Famous people and celebrities who died on October 2

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

• 1927 Svante August Arrhenius

  Nobel Prize laureate in recognition of the extraordinary services he has rendered to the advancement of chemistry by his electrolytic theory of dissociation

• 1941 Jaan Tõnisson

  Estonian journalist, lawyer, and politician 2nd prime minster of estonia (d. 1941?)

• 1956 George Bancroft

  American historian and statesman, who was prominent in supporting secondary education at both the state and national levels. he established the united states naval academy in annapolis during his time as u.s. secretary of the navy. he was an american diplomat in europe. his magisterial series history of the united states from the discovery of the american continent is one …

• 1971 Bola de Nieve

  Renowned Cuban musician known for his exceptional piano skills and unique vocal style, blending traditional Cuban music with jazz and classical influences.

• 1975 K. Kamaraj

  K. Kamaraj was a prominent Indian politician who played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress and was known as the 'King Maker' of Indian politics during the mid-20th century.

• 1981 Harry Golden

  Ukrainian-American journalist, author, and civil rights activist known for his writings on Jewish-American experiences and Southern social issues.

• 1981 Hazel Scott

  Renowned Trinidadian-American jazz pianist, singer, and civil rights activist who broke racial barriers in entertainment during the mid-20th century.

• 1985 Rock Hudson

  Rock Hudson was a legendary Hollywood actor and sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, known for romantic comedies and dramatic roles. He was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Giant' and won four Golden Globe awards. Later, he became known as one of the first celebrities to die from AIDS, which raised significant public awareness about the disease.

• 1985 George Savalas

  American character actor best known for his supporting roles in television and film, and brother of famous actor Telly Savalas. He appeared in numerous TV shows during the 1960s and 1970s, often playing tough or authoritative characters.

• 1987 Madeleine Carroll

  Prominent British actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her roles in classic films like 'The 39 Steps' and 'Prisoner of Zenda'. She was a leading lady during the 1930s and 1940s, transitioning from silent films to talkies.

• 1987 Peter Medawar

  MED - Brazilian-english biologist and immunologist, nobel prize laureate (d. 1987)

• 1988 Alec Issigonis

  Alec Issigonis was a renowned British automotive engineer who revolutionized car design with the iconic Mini, a compact and innovative vehicle that became a cultural symbol of the 1960s.

• 1988 Hamengkubuwono IX

  Prominent Indonesian political leader who served as the second vice president of Indonesia and the Sultan of Yogyakarta. He played a crucial role in Indonesia's political landscape during the mid-20th century.

• 1996 Robert Bourassa

  Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd Premier of Quebec.

• 1998 Gene Autry

  Legendary American singing cowboy who dominated entertainment from the 1930s to 1960s, known for his music, movies, and significant business ventures including owning the California Angels baseball team.

• 1999 Heinz G. Konsalik

  Prolific German journalist and novelist known for his war-themed and dramatic works, who wrote extensively during the mid-20th century.

• 2005 Nipsey Russell

  Renowned African American comedian and actor known for his witty rhyming wordplay and appearances on game shows and television.

• 2005 August Wilson

  Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who profoundly documented African-American life through his powerful dramatic cycle of plays. He is considered one of the most important American playwrights of the 20th century, known for his rich character development and exploration of Black experience.

• 2006 Tamara Dobson

  Prominent African American actress known for her iconic role in the 1970s blaxploitation film 'Cleopatra Jones', where she played a tall, powerful undercover agent fighting drug crime.

• 2006 Paul Halmos

  Paul Halmos was a renowned mathematician who made significant contributions to functional analysis, probability theory, and mathematical logic. He was known for his clear writing style and influential textbooks that helped shape mathematical education in the 20th century.

• 2007 George Grizzard

  Renowned American stage and film actor known for his versatility and emotional depth. He made his Broadway debut in 1955 and starred in the original production of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf'. Won a Tony Award in 1996 for his performance in 'A Delicate Balance'.

• 2008 Choi Jin-sil

  Prominent South Korean actress and model who tragically died by suicide in 2008, leaving a significant impact on Korean entertainment industry.

• 2012 J. Philippe Rushton

  Controversial Canadian psychologist known for his research on race and intelligence, who worked at the University of Western Ontario and published extensively on human variation.

• 2015 Brian Friel

  Acclaimed Irish playwright and director known for his significant contributions to contemporary Irish theatre and literature.

• 2017 Tom Petty

  Tom Petty was an iconic American rock musician, lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, known for his influential rock hits and significant contribution to American rock music in the late 20th century.

• 2017 Paul Otellini

  Influential technology executive who served as CEO of Intel Corporation, driving significant technological innovations during his tenure.

• 2018 Jamal Khashoggi

  Saudi Arabian journalist who was assassinated for his critical reporting on the Saudi government, sparking international outrage and highlighting press freedom issues.