Two prominent figures in the entertainment industry were mourned in January as filmmaker David Lynch and British pop singer Marianne Faithfull passed away.
Lynch, acclaimed for his works such as “Mulholland Drive” and the iconic television series “Twin Peaks,” first made his mark in the 1970s with the unsettling “Eraserhead.” His distinctive style continued to captivate and provoke thought among viewers throughout his career. Meanwhile, Marianne Faithfull, a revered pop icon, played a significant role in shaping the music of her time, co-writing tracks for the Rolling Stones and earning admiration from artists like Beck, Billy Corgan, and PJ Harvey.
The month also saw the loss of several notable individuals, including Olympic figure skater Dick Button, controversial French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen, singer Wayne Osmond, former leader of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards, ex-Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, and aviator Valérie André.
Here’s a list of some influential personalities who departed in January, with notable causes of death mentioned for younger individuals, if known:
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Wayne Osmond, age 73, was part of the famous family band The Osmonds that rose to prominence in the 1970s with hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Down By the Lazy River.” He died on January 1.
David Lodge, at 89, was a celebrated British author known for his sharp wit and keen observations on academia and life, with works like “Small World” and “Nice Work” earning acclaim. He passed on January 1.
Rosita Missoni, aged 93, was the matriarch of the renowned Missoni fashion house, celebrated for bringing vibrant zigzag-patterned knitwear to the forefront of high fashion. She also died on January 1.
James Arthur Ray, 67, was a self-help advocate whose career faced turmoil following a catastrophic sweat lodge event in Arizona that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, marking his passing on January 3.
Costas Simitis, 88, who served as Greece’s prime minister and was instrumental in the nation’s adoption of the euro currency, passed away on January 5.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, at 96, was the controversial founder of France’s far-right National Front, known for his provocative views on immigration and multiculturalism, marking his death on January 7.
Peter Yarrow, 86, was celebrated as part of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, known for their harmonies and activism during the civil rights movement; he passed away on January 7.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon, who reached the age of 104, broke barriers as the first Black woman to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after its desegregation in the 1940s, passing on January 8.
Sam Moore, 89, was the surviving half of the celebrated soul duo Sam & Dave, famed for timeless classics like “Soul Man,” who left us on January 10.
José “Cha Cha” Jiménez, 76, was a significant figure in the civil rights movement, co-founding the Young Lords in Chicago; he passed away on January 10.
David Lynch, aged 78, left behind a legacy of groundbreaking films and television shows, including “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks,” when he passed on January 16.
Bob Uecker, 90, transitioned from a mediocre playing career to a successful broadcasting persona often referred to as “Mr. Baseball,” marking his death on January 16.
Joan Plowright, recognized for her outstanding performances and contributions to theatre alongside her late husband Laurence Olivier, passed away on January 16 at age 95.
Cecile Richards, aged 67, was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and reproductive health, leading Planned Parenthood through significant challenges until her death on January 20.
Mauricio Funes, 65, the former president of El Salvador, spent his later years in Nicaragua to evade criminal prosecutions; he died on January 21.
Valérie André, who reached 102 years of age, made history as the first female general officer in France and was an accomplished aviator, passing away on January 21.
Garth Hudson, 87, was a hallmark member of The Band, known for his innovative musical contributions to classics like “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek,” who left us on January 21.
Richard Williamson, an 84-year-old ultra-traditionalist Catholic bishop, was known for his controversial views, notably his Holocaust denial, and passed away on January 29.
Dick Button, 95, was renowned as one of the greatest figure skaters and a pioneering presence in the sport’s history, before his death on January 30.
Marianne Faithfull, aged 78, was a legendary British pop singer and muse whose songs and resilience impacted generations lasting through her turbulent life; she passed on January 30.
