Famous people and celebrities who died in April 2014

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 2014. 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 Jacques Le Goff

  Renowned French medieval historian who made significant contributions to understanding social and cultural history of the Middle Ages.

• April 3 Régine Deforges

  Prominent French novelist and publisher known for her controversial erotic literature and challenging censorship.

• April 3 Arthur Smith (Guitar Boogie)

  Renowned American guitarist and composer known for his influential 'Guitar Boogie' style, who significantly contributed to early rock and country music development.

• April 4 Wayne Henderson

  Wayne Henderson was a renowned American jazz trombonist, best known as a member of the influential jazz group The Crusaders.

• April 4 Margo MacDonald

  Margo MacDonald was a prominent Scottish politician and journalist known for her independent and outspoken political stance, serving in the Scottish Parliament and making significant contributions to Scottish political discourse.

• April 5 Peter Matthiessen

  Peter Matthiessen was a distinguished American novelist, naturalist, and co-founder of The Paris Review, renowned for his literary contributions and environmental writing. He was a National Book Award winner and a significant figure in contemporary American literature. His works often explored themes of nature, wilderness, and cultural anthropology.

• April 6 Mickey Rooney

  Mickey Rooney was a legendary Hollywood actor with a career spanning over nine decades, known for his versatility in film, television, and theater. He was particularly famous for his roles in MGM's Andy Hardy film series and as a child star during Hollywood's Golden Age.

• April 7 Josep Maria Subirachs

  Renowned Spanish sculptor and painter known for his distinctive modernist artistic style, particularly famous for his work on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

• April 7 Peaches Geldof

  Media personality and daughter of Bob Geldof who tragically passed away in 2014, known for her work in journalism, television, and fashion.

• April 7 John Shirley-Quirk

  Renowned English baritone and vocal educator who made significant contributions to classical music and opera performance.

• April 7 V. K. Murthy

  V. K. Murthy was a pioneering Indian cinematographer who significantly influenced the visual style of Indian cinema, particularly in the Kannada film industry.

• April 10 Dominique Baudis

  Prominent French politician who served as mayor of Toulouse and had a distinguished career in journalism as a foreign correspondent and news anchor.

• April 10 Phyllis Frelich

  Phyllis Frelich was a groundbreaking deaf actress who made history by becoming the first deaf performer to win a Tony Award for her powerful role in the Broadway production of 'Children of a Lesser God'.

• April 10 Sue Townsend

  Renowned British author famous for her Adrian Mole book series, which humorously chronicles the life of a teenage boy. Her works became cultural touchstones in British literature, blending comedy and social commentary.

• April 11 Jesse Winchester

  Jesse Winchester was a renowned American folk and country singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and gentle musical style. He gained significant recognition in the 1970s and was particularly admired by fellow musicians like Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello. Winchester's music often explored themes of love, life, and social commentary.

• April 11 Lou Hudson

  Lou Hudson was a prominent NBA player for the Atlanta Hawks, known for his exceptional scoring ability and smooth playing style during the 1960s and 1970s. After his basketball career, he became a respected sportscaster, contributing to basketball commentary.

• April 12 Shirley Williams

  Prominent British politician and academic who served as Secretary of State for Education and was a key figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), playing a significant role in British politics during the late 20th century.

• April 14 Wally Olins

  Renowned British branding expert and author who significantly influenced corporate identity and brand strategy globally.

• April 15 John Houbolt

  John Houbolt was a NASA engineer crucial to the Apollo moon landing program, who championed the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) method that ultimately enabled the successful moon missions.

• April 17 Cheo Feliciano

  Legendary Puerto Rican salsa singer who significantly influenced Latin music, known for his powerful voice and iconic hits like 'Anacaona'. He was a key figure in the salsa movement of the 1970s and 1980s.

• April 17 Gabriel García Márquez

  LIT - Colombian journalist and author, nobel prize laureate (d. 2014)

• April 21 Win Tin

  Prominent Burmese journalist and politician who co-founded the National League for Democracy, a key opposition party in Myanmar's struggle for democratic reform. He was a significant political activist who spent many years in prison for his pro-democracy efforts.

• April 24 Hans Hollein

  Prominent Austrian architect known for innovative postmodern design, particularly the controversial Haas House in Vienna. He was a significant figure in contemporary architecture and academic circles.

• April 24 Tadeusz Różewicz

  Renowned Polish playwright and poet who was a significant figure in post-World War II literature, known for his innovative and existential works.

• April 25 Tito Vilanova

  Tito Vilanova was a renowned Spanish football manager who played a crucial role in FC Barcelona's most successful period, known for his tactical brilliance.

• April 28 Jack Ramsay

  Jack Ramsay was a legendary NBA coach who led the Portland Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship in 1977, transforming the team's history.

• April 28 Edgar Laprade

  Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the mid-20th century, known for his contributions to the sport.

• April 29 Bob Hoskins

  Acclaimed English actor known for distinctive roles in films like 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and 'Mona Lisa', often portraying tough cockney characters with remarkable depth and nuance.

• April 29 Al Feldstein

  Renowned American comic book artist and editor, best known for his influential work at MAD Magazine during the 1950s and 1960s, significantly shaping satirical comic art.