Famous people and celebrities who died on December 12

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 12. 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.

• 1889 Robert Browning

  British poet, aged 12, who ranks alongside lord tennyson among the greatest of the victorian age.

• 1939 Douglas Fairbanks

  Douglas Fairbanks was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, best known as one of the most prominent and influential silent film era stars. He became an international symbol of swashbuckling adventure and was famous for leading roles in films such as 'The Mark of Zorro,' 'Robin Hood,' and 'The Thief of Bagdad.' He was also a co-founder of United … [bio]

• 1951 Mildred Bailey

  Mildred Bailey was a pioneering jazz singer known for her distinctive vocal style and significant influence on early swing and popular music...

• 1963 Yasujiro Ozu

  Legendary Japanese film director renowned for his minimalist style and profound family dramas, considered one of the most influential...

• 1968 Tallulah Bankhead

  Tallulah Bankhead was an American stage and screen actress, renowned for her husky voice, flamboyant personality, and memorable performances in theater, film, and radio. An icon of the early and mid-20th century, she was celebrated for her intelligence, wit, and indomitable spirit. [bio]

• 1976 Jack Cassidy

  Jack Cassidy was an American actor and singer renowned for his work in theatre, television, and film during the mid-20th century. He was recognized for his charismatic stage presence and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. [bio]

• 1978 Fay Compton

  Fay Compton was a distinguished English actress recognized for her extensive work on the stage, in film, and on television throughout the 20th century. Renowned for her versatility, she became especially prominent for her Shakespearean roles and performances in plays by J. M. Barrie. [bio]

• 1985 Anne Baxter

  Anne Baxter was an American actress best known for her work in classic Hollywood films, including her Academy Award-winning performance in 'The Razor's Edge' and her iconic role in 'All About Eve.' [bio]

• 1985 Ian Stewart

  Founding member of The Rolling Stones, pianist, and key behind-the-scenes figure who was crucial to the band's early formation and success.

• 1993 Jozsef Antall

  First democratically elected Prime Minister of Hungary after the fall of communism, playing a crucial role in Hungary's transition from a...

• 1994 Stuart Roosa

  NASA astronaut who piloted the command module during the Apollo mission, while fellow astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell explored the lunar...

• 1994 Stuart Allen Roosa

  NASA astronaut who was part of the Apollo 14 mission, a significant space exploration endeavor.

• 1999 Joseph Heller

  Renowned American novelist and satirist best known for his groundbreaking anti-war novel 'Catch-22', which became a landmark work of...

• 1999 Paul Cadmus

  Renowned American artist and illustrator known for his provocative and detailed paintings that often critiqued American society.

• 2002 Dee Brown

  American author and historian famous for his groundbreaking book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee', which critically examined the Native...

• 2005 Annette Stroyberg

  Danish actress (b. 1936).

• 2006 Peter Boyle

  Peter Boyle was an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, notably for his portrayal of the Monster in "Young Frankenstein" and as Frank Barone on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." [bio]

• 2006 Paul Arizin

  Paul Arizin was a legendary NBA basketball player who played for the Philadelphia Warriors, known for his innovative jump shot and being one...

• 2007 Ike Turner

  Influential American musician and bandleader who was a pioneering figure in rock and R&B music, known for his musical partnership and...

• 2008 Van Johnson

  Van Johnson was an American actor and dancer, one of MGM's most popular male stars during the 1940s and 1950s, known for his performances in musicals, comedies, and dramas. [bio]

• 2008 Avery Dulles

  Avery Dulles was a prominent American Jesuit priest, theologian, and cardinal who made significant contributions to Catholic theological...

• 2013 Audrey Totter

  Audrey Totter was an American actress known for her roles as a film noir femme fatale during the 1940s and 1950s. She was recognized for her performances in several postwar crime dramas and later transitioned to television roles. [bio]

• 2013 Tom Laughlin

  American independent filmmaker best known for the 'Billy Jack' series, a groundbreaking martial arts drama that became a significant...

• 2016 Shirley Hazzard

  Acclaimed Australian-American writer known for her elegant prose and literary works exploring human relationships and international themes.

• 2017 Ed Lee

  American politician and attorney who served as the 43rd mayor of San Francisco from 2011 until his unexpected death in 2017.

• 2019 Danny Aiello

  Danny Aiello was an American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Moonstruck.' He gained critical acclaim for his character work and became a recognizable presence in Hollywood, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. [bio]

• 2020 Charley Pride

  Charley Pride was a pioneering African American country music singer known for breaking racial barriers in the genre. He became the first Black superstar in country music, selling more than 20 million records worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Pride is celebrated for his smooth baritone voice and his string of chart-topping hits during the late 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

• 2020 Ann Reinking

  Ann Reinking was an acclaimed American actress, dancer, and choreographer, best known for her work in Broadway musicals and her collaborations with Bob Fosse. She was celebrated for her roles in productions like 'Chicago' and for choreographing several stage and film adaptations. [bio]

• 2020 John le Carré

  Duplicate of John le Carré entry.

• 2021 Vicente Fernández

  Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican singer, actor, and film producer, often referred to as 'El Rey de la Música Ranchera' (The King of Ranchera Music). His powerful voice and iconic performances made him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Latin American music. [bio]