List of Famous people who died in 2002

Grover Sanders Krantz was an American anthropologist and cryptozoologist; he was one of few scientists not only to research Bigfoot, but also to express his belief in the animal's existence. Throughout his professional career, Krantz authored more than 60 academic articles and 10 books on human evolution, and conducted field research in Europe, China, and Java. He was a member of Mensa and Intertel, high-IQ societies.

David Todd Wilkinson was a world-renowned pioneer in the field of cosmology, specializing in the study of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) left over from the Big Bang.

Ottiero Ottieri (1924–2002) was an Italian sociologist and writer.

Maurice Stevenson Bartlett FRS was an English statistician who made particular contributions to the analysis of data with spatial and temporal patterns. He is also known for his work in the theory of statistical inference and in multivariate analysis.

John Cocke was an American computer scientist recognized for his large contribution to computer architecture and optimizing compiler design. He is considered by many to be "the father of RISC architecture."

William Kenneth Armitage was a British sculptor known for his semi-abstract bronzes.

Curt Gerhard Westphal, stage name Gert Westphal, was a German-Swiss actor, audiobook narrator, recitator and director, one of the best-known audiobook narrators and speakers in German, described as "König der Vorleser" and "der Caruso der Vorleser". After his reading of her husband's works, Katia Mann called him "des Dichters oberster Mund". The literary critic Marcel Reich-Ranicki said he was probably the best reciter of German.

Major Sir Ralph (Hugo) Anstruther, 7th Baronet was a Scottish British Army officer and courtier.

Dave King was an English comedian, actor and vocalist of popular songs. He is remembered for screen roles such as the corrupt policeman 'Parky' in the British gangster film The Long Good Friday (1980) and Clifford Duckworth in the soap opera Coronation Street.