Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1996

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 1996. 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 Arthur Leslie Noel Douglas
Houghton, a civil servant, is 97 years old.
May 2 Peter John Swales
At 63, the chairman of a football club dies.
May 3 Timothy Gullikson
Tennis player/coach dies at 45
May 5 Ai Qing
Renowned Chinese poet and influential literary figure who played a significant role in modern Chinese poetry. He was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution but remained an important cultural icon.
May 6 Frank Hercules
Writer dies at 85
May 8 Luis Miguel
Legendary Mexican singer known as 'El Sol de México', who has sold over 100 million records worldwide and mastered multiple musical genres.
May 8 Celedonio Romero
Renowned Spanish classical guitarist who co-founded the famous Romeros Guitar Quartet, significantly contributing to classical guitar performance and popularity worldwide.
May 8 Garth Williams
Renowned American illustrator famous for his iconic illustrations in children's books like 'Charlotte's Web', 'Little House on the Prairie', and 'Stuart Little'.
May 8 Luis Miguel Dominguín
Luis Miguel Dominguín was a famous Spanish bullfighter who was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century bullfighting scene, known for his skill and charisma in the bullring.
May 8 Beryl Burton
Legendary British female cyclist who dominated women's cycling in the 1960s and 1970s, setting numerous world records and winning multiple national championships.
May 8 Larry Levis
American poet, author, and critic (b. 1946)
May 11 Nnamdi Azikiwe
Prominent Nigerian nationalist leader who served as the country's first president and governor-general, playing a crucial role in Nigeria's independence movement and early post-colonial governance.
May 15 Charles B. Fulton
American lawyer and judge (b. 1910)
May 16 Jeremy Michael Boorda
American admiral (b. 1939)
May 17 Willis Conover
Legendary jazz broadcaster who hosted 'Music USA' on Voice of America, significantly influencing global jazz appreciation during the Cold War era.
May 20 Jon Pertwee
English actor best known for portraying the Third Doctor in the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who from 1970 to 1974, becoming a beloved figure in British television history.
May 20 Janaki Ramachandran
Janaki Ramachandran was a notable Indian physicist who made significant contributions to solid-state physics and materials science research.
May 21 Lash LaRue
Famous American Western film actor known for his unique bullwhip technique in movies during the golden age of Hollywood.
May 21 Al "Lash" La Rue
At 78, a cowboy actor (lashof the west), is killed
May 23 Dorothy Hyson
Actress (spare a copper sing as we go), is killed at 81
May 23 Kronid Lyubarsky
Prominent Russian dissident, human rights activist, and journalist who was a significant voice against Soviet oppression during the Cold War era.
May 24 Joseph Mitchell
Renowned American journalist and writer for The New Yorker, famous for his long-form narrative journalism and profound portraits of New York City life.
May 25 John Morrison (scientist)
John Morrison was a prominent physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
May 29 Tamara Toumanova
Renowned Russian-American ballerina and actress who was a prominent figure in the world of classical dance during the mid-20th century. She was celebrated for her exceptional technique and artistic expression.
May 30 John Cameron
English conductor and composer known for his contributions to classical music and orchestral performances.
May 30 Léon-Étienne Duval
French cardinal (b. 1903)
May 31 Timothy Leary
Controversial Harvard psychologist who became a counterculture icon, advocating for psychedelic drug research and personal consciousness expansion during the 1960s. He was a pivotal figure in the psychedelic movement, challenging societal norms and scientific conventions. His famous quote 'turn on, tune in, drop out' became a rallying cry for the hippie generation.