Famous people who died in 1981

A list of 7 celebrities and other famous people who passed away in the year 1981.

Roughly 43 years have passed since these people died.

This list is ordered by the person's date of death.

IRA member Deceased
Died on May 5, 1981, at the age of 27.
Hunger strike.

Reggae singer Deceased
Died on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36.
Cancer.

Athlete Deceased
Died on Jun 28, 1981, at the age of 22.
Osteosarcoma.

Murder victim Deceased
Died on Jul 27, 1981, at the age of 6.
Abducted from a department store and murdered.

Soccer manager Deceased
Died on Sep 29, 1981, at the age of 68.
Heart attack.

Actor Deceased
Died on Nov 12, 1981, at the age of 63.
Bled to death following a fall at his home.

Actress Deceased
Died on Nov 29, 1981, at the age of 43.
Drowned during a boat trip.

Perspective

A few facts that highlight just how long ago 1981 was:

These celebrities died before TV shows such as "Cagney & Lacey", "Family Ties", "Knight Rider", and "Cheers" started airing on television.
These people did not get to see movies such as "Star Trek 2", "E.T.", "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", or "Friday the 13th Part III".
Celebrities such as Kimberly Wyatt, Danny Tamberelli, Jessica Biel, and Dr Disrespect were not even born yet.
In 1981, celebrities such as John Belushi, Grace Kelly, Dominique Dunne, and Karen Carpenter were still alive.
Television shows such as "WKRP in Cincinnati", "The Incredible Hulk", "Barney Miller", and "M*A*S*H" were still running.

Statistics about the 7 celebrity deaths above.

Men made up the majority of celebrity deaths in 1981. 85% were male, whereas only 14% were female.
14% of the people in this list were either murdered or assassinated.
29% of these celebrities died in accidents.
29% of them passed away due to cancer.
14% of them died from a heart attack.