Every Major Actor who Died in January 2026

The international film community mourned the loss of several distinguished performers throughout January 2026. These actors and actresses contributed to a wide range of cinematic traditions, from the early days of Hollywood genre films to the modern global expansion of South Korean and Japanese media. This list commemorates the lives and careers of those who passed away during the first month of the year, highlighting their most significant roles and enduring contributions to the arts. Their legacies remain preserved through their extensive filmographies and the impact they had on audiences worldwide.

Arno Liiver

Arno Liiver passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 71. The Estonian actor achieved significant fame in his home country for his portrayal of Arno Tali in the film ‘Spring’. He later reprised his well-known character in the sequels ‘Summer’ and ‘Autumn’, becoming a staple of Estonian cinematic history. Throughout his career, he remained a respected figure within the regional film community for these iconic performances. A specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed at the time of his passing.

Sverre Anker Ousdal

Norwegian actor Sverre Anker Ousdal died on January 4, 2026, reaching the age of 81. He was highly regarded for his versatility and appeared in notable films such as ‘Flight of the Eagle’ and ‘The Veil of Twilight’. Ousdal enjoyed a prolific career that spanned both the stage and the screen, earning him numerous accolades in Norway. His work helped bring Nordic dramatic storytelling to a broader international audience over several decades. No official cause of death was released following the news of his passing.

Ahn Sung-ki

Ahn Sung-ki, a towering figure in South Korean cinema, passed away on January 5, 2026, at age 74. Often referred to as “The Nation’s Actor,” his career included celebrated roles in ‘Two Cops’ and the historical epic ‘Hansan: Rising Dragon’. Having started as a child actor in the 1950s, he appeared in more than 160 films throughout his professional life. He was instrumental in the growth of the Korean film industry during the late 20th century. Details regarding the cause of his death were not provided in official statements.

John Cunningham

American actor John Cunningham died on January 6, 2026, at the age of 93. He was a veteran performer whose film credits included roles in ‘Mystic Pizza’ and the Academy Award-winning ‘Dead Poets Society’. Beyond his film work, Cunningham was a frequent presence on Broadway and in various television dramas. His long-standing career was characterized by a consistent dedication to character acting across multiple mediums. He passed away early in the month without a confirmed cause of death being made public.

Saeid Pirdoost

Saeid Pirdoost, the prominent Iranian actor, passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 85. He was recognized for his roles in significant Iranian productions, including ‘The Deer’ and ‘Killing a Traitor’. Pirdoost worked with many of Iran’s most acclaimed directors, contributing to the nation’s rich tradition of dramatic cinema. His career remained active for over fifty years, making him a familiar face to generations of Iranian viewers. Information concerning the specific cause of his death was not available.

T.K. Carter

T. K. Carter passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 69 in the United States. He is fondly remembered by fans for his role as Nauls in the horror classic ‘The Thing’ and for his appearance in ‘Space Jam’. Carter’s career included a diverse range of roles across television sitcoms and major motion pictures. His ability to navigate both comedic and high-tension dramatic roles made him a valued character actor in Hollywood. A cause of death was not specified in the reports following his passing.

Marcus Gilbert

British actor Marcus Gilbert died on January 11, 2026, at the age of 67. He gained international recognition for his performances in big-budget productions such as ‘Rambo III’ and the cult favorite ‘Army of Darkness’. Gilbert’s professional life included extensive work in theater, where he portrayed many classical leading roles. His work across different genres showcased a broad acting range that appealed to global audiences. No cause of death was officially released by his family or representatives.

Catherine Samie

French actress Catherine Samie died on January 12, 2026, reaching the age of 92. She was highly regarded for her performances in ‘Lovers of Paris’ and ‘The Origin of Violence’. Samie was a distinguished member of the Comédie-Française, where she spent a significant portion of her storied career on the stage. Her contributions to French theater and cinema were celebrated with several prestigious honors over the decades. At the time of her death, a specific cause of death was not publicly released.

Donald Douglas

Donald Douglas, the UK-born actor, passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 92. He was known for his roles in the war epic ‘A Bridge Too Far’ and the popular romantic comedy ‘Bridget Jones’. Douglas maintained a prolific presence in British television, appearing in numerous long-running series and dramas. His career spanned more than six decades, during which he became a reliable and respected figure in the industry. He passed away without a public statement regarding the cause of his death.

