Famous people and celebrities who died on December 9
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 9. 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.
- 1937 Nils Gustaf Dalén
Nobel Prize laureate for his invention of automatic regulators for use in conjunction with gas accumulators for illuminating lighthouses and buoys
- 1963 Perry Miller
Renowned American intellectual historian specializing in Puritan and early American studies. He was a highly influential academic who significantly shaped understanding of early American intellectual traditions. Miller's scholarly work profoundly impacted American historical scholarship.
- 1971 Ralph Bunche
Ralph Bunche was a prominent African American diplomat, political scientist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a crucial role in international peacekeeping efforts during the mid-20th century.
- 1977 Clarice Lispector
Renowned Ukrainian-Brazilian writer and journalist known for her innovative and experimental literary style, considered one of the most important Brazilian authors of the 20th century.
- 1982 Leon Jaworski
Prominent American lawyer who co-founded the prestigious law firm Fulbright & Jaworski and served as a special prosecutor during the Watergate scandal.
- 1992 Vincent Gardenia
Acclaimed Italian-American character actor known for roles in films like 'Moonstruck' and TV series 'All in the Family'.
- 1993 Danny Blanchflower
Danny Blanchflower was a legendary Northern Irish footballer who captained Tottenham Hotspur to their historic 'Double' victory in 1961, winning both the League Championship and FA Cup. He was a pivotal figure in Tottenham's golden era of football, known for his exceptional leadership and tactical intelligence.
- 1994 Max Bill
Influential Swiss artist, architect, and designer who was a key figure in the Bauhaus movement, known for his abstract art and architectural innovations.
- 1995 Toni Cade Bambara
Renowned African American writer, filmmaker, and social activist who significantly contributed to Black literature and social justice movements.
- 1995 Douglas Corrigan
Douglas Corrigan was an American aviator famous for his 1938 transatlantic flight from New York to Ireland, which earned him the nickname 'Wrong Way Corrigan'. His accidental journey became a media sensation, leading to significant financial opportunities through lectures, articles, and a movie.
- 1996 Mary Leakey
Renowned English-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist who made significant contributions to human origins research in East Africa.
- 1996 Alain Poher
French politician who served as President of the Senate and twice acted as interim President of France, playing a significant role in French political history during the mid-20th century.
- 1998 Archie Moore
Archie Moore was a legendary light heavyweight boxer widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He held the world light heavyweight title for a decade and was known for his exceptional boxing skills and longevity in the sport. Later in life, he also pursued acting.
- 2002 Mary Hansen
Australian singer and guitarist for the influential indie rock band Stereolab, known for her innovative musical contributions before her tragic death in 2002.
- 2003 Paul Simon
Prominent American politician who served in multiple legislative roles including the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, known for his liberal democratic views and political career in Illinois.
- 2004 Lea De Mae
Czech adult film actress and model who was active in the early 2000s, tragically passing away in 2004.
- 2004 David Brudnoy
Prominent American conservative talk-show host renowned for his intellectual and balanced approach to discussing complex issues. He was respected for presenting rational arguments without resorting to personal attacks.
- 2005 György Sándor
Renowned Hungarian-American pianist and music educator who made significant contributions to classical piano performance and teaching throughout the 20th century.
- 2007 Gordon Zahn
Prominent American sociologist and peace activist who made significant contributions to understanding social responsibility and war resistance.
- 2009 Gene Barry
Gene Barry was a prominent American actor known for his roles in television and film, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in popular TV series like 'Bat Masterson' and 'Burke's Law', establishing himself as a charismatic leading man of his era.
- 2012 Norman Joseph Woodland
Norman Joseph Woodland was an American inventor who co-invented the barcode, a revolutionary technology that transformed retail, inventory management, and global logistics. His work with IBM colleague Bernard Silver led to the development of the Universal Product Code (UPC), which became a global standard.
- 2012 Patrick Moore
Legendary British astronomer and television presenter who hosted 'The Sky at Night' for over 55 years, making him a pioneering science communicator and astronomy popularizer.
- 2012 Charles Rosen
Distinguished American pianist, musicologist, and author known for his profound interpretations of classical music and scholarly writings on musical composition.
- 2013 Eleanor Parker
Acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her vibrant red hair and strong female roles, Eleanor Parker was a prominent film star during the 1950s and 1960s, earning multiple Academy Award nominations for her compelling performances.
- 2020 Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi was a legendary Italian soccer player who led Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He was a prolific goal scorer who played for top clubs like Juventus and was named European Football Player of the Year.
- 2021 Demaryius Thomas
Professional NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his exceptional catching skills and significant contributions to the team.
- 2022 Al Unser
Legendary American race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 four times and was part of a famous racing family, achieving significant success in motorsports.
What Is special about December 9?
Discover what makes December 9 a memorable date