Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1994

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 1994. 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 1 Ayrton Senna

  Legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver who was a three-time world champion, known for his exceptional skill, aggressive driving style, and tragic death during a race. His rivalry with Alain Prost is considered one of the most famous in motorsport history.

• May 2 Louis Calaferte

  French writer known for his literary work 'Requiem of the Innocents', who passed away in 1994 at the age of 65.

• May 5 Mário Quintana

  Brazilian poet and translator (b. 1906)

• May 8 George Peppard

  Iconic American actor known for his memorable roles in films like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and TV series 'A-Team', where he played Colonel John 'Hannibal' Smith. He was a prominent Hollywood actor during the 1960s and 1970s.

• May 9 Elias Motsoaledi

  South African anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) military commander who fought against racial oppression during the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

• May 10 John Wayne Gacy

  Notorious American serial killer who murdered at least 33 young men and boys in Chicago, Illinois between 1972 and 1978. He was known as the 'Killer Clown' due to his work as a part-time entertainer. Executed by lethal injection in 1994 for his heinous crimes.

• May 12 Erik Erikson

  Erik Erikson was a prominent developmental psychologist who developed the theory of psychosocial development, introducing influential concepts about human growth across the lifespan. He expanded Freud's psychosexual theory and proposed eight stages of psychological development from infancy to late adulthood. His work significantly impacted understanding of human psychological development and identity formation.

• May 12 John Smith

  Neil Kinnock, a Scottish politician who was elected as the Labour Party's leader.

• May 14 Cihat Arman

  Turkish footballer and manager (b. 1915)

• May 14 W. Graham Claytor Jr.

  American businessman, lieutenant, and politician, 15th united states secretary of the navy (b. 1914)

• May 15 Gilbert Roland

  Mexican-American actor known for his roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly in romantic and adventure genres. He was a prominent figure in both silent and sound era cinema.

• May 16 Alain Cuny

  Versatile French actor who transitioned from medicine to film, becoming a notable performer in several landmark European cinema classics. He collaborated extensively with Federico Fellini in iconic films like 'La Dolce Vita' and 'Satyricon'. Cuny was also known for his intellectual and artistic connections.

• May 19 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an iconic First Lady who transformed the role through her elegance, cultural sophistication, and historical significance. She was a symbol of American grace during the tumultuous 1960s and later became a respected book editor in New York. Her life was marked by personal tragedy and remarkable resilience.

• May 19 Luis Ocaña

  Luis Ocaña was a prominent Spanish professional cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1973 and was known for his fierce and aggressive racing style. He was a significant figure in professional cycling during the 1970s, often challenging legendary riders like Eddy Merckx.

• May 19 Jacques Ellul

  Influential French philosopher and sociologist known for critical analyses of technology, propaganda, and the intersection of religion and politics. He was a prominent academic at the University of Bordeaux who wrote extensively on social systems and technological determinism.

• May 21 Giovanni Goria

  Giovanni Goria was a prominent Italian politician who served as President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) in 1985, playing a significant role in Italian political landscape during the 1980s.

• May 21 Forsyth Hardy

  Scottish documentary filmmaker and pioneering film critic for 'The Scotsman' newspaper from 1932 to 1941, who significantly contributed to early film journalism and documentary cinema in Scotland.

• May 23 Joseph Anthony Pass

  Joseph Pass was a legendary jazz guitarist renowned for his exceptional improvisational skills and significant contributions to bebop and cool jazz genres.

• May 25 Eric Gale

  American jazz guitarist and producer known for his smooth and influential guitar work in jazz and pop music during the 1970s and 1980s.

• May 26 Sonny Sharrock

  Innovative American jazz guitarist known for his experimental and free jazz style, particularly with the band Last Exit.

• May 27 Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim)

  Internationally famous English DJ, musician, and record producer better known by his stage name Fatboy Slim, a pioneer of the big beat electronic music genre.

• May 28 Julius Boros

  Professional golfer who won the US Open in 1952 and was a prominent figure in golf during the mid-20th century. He was a three-time major champion who died of a heart attack at age 74.

• May 29 Erich Honecker

  Prominent East German communist leader who ruled the German Democratic Republic from 1971 to 1989, symbolizing the authoritarian regime of the Cold War era. His leadership was characterized by strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist principles and resistance to political reforms. Ultimately, he was forced to resign during the peaceful revolution that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German …

• May 29 Lady May Abel Smith

  Member of the british royal family (b. 1906)

• May 30 Juan Carlos Onetti

  Prominent Uruguayan novelist and a key figure in Latin American literature, best known for his novel 'La Vida Breve'.

• May 30 Marcel Bich

  Marcel Bich was a pioneering French entrepreneur who founded the Bic company, revolutionizing everyday writing and personal care products. He invented the disposable ballpoint pen, lighter, and razor, transforming global consumer markets.

• May 30 Ezra Taft Benson

  Ezra Taft Benson was the 13th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• May 30 Agostino Di Bartolomei

  Italian footballer (born in 1955).

• May 31 Uzay Heparı

  Turkish actor, producer, and composer (b. 1969)