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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.