Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2001

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2001. 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

• May 3 Billy Higgins

  Renowned jazz drummer who collaborated with many legendary musicians and was a significant figure in the West Coast jazz scene.

• May 4 Bonnie Lee Bakley

  American model, wife of robert blake (b. 1956).

• May 5 Clifton Hillegass

  Founder of CliffsNotes, the popular study guide series that helped millions of students understand complex literature.

• May 5 Morris Graves

  Prominent American modernist painter associated with the Pacific Northwest School, known for mystical and symbolic nature-inspired artworks.

• May 7 Jacques de Bourbon-Busset

  French author and politician who played a notable role in French intellectual and political circles during the mid-20th century.

• May 7 Joseph Greenberg
• May 10 Sudhakarrao Naik

  Prominent Indian politician who served as the 13th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, playing a significant role in state governance during the...

• May 10 Nikos Sampson
• May 11 Douglas Adams

  Douglas Adams was a renowned British author who revolutionized science fiction comedy with his iconic 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'...

• May 12 Alexei Tupolev

  Alexei Tupolev was a prominent Russian aerospace engineer who designed the Tupolev Tu-144, a pioneering supersonic passenger aircraft often...

• May 12 Perry Como

  Perry Como was a renowned American singer known for hits like 'Catch a Falling Star'.

• May 13 Jason Miller

  American playwright and actor (d. 2001).

• May 13 R. K. Narayan
• May 14 Paul Bénichou

  Distinguished French intellectual, literary critic, and historian who made significant contributions to literary scholarship and cultural...

• May 14 Mauro Bolognini
• May 17 Frank G Slaughter

  Frank G. Slaughter was a prolific American physician who became a renowned novelist, writing numerous medical and historical fiction books...

• May 17 Jacques-Louis Lions
• May 18 Irene Hunt

  American author best known for her novel 'Up a Road Slowly', which won the prestigious Newbery Medal for children's literature in 1967.

• May 19 Alexey Maresyev

  Legendary Russian World War II fighter pilot, famous for his extraordinary courage and resilience after losing both legs in combat.

• May 20 Renato Carosone

  Renato Carosone was a legendary Italian musician who revolutionized Neapolitan music with his unique blend of jazz, swing, and traditional...

• May 25 Harold Ridley
• May 25 Malcolm McLean
• May 26 Moven Mahachi

  Zimbabwean soldier and politician, zimbabwean minister of defence (b. 1952).

• May 26 Dona Massin

  Canadian actress and choreographer (b. 1917).

• May 28 Francisco Varela

  Renowned Chilean neuroscientist and philosopher who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding consciousness, cognitive science, and...

• May 28 Joe Moakley

  Respected Democratic congressman from Massachusetts known for his integrity, community service, and significant contributions to local...

• May 28 Francis Bebey

  Cameroonian-French novelist, musician, and cultural figure who made significant contributions to African arts.

• May 30 Denis Whitaker

  Canadian military general who served with distinction, later became a successful businessman and football player with notable achievements.

• May 31 Arlene Francis

  Arlene Francis was an American actress, radio talk show host, and television personality best known for her long-running tenure as a panelist on the television game show 'What's My Line?'. She appeared in numerous theatrical plays, films, and was a prominent broadcaster on both radio and television throughout the mid-20th century. [bio]