Bruce Leung Siu-Lung

Bruce Leung, the Hong Kong actor and martial artist, died on January 14, 2026, at age 77. He rose to international prominence with his role in ‘Hapkido’ and later gained a new generation of fans in ‘Kung Fu Hustle’. During the 1970s, he was celebrated as one of the “Three Dragons” of Hong Kong cinema alongside Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. His skill in martial arts choreography and screen performance left a lasting impact on action cinema. The cause of his death was not specified in initial reports.

Igor Zolotovitsky

Russian actor Igor Zolotovitskiy passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 64. He was recognized for his work in films such as ‘Egorka’ and ‘Love’, as well as his extensive contributions to the stage. Beyond his acting career, Zolotovitskiy was a prominent director and held a leadership role at the Moscow Art Theatre School. His influence on the Russian acting community was significant through both his performances and his educational leadership. No specific cause of death was provided following the announcement.

Kōzō Shioya

Japanese voice actor and actor Kōzō Shioya died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 70. He was world-renowned for his vocal contributions to the anime masterpiece ‘Akira’ and the ‘Dragon Ball Z’ franchise, including ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods’. Shioya’s career spanned decades of voice work in anime, video games, and live-action dubbing. His ability to bring life to iconic characters made him a beloved figure in the global animation community. No official cause of death was released following the news of his passing.

Floyd Vivino

American actor and television personality Floyd Vivino passed away on January 22, 2026, at age 74. He appeared in notable films such as ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ and ‘Mr. Wonderful’, often bringing his unique brand of comedy to the screen. Vivino was also a cult figure in the New York metropolitan area for his long-running variety program. His work in both local and national media earned him a dedicated and enduring fan base. The cause of his death was not made public by his family.

Yvonne Lime

Yvonne Lime, an American actress and philanthropist, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 90. She was a recognizable star of 1950s cinema, appearing in cult classics like ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ and ‘High School Hellcats’. After retiring from acting, Lime dedicated her life to humanitarian work and co-founded the organization Childhelp. Her legacy is defined by both her early film career and her decades of service to children in need. A specific cause of death was not reported at the time.

Carlo Cecchi

Italian actor Carlo Cecchi died on January 23, 2026, at the age of 86. He was internationally recognized for his roles in the award-winning film ‘The Red Violin’ and the drama ‘Stealing Beauty’. Cecchi was also a central figure in Italian theater, where he worked as both a leading actor and a respected director. His career was marked by a commitment to bringing complex, intellectual works to life on both stage and screen. Information regarding the cause of his passing has not been disclosed.

Christa Lang

German actress and producer Christa Lang passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 82. She appeared in several significant films, including ‘What’s Up, Doc?’ and the intense drama ‘White Dog’. Lang was a frequent collaborator with her husband, director Samuel Fuller, contributing to many of his most influential projects. Her career spanned the European and American film industries, where she was valued for her artistic insight. No cause of death was announced following her passing toward the end of the month.

Catherine O’Hara

Canadian-American actress and screenwriter Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. She was a celebrated figure in comedy, known for her legendary roles in ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Home Alone’, and the series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. O’Hara’s career was marked by her incredible versatility and her status as a founding member of the SCTV comedy troupe. She received numerous awards, including multiple Emmys, for her unique contributions to television and film. Her death occurred with no specific cause publicly stated.

Demond Wilson

Demond Wilson passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 79 in the United States. He was famously known for his role as Lamont Sanford in the classic sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’, and also appeared in films like ‘The Organization’ and ‘Full Moon High’. In addition to his acting career, Wilson was an author and an ordained minister who dedicated much of his later life to his faith. His presence in 1970s television made him a culturally significant figure for millions of viewers. A cause of death was not released to the public.

Gerardo Taracena

Mexican actor Gerardo Taracena died on January 31, 2026, at the age of 55. He earned international acclaim for his powerful role in the film ‘Apocalypto’ and appeared alongside Denzel Washington in ‘Man on Fire’. Taracena was a prominent figure in the Mexican acting community, with a career that spanned film, theater, and television. He was known for his intense performances and his ability to portray complex characters with great depth. The cause of his death was not specified in the official reports.

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