Famous people and celebrities who died in April 2015

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in April 2015. 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 Cynthia Lennon

  Cynthia Lennon was the first wife of John Lennon and mother of Julian Lennon. She was a significant figure in the early Beatles era and wrote about her life with John in her memoir.

• April 2 Robert H. Schuller

  Prominent American televangelist and author who founded the Crystal Cathedral and hosted the 'Hour of Power' television program, influencing millions of viewers.

• April 3 Sarah Brady

  Prominent American activist and author known for her significant advocacy work, particularly in gun control legislation.

• April 4 Elmer Lach

  Elmer Lach was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a key member of the team's dynasty and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.

• April 6 James Best

  James Best was an American character actor best known for his comedic role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in the popular television series 'The Dukes of Hazzard', which aired from 1979 to 1985. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his five-decade career, including Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'.

• April 6 Ray Charles

  Legendary American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who revolutionized soul, R&B, and popular music with his unique style and innovative approach.

• April 6 Gertrude Weaver

  Gertrude Weaver was an American supercentenarian who was briefly the oldest living person in the world.

• April 7 Geoffrey Lewis

  American character actor known for his versatile roles in film and television, particularly in Clint Eastwood westerns and comedies.

• April 7 Stan Freberg

  Stan Freberg was a renowned American comedian, satirist, and advertising creative who revolutionized comedy and advertising with his innovative humor. He won 21 Clio Awards and was a talented musical parodist who topped pop music charts in the 1950s.

• April 9 Margaret Rule

  Prominent English historian and archaeologist known for significant contributions to archaeological research and preservation of historical knowledge.

• April 10 Richie Benaud

  Legendary Australian cricket player and renowned sports commentator who significantly influenced cricket broadcasting. He was a respected figure in both playing and commentating on the sport.

• April 10 Judith Malina

  German-American actress, director, and co-founder of the influential experimental theater group The Living Theatre.

• April 11 François Maspero

  Influential French journalist and publisher who played a significant role in promoting leftist literature during the 1970s intellectual scene.

• April 13 Günter Grass

  LIT - German novelist, poet, playwright, and illustrator, nobel prize laureate (b. 1927)

• April 13 Eduardo Galeano

  Renowned Uruguayan writer and journalist famous for his influential works on Latin American history and politics, including 'Open Veins of Latin America'.

• April 14 Percy Sledge

  Legendary American soul singer best known for his iconic hit 'When a Man Loves a Woman', a timeless classic in the genre of soul music.

• April 14 Roberto Tucci

  Prominent Italian Jesuit cardinal and theologian who made significant contributions to the Catholic Church during the 20th century.

• April 15 Surya Bahadur Thapa

  Prominent Nepalese politician who served as the 24th Prime Minister of Nepal, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape.

• April 16 Stanislav Gross

  Czech politician and lawyer who served as the 5th Prime Minister of the Czech Republic from 2004 to 2006, representing the Czech Social Democratic Party.

• April 23 Richard Corliss

  Respected American film critic and journalist who wrote extensively for Time magazine, known for his insightful and influential movie reviews.

• April 24 Władysław Bartoszewski

  Prominent Polish historian, journalist, politician, and Holocaust survivor who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and played a significant role in Polish-Jewish reconciliation during and after World War II.

• April 25 Don Mankiewicz

  German-American screenwriter and author who made significant contributions to film and literature during his career.

• April 26 Jayne Meadows

  American actress known for her work in television and film, wife of comedian Steve Allen and notable performer in productions like 'Dark Delusion'.

• April 26 Marcel Pronovost

  Legendary Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played for the Detroit Red Wings, winning multiple Stanley Cup championships during the 1950s and establishing himself as a key player in NHL history.

• April 27 Gene Fullmer

  Renowned American boxer who was world middleweight champion from 1957 to 1963, known for his powerful fighting style and significant achievements in professional boxing.

• April 27 Verne Gagne

  Legendary American professional wrestler and football player who became a prominent wrestling trainer and promoter.

• April 29 François Michelin

  Prominent French industrialist who led the Michelin tire company from 1955 to 1999, transforming it into a global manufacturing powerhouse and innovating in tire technology and business management.

• April 29 Jean Nidetch

  Pioneering American businesswoman who co-founded Weight Watchers, revolutionizing the weight loss and wellness industry.

• April 29 Calvin Peete

  Pioneering African American professional golfer who was one of the most successful players on the PGA Tour in the 1980s.

• April 30 Ben E. King

  Legendary soul and R&B singer known for iconic hits like 'Stand by Me' and 'Spanish Harlem', who significantly influenced popular music in the 1960s.