Famous people and celebrities who died on May 9

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 9. 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.

• 1931 Albert Abraham Michelson

  Nobel Prize laureate for his optical precision instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations carried out with their aid

• 1942 Józef Cebula

  Polish Catholic priest and martyr who was killed by the Nazis during World War II. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II and is recognized as a saint for his resistance and sacrifice during the Nazi occupation.

• 1968 Marion Lorne

  Actress (aunt clara bewitched), dies in 1981

• 1977 James Jones

  Renowned American novelist who won the National Book Award for his World War II novel 'From Here to Eternity', which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film.

• 1979 Cyrus Eaton

  American businessman known for his investments and philanthropy.

• 1981 Nelson Algren

  Nelson Algren was a prominent American novelist known for his gritty, realistic portrayals of marginalized urban life in mid-20th century America. His most famous work, 'The Man with the Golden Arm', won the National Book Award in 1950 and explored themes of addiction and social struggle. He was a significant voice in American realist literature.

• 1985 Edmond O'Brien

  Edmond O'Brien was an Oscar-winning actor renowned for his powerful performances in film noir classics like 'D.O.A.' and 'The Wild Bunch'. He was a versatile performer who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for his role in 'The Barefoot Contessa'.

• 1986 Tenzing Norgay

  Legendary Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. His historic achievement symbolized human endurance and international cooperation in mountaineering.

• 1986 Herschel Bernardi

  Herschel Bernardi was a prominent American actor known for his versatile roles in television and film, including voice acting and stage performances.

• 1987 Obafemi Awolowo

  Prominent Nigerian nationalist, lawyer, and political leader who played a crucial role in Nigeria's independence movement and served as a key figure in the country's political development.

• 1989 Keith Whitley

  Keith Whitley was a prominent American country music singer and songwriter known for his influential 1988 album 'Don't Close Your Eyes', which produced three number-one hits before his untimely death in 1989.

• 1994 Elias Motsoaledi

  South African anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) military commander who fought against racial oppression during the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

• 1997 Marco Ferreri

  Marco Ferreri was an influential Italian film director known for his provocative and surreal cinema, creating groundbreaking films that challenged traditional narrative structures and social conventions.

• 1997 Rawya Ateya

  Pioneering Egyptian politician who became the first female Arab parliamentarian, breaking significant gender barriers in Middle Eastern political representation.

• 1998 Alice Faye

  Prominent Hollywood actress and singer of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her roles in musical films and her distinctive singing voice.

• 2004 Alan King

  Alan King was a renowned American comedian, actor, and producer known for his sharp social commentary and stand-up comedy. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, becoming a prominent figure in entertainment during the mid-20th century.

• 2004 Brenda Fassie

  Iconic South African pop singer who revolutionized African music, known for her powerful voice and controversial personal life. She was a significant cultural figure in post-apartheid South Africa.

• 2008 Pascal Sevran

  French television personality and multifaceted artist who hosted 'La France en Chansons' for nearly two decades. He was a notable author, composer, and singer who began his career at a young age.

• 2009 Chuck Daly

  Legendary NBA basketball coach who led the Detroit Pistons to two consecutive championships and coached the famous 'Dream Team' to Olympic gold in 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994.

• 2010 Lena Horne

  Pioneering African American actress and singer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood, known for her extraordinary talent, classic beauty, and civil rights activism. She was one of the first Black performers to challenge segregation in the entertainment industry.

• 2012 Vidal Sassoon

  Iconic hairstylist who transformed modern hairdressing, creating geometric cuts that defined 1960s fashion and became a global hair care entrepreneur.

• 2013 Ottavio Missoni

  Italian fashion designer and former hurdler who co-founded the renowned Missoni fashion brand. He was a significant figure in Italian fashion design and sportswear.

• 2013 George M. Leader

  American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, with a distinguished political career and military service.

• 2014 Mary Stewart

  Renowned British author and poet known for her historical fiction and Arthurian novels, who lived from 1916 to 2014.

• 2015 Kenan Evren

  Turkish military officer who served as the seventh President of Turkey from 1982 to 1989, playing a significant role in Turkish political history during a critical period of military intervention.

• 2017 Robert Miles

  Renowned Italian electronic music composer and DJ, famous for his international hit 'Children' and significant contributions to the trance music genre.

• 2020 Little Richard

  Pioneering rock and roll musician known as the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll', famous for his energetic performances and influential music that helped shape the genre. He was a complex artist who alternated between secular music and gospel ministry throughout his career.