Famous people and celebrities who died on December 28

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on December 28. 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.

• 1937 Maurice Ravel

  Maurice Ravel was a renowned French composer, widely associated with Impressionist music though he himself often rejected the label. He is best known for his masterful orchestration and innovative compositions, notably the orchestral work 'Boléro' (1928), which became his most famous piece. Ravel also produced important ballets such as 'Ma Mère l'Oye' (Mother Goose, 1910) and composed works that have … [bio]

• 1938 Florence Lawrence

  Florence Lawrence was a pioneering Canadian-American actress, often referred to as "The First Movie Star." She appeared in nearly 300 films during the silent film era and was one of the first film actors to be publicly recognized and credited by name. [bio]

• 1949 Jack Lovelock

  New Zealand Olympic gold medalist runner who won the 1500 meters at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, known for his exceptional athletic performance...

• 1959 Ante Pavelić

  Ante Pavelić was a Croatian fascist and the leader of the Ustaše movement, which ruled the Independent State of Croatia during World War II.

• 1976 Freddie King

  Legendary blues guitarist and singer who significantly influenced electric blues music, recognized as one of the 'Three Kings of Blues...

• 1983 William Demarest

  William Demarest was an American character actor best known for his roles in numerous classic Hollywood films and for portraying Uncle Charley in the television series 'My Three Sons.' [bio]

• 1983 Dennis Wilson

  Dennis Wilson was a founding member of The Beach Boys, known for his innovative drumming and songwriting.

• 1983 Jimmy Demaret

  Renowned American professional golfer who was a three-time Masters Tournament champion and known for his flamboyant style and colorful golf...

• 1984 Sam Peckinpah

  Influential American film director known for revolutionizing the Western genre with his innovative and violent storytelling style,...

• 1986 Andrei Tarkovsky

  Legendary Soviet filmmaker considered one of the most influential directors in cinema history, known for poetic and philosophical films like...

• 1986 John MacDonald

  Renowned American mystery novelist famous for creating Travis McGee, a unique detective character.

• 1990 Kiel Martin

  Kiel Martin was an American actor best known for his role as Detective J.D. LaRue on the acclaimed television series 'Hill Street Blues.' Known for his compelling and energetic performances, Martin was active in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]

• 1991 Cassandra Harris

  Australian actress best known for her role in the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only', who tragically died of cancer at age 43.

• 1993 William L Shirer

  Renowned American journalist and historian famous for his seminal work 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich'.

• 1994 Jean-Louis Lévesque

  Jean-Louis Lévesque was a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in Quebec's economic development.

• 1999 Clayton Moore

  Iconic American actor best known for portraying the Lone Ranger in the classic television series.

• 2003 Benjamin Thurman Hacker

  American admiral who served in the United States Navy during the mid-20th century, contributing to naval operations and leadership.

• 2004 Jerry Orbach

  Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer best known for his long-running role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the television series 'Law & Order', as well as his work on Broadway and in film. [bio]

• 2004 Susan Sontag

  Susan Sontag was an influential American intellectual, writer, and cultural critic who significantly shaped 20th-century thought through her...

• 2006 Aroldo Tieri

  Prominent Italian actor who was a significant figure in mid-20th century Italian cinema, known for his versatile performances and...

• 2012 Jayne Cortez

  Influential African-American poet, activist, and small press publisher who was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement, known for her...

• 2013 Halton Arp

  Halton Arp was a prominent astronomer who made significant contributions to understanding extragalactic astronomy through his groundbreaking...

• 2014 Leelah Alcorn

  Leelah Alcorn was a transgender teenager whose tragic suicide became a pivotal moment in raising awareness about the challenges and...

• 2015 Lemmy Kilmister

  Legendary rock musician, founder and frontman of Motörhead, widely considered an icon of heavy metal and rock music.

• 2016 Debbie Reynolds

  Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman, known for her vivacious screen presence and her work in film, television, and on stage. She became a Hollywood icon through roles in classic musicals and comedies, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]

• 2017 Rose Marie

  Rose Marie was an American actress, singer, and comedian best known for her role as Sally Rogers on the classic television sitcom 'The Dick Van Dyke Show.' She began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and radio under the name 'Baby Rose Marie' and became one of the most recognizable characters in American television history. [bio]

• 2017 Sue Grafton

  Sue Grafton was an American author best known for her "alphabet series" of detective novels featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Her work has been celebrated for its strong character development and compelling mysteries, making her a leading figure in contemporary crime fiction. [bio]

• 2018 Amos Oz

  Renowned Israeli novelist, journalist, and intellectual who was a professor at Ben-Gurion University and a prominent voice in Israeli...

• 2021 John Madden

  Legendary NFL coach, broadcaster, and commentator who revolutionized football analysis and became a cultural icon through his energetic...

• 2021 Harry Reid

  Prominent Democratic politician who served as Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015, representing Nevada and playing a crucial role in...