Famous people and celebrities who died on May 2

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 2. 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.

• 1519 Leonardo da Vinci

  A renowned Renaissance polymath, known for his masterpieces such as the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper', as well as his groundbreaking scientific and technological innovations.

• 1945 Martin Bormann

  A high-ranking Nazi official who served as Adolf Hitler's private secretary and was a key figure in the Nazi Party's inner circle. He was instrumental in implementing the Holocaust and was tried in absentia for war crimes.

• 1957 Joseph R McCarthy

  Joseph McCarthy was a controversial U.S. Senator who led aggressive anti-communist investigations during the Cold War, creating a climate of fear and suspicion known as 'McCarthyism'. His witch hunts against suspected communists significantly impacted American political and social life in the 1950s.

• 1960 Caryl Chessman

  Notorious criminal known as the 'Red Light Bandit' who committed a series of rapes, robberies, and kidnappings in California during the late 1940s. He gained significant public attention due to his multiple death row appeals and became a controversial figure in the debate about capital punishment.

• 1979 Giulio Natta

  Giulio Natta was an Italian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 with Karl Ziegler for groundbreaking work on polymers. He was a distinguished professor at the University of Pavia and Turin, and directed the Industrial Chemistry Research Center at the Polytechnic Institute of Milan.

• 1980 George Pal

  Renowned Hungarian-American animator, film producer, and pioneer in science fiction and special effects filmmaking.

• 1983 Norm Van Brocklin

  Legendary NFL quarterback and coach who played for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

• 1989 Giuseppe Siri

  Giuseppe Siri was a prominent Italian Catholic cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Genoa from 1946 to 1987. He was a significant figure in the Catholic Church during the mid-20th century and was considered a potential papal candidate.

• 1992 Wilbur Mills

  Prominent Democratic congressman from Arkansas who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, notably as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He was a key figure in shaping U.S. fiscal policy during the mid-20th century.

• 1995 Michael Hordern

  Renowned British character actor known for his distinctive voice and versatile stage and screen performances, including notable roles in Shakespeare adaptations and period dramas.

• 1997 Paulo Freire

  Renowned Brazilian educator and philosopher who developed critical pedagogy, significantly influencing global educational theory and social justice movements.

• 1997 John Eccles

  MED - Australian-swiss neurophysiologist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1997)

• 1998 Maidie Norman

  Maidie Norman was a prominent African American actress known for her significant roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly in psychological thrillers and dramas of the 1960s.

• 1998 Gene Raymond

  American actor and singer who was active in film, television, and theater during the 1930s and 1940s. He was married to actress Jeanette MacDonald and had a notable career in Hollywood.

• 1999 Oliver Reed

  Iconic British actor known for his powerful screen presence and memorable roles in classic films like 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Women in Love'. He was a prominent figure in British cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, frequently collaborating with director Ken Russell.

• 1999 Tibor Kalman

  Tibor Kalman was a groundbreaking Hungarian-American graphic designer who revolutionized visual communication through his innovative design firm M&Co. His work challenged traditional design norms and significantly influenced contemporary graphic design and visual culture.

• 1999 Douglas Harkness

  Canadian military officer and politician who served as Minister of National Defence, playing a significant role in Canadian political and military affairs during the mid-20th century.

• 2006 Louis Rukeyser

  Renowned financial journalist and host of 'Wall Street Week', Louis Rukeyser was a prominent media figure who made complex financial topics accessible to mainstream audiences. He was known for his witty commentary and influential financial reporting from the 1970s through the early 2000s.

• 2009 Jack Kemp

  Jack Kemp was an influential American politician and professional football player who played quarterback in the AFL, later becoming a prominent Republican congressman and vice-presidential nominee.

• 2009 Marilyn French

  Influential American feminist author and academic best known for her groundbreaking work on women's studies and gender issues. Her writings significantly contributed to feminist discourse in the late 20th century.

• 2010 Lynn Redgrave

  Lynn Redgrave was a renowned British-American actress from a famous theatrical family, known for her breakthrough role in 'Georgie Girl' and her versatile performances in film and stage.

• 2011 Osama Bin Laden

  Founder of al-Qaeda, mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a key figure in global terrorism who was killed by US special forces in Pakistan.

• 2012 Junior Seau

  Junior Seau was a legendary NFL linebacker known for his exceptional skill, passion, and significant impact on the San Diego Chargers, tragically passing away in 2012.

• 2013 Jeff Hanneman

  Founding guitarist of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, known for his influential role in the development of extreme metal music.

• 2013 Dvora Omer

  Prominent Israeli author and poet who significantly contributed to modern Hebrew literature, known for her works that explored Jewish identity and cultural experiences.

• 2015 Michael Blake

  Acclaimed American novelist and screenwriter best known for 'Dances with Wolves', which won him an Academy Award and Golden Globe in 1991.

• 2015 Ruth Rendell

  Renowned British crime novelist who wrote over 20 psychological thrillers, winning numerous prestigious awards including the Gold Dagger. She was a master of the crime fiction genre, creating complex characters and intricate narratives that earned her critical acclaim.

• 2015 Maya Plisetskaya

  Legendary Russian ballerina, choreographer, and actress who was a principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and renowned worldwide for her extraordinary artistic contributions.