Famous people and celebrities who died in June 2014

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in June 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

• June 1 Yuri Kochiyama

  Influential Japanese American human rights activist who was a significant figure in the civil rights movement. She was known for her advocacy for racial justice and solidarity with marginalized communities.

• June 2 Alexander Shulgin

  Alexander Shulgin was a pioneering American chemist and pharmacologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on psychoactive compounds. He synthesized numerous hallucinogens and played a crucial role in introducing MDMA to psychotherapeutic practices. His work significantly influenced the understanding of psychedelic substances and their potential therapeutic applications.

• June 9 Rik Mayall

  Iconic British comedian and actor who was a key figure in alternative comedy during the 1980s, known for groundbreaking shows like 'The Young Ones' and 'Bottom'. He was a pioneering comedic talent who significantly influenced British comedy with his irreverent and anarchic style.

• June 9 Bob Welch

  American rock musician best known for his tenure with Fleetwood Mac between 1971 and 1974. He played a significant role in the band's transitional period before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined, contributing to their evolving sound.

• June 10 Gary Gilmour

  Australian cricketer known for his significant contributions to the national cricket team during the 1970s, later working as a cricket manager.

• June 11 Ruby Dee

  Iconic African American actress, civil rights activist, and Broadway star known for her powerful performances in 'A Raisin in the Sun' and significant contributions to social justice.

• June 11 Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos

  Renowned Spanish conductor and composer who significantly contributed to classical music, leading major orchestras and known for his interpretative depth and versatility.

• June 12 Dan Jacobson

  Dan Jacobson was a prominent South African-English literary critic, novelist, and academic known for his insightful writings exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and social dynamics.

• June 12 Frank Schirrmacher

  Prominent German journalist, publisher, and intellectual who significantly influenced contemporary media discourse. He was a key editor at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and known for his critical writings on technology and society.

• June 13 Chuck Noll

  Legendary NFL coach who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s, establishing the team as a dynasty in professional football.

• June 13 Gyula Grosics

  Gyula Grosics was a legendary Hungarian footballer known as the 'Black Panther', who was a key goalkeeper for the famous Hungarian national team of the 1950s.

• June 14 Isabelle Collin Dufresne

  French-American artist and author associated with Andy Warhol's Factory, known for her performances and writings about the New York art scene.

• June 14 James E. Rogers

  American lawyer, businessman, and academic (b. 1938)

• June 15 Casey Kasem

  Legendary American radio host who created and hosted 'America's Top 40', pioneering music countdown radio and becoming a prominent media personality with Lebanese-American roots.

• June 15 Jacques Bergerac

  French actor known for his roles in Hollywood films like 'Gigi' and 'Les Girls', who transitioned from acting to become a successful businessman.

• June 15 Daniel Keyes

  Daniel Keyes was an acclaimed American writer famous for his poignant science fiction novel 'Flowers for Algernon', which explores themes of intelligence, disability, and human transformation.

• June 15 Moise Safra

  Prominent Brazilian banker and philanthropist who co-founded Banco Safra, a major financial institution in Brazil. He was known for his significant business achievements and charitable contributions.

• June 16 Tony Gwynn

  Tony Gwynn was a legendary Major League Baseball player who spent his entire 20-year career with the San Diego Padres. He was known for his exceptional batting skills and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. Gwynn was a 15-time All-Star and won eight batting titles.

• June 18 Stephanie Kwolek

  Stephanie Kwolek was a pioneering American chemist who invented Kevlar, a revolutionary synthetic fiber five times stronger than steel, widely used in protective gear like bulletproof vests and aerospace applications.

• June 18 Horace Silver

  Influential jazz pianist and composer known for innovative quartet arrangements and modern jazz literature.

• June 19 Gerry Goffin

  Gerry Goffin was a renowned American songwriter who, together with his then-wife Carole King, formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in popular music history. They wrote numerous hit songs during the Brill Building era of the 1960s.

• June 23 Paula Kent Meehan

  Pioneering American businesswoman who co-founded Redken, a revolutionary hair care and cosmetics company.

• June 24 Eli Wallach

  Renowned American actor with a remarkable six-decade career in film, television, and stage. He was particularly famous for his memorable roles in Western films like 'The Magnificent Seven' and won prestigious awards including a BAFTA.

• June 24 Ramón José Velásquez

  Venezuelan journalist, lawyer, and politician who served as President of Venezuela, playing a crucial role in the country's political landscape.

• June 25 Ana María Matute

  Prominent Spanish novelist and academic, considered one of the most important Spanish writers of the 20th century, known for her profound literary works.

• June 26 Howard Baker

  Prominent American Republican politician who served as a Senator from Tennessee and later as White House Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan, playing a significant role in national politics during the 1970s and 1980s.

• June 28 Meshach Taylor

  American actor and comedian known for roles in 'Designing Women' and 'Hollywood Shuffle', who had a successful career in television and film.

• June 28 On Kawara

  Renowned Japanese-American conceptual artist famous for his date paintings and minimalist art that explored time, existence, and documentation.

• June 30 Paul Mazursky

  Renowned American filmmaker known for critically acclaimed films like 'Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice' and 'Harry and Tonto'. He was a versatile artist who worked as a director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.