Famous people and celebrities who died in April 1972

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 1972. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• April 2 Gil Hodges

  Gil Hodges was a legendary Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman and later manager, known for his exceptional hitting skills and significant contribution to baseball history.

• April 2 Toshitsugu Takamatsu

  Japanese martial artist and educator (d. 1972).

• April 2 Franz Halder

  German military, nazi chief of general staff 1938-1942. he was a professional soldier during ww ii and was promoted to major general in 1935. he was quiet and laconic. although he did not like the nazis, he swore loyalty to hitler.

• April 3 Ferde Grofé

  American pianist and composer (b. 1892)

• April 3 Ferde Ferdinand Rudolph von GrofT

  At the age of 80, composer (grand canyon suite) dies.

• April 4 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

  Prominent African American Baptist minister and influential civil rights leader who served in the U.S. Congress, representing Harlem and advocating for racial equality and social justice.

• April 4 Stefan Wolpe

  German-American avant-garde composer known for his innovative modernist music and significant contributions to 20th-century classical music. He was a prominent figure in the experimental music scene and taught at prestigious institutions.

• April 4 John A H J S Bruins Slot

  Editor in chief (illegal)

• April 5 Brian Donlevy

  Prominent American actor of Irish descent known for his roles in classic films, particularly in film noir and western genres during the mid-20th century.

• April 5 Isabel Jewell

  Isabel Jewell was a notable American actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her roles in classic films like 'A Tale of Two Cities' and 'Lost Horizon'. She was a versatile performer who worked across stage, film, and television during Hollywood's golden era.

• April 7 Abeid Karume

  Tanzanian politician, 1st president of zanzibar (b. 1905)

• April 7 "Crazy" Joe Gallo

  Mobster killed at his 43rd birthday party.

• April 12 Henri Potiron

  Composer dies at 89

• April 12 C W Ceram [Kurt Marek]

  German/us writer (first american), is killed at the age of 57.

• April 15 Otto Brenner

  German trade union leader dies at the age of 64.

• April 16 Yasunari Kawabata

  LIT - Japanese novelist and short story writer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1899)

• April 16 Frank O'Connor

  Australian public servant (b. 1894)

• April 19 Adolf Bach

  German philologist/sociologist, dies at age 82.

• April 24 Fernando Amorsolo

  Filipino painter (b. 1892)

• April 25 George Sanders

  Renowned Russian-born American actor who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1950 for his role in 'All About Eve'. Sanders was famous for his sardonic wit and memorable performances in classic Hollywood films, appearing in over 90 movies during his career.

• April 26 Margaret A R Bonds

  Us pianist/composer/arranger, dies at age 59.

• April 27 Kwame Nkrumah

  Kwame Nkrumah was a pivotal African leader who led Ghana to independence in 1957 and became its first president. He was a key figure in the Pan-African movement and advocated for the political and economic liberation of African nations from colonial powers. His political philosophy of African socialism and commitment to continental unity made him one of the most influential …

• April 27 Phil King

  Rock (blue oyster cult), taken in the head at 24 while gambling

• April 30 Gia Scala

  Actress (garment jungle i aim at the stars), dies in 38