Famous people and celebrities who died on December 31

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 31. 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.

• 1971 Pete Duel

  Pete Duel was an American actor best known for his role in the TV series 'Alias Smith and Jones'. He tragically died by suicide on December 31, 1971, at the height of his career.

• 1972 Roberto Clemente

  Legendary Puerto Rican baseball player and broadcaster, known for his exceptional skills and humanitarian work before his tragic death.

• 1980 Marshall McLuhan

  Renowned Canadian media theorist who coined influential concepts like 'the medium is the message' and profoundly shaped understanding of media and technology's impact on society.

• 1980 Raoul Walsh

  High sierra director in the usa, dies around 88

• 1985 Ricky Nelson

  Iconic American rock and roll singer, actor, and musician who rose to fame through the TV show 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' and later became a successful rock musician.

• 1985 Sam Spiegel

  Renowned Austrian-born American film producer who won multiple Academy Awards for iconic films like 'On the Waterfront', 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', and 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

• 1990 George Allen

  Renowned American football coach who led the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, significantly influencing professional football in the mid-20th century.

• 1993 Brandon Teena

  Transgender man whose tragic murder became a landmark case for LGBTQ+ rights and was depicted in the film 'Boys Don't Cry'.

• 1994 Woody Strode

  African American actor and professional football player who broke racial barriers in sports and cinema, known for significant roles in epic films like 'Spartacus' and Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in the West'.

• 1997 Billie Dove

  Billie Dove was a prominent American actress during the silent film era, known for her beauty and successful career in Hollywood throughout the 1920s and early 1930s.

• 1997 Floyd Cramer

  Renowned country and pop pianist famous for his distinctive 'slip note' piano style, who significantly influenced Nashville's music scene.

• 1997 Michael Kennedy

  Member of the prominent Kennedy political family, tragically killed in a skiing accident at age 39.

• 1999 Elliot Richardson

  Prominent American politician who served as U.S. Attorney General under President Nixon and Secretary of Defense under President Ford, known for his integrity during the Watergate era.

• 2000 Jose Greco

  Renowned Italian-American dancer celebrated for his exceptional Spanish dance performances, who was a key member of Argentinita's dance troupe and later performed with Pilar Lopez in Madrid.

• 2004 Gérard Debreu

  ECO - French economist and mathematician, nobel prize laureate (d. 2004)

• 2007 Ettore Sottsass

  Influential Italian architect and designer who revolutionized postmodern design through the Memphis Group, creating iconic furniture and objects that challenged traditional aesthetic norms in the 1980s.

• 2007 Tony Elliott

  Influential English publisher who founded Time Out, a renowned cultural magazine and guide that revolutionized entertainment listings in major cities worldwide.

• 2013 James Avery

  James Avery was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Uncle Phil on the popular sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', starring alongside Will Smith.

• 2014 Edward Herrmann

  Renowned American actor known for roles in 'Gilmore Girls' and numerous films, with a distinguished career spanning television and cinema.

• 2015 Wayne Rogers

  Wayne Rogers was an American actor best known for his iconic role as Trapper John McIntyre in the groundbreaking TV series M*A*S*H, which ran from 1972 to 1979. He was a versatile performer who also appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.

• 2015 Natalie Cole

  Renowned Grammy-winning American singer and daughter of legendary Nat King Cole, she was a prominent R&B and pop artist who achieved significant musical success in the 1970s and 1980s.

• 2016 William Christopher

  American actor best known for playing Father Mulcahy in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, a role that made him widely recognized in television history.

• 2018 Kader Khan

  Indian actor (b. 1937)

• 2020 Dick Thornburgh

  Prominent American politician who served as Governor of Pennsylvania and later as U.S. Attorney General, playing significant roles in national politics during the late 20th century.

• 2021 Betty White

  Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was a beloved public figure known for her wit, humor, and advocacy for animal rights.

• 2023 Cale Yarborough

  Legendary NASCAR driver who won three consecutive Cup Series championships and founded his own motorsports team, becoming an iconic figure in American racing history.