Famous people and celebrities who died on December 15

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 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.

• 1943 Fats Waller

  Legendary jazz pianist, composer, and singer known for his virtuosic keyboard skills and humorous performances during the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s and 1930s.

• 1944 Glenn Miller

  Legendary big band leader and trombonist who revolutionized swing music during the 1930s and 1940s. He was a pivotal figure in American popular music, creating iconic hits that defined the swing era. Miller tragically disappeared during a World War II military flight in 1944. [bio]

• 1947 Arthur Machen

  Welsh author known for his supernatural and horror fiction.

• 1947 Crawford Vaughan

  Australian politician, 27th premier of south australia (b. 1874)

• 1958 Wolfgang Pauli

  Wolfgang Pauli was a groundbreaking Austrian-born physicist who made fundamental contributions to quantum mechanics. He was awarded the 1945 Nobel Prize in Physics for his exclusion principle, which revolutionized understanding of atomic structure. Pauli was also instrumental in developing quantum field theory and hypothesized the existence of the neutrino.

• 1962 Charles Laughton

  Charles laughton was a renowned british actor known for his powerful performances in classic films such as the hunchback of notre dame and mutiny on the bounty.

• 1974 Anatole Litvak

  Prominent Ukrainian-American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for directing notable Hollywood films in the mid-20th century.

• 1984 Jan Peerce

  Renowned American tenor and actor who performed at the Metropolitan Opera, known for his exceptional vocal talents and significant contributions to classical music.

• 1986 Serge Lifar

  Renowned Russian-French ballet dancer and choreographer who significantly influenced 20th-century dance. He was a principal dancer and choreographer for the Paris Opera Ballet, known for his innovative artistic contributions.

• 1990 Jean Paige

  Actress (captain blood and black beauty).

• 1991 Vasily Zaytsev

  Legendary Soviet sniper during World War II, famous for his exceptional marksmanship during the Battle of Stalingrad. He was credited with 225 confirmed kills and became a symbol of Soviet military heroism.

• 1995 Manuel Gutierrez Mellado

  Prominent Spanish military and political figure who played a crucial role in Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's regime. He served as the first Vice President of the Government for Defense Affairs and the first Minister of Defense in Spain.

• 2001 Rufus Thomas

  Influential Memphis blues and R&B singer known for his hit song 'Walking the Dog', a significant figure in the development of soul and funk music.

• 2003 Keith Magnuson

  Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, died in a car accident in 2003.

• 2005 William Proxmire

  Prominent U.S. Senator from Wisconsin known for his fiscal conservatism and the 'Golden Fleece Award' highlighting government waste.

• 2006 Clay Regazzoni

  Clay Regazzoni was a prominent Swiss Formula One racing driver who competed from 1970 to 1980, winning four Grand Prix races.

• 2007 Julia Carson

  American lawyer and politician (b. 1938)

• 2008 León Febres Cordero

  Ecuadorian engineer and politician, 46th president of ecuador (b. 1931)

• 2009 Oral Roberts

  Prominent American televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University who significantly influenced pentecostal Christianity in the 20th century. He was known for his faith healing ministries and pioneering religious broadcasting. His ministry was controversial but highly influential in spreading charismatic Christian teachings.

• 2010 Blake Edwards

  Acclaimed American film director and screenwriter known for creating iconic comedy films like The Pink Panther series and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

• 2010 Bob Feller

  Legendary Cleveland Indians pitcher, World War II veteran, and Baseball Hall of Fame member known for his exceptional fastball and multiple no-hitters.

• 2011 Christopher Hitchens

  Christopher Hitchens was a renowned British-American journalist, author, and social critic known for his sharp intellect, provocative writing, and passionate critique of religion and political establishments.

• 2011 Bob Brookmeyer

  Renowned jazz trombonist and composer who was a key member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, significantly contributing to the big band and jazz landscape of the mid-20th century.

• 2013 Joan Fontaine

  Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock films like 'Rebecca' and 'Suspicion'. She had a complex family relationship with her sister Olivia de Havilland, also a famous actress. Her early life was marked by family challenges and international experiences.

• 2014 Fausto Zapata

  Mexican journalist, lawyer, and politician, governor of san luis potosí (b. 1940)

• 2016 Craig Sager

  Legendary NBA sideline reporter famous for his flamboyant, colorful suits and passionate sports broadcasting. He was particularly known for his courageous battle with cancer while continuing to work in sports journalism.

• 2017 Heinz Wolff

  Heinz Wolff was a renowned German-British physiologist, engineer, and academic who made significant contributions to biomedical research and science communication.