Famous people and celebrities who died on June 23

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on June 23. 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.

• 1959 Boris Vian

  Influential French polymath known for his avant-garde literature, jazz music, and artistic versatility across multiple creative domains.

• 1965 Mary Boland

  Actress (boy trouble new moon) dies at 83

• 1969 Volmari Iso-Hollo

  Volmari Iso-Hollo was a prominent Finnish long-distance runner who competed in the 1930s, specializing in steeplechase events and winning Olympic medals.

• 1973 Fay Holden

  Actress (mother – andy hardy films), who dies at the age of 77.

• 1980 Sanjay Gandhi

  Indian politician and son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who played a controversial role during the Emergency period in India. He died tragically in a plane crash in 1980 while piloting his own aircraft.

• 1980 Clyfford Still

  Clyfford Still was a pioneering Abstract Expressionist painter known for his large-scale, color-saturated canvases that dramatically transformed modern art. He was a key figure in the New York School and significantly influenced the development of abstract painting in the mid-20th century.

• 1981 Zarah Leander

  Zarah Leander was a prominent Swedish actress and singer who achieved significant success in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. She was a major star in European entertainment, particularly known for her work with UFA film studio and her powerful musical performances. Despite opportunities in the United States, she chose to remain in Europe with her family.

• 1995 Jonas Salk

  Renowned American scientist who developed the groundbreaking polio vaccine in 1953, saving millions of lives. He was a humanitarian who prioritized public health over personal profit, famously refusing to patent his vaccine.

• 1995 Anatoli Tarasov

  Legendary Soviet ice hockey coach considered the father of Soviet hockey, who revolutionized the sport's strategy and training methods.

• 1995 Roger Grimsby

  Prominent American broadcast journalist and news anchor known for his distinctive style and long career in television news.

• 1996 Ray Lindwall

  Ray Lindwall was a prominent Australian cricketer known for his exceptional fast bowling skills during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a key member of the Australian national cricket team and considered one of the greatest fast bowlers of his era.

• 1996 Andreas Papandreou

  Andreas Papandreou was a prominent Greek politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1981 to 1989 and again from 1993 to 1996. He was a key figure in Greek socialist politics and significantly influenced the country's political landscape.

• 1997 Betty Shabazz

  Prominent civil rights activist and educator, wife of Malcolm X, who dedicated her life to continuing her husband's legacy of social justice and empowerment.

• 1998 Maureen O'Sullivan

  Maureen O'Sullivan was a prominent Irish-American actress famous for her iconic role as Jane in the classic Tarzan film series, appearing alongside Johnny Weissmuller in multiple movies during the 1930s and 1940s.

• 2003 Maynard Jackson

  Maynard Jackson was a groundbreaking African-American politician who served as Atlanta's first Black mayor, breaking significant racial barriers in Southern municipal leadership during the 1970s.

• 2005 Manolis Anagnostakis

  Prominent Greek poet and literary critic who significantly influenced modern Greek poetry in the post-war period.

• 2006 Aaron Spelling

  Legendary television producer who created numerous iconic TV series like 'Dynasty', 'Charlie's Angels', and 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. He was one of the most successful and prolific producers in television history.

• 2007 Rod Beck

  Professional baseball pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants, known for his distinctive pitching style and career in Major League Baseball.

• 2008 Arthur Chung

  First president of Guyana who served from 1970 to 1980, playing a crucial role in the country's post-independence political landscape. He was a prominent lawyer and politician who helped shape Guyana's early years as a sovereign nation.

• 2009 Ed McMahon

  Legendary television personality best known as Johnny Carson's sidekick on 'The Tonight Show' for 30 years. He was also a popular game show host and announcer who became an iconic figure in American television.

• 2011 Peter Falk

  Peter Falk was an iconic American actor best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo in the groundbreaking detective series. His distinctive glass eye and rumpled raincoat made him one of the most recognizable television detectives in history.

• 2012 Frank Chee Willeto

  Navajo Nation leader and World War II code talker who served as the 4th vice president of the Navajo Nation.

• 2013 Richard Matheson

  Influential American author who significantly impacted horror and science fiction literature, known for works like 'I Am Legend' and contributions to 'The Twilight Zone'.

• 2013 Frank Kelso

  Distinguished United States Navy admiral who served as Secretary of the Navy, playing a crucial role in national defense and maritime strategy.

• 2013 Gary David Goldberg

  Accomplished American screenwriter and television producer known for creating popular TV series. He was a significant figure in the entertainment industry during the late 20th century.

• 2015 Dick Van Patten

  Versatile American actor who rose to fame with the popular family television series 'Eight is Enough' from 1977-1981. He began his acting career as a child, making his Broadway debut at just seven years old and continued to work in television and commercials throughout his career.

• 2016 Ralph Stanley

  Legendary bluegrass musician and banjo player who was a pivotal figure in preserving and popularizing traditional Appalachian music. A member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, he significantly influenced the genre throughout his long career.

• 2018 Donald Hall

  Prominent American poet, writer, and former Poet Laureate of the United States, known for his significant contributions to contemporary poetry.

• 2021 John McAfee

  Controversial tech entrepreneur who founded McAfee antivirus software and later became known for his eccentric lifestyle, legal troubles, and cryptocurrency advocacy.