Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1992

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 1992. 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 2 Wilbur Mills

  Prominent Democratic congressman from Arkansas who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, notably as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He was a key figure in shaping U.S. fiscal policy during the mid-20th century.

• May 3 George Murphy

  Prominent Republican politician and former Hollywood actor who served as a U.S. Senator from California from 1965 to 1971, bridging entertainment and politics.

• May 3 Elizabeth Lennox

  Radio singer dies from a heart attack at the age of 98.

• May 4 Henri Guillemin

  Renowned French historian and academic who made significant contributions to literary and historical scholarship through his extensive research and writings.

• May 4 Gregor Mackenzie

  Scottish politician (b. 1927)

• May 4 Vitali Andreyevich Grishchenko

  Russian cosmonaut, who dies at 50

• May 5 Jean-Claude Pascal

  French actor known for his role in 'Golden Salamander', who had a notable career in cinema and passed away at 64.

• May 6 Marlene Dietrich

  Iconic German-American actress and singer who was a major international star during Hollywood's golden age. She was renowned for her androgynous style, powerful performances, and significant contributions during World War II by entertaining Allied troops. Her legendary status transcended cinema, making her a cultural symbol of resilience and artistic innovation.

• May 6 Gaston Reiff

  Belgian Olympic athlete who won gold in the 5,000-meter race at the 1948 London Olympics. He was a distinguished runner who represented Belgium in international competitions.

• May 8 Richard Derr

  Actor in "when worlds collide", dies from cancer at 74

• May 8 Addeke H Boerma

  Director-general (fao) dies at the age of 80.

• May 9 Mike Tyrell [Red Baron]

  British air acrobat dies in an accident

• May 10 Sylvia Sims

  Singer ("flower drum song") dies from a heart attack in his 74th year.

• May 10 Joan Merrill

  Singer, who was 74 years old, suffers a stroke.

• May 11 Carlos Herrera

  Margarita, the drink inventor, dies at 90.

• May 12 Robert Reed

  Renowned American television actor best known for playing Mike Brady in the iconic sitcom 'The Brady Bunch'. He had a significant acting career spanning multiple television series including 'The Defenders', 'Mannix', 'Rich Man, Poor Man', and 'Roots'.

• May 12 Wanda Rutkiewicz

  Wanda Rutkiewicz was a pioneering Polish mountaineer who made history by becoming the first woman to summit K2, one of the world's most challenging and dangerous mountains.

• May 13 Gisela Elsner

  Writer dies at 55

• May 14 Lyle Alzado

  NFL defensive lineman for the Oakland Raiders who tragically died from cancer at age 43, becoming known for his advocacy about steroid use and its health risks.

• May 14 Nie Rongzhen

  Chinese general and politician, mayor of beijing (b. 1899)

• May 16 Marisa Mell

  Austrian actress known for her iconic roles in 1960s Italian B-movies, particularly in cult cinema and exploitation films.

• May 16 Chalino Sanchez

  Legendary Mexican singer and songwriter known for narcocorridos, tragically murdered in 1992 and considered an iconic figure in regional Mexican music.

• May 17 Lawrence Welk

  Lawrence Welk was a renowned American accordion player and bandleader famous for his long-running television show on ABC from 1955 to 1982. Known for his 'champagne music' style, he was a beloved entertainer among middle-class Americans, particularly seniors, and was even nominated for a TV Emmy in 1953.

• May 21 Elizabeth David

  Influential British cookbook writer who revolutionized British cuisine by introducing Mediterranean and exotic cooking styles.

• May 23 Giovanni Falcone

  Giovanni Falcone was a courageous Italian magistrate who fought against the Mafia and was tragically assassinated in a bomb attack in Palermo, Sicily. His work was pivotal in prosecuting mafiosi and exposing the criminal network, making him a national hero and symbol of resistance against organized crime.

• May 23 Atahualpa Yupanqui

  Legendary Argentine folk musician who profoundly influenced Latin American music, known for his poetic songwriting and deep connection to Argentine rural culture.

• May 27 Uncle Charlie Osborne

  American fiddler (b. 1890)

• May 29 Pippa Steele

  Actress (vampire lovers), is killed by cancer at 44

• May 29 Bill Beyers

  Actor (wally capitol) dies from aids at 37

• May 30 Daniel Addes

  Actor victor-sunst grill, dies at 59