Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2019

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2019. 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 9 Freddie Starr

  English comedian, impressionist, singer and actor (1943)

• May 10 Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba

  Spanish politician and chemist (b. 1951)

• May 11 Peggy Lipton

  Iconic American actress known for her roles in groundbreaking TV series 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks', representing the counterculture and hippie aesthetic of the late 1960s and early 1990s.

• May 13 Doris Day

  Iconic American actress and singer who was a major Hollywood star during the 1950s and 1960s, known for her wholesome image and successful romantic comedies. She was one of the biggest box office draws of her era and later became an animal welfare activist.

• May 13 Unita Blackwell

  Prominent African American civil rights activist who became the first Black woman elected as mayor in Mississippi, fighting for voting rights and social justice during the Civil Rights Movement.

• May 14 Tim Conway

  Tim Conway was a legendary American comedian known for his iconic comedic roles on 'The Carol Burnett Show' and in various comedy films. He was renowned for his brilliant physical comedy and ability to create memorable, hilarious characters that made audiences laugh uncontrollably.

• May 14 Grumpy Cat

  Famous internet meme cat known for her perpetually displeased facial expression, who became a global pop culture phenomenon and social media sensation.

• May 16 I. M. Pei

  Renowned Chinese-American architect who designed iconic buildings like the National Gallery of Art and Bank of China Tower, transforming modern architectural landscapes globally.

• May 16 Bob Hawke

  Prominent Australian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, leading the Australian Labor Party. Known for his charismatic leadership and significant economic reforms during his tenure.

• May 16 Piet Blauw

  Dutch politician (b. 1937)

• May 17 Herman Wouk

  Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist renowned for his epic World War II literature, including 'The Caine Mutiny' and 'The Winds of War', which critically examined military life and moral complexities.

• May 18 Austin Eubanks

  American addiction recovery advocate, survivor of the columbine shooting (b. 1981)

• May 20 Niki Lauda

  Legendary Austrian Formula One driver who survived a near-fatal crash and returned to racing, winning three world championships. He is considered one of the greatest and most courageous racing drivers in history.

• May 21 Rik Kuypers

  Belgian film director (b. 1925)

• May 22 Judith Kerr

  Renowned German-born British children's book author and illustrator, best known for her beloved book 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' and the semi-autobiographical 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit'.

• May 24 Murray Gell-Mann

  Renowned American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1969, making significant contributions to particle physics and quantum mechanics.

• May 25 Claus von Bülow

  Danish-English lawyer famous for his high-profile criminal trial involving the attempted murder of his wealthy wife, Sunny von Bülow, which became a sensational legal case in the 1980s.

• May 26 Bart Starr

  Legendary quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who led the team to five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. He is considered one of the most iconic players in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

• May 26 Prem Tinsulanonda

  Prominent Thai statesman who served as the 16th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1980 to 1988. He was a key political and military figure who played a significant role in Thailand's modern political landscape.

• May 30 Patricia Bath

  Patricia Bath was a pioneering African American ophthalmologist and inventor who revolutionized cataract surgery with her groundbreaking Laserphaco Probe. She was the first African American woman to patent a medical device and made significant contributions to ophthalmology and medical technology.

• May 30 Thad Cochran

  Long-serving Republican Senator from Mississippi who represented the state from 1978 to 2018, playing a significant role in national politics.

• May 30 Jason Marcano

  Trinidadian footballer (b. 1983)