Famous people and celebrities who died on December 15

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 15. 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.

• 1943 Fats Waller

  Fats Waller was an influential American jazz pianist, organist, composer, and comedic entertainer, widely recognized for his innovations in stride piano and contributions to the development of early jazz. [bio]

• 1944 Glenn Miller

  Glenn Miller was an American trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era. He was one of the best-selling recording artists of the 1930s and 1940s, known for his distinctive big band sound and hits like "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Miller's music became emblematic of World War II, and he led the Army Air … [bio]

• 1947 Arthur Machen

  Welsh author known for his supernatural and horror fiction.

• 1947 Crawford Vaughan

  Australian politician, 27th premier of south australia (b. 1874).

• 1958 Wolfgang Pauli

  Wolfgang Pauli was a groundbreaking Austrian-born physicist who made fundamental contributions to quantum mechanics.

• 1962 Charles Laughton

  Charles Laughton was a celebrated English actor and director, acclaimed for his powerful performances on both stage and screen. Renowned for his versatility, Laughton became one of the most distinctive stars of classical Hollywood, earning accolades for his work in films such as 'The Private Life of Henry VIII,' 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' and 'Witness for the Prosecution.' He is … [bio]

• 1966 Walt Disney

  Walt Disney was an American film producer, animator, and entrepreneur, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. He co-founded The Walt Disney Company and played a pivotal role in the development of animated films and theme parks worldwide. [bio]

• 1974 Anatole Litvak

  Prominent Ukrainian-American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for directing notable Hollywood films in the mid-20th century.

• 1977 Wilfred Kitching

  English 7th general of the salvation army (b. 1893).

• 1984 Jan Peerce

  Renowned American tenor and actor who performed at the Metropolitan Opera, known for his exceptional vocal talents and significant...

• 1986 Serge Lifar

  Renowned Russian-French ballet dancer and choreographer who significantly influenced 20th-century dance.

• 1991 Vasily Zaytsev

  Legendary Soviet sniper during World War II, famous for his exceptional marksmanship during the Battle of Stalingrad.

• 1995 Manuel Gutierrez Mellado

  Prominent Spanish military and political figure who played a crucial role in Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's regime.

• 2001 Rufus Thomas

  Influential Memphis blues and R&B singer known for his hit song 'Walking the Dog', a significant figure in the development of soul and funk...

• 2003 Keith Magnuson

  Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, died in a car accident in 2003.

• 2005 William Proxmire

  Prominent U.S.

• 2006 Clay Regazzoni

  Clay Regazzoni was a prominent Swiss Formula One racing driver who competed from 1970 to 1980, winning four Grand Prix races.

• 2007 Julia Carson

  American lawyer and politician (b. 1938).

• 2009 Oral Roberts

  Prominent American televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University who significantly influenced pentecostal Christianity in the 20th...

• 2010 Blake Edwards

  Blake Edwards was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work in comedy and musical films, particularly the 'Pink Panther' series and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' [bio]

• 2010 Bob Feller

  Legendary Cleveland Indians pitcher, World War II veteran, and Baseball Hall of Fame member known for his exceptional fastball and multiple...

• 2011 Christopher Hitchens

  Christopher Hitchens was a renowned British-American journalist, author, and social critic known for his sharp intellect, provocative...

• 2011 Bob Brookmeyer

  Renowned jazz trombonist and composer who was a key member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, significantly contributing to the big band...

• 2013 Joan Fontaine

  Joan Fontaine was a British-American actress regarded for her work in classic Hollywood cinema, notably in Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress and is remembered as one of the leading actresses of the 1940s. [bio]

• 2014 Fausto Zapata

  Mexican journalist, lawyer, and politician, governor of san luis potosí (b. 1940).

• 2016 Craig Sager

  Legendary NBA sideline reporter famous for his flamboyant, colorful suits and passionate sports broadcasting.

• 2017 Heinz Wolff

  Heinz Wolff was a renowned German-British physiologist, engineer, and academic who made significant contributions to biomedical research and...