Famous people and celebrities who died on May 1

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 1. 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.

• 1904 Antonin Dvorak

  Czech composer, teacher and violinist. he composed nine symphonies and is well-known for his "slavonic dances and rhapsodies", as well as "the new world symphony". this was his major contribution to czech music's introduction of the concert form.

• 1945 Magda Goebbels

  Wife of Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Minister of Propaganda, who was deeply involved in the Nazi regime and died by suicide alongside her husband in Hitler's Berlin bunker in 1945.

• 1953 Everett Shinn

  Everett Shinn was an American playwright and screenwriter who was known for his social commentary in his works.

• 1965 Spike Jones

  Legendary American musician and bandleader known for his comedic and satirical musical arrangements, particularly popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

• 1971 Glenda Farrell

  Glenda Farrell was a prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in numerous pre-war and wartime films, particularly in character and supporting roles. She was a versatile performer who appeared in both comedies and dramas during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

• 1976 T. R. M. Howard

  T.R.M. Howard was a prominent African American surgeon, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur who played a significant role in the civil rights movement, particularly in Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s.

• 1976 Alexandros Panagoulis

  Greek poet and political activist who courageously resisted the military junta in Greece, ultimately dying in 1976.

• 1978 Aram Khatchaturian

  Aram Khachaturian was a prominent Soviet Armenian composer who significantly influenced 20th-century classical music. He is best known for his ballets 'Gayane' and 'Spartacus', which are celebrated worldwide. His compositions often incorporated Armenian folk music elements and gained international recognition.

• 1982 William Primrose

  Renowned Scottish violist and violinist who was considered one of the most distinguished viola players of the 20th century, known for his exceptional technique and musical interpretation.

• 1982 Gene Sheldon

  American actor known for his role in Zorro, who passed away at age 72.

• 1988 Paolo Stoppa

  Renowned Italian actor who excelled in both stage and film performances. He was a prominent figure in Italian cinema during the mid-20th century and passed away from leukemia in 1988.

• 1988 Carroll Righter

  Carroll Righter was a prominent American astrologer who became famous in Hollywood, providing astrological guidance to celebrities and writing syndicated newspaper columns. He was known for his monthly sun-sign parties that attracted theatrical personalities and maintained a significant media presence in the mid-20th century.

• 1989 Marion Mack

  American silent film actress known for her notable roles in early 20th-century cinema, particularly in comedic performances.

• 1991 Richard Thorpe

  American screenwriter and director (d. 1991).

• 1994 Ayrton Senna

  Legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver who was a three-time world champion, known for his exceptional skill, aggressive driving style, and tragic death during a race. His rivalry with Alain Prost is considered one of the most famous in motorsport history.

• 1998 Eldridge Cleaver

  Prominent Black Panther Party leader and influential civil rights activist who wrote the groundbreaking book 'Soul on Ice', challenging racial injustice in America during the 1960s.

• 2000 Steve Reeves

  Iconic bodybuilder and actor who became a major star in Italian muscle-man films of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly known for his portrayal of Hercules. He was Mr. America in 1947 and Mr. Universe in 1950, setting new standards for physical fitness and bodybuilding.

• 2003 Miss Elizabeth

  Iconic professional wrestling manager and valet, known for her work in WWE and her significant role in wrestling storylines during the 1980s and early 1990s.

• 2008 Anthony Mamo

  Maltese lawyer and politician who became the first President of Malta, playing a crucial role in the country's early independence period.

• 2010 Helen Wagner

  Helen Wagner was an iconic American actress best known for her long-running role in the soap opera 'As the World Turns', where she played Nancy Hughes McClosky for over five decades.

• 2011 Henry Cooper

  Legendary British heavyweight boxer known for his famous bout with Muhammad Ali and his significant contributions to boxing. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire and had a remarkable 17-year professional career. Cooper was particularly famous for his powerful left hook and his memorable fights.

• 2011 Ted Lowe

  Legendary English snooker commentator who became known as the 'Voice of Snooker' and significantly contributed to the sport's popularity in the United Kingdom.

• 2013 Chris Kelly

  American rapper who was part of the hip-hop duo Kris Kross, known for their hit song 'Jump' in the early 1990s. He tragically passed away in 2013.

• 2015 Grace Lee Whitney

  Grace Lee Whitney was an American actress best known for her role as Yeoman Janice Rand in the original Star Trek television series. She was a significant figure in science fiction television history and appeared in multiple Star Trek films.

• 2015 Geoff Duke

  Legendary Isle of Man motorcycle racer who dominated international racing in the 1950s, winning multiple world championships.

• 2015 María Elena Velasco

  Prominent Mexican actress, singer, director, and screenwriter known for her significant contributions to Mexican entertainment industry.

• 2016 Madeleine Lebeau

  Madeleine Lebeau was a renowned French actress immortalized by her iconic role as Yvonne in the classic film 'Casablanca', one of the most celebrated movies in cinema history.

• 2021 Olympia Dukakis

  Acclaimed American actress who won an Academy Award for her role in 'Moonstruck' in 1987, with a distinguished 40-year career spanning stage and screen. She was a critically acclaimed performer with multiple awards, including two Obie Awards for her theatrical performances.

• 2023 Gordon Lightfoot

  Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for folk and country music, with a career spanning several decades.