Famous People Who Died In 2005

Rosa Parks, “the first lady of civil rights,” was a pioneer in the American revolution against color segregation and racism. Her refusal to leave her bus seat to a white passenger gave rise to the iconic Montgomery Bus Boycott, which also led her to work with Martin Luther King Jr.

Considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, Richard Pryor entertained his audience and influenced generations of stand-up comedians with his pointed observations and skilful art of storytelling. He began by performing at clubs and gained immense fame with his third comedy album, That Nigger’s Crazy. He also became an acclaimed actor and an award winning writer.

American actor, voice actor, and comedian, Pat Morita first gained recognition with drama series Happy Days, though it was his inspiring performance as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid film series that really skyrocketed his fame. The Asian-American actor was also known for his TV movie Amos and animated movie Mulan and Mulan II where he voiced the Chinese Emperor.

Six-time Emmy Award-winner Johnny Carson was known for hosting NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. After serving in World War II, Carson started hosting radio shows and then graduated to TV. He also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is said to have inspired David Letterman.

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.

Arthur Miller was an American essayist and playwright. Miller is credited with creating popular plays, such as Death of a Salesman, which is widely regarded as one of the best American plays of the 20th century. Thanks to his illustrious career, which spanned more than 70 years, Arthur Miller is regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest dramatists.

Anne Bancroft was an American actress known for her versatility. Having won an Oscar, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards, she is one of the 24 performers to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting. In 2010, her husband Mel Brooks credited her for being an inspiration behind the development of his musicals Young Frankenstein and The Producers.

Hunter S. Thompson was an American author and journalist. He is credited with creating his own subgenre of New Journalism called the gonzo journalism. The author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which was later adapted into a film, Thompson was famous for his lifelong use of drugs and alcohol. His books have had a major impact on counterculture.

Bob Denver was an American actor renowned for playing comedy roles in popular TV series, such as Gilligan's Island and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Bob Denver became a synonym for Gilligan, thanks to his wonderful portrayal of the comedic character. A humanitarian, Denver played Gilligan in 1992 to benefit the non-profit organization, Make-A-Wish Foundation.

John DeLorean was an American inventor and engineer. Highly regarded for his work at General Motors, John DeLorean was an influential figure in the US automobile industry. He is credited with founding the popular American automobile manufacturer, The DeLorean Motor Company. DeLorean’s life inspired a couple of documentary films, including Framing John DeLorean where he was played by Alec Baldwin.

A courageous political leader, Shirley Chisholm made history when she became the first African-American woman to be elected the United States Congresswoman. Later, she yet again created history when she—though unsuccessfullyVran for Democratic Party's presidential nomination to contest for US presidency. Throughout her career, she advocated racial equality and women empowerment. As an author, she penned two books.

Michael P. Murphy was a US Navy SEAL officer. In 2007, Murphy became the first member of the US Navy to be honored with the prestigious Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. He received the award posthumously for his participation in many War on Terrorism missions in Afghanistan, where he died fighting Taliban forces, at the age of 29.

Canadian-American journalist Peter Jennings is best remembered for his stint on ABC World News Tonight, as its sole anchor. A high-school drop-out, Jennings became one of the U.S.’s Big Three news anchors, along with Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. He was known for his meticulous coverage of breaking news stories.

Canadian actor James Doohan was initially a soldier in the Canadian army and had even sustained injuries in World War II. He later soared to fame with his Saturn Award-nominated role of Montgomery Scott in the Star Trek film and TV franchise. He also voiced the character in various video games.

Vivian Liberto was an American author and homemaker. She started hogging the limelight after marrying singer and actor, Johnny Cas,h with whom she had four daughters, including Rosanne Cash, who went on to become a singer-songwriter. Vivian Liberto’s 2007 book I Walked the Line formed the basis of the documentary movie My Darling Vivian, which was directed by Matt Riddlehoover.

Vincent Schiavelli was an American food writer and actor. Remembered for playing unique characters, Schiavelli was regarded as one of the best character actors in the history of Hollywood. Also a prolific writer, Schiavelli wrote several cookbooks and articles for various publications like Saveur, Gourmet, and the Los Angeles Times. In 2001, he won a James Beard Foundation Journalism Award.

American mathematician and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson went down in history as the first African-American woman to work as a NASA engineer. Initially a math teacher, she later joined NACA under Dorothy Vaughan and contributed to countless American space programs at a time when racial segregation was the norm.

Sir John Mills was an English actor whose career spanned 70 years. During the course of his career, Mills won several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for his portrayal of Michael in the 1970 epic romantic drama film, Ryan's Daughter. In 2002, he was honored by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts with a BAFTA Fellowship.

Born to Polish immigrants, Canadian actor John Vernon made waves in Hollywood with his roles of figures of authority, such as doctors and academics, in films. Known for films such as Animal House and Dirty Harry, he had also lent his voice to many series and video games.

Teresa Wright was an American actress best remembered for her portrayal of Carol Beldon in the 1942 romantic war drama film Mrs. Miniver, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Teresa Wright worked with top directors like Alfred Hitchcock, who admired her professionalism.

One of the first to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Virginia Clara Jones was possibly Warner Brothers' biggest box-office money-maker in late 1940s. Beginning her career with vaudevilles, she quickly signed contracts first with Goldwyn and later with Warner Brothers, giving out numerous hits, including Oscar-winning The Best Years of Our Lives and White Heat.