Famous people and celebrities who died on April 12

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on April 12. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.

• 1912 Clara Barton

  American founder of red cross. from 1870-1871 she was a nurse in europe during the franco-prussian war. she observed the international red cross at its work. she began to push for an american red cross when she returned to the u.s.a in 1873. nine years later, she was the first woman to be elected president in 22 years.

• 1959 James Gleason

  Dies at 76

• 1971 Igor Yevgenyevich Tamm

  Nobel Prize laureate for the discovery and the interpretation of the Cherenkov effect

• 1975 Josephine Baker

  Iconic African-American performer who became a French citizen and resistance fighter during World War II. She was a groundbreaking entertainer, civil rights activist, and international star who challenged racial boundaries in the early 20th century.

• 1980 William R. Tolbert

  William R. Tolbert Jr. was the 20th President of Liberia, serving from 1971 until his assassination during a military coup in 1980. He was a significant political figure in Liberian history, known for his leadership during a tumultuous period of the country's development.

• 1981 Joe Louis

  Legendary African American heavyweight boxer who dominated the ring from 1937 to 1949, breaking racial barriers and becoming a national icon. He successfully defended his title 25 times, a record that stood for decades.

• 1984 Ruth Taylor

  Actress (gentlemen prefer blondes), is killed at 76

• 1984 Edwin T. Layton

  Renowned American naval intelligence officer who played a crucial role in cryptanalysis during World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater.

• 1988 Alan Paton

  Alan Paton was a renowned South African writer, novelist, and anti-apartheid activist best known for his powerful novel 'Cry, the Beloved Country', which highlighted the social injustices of racial segregation in South Africa.

• 1988 Colette Deréal

  French actress and singer known for her contributions to mid-20th century French entertainment. She had a notable career in film and music during her lifetime.

• 1989 Sugar Ray Robinson

  Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was a five-time world champion with an extraordinary professional record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws. He revolutionized boxing with his exceptional speed, technique, and ring intelligence.

• 1989 Abbie Hoffman

  Prominent American political activist and counterculture icon of the 1960s who co-founded the Yippie movement, known for theatrical political protests against the Vietnam War and social conservatism.

• 1991 James Schuyler

  Prominent American poet associated with the New York School of poetry, known for his lyrical and intimate writing style that captured everyday moments with extraordinary sensitivity.

• 1997 George Wald

  MED - American neurobiologist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1997)

• 1999 Boxcar Willie

  Boxcar Willie was an American country music singer who created a unique persona as an 'old-time hobo' performer. Born as Lecil Travis Martin, he initially developed the character in a song before fully adopting the stage name and persona.

• 2001 Harvey Ball

  American graphic artist who created the iconic yellow smiley face in 1963, which became a global symbol of positivity and happiness.

• 2003 Sydney Lassick

  American actor (born in 1922)

• 2006 William Sloane Coffin

  Prominent American minister, civil rights activist, and anti-war advocate who was a leading voice in social justice movements during the 1960s and 1970s. He served as chaplain at Yale University and was a key figure in the peace movement.

• 2008 Patrick Hillery

  Patrick Hillery was an Irish physician and politician who served as the 6th President of Ireland from 1976 to 1990, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during a transformative period.

• 2008 Jerry Zucker

  Acclaimed American film director and producer known for hit movies like 'Ghost', 'First Knight', and 'My Best Friend's Wedding'.

• 2008 Cecilia Colledge

  British figure skater who won a silver medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. She was a pioneering athlete in women's figure skating during the 1930s.

• 2009 Marilyn Chambers

  Iconic adult film actress who was a prominent figure in the pornographic film industry during the 1970s. She starred in notable films like 'Insatiable' and 'Behind the Green Door'.

• 2014 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.

• 2014 Pierre Autin-Grenier

  French author and poet who contributed to contemporary French literature during the late 20th century.

• 2016 Arnold Wesker

  Prominent British playwright who significantly influenced post-war British theatre, known for his powerful social realist works exploring working-class experiences and struggles.

• 2017 Charlie Murphy

  Charlie Murphy was an American comedian and actor known for his work on Chappelle's Show and his hilarious comedy routines.

• 2020 Tarvaris Jackson

  NFL quarterback who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills during his professional football career. He tragically passed away in a car accident in 2020.

• 2022 Gilbert Gottfried

  Gilbert Gottfried was a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and voice artist famous for his distinctive high-pitched voice, edgy comedy, and memorable roles in animated films like Aladdin and live-action comedies.