Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2013

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2013. 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 Chris Kelly
American rapper who was part of the hip-hop duo Kris Kross, known for their hit song 'Jump' in the early 1990s. He tragically passed away in 2013.
May 2 Jeff Hanneman
Founding guitarist of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, known for his influential role in the development of extreme metal music.
May 2 Dvora Omer
Prominent Israeli author and poet who significantly contributed to modern Hebrew literature, known for her works that explored Jewish identity and cultural experiences.
May 4 Christian de Duve
MED - English-belgian cytologist and biochemist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1917)
May 4 Otis Bowen
Otis Bowen was an American politician who served as Governor of Indiana and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan, making significant contributions to state and federal governance.
May 6 Giulio Andreotti
Prominent Italian Christian Democrat politician who dominated Italian politics from the 1950s to the 1990s, serving as Prime Minister multiple times and known for his complex political influence and controversial connections.
May 7 Ray Harryhausen
Pioneering stop-motion animator who revolutionized visual effects in fantasy and science fiction films, creating iconic creatures for movies like 'Jason and the Argonauts' and 'Clash of the Titans'.
May 8 Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper was an American actress renowned for her long-running role as Katherine Chancellor on the soap opera 'The Young and the Restless'.
May 8 Bryan Forbes
Bryan Forbes was a prominent English film director, actor, producer, and screenwriter who significantly contributed to British cinema during the mid-20th century.
May 9 Ottavio Missoni
Italian fashion designer and former hurdler who co-founded the renowned Missoni fashion brand. He was a significant figure in Italian fashion design and sportswear.
May 9 George M. Leader
American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, with a distinguished political career and military service.
May 13 Chuck Muncie
Chuck Muncie was a prominent American football player who had a notable career in the NFL, particularly with the San Diego Chargers during the 1970s and 1980s.
May 14 Asghar Ali Engineer
Prominent Indian scholar, activist, and writer known for his work on social justice, religious reform, and interfaith dialogue.
May 16 Heinrich Rohrer
PHY - Swiss physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1933)
May 20 Ray Manzarek
Legendary keyboardist and co-founder of the iconic rock band The Doors, who played a crucial role in shaping the band's distinctive sound alongside Jim Morrison. He met Morrison at UCLA in 1965 and was instrumental in the band's formation and success.
May 21 Leonard Marsh
Leonard Marsh was an American businessman who co-founded Snapple, a popular beverage company known for its unique flavored drinks.
May 21 Dominique Venner
Influential French journalist, historian, and essayist known for his intellectual contributions to political and cultural discourse in France.
May 22 Sigurd Ottovich Schmidt
Prominent Russian historian and ethnographer who made significant contributions to historical research and regional studies in the Soviet and post-Soviet era.
May 23 Georges Moustaki
Renowned French singer-songwriter of Greek descent, famous for his poetic and romantic musical style. He wrote songs for many prominent French artists and was a significant figure in the French music scene of the 20th century.
May 23 Flynn Robinson
Professional American basketball player who was active in the league since 1966. He made significant contributions to the sport during his playing career.
May 24 Haynes Johnson
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for his insightful political reporting and historical narratives about American society and politics.
May 26 Jack Vance
Influential science fiction and fantasy author renowned for his groundbreaking Dying Earth series, which significantly impacted the genre's development.
May 26 Roberto Civita
Influential Italian-Brazilian businessman who played a significant role in media and publishing industries in Brazil.
May 27 Bill Pertwee
English actor known for his work in British television and comedy during the mid-20th century.
May 28 Eddi Arent
Renowned German actor celebrated for his versatile performances in film and television across multiple decades.
May 28 Viktor Kulikov
Soviet military commander who served during World War II and rose to high ranks in the Soviet Army, playing a significant role in strategic military operations.
May 29 Andrew Greeley
Renowned American Catholic priest, sociologist, and prolific author who made significant contributions to religious sociology and social research at the University of Chicago.
May 29 Henry Morgentaler
Prominent Polish-Canadian physician and pro-choice activist who played a crucial role in legalizing abortion in Canada. He was a significant figure in reproductive rights.
May 31 Jean Stapleton
Renowned American actress best known for her iconic role as Edith Bunker in the groundbreaking sitcom 'All in the Family'. She was a talented performer who significantly influenced television comedy in the 1970s.
May 31 Tim Samaras
Renowned storm chaser and engineer who made significant contributions to tornado research, tragically killed while studying a tornado in Oklahoma.