Famous people and celebrities who died on February 23

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on February 23. 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.

• 1792 Joshua Reynolds

  Joshua Reynolds was an influential English portrait painter and the first President of the Royal Academy of Arts.

• 1821 John Keats

  An english romantic poet. despite his work being published for just four years, he was a major figure in the second generation romantic poets.

• 1930 Mabel Normand

  Mabel Normand was a silent film actress and comedian known for her work with Charlie Chaplin and Mack Sennett.

• 1930 Horst Wessel

  A Nazi Party member whose death was used for propaganda purposes, Wessel wrote the lyrics to the Nazi Party anthem 'Die Fahne Hoch', which became Germany's national anthem during the Third Reich.

• 1965 Stan Laurel

  Stan laurel was a comedic actor best known for being one half of the famous duo laurel and hardy, known for their slapstick comedy films.

• 1973 Dickinson W. Richards

  MED - American physician and physiologist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1895)

• 1974 Florence Rice

  Actress (girl at 1313, carnival), is killed at 63

• 1984 Jessamyn West

  Renowned American author celebrated for her compelling novels and short stories, known for her nuanced storytelling and literary contributions.

• 1987 Esmond Knight

  British actor known for his stage and film performances, particularly in Shakespearean roles like Hamlet. He was a prominent figure in mid-20th century British theatre and cinema.

• 1990 José Napoleón Duarte

  Prominent Salvadoran politician who served as president during the Salvadoran Civil War, playing a crucial role in the country's political transformation.

• 1990 James M. Gavin

  James M. Gavin was a distinguished American military general and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to France, playing a significant role in post-World War II international relations.

• 1995 James Herriot

  A renowned British veterinarian and author who wrote beloved semi-autobiographical books about rural veterinary life in Yorkshire, most famously the 'All Creatures Great and Small' series which became a global literary and television phenomenon.

• 1995 Melvin Franklin

  Legendary bass singer of the iconic Motown group The Temptations, who was a key member of the band during its most successful period.

• 1995 Art Kane

  Renowned American photographer known for his iconic music and cultural photography, capturing significant moments in mid-20th century arts.

• 1999 Carlos Hathcock

  Legendary United States Marine Corps sniper, known for his exceptional marksmanship during the Vietnam War and his significant influence on military sniping techniques.

• 2000 Stanley Matthews

  Stanley Matthews was a pioneering English footballer widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation. Known as the 'Wizard of the Dribble', he was the first footballer to be knighted while still playing and is regarded as a true sporting legend.

• 2000 Ofra Haza

  Renowned Israeli singer and actress known for blending Yemenite Jewish music with pop and world music, achieving international recognition.

• 2001 Robert Enrico

  Renowned French-Italian film director known for his Oscar-winning short film 'Incident at Owl Creek'. He began his career as an assistant director and editor, creating documentaries and short subjects for French television.

• 2003 Robert K. Merton

  Influential American sociologist who made significant contributions to social theory, scientific methodology, and the sociology of science.

• 2006 Telmo Zarra

  Legendary Spanish footballer who played as a striker for Athletic Bilbao and is considered one of the greatest goalscorers in Spanish football history.

• 2006 Benno Besson

  Renowned Swiss-German theater director, actor, and screenwriter who significantly influenced European theatrical arts in the 20th century.

• 2008 Paul Frère

  Paul Frère was a renowned Belgian motorsport journalist and racing driver who competed in Formula One and won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952. He was known for his technical expertise and contributions to automotive journalism.

• 2008 Janez Drnovšek

  Janez Drnovšek was a prominent Slovenian politician who served as the second President of Slovenia, playing a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy and international recognition.

• 2011 Nirmala Srivastava

  Renowned spiritual leader who founded Sahaja Yoga, a meditation technique emphasizing self-realization and inner peace. She dedicated her life to promoting spiritual awakening and offered her teachings freely worldwide.

• 2013 Julien Ries

  Belgian cardinal who served the Catholic Church during the mid-20th century, known for his theological contributions and ecclesiastical leadership.

• 2014 Alice Herz-Sommer

  A renowned Jewish pianist and music teacher who survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp. She was a remarkable Holocaust survivor and one of the world's oldest living witnesses to the Holocaust. Her life story is a testament to resilience and the power of music during extreme adversity.

• 2019 Katherine Helmond

  Katherine Helmond was a renowned American actress best known for her comedic roles in popular TV sitcoms 'Soap' and 'Who's the Boss?'. She was a talented performer who won multiple Emmy Awards during her career.

• 2023 John Motson

  Legendary BBC football commentator known for his distinctive style and encyclopedic knowledge of football, who covered matches for over 50 years and became a national broadcasting icon.