Famous people and celebrities who died on May 21
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 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.
- 1639 Tommaso Campanella
Italian philosopher and poet known for his utopian work 'The City of the Sun'.
- 1935 Jane Addams
American feminist and social worker. her entire life was dedicated to social welfare and protecting the rights of children and women. her work at hull house with immigrant families was a major obstacle to reform legislation. it stressed civic engagement and personal responsibility, which were both incompatible with the welfare-state mentality that dominated american liberalism.
- 1935 Hugo de Vries
Known for his work in genetics and his theory of mutationism.
- 1949 Klaus Mann
Renowned German writer and intellectual, son of Thomas Mann, known for his novel 'Mephisto' and his complex personal life during the Nazi era.
- 1952 John Garfield
Prominent Hollywood actor of the Golden Age, known for his roles in film noir and dramatic movies. He was a significant figure in 1940s cinema and a member of the influential Actor's Studio. His career was cut short by heart disease and political blacklisting during the McCarthy era.
- 1964 James Franck
PHY - German physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1882)
- 1970 E. L. Grant Watson
English-australian biologist and author (b. 1885)
- 1973 Vaughn Monroe
Prominent American big band singer, bandleader, and actor who was popular during the 1940s and early 1950s, known for his distinctive baritone voice and appearances in several Hollywood films.
- 1981 Patsy O'Hara
Irish Republican Army volunteer who died during the 1981 Irish hunger strikes, a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland's conflict.
- 1983 Kenneth Clark
Prominent British art historian, museum director, and influential cultural figure known for his groundbreaking work in art criticism and television documentaries.
- 1991 Rajiv Gandhi
Rajiv Gandhi was an influential Indian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He was a key figure in modernizing India's economy and technology sectors during his tenure. He was tragically assassinated in 1991 during an election campaign.
- 1992 Elizabeth David
Influential British cookbook writer who revolutionized British cuisine by introducing Mediterranean and exotic cooking styles.
- 1993 John Frost
British Army lieutenant-colonel famous for his crucial role in Operation Market Garden during World War II, a significant airborne military operation in the Netherlands.
- 1994 Giovanni Goria
Giovanni Goria was a prominent Italian politician who served as President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) in 1985, playing a significant role in Italian political landscape during the 1980s.
- 1994 Forsyth Hardy
Scottish documentary filmmaker and pioneering film critic for 'The Scotsman' newspaper from 1932 to 1941, who significantly contributed to early film journalism and documentary cinema in Scotland.
- 1995 Les Aspin
Les Aspin was an American politician who served as the 18th United States Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton during the early post-Cold War period. He resigned due to mounting political pressures.
- 1996 Lash LaRue
American Western film actor and producer specializing in unique performance styles.
- 2000 John Gielgud
Renowned British stage and film actor, considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He was a key figure in classical theater and won numerous awards, including an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.
- 2000 Barbara Cartland
Barbara Cartland was a prolific British romance novelist who wrote 723 books, selling over a billion copies worldwide. She was incredibly productive, often dictating novels while reclining on a chaise lounge. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II honored her as a Dame of the British Empire.
- 2002 Niki de Saint Phalle
Renowned French-American artist known for her large-scale sculptural works, feminist art, and innovative artistic techniques combining painting, sculpture, and performance art.
- 2003 Alejandro de Tomaso
Alejandro de Tomaso was an influential Argentinian-Italian businessman and race car driver who founded the renowned De Tomaso automobile company. He was a significant figure in the automotive industry, creating innovative sports cars and leaving a lasting legacy in motorsports.
- 2005 Deborah Berger
American outsider artist (b. 1956)
- 2006 Katherine Dunham
Pioneering African American dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and social activist who revolutionized modern dance and significantly influenced African diaspora dance techniques.
- 2006 Billy Walker
Legendary American country music guitarist and singer with nearly 60 years of charted success, known as 'The Tall Texan' and a long-standing Grand Ole Opry member.
- 2012 Eddie Blazonczyk
American singer-songwriter (b. 1941)
- 2013 Leonard Marsh
Leonard Marsh was an American businessman who co-founded Snapple, a popular beverage company known for its unique flavored drinks.
- 2013 Dominique Venner
Influential French journalist, historian, and essayist known for his intellectual contributions to political and cultural discourse in France.
- 2015 Louis Johnson
American bass player and producer known for being part of The Brothers Johnson, a funk and R&B band popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
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