Famous people and celebrities who died in April 1988

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 1988. 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

  • Marius W Holtrop
    April 1 Marius W Holtrop

    At 85 years old, economist/president (netherlands bank) dies.

  • Milton Caniff
    April 3 Milton Caniff

    Renowned American comic strip artist famous for creating 'Terry and the Pirates' and 'Steve Canyon', who significantly influenced the adventure comic genre in the mid-20th century.

  • Alf Kjellin
    April 5 Alf Kjellin

    Swedish actor and director (b. 1920)

  • Brook Benton
    April 9 Brook Benton

    Singer (just a matter of time) dies from meningitis in her 56th year.

  • Dave Prater
    April 9 Dave Prater

    Soul singer of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, who tragically died in a car crash at the age of 50.

  • Hans Berndt
    April 9 Hans Berndt

    German footballer (b. 1913)

  • Alan Paton
    April 12 Alan Paton

    Alan Paton was a renowned South African writer, novelist, and anti-apartheid activist best known for his powerful novel 'Cry, the Beloved Country', which highlighted the social injustices of racial segregation in South Africa.

  • Colette Deréal
    April 12 Colette Deréal

    French actress and singer known for her contributions to mid-20th century French entertainment. She had a notable career in film and music during her lifetime.

  • Herbert Reynolds Inch
    April 14 Herbert Reynolds Inch

    Composer dies at 83

  • Kenneth Williams
    April 15 Kenneth Williams

    Kenneth Williams was a renowned British comedy actor famous for his iconic roles in the 'Carry On' film series. He was known for his distinctive high-pitched voice and camp comedic style, becoming a significant figure in British comedy during the 1950s and 1960s.

  • Khalil al-Wazir
    April 16 Khalil al-Wazir

    Khalil al-Wazir, also known as Abu Jihad, was a prominent Palestinian political leader and co-founder of Fatah, who played a crucial role in the Palestinian national movement. He was assassinated by Israeli Mossad agents in Tunis in 1988.

  • Youri Egorov
    April 16 Youri Egorov

    Renowned Russian pianist and composer who made significant contributions to classical music before his early death in 1988.

  • Jacques de Kadt
    April 16 Jacques de Kadt

    Dutch second chamber member (socialist-democrat), dies at age 90.

  • Warde Donovan
    April 16 Warde Donovan

    At 72 years old, he dies.

  • Eva Novak
    April 17 Eva Novak

    Actress (medicine man), passes away at 90 from pneumonia

  • Louise Nevelson
    April 17 Louise Nevelson

    American abstract artist and sculptor, ukranian-born. he is a sculptor and an artist who works in many media. his love for geometric shapes together is what makes him unique. charles nevelson, her husband, had one child. she died april 17, 1988, age 90, in new york.

  • Pierre Desproges
    April 18 Pierre Desproges

    Renowned French comedian and satirist famous for his sharp, intellectual humor and biting social critiques that challenged societal norms and political correctness.

  • Oktay Rıfat Horozcu
    April 18 Oktay Rıfat Horozcu

    Oktay Rıfat Horozcu was a prominent Turkish poet and playwright who significantly contributed to modern Turkish literature during the mid-20th century.

  • Irene Rich
    April 22 Irene Rich

    American silent screen star, who was 16 at the time. she remained in hollywood for nearly two decades. she was a talkie film star and toured the vaudeville circuits, on stage starting in 1948, and then radio for ten more years. she made "stella maris", 1918, "beau brummell," 1924 and "shanghai rose," 1929, as well as "joan of arc," 1948.

  • Clifford D. Simak
    April 25 Clifford D. Simak

    Clifford D. Simak was a pioneering American science fiction writer who won multiple Hugo Awards and significantly influenced the genre with his humanistic and philosophical storytelling.

  • Valerie Solanas
    April 25 Valerie Solanas

    Radical feminist writer and activist known for the SCUM Manifesto and for shooting Andy Warhol in 1968. Her controversial work critiqued patriarchal society and male dominance.

  • Carolyn Franklin
    April 25 Carolyn Franklin

    Talented R&B singer and songwriter, sister of the legendary Aretha Franklin, who made significant contributions to soul music before her untimely death.

  • Fred Bear
    April 27 Fred Bear

    American hunter and author (b. 1902)

  • James McCracken
    April 29 James McCracken

    Renowned American dramatic tenor known for his powerful voice and impressive physical presence in opera performances.

  • Andrew Cruickshank
    April 29 Andrew Cruickshank

    Scottish stage and screen actor best known for his long-running role as Dr. Angus Cameron in 'Dr. Finlay's Casebook'. He had a distinguished career in theater and television spanning several decades.