List of Famous people who died at 56

Wang Hongwen was a Chinese labour activist and politician who spent most of his career in Shanghai. He was an important political figure during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76). He was the youngest member of the political clique called the "Gang of Four." During the Cultural Revolution, Wang rose from a member of the working class to become one of the foremost members of national leadership of the Communist Party of China.

Sam Fletcher was an American singer who recorded in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Jeanne-Irène Biya was the former First Lady of Cameroon and first wife of Paul Biya, who has served as the President of Cameroon since 1982.

Leslie Aspin Jr. was an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1971 to 1993 and as the 18th United States Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1994.

Michele Lupo, was an Italian film director. He directed 23 films between 1962 and 1982. He was born in Corleone, Italy, and died in Rome, Italy.

Karla Runkehl was an East German actress. She appeared in more than forty films from 1950 to 1986.

Frank Butler was an American jazz drummer.