Famous people and celebrities who died on May 3
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 3. 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.
- 1958 Frank Foster
Renowned jazz saxophonist and composer who was a key member of Count Basie's band from 1953-1964. He later led the Count Basie Orchestra and was an influential figure in the jazz world.
- 1964 Diana Wynyard
Prominent English stage and film actress known for her performances in early 20th-century British cinema, particularly in the classic film 'Cavalcade'.
- 1976 Ernie Nevers
Legendary American football player and coach who played in the early 20th century, known for his exceptional skills as a fullback and significant contributions to professional football.
- 1981 Nargis
Legendary Indian film actress known for her iconic roles in Bollywood cinema, particularly in the classic film 'Mother India'.
- 1986 Robert Alda
Robert Alda was an American actor known for his roles in film and television, including the TV series Supertrain. He was the father of actor Alan Alda and had a notable career in entertainment.
- 1987 Dalida
Legendary singer and performer who transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries in the music world.
- 1988 Lev Pontryagin
A renowned Russian mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to topology, differential equations, and optimal control theory. He was a prominent academic and member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences.
- 1989 Christine Jorgensen
Christine Jorgensen was a pioneering transgender woman who underwent gender reassignment surgery in Denmark in the early 1950s, becoming one of the first widely known recipients of such a procedure and a significant figure in transgender visibility.
- 1991 Jerzy Kosinski
Jerzy Kosinski was a renowned Polish-American novelist known for his controversial and critically acclaimed works like 'The Painted Bird'. He was a significant literary figure who explored themes of identity, trauma, and social alienation.
- 1992 George Murphy
Prominent Republican politician and former Hollywood actor who served as a U.S. Senator from California from 1965 to 1971, bridging entertainment and politics.
- 1997 Narciso Yepes
Renowned Spanish classical guitarist and composer who significantly contributed to the international recognition of the classical guitar. He was known for his exceptional technique and interpretations of Spanish and classical repertoire.
- 1999 Joe Adcock
Joe Adcock was a prominent Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder who played primarily for the Milwaukee Braves during the 1950s and early 1960s. He was known for his powerful hitting and was a key player in the Braves' success during that era.
- 2000 John Joseph O'Connor
Cardinal archbishop of New York who served from 1984 to 2000, known for his influential role in the Catholic Church during a significant period of social change.
- 2001 Billy Higgins
Renowned jazz drummer who collaborated with many legendary musicians and was a significant figure in the West Coast jazz scene.
- 2002 Barbara Castle
Prominent British Labour Party politician who served in the House of Commons from 1945 to 1979, known for her progressive policies and strong leadership. She was a pioneering female politician who significantly influenced social and labor reforms during her career.
- 2002 Yevgeny Svetlanov
Renowned Russian conductor, pianist, and composer who significantly contributed to classical music interpretation and performance.
- 2003 Suzy Parker
Suzy Parker was an iconic American fashion model and actress who was one of the most recognizable faces in the 1950s and early 1960s. She was known for her striking beauty and appeared in numerous high-profile fashion magazines and films.
- 2004 Anthony Ainley
British actor best known for playing the Master in the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who during the 1980s.
- 2006 Karel Appel
Karel Appel was a prominent Dutch post-war artist known for his vibrant, expressive abstract paintings and sculptures. He was a key member of the CoBrA art movement, which revolutionized European modern art in the mid-20th century. His bold, colorful works challenged traditional artistic conventions and influenced generations of artists.
- 2006 Earl Woods
Father of golf legend Tiger Woods, a former U.S. Army colonel, baseball player, and author who significantly influenced his son's early athletic career.
- 2007 Walter Schirra
Pioneering NASA astronaut who was a key figure in the Mercury and Gemini space programs, completing multiple historic space missions and orbiting the Earth 163 times.
- 2007 Knock Yokoyama
Prominent Japanese comedian and politician known for his significant contributions to entertainment and public service during the mid-20th century.
- 2011 Jackie Cooper
Renowned child actor who was one of the most famous Hollywood performers of the early 1930s. He was the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor at that time. His performances in films like 'Skippy' and 'The Champ' were groundbreaking for child actors.
- 2014 Gary Becker
Gary Becker was a Nobel Prize-winning economist who revolutionized economic analysis by applying economic methods to human behavior and social issues.
- 2015 Danny Jones
English musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor who was a member of the band McFly and tragically died in 2015.
- 2017 Daliah Lavi
Prominent Israeli singer, model, and actress who successfully transitioned from film stardom in the 1960s to a notable music career. She was known for her versatility and international appeal.
- 2021 Lloyd Price
Influential R&B and rock and roll singer-songwriter known for pioneering the genre and hits like 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy'.
What Is special about May 3?
Discover what makes May 3 a memorable date