsoi

(Soviet Singer-Songwriter and Co-Founder of the Rock Band 'Kino')

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.

Birthdate: August 2, 1915

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Died: March 5

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

 43 

Robin Harris

(Comedian)

Birthdate: August 30, 1953

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Died: March 18

 44 

Rocky Graziano

(Boxer)

Birthdate: January 1, 1919

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Died: May 22

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

 45 

Gordon Jackson

(Actor)

Birthdate: December 19, 1923

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Died: January 15

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

 46 

Art Blakey

(Drummer)

Birthdate: October 11, 1919

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Died: October 16

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.

 48 

Ian Charleson

(Scottish actor)

Birthdate: August 11, 1949

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland

Died: January 6

Birthdate: September 23, 1910

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States

Died: October 27

 50 

Xavier Cugat

(Spanish Musician and Bandleader)

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.