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Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1986

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 1986. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

  • Henri Toivonen
    May 2 Henri Toivonen

    Legendary Finnish rally driver who tragically died during the 1986 Tour de Corse, remembered as one of the most talented drivers of his era.

  • Sergio Cresto
    May 2 Sergio Cresto

    American rally driver (born 1956).

  • Robert Alda
    May 3 Robert Alda

    Robert Alda was an American actor and singer, best known for his work in musical theatre, film, and television. He was particularly recognized for his Tony Award-winning role in the original Broadway production of 'Guys and Dolls' and for being the father of actor Alan Alda. [bio]

  • Gaston Defferre
    May 7 Gaston Defferre
  • Tenzing Norgay
    May 9 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...

  • Herschel Bernardi
    May 9 Herschel Bernardi

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

  • Fritz Pollard
    May 11 Fritz Pollard

    First African American head coach in the NFL and a standout player in the early days of professional football.

  • Elisabeth Bergner
    May 12 Elisabeth Bergner

    German actress (b. 1897).

  • Maria Bellonci
    May 13 Maria Bellonci
  • Vasilij Ivanovič Ignatenko
    May 13 Vasilij Ivanovič Ignatenko
  • Theodore H. White
    May 15 Theodore H. White

    Renowned journalist and historian famous for his groundbreaking 'The Making of the President' book series, which provided deep insights into...

  • Elio de Angelis
    May 15 Elio de Angelis

    Renowned Italian Formula One racing driver known for his skill and tragic early death during a testing accident in 1986.

  • Ljudmila Pachomova
    May 17 Ljudmila Pachomova
  • Vezio Crisafulli
    May 21 Vezio Crisafulli
  • ʿUmar al-Tilmisānī
    May 22 ʿUmar al-Tilmisānī
  • Sterling Hayden
    May 23 Sterling Hayden

    Sterling Hayden was an American actor and author, known for his roles in classic films as well as for his adventurous life at sea and service during World War II. [bio]

  • Yakima Canutt
    May 24 Yakima Canutt

    Actor/director (diary of a young comic), dead at 91.

  • Gian-Carlo Coppola
    May 26 Gian-Carlo Coppola
  • Giorgos Tzifos
    May 27 Giorgos Tzifos

    Greek actor and cinematographer (b. 1918).

  • Edip Cansever
    May 28 Edip Cansever

    Turkish poet and author (b. 1928).

  • Hank Mobley
    May 30 Hank Mobley

    Renowned hard bop jazz saxophonist and composer who significantly influenced the jazz scene in the 1950s and 1960s.

  • Perry Ellis
    May 30 Perry Ellis

    Influential American fashion designer who revolutionized 1980s fashion with his innovative 'slouch' style.

  • James Rainwater
    May 31 James Rainwater

    American physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1917).