Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1987

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 1987. 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

• May 3 Dalida

  Legendary singer and performer who transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries in the music world.

• May 3 Yolande Christina Dalida

  Dies at 54

• May 4 Cathryn Damon

  American actress known for her role as Mary Campbell in the TV series 'Soap', a popular comedy series in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

• May 4 Paul Butterfield

  Influential blues musician and harmonica player who significantly impacted the Chicago blues scene. He died prematurely at 44 from drug-related issues.

• May 4 Dick Hillenius

  Dutch writer/biologist, dies at the age of 59.

• May 6 William Casey

  Duplicate of William J. Casey entry

• May 7 Colin Blakely

  British actor known for notable stage performances in plays like 'Equus' and 'King Lear', originating from Bangor, Northern Ireland.

• May 7 Paul Popham

  Paul Popham was a pioneering AIDS activist who co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York City during the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He was instrumental in raising awareness and providing support for gay men during a critical period of the health crisis. His work at The Advocate and GMHC was crucial in addressing the stigma …

• May 8 Doris Stokes

  Controversial British medium and author famous for her spiritual communication claims and bestselling book 'Voices in My Ear'.

• May 9 Obafemi Awolowo

  Prominent Nigerian nationalist, lawyer, and political leader who played a crucial role in Nigeria's independence movement and served as a key figure in the country's political development.

• May 12 Victor Feldman

  At 53 years old, pianist/drummer dies.

• May 14 Rita Hayworth

  Iconic Hollywood actress and pin-up model who was a major sex symbol during World War II, known for her stunning beauty and memorable film performances.

• May 15 Wynne Gibson

  Actor (night after night, aggie appleby)

• May 15 John Baur

  Museum director, dies at 78

• May 17 Gunnar Myrdal

  Nobel prize winner in economics and sociology from sweden (d. 1987).

• May 18 Wilbur J Cohen

  Wilbur J. Cohen was a pioneering American social scientist who played a crucial role in developing the US Social Security system and expanding the nation's welfare programs.

• May 18 Mahdi Amel

  Lebanese journalist, poet, and academic (b. 1936)

• May 22 Mario Zafred

  Composer dies at 65

• May 23 Karel Albert

  Flemish composer (marieken van nymeghen), dies at age 86.

• May 24 Hermione Ferdinanda Gingold

  Actress (gigi music man), dies aged 89

• May 27 John Howard Northrop

  CHE - American biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1891)

• May 29 Charan Singh

  Prominent Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 5th Prime Minister of India, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during the late 1970s.

• May 29 Alain Vincx

  Belgian stuntman dies in an automobile accident at the age of 40.

• May 30 Frank Carlson

  American politician (governor/representative/senator-republican-kansas), dies at age 94.

• May 31 John Abraham

  Prominent Indian film actor and producer known for his work in Bollywood and action movies.

• May 31 Dorothy Patrick

  Actress (torch song - new orleans, high wall).

• May 31 John Abraham (director)

  Indian film director (born 1937).