List of Famous people who died at 61

Heinz-Werner Meyer was a German trade union leader and politician.

Dennis Keith Bowen was an American character actor. His filmography included numerous films, more than one hundred television shows, and over one thousand television commercials during his career. Bowen's film credits included Record City, Van Nuys Blvd., Gas Pump Girls and Caddyshack II. His best-known television roles included the 1970s ABC television series, Welcome Back, Kotter, in which he had a recurring role as Todd Ludlow.

Giovanni Benelli was an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Florence from 1977 until his death. He was made a cardinal in 1977.

YC Liang CBE was a businessman in British Hong Kong. He was an agent in the British Army Aid Group during World War II. He was the father of hydrofoil business between Hong Kong and Macau and a co-founder of Hang Seng Bank.

Colin Gordon was a British actor born in Ceylon.