Famous people and celebrities who died in April 2012

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 2012. 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

  • April 1 Miguel de la Madrid

    Miguel de la Madrid was a prominent Mexican politician who served as the 52nd President of Mexico from 1982 to 1988, leading the country during a critical economic period and attempting significant governmental reforms.

  • April 1 Giorgio Chinaglia

    Legendary Italian soccer player who played for Lazio and New York Cosmos. One of the most prolific goal scorers in Italian football history.

  • April 2 Elizabeth Catlett

    Elizabeth Catlett was a pioneering African-American artist and sculptor who significantly influenced 20th-century art through her powerful works addressing social justice, racial identity, and women's experiences. Her sculptures and prints were instrumental in representing African-American struggles and achievements during the civil rights era.

  • April 2 Mauricio Lasansky

    American graphic designer and academic (b. 1914)

  • April 3 Richard Descoings

    Prominent French academic administrator who led Sciences Po, a prestigious French higher education institution known for training political and social science elites. He was a significant reformer in French higher education and played a crucial role in internationalizing Sciences Po.

  • April 4 Claude Miller

    Renowned French film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his significant contributions to French cinema.

  • April 5 Jim Marshall

    Jim Marshall was a legendary English businessman who founded Marshall Amplification, a revolutionary company that transformed the sound of rock music worldwide.

  • April 6 Thomas Kinkade

    Thomas Kinkade was a renowned American painter famous for his idealized, sentimental landscapes and architectural scenes, often called the 'Painter of Light'. His works were immensely popular in the late 20th century, particularly among middle-class art collectors.

  • April 7 Mike Wallace

    Iconic American journalist and media personality who passed away in 2012, best known for his groundbreaking work on '60 Minutes'.

  • April 7 Ignatius Moses I Daoud

    Syrian cardinal (b. 1930)

  • April 7 Satsue Mito

    Japanese zoologist and academic (b. 1914)

  • April 7 David E. Pergrin

    American colonel and engineer (b. 1917)

  • April 7 Steven Kanumba

    Tanzanian actor and director (b. 1984)

  • April 8 Jack Tramiel

    Pioneering Polish-American entrepreneur who founded Commodore International, a pivotal company in the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. He played a crucial role in making personal computers affordable and accessible to the masses.

  • April 10 Raymond Aubrac

    Prominent French Resistance leader during World War II who later became a respected civil engineer, symbolizing courage and resilience during the Nazi occupation.

  • April 10 Luis Aponte Martínez

    Prominent Puerto Rican Catholic Cardinal who served as Archbishop of San Juan from 1964 to 1999, significantly influencing religious and social life in Puerto Rico.

  • April 11 Ahmed Ben Bella

    Prominent Algerian revolutionary leader who became the first president of independent Algeria after leading the National Liberation Front in the Algerian War of Independence against France.

  • Jonathan Frid
    April 14 Jonathan Frid

    Canadian actor best known for his iconic role as Barnabas Collins in the gothic soap opera 'Dark Shadows', which became a cult classic television series.

  • April 15 Murray Rose

    Murray Rose was an exceptional Australian Olympic swimmer who won three gold medals at ages 16 and 20, becoming the youngest triple gold medalist of his time. He later transitioned to entertainment, working as a stuntman and television commentator, and remained an iconic figure in Australian sports history.

  • April 15 Paul Bogart

    Renowned American film and television director known for his work in theater and entertainment industry during the mid-20th century.

  • April 15 Dwayne Schintzius

    American basketball player and coach who played in the NBA, known for his height and distinctive playing style.

  • April 16 Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller

    Prominent Danish businessman and CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, one of the world's largest shipping and logistics companies. He significantly expanded the family business into a global enterprise.

  • Dick Clark
    April 18 Dick Clark

    Legendary American television host who revolutionized pop music broadcasting through 'American Bandstand' and pioneered multiple game show formats across national networks. He was a cultural icon who introduced generations to popular music and entertainment. Clark's influence on American media and music culture was profound and long-lasting.

  • Levon Helm
    April 19 Levon Helm

    Legendary drummer and founding member of The Band, a pioneering rock group known for their influential Americana and roots music. He was a Grammy Award winner and critically acclaimed musician who also appeared in films.

  • April 20 Bert Weedon

    Influential English guitarist who popularized guitar playing in the UK and inspired many famous musicians like Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney through his instructional books and recordings.

  • April 25 Louis le Brocquy

    Celebrated Irish visual artist known for his distinctive portraiture and significant contributions to contemporary Irish art.

  • April 26 Roland Moreno

    French inventor credited with creating smart card technology, a revolutionary innovation in electronic payment and identification systems.

  • Patricia Medina
    April 28 Patricia Medina

    Prominent English actress known for her roles in numerous films during the mid-20th century, particularly in British cinema and Hollywood productions.