Famous people and celebrities who died on January 15

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

• 1949 Black Dahlia

  Infamous murder victim whose unsolved killing became a notorious criminal case in Los Angeles, inspiring numerous books and films.

• 1955 Yves Tanguy

  Yves Tanguy was a prominent French surrealist painter known for his unique, dreamlike landscapes that challenged traditional artistic representation. Born in Paris to Breton parents, he was deeply influenced by the surrealist movement and became a key figure alongside artists like Salvador Dalí and André Breton. His distinctive style featured biomorphic forms and enigmatic, otherworldly scenes that explored the subconscious.

• 1964 Jack Teagarden

  Jack Teagarden was a legendary jazz trombonist, bandleader, and singer who significantly influenced jazz music during the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his distinctive trombone style and vocal performances, playing in notable films and bands. His contributions helped shape the jazz genre during its golden era.

• 1968 Bill Masterton

  Bill Masterton was a Canadian-American ice hockey player who tragically died from injuries sustained during a game, becoming the first and only NHL player to die as a result of on-ice injuries.

• 1971 John Dall

  Actor (corn is green, rope) dies at 50 from a heart attack

• 1973 Ivan Petrovsky

  Prominent Russian mathematician who made significant contributions to mathematical analysis and academic research during the mid-20th century.

• 1983 Shepperd Strudwick

  American character actor known for his work in film and theater during the mid-20th century, who passed away from cancer at age 75.

• 1983 Meyer Lansky

  Notorious Jewish-American organized crime figure known as the 'Mob's Accountant' who played a significant role in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.

• 1987 Ray Bolger

  Famous American actor and dancer best known for his iconic role as the Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz', a classic film that defined his career and made him a beloved Hollywood personality.

• 1988 Sean MacBride

  Irish politician and human rights activist who served as chief of staff of the IRA and later became a prominent statesman, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his international human rights work.

• 1990 Gordon Jackson

  Scottish actor renowned for his iconic role as Hudson in the TV series 'Upstairs, Downstairs', winning an Emmy Award in 1976 and the British Actors of the Year Award in 1974.

• 1993 Sammy Cahn

  Legendary American lyricist who wrote songs for Frank Sinatra, winning multiple Academy Awards and contributing significantly to the Great American Songbook.

• 1994 Georges Cziffra

  Renowned Hungarian-French classical pianist and composer known for his exceptional virtuosity and interpretations of Franz Liszt's works. He was a significant musical figure of the 20th century with remarkable technical skills.

• 1996 Minnesota Fats

  Legendary American professional billiards player known for his exceptional pool skills and colorful personality.

• 2005 Ruth Warrick

  Ruth Warrick was a prominent American actress known for her roles in film and television, including the long-running soap opera 'All My Children'.

• 2005 Victoria de los Ángeles

  Renowned Spanish soprano who was a leading classical music artist of the 20th century, celebrated for her exceptional vocal range and interpretative skills.

• 2006 Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

  Emir of Kuwait from 1977 to 2006, he was a significant political leader who played a crucial role in Kuwait's modernization and regional diplomacy.

• 2007 James Hillier

  Canadian-American scientist who co-invented the electron microscope, significantly advancing scientific research and microscopic imaging technology.

• 2007 Awad Hamed al-Bandar

  Iraqi judge who was controversially involved in the trial of Saddam Hussein and subsequently executed in 2007.

• 2008 Brad Renfro

  Brad Renfro was a talented American actor who gained recognition in the 1990s for his compelling performances in legal drama films like 'The Client' and psychological thriller 'Apt Pupil'. Tragically, he passed away at a young age of 25 due to a drug overdose.

• 2010 Marshall Nirenberg

  Renowned molecular biologist who made groundbreaking contributions to genetics by deciphering the genetic code, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

• 2011 Susannah York

  Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in over 60 films, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' and her groundbreaking performance in 'The Killing of Sister George'. She was also a talented author of screenplays and children's books.

• 2011 Nat Lofthouse

  Legendary English footballer who played for Bolton Wanderers and the England national team, known as the 'Lion of Vienna' for his outstanding performances.

• 2012 Manuel Fraga Iribarne

  Prominent Spanish politician and diplomat who served in multiple high-level government roles during and after Franco's era. He was a key figure in Spain's political transition and became the president of Galicia. He was known for his significant contributions to Spanish political life.

• 2013 Nagisa Oshima

  Renowned Japanese film director known for avant-garde and politically provocative cinema, particularly from the Japanese New Wave movement.

• 2015 Kim Fowley

  Influential American record producer and music impresario known for his eccentric personality and significant contributions to rock music, particularly for managing the pioneering all-female rock band The Runaways.

• 2018 Dolores O'Riordan

  Dolores O'Riordan was the iconic lead singer of the alternative rock band The Cranberries, known for her distinctive voice and powerful performances. She was a significant figure in 1990s rock music, with hits like 'Zombie' that addressed political conflicts in Ireland.

• 2019 Carol Channing

  Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles. She was a Tony Award winner famous for her performances in 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.