Famous people and celebrities who died on March 21

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on March 21. 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.

• 1699 Erhard Weigel

  German mathematician known for his work in geometry and astronomy.

• 1934 Lilyan Tashman

  Actor (bulldog drummer), dies at 34

• 1938 Oscar Apfel

  Actor (inspiration), passes away at 60

• 1974 Candy Darling

  Iconic transgender actress who was a prominent figure in Andy Warhol's Factory scene, known for her roles in underground films.

• 1975 Joe Medwick

  Joe Medwick was a prominent Major League Baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1930s. He was nicknamed 'Ducky' and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1937. Medwick was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968.

• 1985 Michael Redgrave

  Renowned British stage and film actor known for his performances in classic movies like 'The Lady Vanishes' and 'The Browning Version'. He was a prominent figure in mid-20th century British cinema and theater.

• 1987 Robert Preston

  Renowned American actor known for his versatility and charm, Robert Preston had a distinguished film career spanning over 45 movies. He was particularly famous for his Broadway and film role in 'The Music Man', which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

• 1991 Leo Fender

  Legendary American inventor and businessman who revolutionized the music industry by founding Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. He is widely credited with creating iconic electric guitars that shaped modern rock and popular music.

• 1994 Macdonald Carey

  Prominent American actor best known for his long-running role in the soap opera 'Days of Our Lives'. He was also a published poet who overcame alcoholism and wrote a memoir about his life experiences.

• 1994 Dack Rambo

  American television actor known for roles in 'Dallas' and 'Another World', who struggled with personal challenges including his twin brother's tragic death and substance addiction.

• 1994 Lili Damita

  French actress and wife of Hollywood star Errol Flynn, known for her roles in early sound films and her tumultuous marriage to the famous actor.

• 1997 Wilbert Awdry

  Wilbert Awdry was a beloved British author and Anglican clergyman best known for creating the iconic 'Thomas the Tank Engine' children's book series, which has delighted generations of young readers worldwide.

• 1998 Galina Ulanova

  Legendary Russian prima ballerina assoluta who revolutionized ballet in the 20th century, considered one of the greatest dancers of her time. She was a principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and renowned for her exceptional artistic expression and technical mastery.

• 1999 Ernie Wise

  Legendary British comedian who formed the iconic comedy duo Morecambe & Wise, one of the most popular comedy partnerships in UK entertainment history. Their Christmas specials were massive television events, attracting nearly 29 million viewers at their peak.

• 1999 Jean Guitton

  Renowned French philosopher and theologian who explored the complex relationship between faith and reason through his extensive writings of around fifty books.

• 2001 Chung Ju-yung

  Chung Ju-yung was a prominent South Korean businessman who founded the Hyundai Group, transforming it into a global industrial powerhouse spanning automotive, shipbuilding, and construction industries.

• 2002 Herman Talmadge

  Prominent Georgia politician who served as governor and later as U.S. Senator, playing a significant role in mid-20th century Southern politics.

• 2004 Ludmilla Tchérina

  Renowned French ballerina, choreographer, and actress who had a distinguished career in performing arts during the mid-20th century.

• 2005 Bobby Short

  Legendary Manhattan cabaret performer who epitomized New York's sophisticated musical scene. He was a renowned singer and pianist at Cafe Carlyle for over 25 years, known for his distinctive voice and witty performances.

• 2008 John List

  John List was a notorious American mass murderer who killed his entire family in New Jersey in 1971 and remained at large for 18 years before being captured.

• 2010 Sir James W. Black

  Nobel Prize laureate for their discoveries of important principles for drug treatment

• 2011 Pinetop Perkins

  Legendary blues pianist and Grammy Award-winning musician who was a key member of the Blues Hall of Fame. He was a significant influence in the Chicago blues scene and played with many iconic blues artists.

• 2013 Chinua Achebe

  Renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, best known for his groundbreaking novel 'Things Fall Apart', which is considered a seminal work of postcolonial literature.

• 2013 Pietro Mennea

  Legendary Italian sprinter who held the world record for 200m from 1979 and won multiple national and international titles, later becoming a sports consultant and politician.

• 2015 Alberta Watson

  Canadian actress known for her roles in television series like 'La Femme Nikita' and 'Nikita', who passed away in 2015 after a notable career in film and TV.

• 2015 Hans Erni

  Hans Erni was a renowned Swiss artist, designer, and sculptor known for his prolific career spanning nearly a century. He was celebrated for his diverse artistic contributions and remarkable longevity, living to be 106 years old. His work significantly influenced Swiss visual arts in the 20th century.

• 2016 Andrew Grove

  Legendary Hungarian-American engineer who transformed Intel into a global technology powerhouse. A pivotal figure in Silicon Valley's development, Grove played a crucial role in the personal computer revolution. He was a respected business leader, author, and mentor to many tech entrepreneurs.

• 2017 Martin McGuinness

  Prominent Irish republican politician who served as deputy first minister of Northern Ireland and was a key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process.

• 2017 Colin Dexter

  Renowned British crime novelist who created the iconic Inspector Morse detective series, which was later adapted into a popular television show starring John Thaw.

• 2023 Willis Reed

  Legendary NBA player who played his entire career with the New York Knicks, known for his exceptional leadership and pivotal role in the team's championship victories in 1970 and 1973.