Famous people and celebrities who died on May 16

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 16. 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.

• 1703 Charles Perrault

  A French author who played a significant role in the development of the modern fairy tale genre, known for his collections 'Histoires ou contes du temps passé' and 'Contes de ma mère l'Oye'.

• 1920 Levi Morton

  Levi Morton was the 22nd Vice President of the United States, serving under President Benjamin Harrison from 1889 to 1893.

• 1928 Edmund Gosse

  Edmund Gosse was an English poet, critic and biographer who is best known for his memoir 'Father and Son'.

• 1947 Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins

  Nobel Prize laureate for his discovery of the growth-stimulating vitamins

• 1953 Django Reinhardt

  Django Reinhardt was a pioneering Belgian jazz guitarist who revolutionized gypsy jazz music despite losing the use of two fingers in a fire. He developed unique playing techniques that allowed him to become one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. His innovative style and virtuosic performances made him a legendary figure in jazz history.

• 1954 Werner Bischof

  Influential Swiss photojournalist who documented the human impact of World War II, capturing profound images of post-war devastation and human resilience.

• 1955 James Agee

  James Agee was a renowned American writer, film critic, journalist, and poet known for his influential works like 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men' and his film criticism.

• 1957 Eliot Ness

  Famous American law enforcement agent who led the 'Untouchables' team that fought organized crime and Al Capone during the Prohibition era in Chicago.

• 1977 Modibo Keïta

  Influential Malian political leader who served as the first president of Mali from 1960 to 1968. A key figure in Mali's post-colonial independence movement, he was committed to socialist principles and pan-African ideals.

• 1984 Andy Kaufman

  Iconic comedian and performance artist known for his surreal, avant-garde comedy style. He gained fame through Saturday Night Live and the sitcom Taxi, blurring lines between comedy and performance art.

• 1984 Irwin Shaw

  Renowned American novelist and playwright known for works like 'Rich Man, Poor Man', a critically acclaimed novel that was later adapted into a popular television miniseries.

• 1985 Margaret Hamilton

  Iconic American actress best known for her memorable role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz'. She was a prominent character actress who became a pop culture legend through her distinctive portrayal.

• 1990 Jim Henson

  Legendary American puppeteer who revolutionized children's entertainment through the Muppets, creating iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and transforming television and film storytelling.

• 1990 Sammy Davis Jr

  Legendary African American entertainer, member of the famous Rat Pack, known for his exceptional singing, dancing, and acting skills across multiple entertainment mediums.

• 1992 Marisa Mell

  Austrian actress known for her iconic roles in 1960s Italian B-movies, particularly in cult cinema and exploitation films.

• 1992 Chalino Sanchez

  Legendary Mexican singer and songwriter known for narcocorridos, tragically murdered in 1992 and considered an iconic figure in regional Mexican music.

• 1994 Alain Cuny

  Versatile French actor who transitioned from medicine to film, becoming a notable performer in several landmark European cinema classics. He collaborated extensively with Federico Fellini in iconic films like 'La Dolce Vita' and 'Satyricon'. Cuny was also known for his intellectual and artistic connections.

• 1995 Lola Flores

  Lola Flores was a legendary Spanish singer, dancer, and actress known as 'La Faraona', who significantly influenced Spanish folklore and popular culture during the 20th century.

• 2003 Mark McCormack

  Pioneering sports agent who founded IMG (International Management Group), revolutionizing the sports marketing and representation industry. He is often credited with creating the modern sports management profession.

• 2008 Robert Mondavi

  Legendary California winemaker who revolutionized the American wine industry and put Napa Valley on the global wine map. He co-founded Opus One Winery and was instrumental in elevating California wines' international reputation.

• 2010 Ronnie James Dio

  American heavy metal vocalist (born 1942)

• 2010 Hank Jones

  Renowned American jazz pianist and bandleader who significantly contributed to the bebop and hard bop jazz movements during the mid-20th century.

• 2013 Heinrich Rohrer

  PHY - Swiss physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1933)

• 2014 Clyde Snow

  Renowned forensic anthropologist who helped identify victims in major historical cases, including Kennedy, Tutankhamun, John Wayne Gacy, and Oklahoma City bombing victims.

• 2019 I. M. Pei

  Renowned Chinese-American architect who designed iconic buildings like the National Gallery of Art and Bank of China Tower, transforming modern architectural landscapes globally.

• 2019 Bob Hawke

  Prominent Australian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, leading the Australian Labor Party. Known for his charismatic leadership and significant economic reforms during his tenure.