Famous people and celebrities who died on December 5

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 5. 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.

• 1784 Phillis Wheatley

  Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry.

• 1925 Wladyslaw Reymont

  Polish novelist and writer who received the nobel prize for literature (1924).

• 1941 Amrita Sher-Gil

  Renowned Hungarian-Indian painter known for her significant contributions to modern Indian art, blending Western and Indian artistic styles.

• 1950 Sri Aurobindo

  Indian writer and religious leader, he is a guru. before he established his city of light ashram, pondicherry in india, he was well-educated and led a normal life. his writings are a testament to the best of indian thought. richard was a friend of his in the ashram, and he continued to work with her after his death at pondicherry …

• 1953 Jorge Negrete

  Jorge Negrete was a legendary Mexican actor and singer known as the 'Charro Cantor' during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He was a pivotal figure in the film industry, helping establish the Film Production Union and leading the National Association of Actors (ANDA). His marriage to María Félix was one of the most famous celebrity unions of his time.

• 1965 Joseph Erlanger

  MED - American physiologist, neuroscientist, and academic nobel prize laureate (b. 1874)

• 1983 Robert Aldrich

  Renowned American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for classic films like 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' and 'The Dirty Dozen'.

• 1989 John Pritchard

  Sir John Pritchard was a renowned British conductor who significantly influenced post-World War II classical music. He held prestigious positions with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Cologne Opera, Belgian Opera Nationale, and San Francisco Opera. His international career and musical expertise made him a prominent figure in the classical music world.

• 1990 Alfonso A. Ossorio

  Filipino-American painter and sculptor known for his innovative artistic works and contributions to modern art.

• 1991 Richard Speck

  Notorious American serial killer who murdered eight student nurses in a horrific mass killing on July 14, 1966, becoming one of the most infamous criminals in US history.

• 1994 Harry Horner

  Harry Horner was a prominent Czech-American film director, production designer, and art director known for his significant contributions to Hollywood cinema. He worked on numerous notable films and was recognized for his artistic vision in production design. His work in theater and film, including the famous play 'Our Town', established him as a respected creative professional.

• 1995 Gwen Harwood

  Renowned Australian poet and playwright who made significant contributions to modern Australian literature, known for her complex and innovative poetry exploring themes of identity, motherhood, and intellectual life.

• 1998 Al Gore

  Former US Vice President, environmental activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work on climate change awareness.

• 2002 Roone Arledge

  Legendary television executive who revolutionized sports broadcasting at ABC Sports and later became president of ABC News, introducing innovative formats like Monday Night Football and Wide World of Sports.

• 2002 Ne Win

  Burmese political leader who served as Prime Minister and Head of State, implementing a socialist regime and isolationist policies that significantly impacted Myanmar's political landscape during the mid-20th century.

• 2007 Karlheinz Stockhausen

  Pioneering German composer and pianist who revolutionized contemporary classical and electronic music. He was a key figure in the avant-garde music scene of the 20th century, known for experimental and groundbreaking compositional techniques.

• 2008 Beverly Garland

  Versatile American actress and businesswoman who had a successful career in film and television. She was particularly known for her roles in 'My Three Sons' and as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

• 2008 Nina Foch

  Acclaimed Dutch-born American actress known for her Oscar-nominated supporting role in 'Executive Suite' and her work on 'Spartacus'. She was also an assistant director for the classic film 'Diary of Anne Frank'.

• 2010 Don Meredith (football)

  Don Meredith was a legendary NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys who later became a beloved Monday Night Football commentator, famous for his charismatic and witty broadcasting style.

• 2012 Dave Brubeck

  Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized the genre with innovative time signatures and complex rhythms. His quartet, featuring Paul Desmond, created iconic works like 'Take Five' that became jazz standards. Brubeck was a pivotal figure in popularizing jazz as a sophisticated art form.

• 2012 Oscar Niemeyer

  Renowned Brazilian architect who designed iconic modernist buildings like the United Nations headquarters and the Cathedral of Brasília, significantly influencing 20th-century architectural design.

• 2013 Colin Wilson

  Colin Wilson was a prominent British writer and philosopher known for his groundbreaking work 'The Outsider', which explored existential themes and established him as a significant intellectual figure of the mid-20th century.

• 2013 Nelson Mandela

  PEA - South african lawyer and politician, 1st president of south africa, nobel prize laureate (d. 2013)

• 2015 Chuck Williams

  Founder of Williams-Sonoma, a renowned kitchenware and home goods retail company that revolutionized home cooking and culinary retail in the United States.

• 2019 Robert Walker

  American actor known for World War II era films like 'Bataan' and 'Since You Went Away', who struggled with personal challenges including alcoholism and mental health issues. Despite his boy-next-door image, he had a complex personal life that impacted his career.

• 2021 Bob Dole

  Prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator and was the Republican presidential nominee in 1996, running against Bill Clinton.

• 2022 Kirstie Alley

  Kirstie Alley was an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her comedic roles in 'Cheers' and the 'Look Who's Talking' film series. She was a prominent television and film actress during the 1980s and 1990s.

• 2023 Norman Lear

  Groundbreaking television producer who revolutionized American sitcoms by addressing social issues and creating culturally significant shows like 'All in the Family'.