List of Famous people who died at 56

Toni Cade Bambara, born Miltona Mirkin Cade, was an African-American author, documentary film-maker, social activist and college professor.

Ernest Ralph Tidyman was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his novels featuring the African-American detective John Shaft. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the film version of Shaft with John D.F. Black in 1971.

Johan Jørgen Holst was a Norwegian politician representing Labour, best known for his involvement with the Oslo Accords.

Tuomo Oskari Suomalainen was a Finnish architect. He worked very closely with his brother Timo Suomalainen who also was an architect. Most of the works they designed jointly.

Jean-Pierre Ponnelle was a French opera director, set and costume designer.

Leonid Borisovich Tsypkin was a Soviet writer and medical doctor, best known for his book Summer in Baden-Baden.

Lieutenant-Colonel Guy Patrick Gilbert Crofton, 7th Baron Crofton was an Irish Peer and British Army officer. He was commissioned into the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and served as a Lieutenant-Colonel and Defence Attaché to the British Embassy in Angola.