Famous people and celebrities who died on April 15
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on April 15. 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.
- 1765 Mikhail Lomonosov
Russian polymath who made important contributions to physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
- 1865 Abraham Lincoln
American politician, lawyer and president. he was one of the most revered figures in american history and the most prominent leaders of the united states. he served as president from 1861-1865. lincoln was a member the legislature from 1834-1841 and a u.s. representative between 1847-1849. he also issued the emancipation proclamation 1/01/1863. on 4/14/1865, he was assassinated in washington, dc.
- 1888 Matthew Arnold
English poet and cultural critic, who was also an inspector of schools. thomas arnold was his son and the famous headmaster at rugby school. he was also the brother of william delafield arnold (novelist and colonial administrator) and tom arnold (literary professor). matthew arnold is referred to as a "sage writer", a writer who instructs and challenges the reader about …
- 1949 Wallace Beery
American film actor. he is best known for playing bill in "min and bill", opposite marie dressler. also, long john silver in the "treasure island" movie, pancho villa in "viva villa!," and his title role in "the champ," which he was awarded the academy award for best actor.
- 1957 Pedro Infante
Pedro Infante was a legendary Mexican actor and singer who defined the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He starred in over 60 films and recorded approximately 350 songs, becoming a cultural icon in Latin America. His talent was recognized internationally, including winning the Silver Bear Award for Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival.
- 1962 Esther Minciotti
Dies at 74
- 1962 Arsenio Lacson
Prominent Filipino journalist and politician who served as Mayor of Manila during the mid-20th century, known for his significant contributions to Philippine public life.
- 1969 Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg
Queen consort of Spain as the wife of King Alfonso XIII.
- 1975 Richard Conte
Richard Conte was a prominent American film actor known for his roles in film noir and crime dramas during the 1940s and 1950s. He appeared in notable films like '13 Rue Madeleine' and worked alongside many famous actors of his era.
- 1980 Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre was a pivotal French philosopher and writer who developed existentialism, emphasizing individual freedom and personal responsibility. He was a leading intellectual of the 20th century, influencing philosophy, literature, and political thought. Sartre famously declined the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 as a political statement.
- 1984 Tommy Cooper
Welsh comedy magician known for his unique and humorous performance style.
- 1986 Jean Genet
Jean Genet was a groundbreaking French writer who transformed his tumultuous life experiences of marginalization, crime, and social rejection into powerful literary works. He became an influential novelist, playwright, and political activist known for exploring themes of sexuality, social outcasts, and rebellion. His autobiographical writings and provocative plays challenged societal norms and established him as a significant 20th-century literary figure.
- 1988 Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Williams was a renowned British comedy actor famous for his iconic roles in the 'Carry On' film series. He was known for his distinctive high-pitched voice and camp comedic style, becoming a significant figure in British comedy during the 1950s and 1960s.
- 1990 Greta Garbo
Legendary Swedish-American actress who became an iconic Hollywood star, known for her mesmerizing screen presence and roles in classic films like 'Ninotchka' and 'Grand Hotel'. She was a model before becoming an internationally acclaimed actress who revolutionized cinema in the 1920s and 1930s.
- 1993 John Tuzo Wilson
Renowned Canadian geophysicist who made significant contributions to plate tectonics theory, particularly the concept of transform faults and the Wilson Cycle in geological processes.
- 1993 Leslie Charteris
Prolific British writer famous for creating the iconic character Simon Templar in 'The Saint' series, which became a popular book and television franchise.
- 2000 Edward Gorey
Edward Gorey was a distinctive American illustrator and writer famous for his macabre, gothic-style illustrated books that blended dark humor with intricate, Victorian-inspired artwork.
- 2001 Joey Ramone
Iconic lead singer of punk rock band The Ramones, who significantly influenced the punk music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a key figure in the New York punk rock movement and helped define the genre's sound and aesthetic.
- 2002 Byron White
Byron White was a distinguished U.S. Supreme Court Justice who served from 1962 to 1993, known for his intellectual rigor and nuanced opinions on civil rights and constitutional law.
- 2004 Mitsuteru Yokoyama
Renowned Japanese manga artist and creator famous for pioneering works in the manga and anime industry, including the iconic 'Gigantor' (Tetsujin 28-go).
- 2012 Murray Rose
Murray Rose was an exceptional Australian Olympic swimmer who won three gold medals at ages 16 and 20, becoming the youngest triple gold medalist of his time. He later transitioned to entertainment, working as a stuntman and television commentator, and remained an iconic figure in Australian sports history.
- 2014 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.
- 2017 Clifton James
American character actor known for his distinctive roles in films, particularly in James Bond movies where he played Sheriff J.W. Pepper.
- 2018 Vittorio Taviani
Renowned Italian film director and screenwriter, known for his influential works in Italian cinema and part of the famous Taviani brothers duo.
- 2019 Owen Garriott
NASA astronaut who participated in Skylab-3 mission and STS-9 shuttle flight, known for being part of the first international crew in space.
- 2020 Ranjit Chowdhry
Versatile Indian actor who successfully worked across Bollywood and Hollywood, known for his character roles and cross-cultural performances.
What Is special about April 15?
Discover what makes April 15 a memorable date