Famous people and celebrities who died on May 15
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 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.
- 1634 Hendrick Avercamp
Hendrick Avercamp was a Dutch painter known for his winter landscapes and scenes of Dutch life.
- 1886 Emily Dickinson
American poet, widely regarded as the greatest female poet of english. she published seven anonymous poems during her life; her writings have been regarded as literary treasures ever since.
- 1924 Paul-Henri-Benjamin d'Estournelles de Constant
PEA - French diplomat and politician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1852)
- 1924 Paul Henri Benjamin Balluet d'Estournelles de Constant, Baron de Constant de Rebecque
Nobel Prize laureate for their prominent position in the international movement for peace and arbitration
- 1971 Tyrone Guthrie
Renowned British theatre director, producer, and writer who significantly influenced modern theatre practices and international theatre development.
- 1980 Gordon Prange
Gordon Prange was a distinguished American historian and academic specializing in Japanese history, best known for his comprehensive work on Pearl Harbor and US-Japan relations.
- 1985 Jackie Curtis
Jackie Curtis was a prominent Warhol Superstar and underground artist in New York City, known for groundbreaking performances in drag and avant-garde theater. A multifaceted talent, Curtis was a playwright, poet, and actor who challenged gender norms in the 1960s and 1970s art scene. His tragic early death at 38 cut short a remarkable artistic career.
- 1986 Theodore H. White
Renowned journalist and historian famous for his groundbreaking 'The Making of the President' book series, which provided deep insights into American presidential elections.
- 1986 Elio de Angelis
Renowned Italian Formula One racing driver known for his skill and tragic early death during a testing accident in 1986.
- 1987 Wynne Gibson
Actor (night after night, aggie appleby)
- 1988 Andrew Duggan
Actor (jigsaw firehouse), is diagnosed with cancer at the age of 64
- 1989 Johnny Green
Acclaimed American composer, conductor, and arranger who won multiple Academy Awards for his musical compositions.
- 1991 Ronald Lacey
Character actor famous for his memorable role as Major Arnold Toht in Steven Spielberg's 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', a classic adventure film.
- 1994 Gilbert Roland
Mexican-American actor known for his roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly in romantic and adventure genres. He was a prominent figure in both silent and sound era cinema.
- 1995 Eric Porter
Renowned British stage and screen actor known for notable performances in classic productions like 'Antony & Cleopatra' and '39 Steps'.
- 2003 June Carter Cash
Renowned American country music singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her work with Johnny Cash and her significant contributions to country music.
- 2007 Jerry Falwell
Influential American evangelical pastor who founded the Moral Majority and significantly impacted conservative Christian political activism in the United States during the 1980s.
- 2007 Yolanda King
Yolanda King was a prominent civil rights activist, actress, and eldest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, continuing her parents' legacy of social justice and equality.
- 2008 Willis Eugene Lamb
Nobel Prize laureate for his discoveries concerning the fine structure of the hydrogen spectrum
- 2008 Alexander Courage
Renowned American composer best known for composing the iconic original Star Trek television series theme music, which became a significant part of pop culture history.
- 2009 Wayman Tisdale
Professional basketball player who became a renowned smooth jazz bassist after his sports career, known for his musical talent and successful transition.
- 2010 Bekim Fehmiu
Bekim Fehmiu was a prominent Yugoslav actor who gained international recognition and was a pioneering figure in Balkan cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his versatile acting skills and entrepreneurial spirit, establishing several successful businesses beyond his film career.
- 2012 Carlos Fuentes
Renowned Mexican novelist, essayist, and intellectual who was a key figure in the Latin American literary boom of the 20th century.
- 2012 Zakaria Mohieddin
Egyptian soldier and politician who served as the 33rd Prime Minister of Egypt, contributing to the country's political history during a critical period.
- 2014 Jean-Luc Dehaene
Prominent Belgian politician and lawyer who served as the 63rd Prime Minister of Belgium, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during the late 20th century.
- 2020 Fred Willard
Fred Willard was a renowned American comedian and actor famous for his improvisational comedy and memorable roles in mockumentary films like 'Best in Show' and 'Anchorman'.
- 2023 Robert E. Lucas Jr.
Nobel Prize laureate for having developed and applied the hypothesis of rational expectations, and thereby having transformed macroeconomic analysis and deepened our understanding of economic policy
What Is special about May 15?
Discover what makes May 15 a memorable date