Famous people and celebrities who died on May 17

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 17. 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.

• 1935 Paul Dukas

  French composer whose reputation is based on two works: "the sorcerer's apprentice" (1897) and "ariane and bluebeard" (1989). 1907. dukas also created the overture "king lear", 1883, and the ballet "the genie", 1912. dukas also wrote the "sonnet de ronsard," 1924 for voice and piano.

• 1943 Montagu Love

  Actor (wind), passes away at 65

• 1964 Otto V Kuusinen

  President of karelo–finnish soviet republic (1940-1956), dies at the age of 82.

• 1966 Randy Turpin

  British middleweight boxer who famously defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in 1951, becoming a significant figure in boxing history and challenging the legendary American boxer.

• 1970 Nigel M Balchin

  English author (my executioner) dies at 61

• 1973 Alexander J Kropholler

  Dutch writer/architect, dies at the age of 91.

• 1978 John Selwyn Brooke Selwyn Lloyd

  Speaker of the house of commons, is killed.

• 1985 Hugh Burden

  Actor (night of the laughing dead), passes away at 72

• 1985 Abe Burrows

  Abe Burrows was a celebrated American playwright, director, and writer best known for his iconic Broadway musical 'Guys and Dolls', which revolutionized musical theater in the 1950s.

• 1987 Gunnar Myrdal

  Nobel prize winner in economics and sociology from sweden (d. 1987).

• 1989 Robert Webber

  American character actor known for his roles in films like '12 Angry Men' and 'S.O.B.', with a notable career in Hollywood spanning several decades.

• 1992 Lawrence Welk

  Lawrence Welk was a renowned American accordion player and bandleader famous for his long-running television show on ABC from 1955 to 1982. Known for his 'champagne music' style, he was a beloved entertainer among middle-class Americans, particularly seniors, and was even nominated for a TV Emmy in 1953.

• 1992 George Hurrell

  Hollywood photographer dies from cancer at 87.

• 1994 Andrew Brown

  Film producer dies at 55.

• 1996 Willis Conover

  Legendary jazz broadcaster who hosted 'Music USA' on Voice of America, significantly influencing global jazz appreciation during the Cold War era.

• 1996 Willi Daume

  Olympic organizer, who dies at the age of 82.

• 1999 Bruce Fairbairn

  Canadian record producer and musician (born 1949).

• 2001 Frank G Slaughter

  Frank G. Slaughter was a prolific American physician who became a renowned novelist, writing numerous medical and historical fiction books that gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century.

• 2002 Dave Berg

  American cartoonist known for his work in Mad Magazine, creating satirical illustrations that captured mid-20th century American culture.

• 2005 Frank Gorshin

  Frank Gorshin was a renowned American actor famous for his comedic impressions and his iconic role as The Riddler in the 1960s Batman TV series. He was a versatile performer who excelled in comedy, dramatic roles, and stand-up comedy.

• 2006 Eric Forth

  British Conservative Party politician who served as a Member of Parliament, known for his significant contributions to UK political landscape.

• 2007 Lloyd Alexander

  Renowned American fantasy author best known for The Chronicles of Prydain series, a beloved children's fantasy cycle that significantly influenced the genre and was later adapted by Disney.

• 2009 Mario Benedetti

  Mario Benedetti was a prominent Uruguayan poet, novelist, and essayist who significantly influenced Latin American literature. His works often explored themes of love, social justice, and political resistance during challenging periods of South American history. Benedetti is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century in the Spanish-speaking world.

• 2011 Edward Hardwicke

  English actor known for his roles in film and television, particularly for portraying Dr. Watson alongside Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes.

• 2011 Harmon Killebrew

  Legendary Major League Baseball player who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was one of the most prolific home run hitters of his era, playing primarily for the Minnesota Twins.

• 2012 Donna Summer

  Donna Summer was a renowned singer known as the 'Queen of Disco.'

• 2014 Gerald Edelman

  Renowned American neuroscientist and immunologist who won the Nobel Prize in 1972 for groundbreaking research on the structure of antibodies and the immune system's molecular mechanisms.

• 2019 Herman Wouk

  Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist renowned for his epic World War II literature, including 'The Caine Mutiny' and 'The Winds of War', which critically examined military life and moral complexities.

• 2020 Shad Gaspard

  Professional wrestler and actor who was tragically killed while heroically saving his son from drowning, remembered for his WWE career and selfless act.