Famous people and celebrities who died in April 1981

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 1981. 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 1 Eua Sunthornsanan

  Eua Sunthornsanan was a prominent Thai singer-songwriter and bandleader who significantly influenced the Thai music scene in the mid-20th century.

• April 1 D[ennis] F[eltham] Jones

  At 65, sci-fi author (colossus) dies

• April 3 Juan Trippe

  Pan american world airways was founded by an american businessman (d. 1981).

• April 5 Bob Hite

  Founding member and singer of the blues-rock band Canned Heat, known for his distinctive harmonica playing.

• April 5 Pinchus Kremegne

  French artist (b. 1890)

• April 5 Émile Hanse

  Belgian footballer (b. 1892)

• April 5 Bob "Bear" Hite

  Rocker (canned heat) dies at 36 from a heart attack

• April 5 Cornelis Verolme

  Dutch shipbuilder dies at the age of 80.

• April 7 Norman Taurog

  American director and screenwriter (b. 1899)

• April 7 Kit Lambert

  British record producer and manager (the who), (born 1935).

• April 8 Omar Bradley

  Omar Bradley was a highly respected American general who played a key role in World War II.

• April 10 Howard Thurman

  Influential African American theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader who deeply influenced Martin Luther King Jr. and the non-violent civil rights movement.

• April 11 Caroline Gordon

  American author and critic (b. 1895)

• April 11 Marie Ney

  Dies at 85

• April 12 Joe Louis

  Legendary African American heavyweight boxer who dominated the ring from 1937 to 1949, breaking racial barriers and becoming a national icon. He successfully defended his title 25 times, a record that stood for decades.

• April 12 Hans Chemin-Petit

  Composer dies at 78

• April 12 Joe Louis [Brown bomber]

  At age 66, the us heavyweight champion (1937-1949), dies.

• April 12 Hendrik F Andriessen

  Dutch organist/composer (te deum), dies at age 88.

• April 13 Prince Asaka

  Yasuhiko, japan (born 1887).

• April 15 French Duynstee

  Dutch leader in rights of the states, dies at 67

• April 19 Ernst Levy

  Composer dies at 85

• April 22 Brailsford Reese Brazeal

  Dean (morehouse college), is 76 years old.

• April 23 Josep Pla

  Prominent Catalan writer known for his essays, articles, and novels.

• April 26 Robert Davi

  Robert Davi is a renowned American actor known for his distinctive roles in action movies and crime dramas, particularly as villains and law enforcement characters.

• April 26 Jim Davis (cartoonist)

  Jim Davis is an iconic American cartoonist who created the globally popular comic strip Garfield, featuring the witty, lasagna-loving cat.

• April 26 Madge Evans

  American actress and television personality known for her appearances on panel shows in the mid-20th century.

• April 28 Mickey "Toy Bulldog" Walker

  Welterweight champion (1922-26) dies at age 79.