Every Major Actor who Died in January 2026

January 2026 saw the film world lose several beloved and talented actors and actresses. These performers shaped cinema for generations, from the classic Hollywood era to the rise of South Korean and Japanese films around the globe. This is a tribute to their lives and work, celebrating their most memorable roles and the lasting impact they had on audiences. Their films continue to inspire and entertain people worldwide, ensuring their legacies live on.

Arno Liiver

Estonian actor Arno Liiver died on January 1, 2026, at the age of 71. He became famous for playing Arno Tali in the film ‘Spring’ and continued the role in the sequels ‘Summer’ and ‘Autumn,’ making him a beloved figure in Estonian cinema. He was well-respected in the film community throughout his career for these memorable performances. The cause of his death was not released to the public.

Sverre Anker Ousdal

Sverre Anker Ousdal, a celebrated Norwegian actor known for his roles in films like ‘Flight of the Eagle’ and ‘The Veil of Twilight’, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 81. Throughout his long and successful career on stage and in film, he received many awards in Norway and helped introduce Nordic dramas to audiences around the world. The cause of his death has not been publicly announced.

Ahn Sung-ki

Ahn Sung-ki, a beloved and highly respected actor in South Korea, died on January 5, 2026, at the age of 74. Known affectionately as “The Nation’s Actor,” he starred in many popular films, including ‘Two Cops’ and the historical drama ‘Hansan: Rising Dragon.’ He began his acting career as a child in the 1950s and appeared in over 160 movies throughout his life. He played a significant role in helping the Korean film industry grow during the late 20th century. The details surrounding his death have not been released.

John Cunningham

John Cunningham, a well-known American actor, died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 93. He had a long and successful career in film, appearing in movies like ‘Mystic Pizza’ and ‘Dead Poets Society’ (which won an Academy Award). He also performed regularly on Broadway and in television shows. Known for his dedication to portraying diverse characters, Cunningham passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of the month, and the cause of death has not been released.

Saeid Pirdoost

Saeid Pirdoost, a well-known actor from Iran, died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 85. He was famous for his work in important Iranian films like ‘The Deer’ and ‘Killing a Traitor’. Pirdoost collaborated with many of Iran’s top directors, helping to build the country’s strong history of filmmaking. He acted professionally for more than fifty years, becoming a beloved figure for many Iranians. The cause of his death has not been released.

T.K. Carter

T.K. Carter, known for playing Nauls in the movie ‘The Thing’ and appearing in ‘Space Jam,’ died on January 9, 2026, at age 69. He had a long and varied career in both television and film, and was a respected character actor who could skillfully perform in comedies and dramatic roles. The cause of his death has not been released.

Marcus Gilbert

Marcus Gilbert, a British actor known for roles in films like ‘Rambo III’ and ‘Army of Darkness’, passed away on January 11, 2026, at age 67. He had a long and successful career, including many performances in classic stage plays. Gilbert was a versatile actor who entertained audiences around the world. His family has not publicly shared the cause of his death.

Catherine Samie

Catherine Samie, a celebrated French actress, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 92. She was best known for her roles in films like ‘Lovers of Paris’ and ‘The Origin of Violence.’ Throughout her long and successful career, Samie was a prominent member of the Comédie-Française, dedicating much of her time to the stage. She received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to French theater and cinema. The cause of her death has not been made public.

Donald Douglas

Actor Donald Douglas, who was born in the UK, died on January 14, 2026, at the age of 92. He was well-known for his parts in the films ‘A Bridge Too Far’ and ‘Bridget Jones,’ and had a long and successful career on British television, appearing in many popular shows and dramas. Throughout his six decades in the industry, he became a trusted and admired performer. The cause of his death has not been publicly announced.

Bruce Leung Siu-Lung

Bruce Leung, a Hong Kong actor and martial artist known for his roles in films like ‘Hapkido’ and ‘Kung Fu Hustle’, passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 77. He became an international star and was considered one of Hong Kong cinema’s “Three Dragons” – along with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan – during the 1970s. Leung’s talent for martial arts choreography and his on-screen presence greatly influenced action films. Details about his cause of death were not immediately released.

Igor Zolotovitsky

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Igor Zolotovitskiy on January 14, 2026. He was 64. I always admired his work – he was fantastic in films like ‘Egorka’ and ‘Love’, and he was a true stage actor. I knew he did a lot more than just act, though – he was also a director and a leader at the Moscow Art Theatre School. He really shaped a lot of Russian acting, both through his performances and by teaching others. The news didn’t mention how he passed, which is just really sad all around.

Kōzō Shioya

Kōzō Shioya, a celebrated Japanese voice actor and actor, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 70. He was famous worldwide for his work on the anime classic ‘Akira’ and the popular ‘Dragon Ball Z’ series, including the film ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.’ Throughout his long career, Shioya lent his voice to numerous anime, video games, and dubbed films. He was a much-loved figure in the animation world for his ability to create memorable characters. The cause of his death has not been publicly announced.

Floyd Vivino

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Floyd Vivino. He died on January 22nd, 2026, at the age of 74. I always loved his comedic timing in movies like ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ and ‘Mr. Wonderful’ – he was genuinely funny! And around New York City, he was a total legend for his variety show, which ran for years. He had a really loyal fanbase, and it’s clear he touched a lot of people through his work on TV and in film. His family hasn’t shared what happened, and I respect their privacy.

Yvonne Lime

Yvonne Lime, the American actress and charity worker, died on January 23, 2026, at the age of 90. She became famous in the 1950s for her roles in popular films like ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ and ‘High School Hellcats’. After leaving acting, she devoted her life to helping others, co-founding the organization Childhelp. She will be remembered for both her work in movies and her long-time commitment to children. The cause of her death was not released.

Carlo Cecchi

Carlo Cecchi, the celebrated Italian actor, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 86. He gained international acclaim for his performances in films like ‘The Red Violin’ and ‘Stealing Beauty’. A prominent figure in Italian theatre, Cecchi excelled as both an actor and director, consistently choosing challenging and thought-provoking projects for stage and screen. The details surrounding his death have not been released.

Christa Lang

Christa Lang, a German actress and producer, died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 82. She acted in well-known films like ‘What’s Up, Doc?’ and the powerful drama ‘White Dog’. Lang often worked with her husband, director Samuel Fuller, and played an important role in many of his most famous films. Throughout her career, she contributed her artistic talent to both European and American cinema. Her family has not released a statement regarding the cause of her death.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Canadian-American actress and writer, died on January 30, 2026, at age 71. She was a comedy icon, famous for her roles in films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Home Alone,’ as well as the television series ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ O’Hara was known for her talent and range, and was an original member of the SCTV comedy group. She won many awards, including several Emmys, recognizing her special contributions to TV and film. The cause of her death has not been released.

Demond Wilson

Demond Wilson, best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the hit 1970s sitcom ‘Sanford and Son,’ died on January 30, 2026, at age 79. He also appeared in films such as ‘The Organization’ and ‘Full Moon High.’ Beyond acting, Wilson was an author and a minister, and he devoted much of his life to his religious faith. He became a beloved figure for millions of television viewers. The cause of his death has not been made public.

Gerardo Taracena

Gerardo Taracena, a well-known Mexican actor, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 55. He gained international recognition for his compelling performance in the film ‘Apocalypto’ and also appeared with Denzel Washington in ‘Man on Fire’. Throughout his career in film, theater, and television, Taracena was celebrated for his powerful acting and ability to bring depth to complex characters. Details regarding the cause of his death have not been released.

Please share your thoughts on the legacies of these performers in the comments.

2026-02-06 00:23