Famous people and celebrities who died on February 12

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

• 1935 Auguste Escoffier

  Auguste escoffier was a french chef known for modernizing and popularizing traditional french cooking techniques.

• 1949 Hassan al-Banna

  Influential Egyptian religious and political leader who founded the Muslim Brotherhood, a significant Islamist organization with widespread...

• 1955 Tom Moore

  American cartoonist who was a member of the National Cartoonists Society, known for his artistic contributions to the field.

• 1976 Sal Mineo

  Sal Mineo was an American actor, director, and singer, best known for his roles in the films 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Exodus.' He was a prominent teen idol in the 1950s and is remembered for his sensitive and complex performances. [bio]

• 1979 Jean Renoir

  Jean Renoir was a renowned French film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, and author, considered one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history. He is best known for directing classics such as 'La Grande Illusion' and 'The Rules of the Game,' which have had a lasting impact on world cinema. [bio]

• 1980 Muriel Rukeyser

  Muriel Rukeyser was a prominent American poet and political activist who significantly influenced 20th-century literature through her...

• 1984 Julio Cortázar

  Renowned Argentine writer who was a key figure in the Latin American literary boom.

• 1985 Nicholas Colasanto

  American actor and director best known for his role as Coach Ernie Pantusso on the popular TV series 'Cheers'.

• 1989 Thomas Bernhard

  Renowned Austrian writer who profoundly influenced post-World War II German literature.

• 1991 Robert Wagner

  Robert Wagner is an American actor best known for his roles in television series such as 'Hart to Hart,' 'It Takes a Thief,' and 'Switch,' as well as films including 'A Kiss Before Dying' and the 'Austin Powers' series. With a career spanning more than seven decades, Wagner became a television star in the 1970s and has maintained a presence … [bio]

• 1994 Donald Judd

  Influential American minimalist artist and designer who revolutionized contemporary art and architecture, known for his geometric,...

• 2000 Screamin' Jay Hawkins

  Screamin' Jay Hawkins was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, best known for pioneering theatrical shock rock with his powerful, operatic voice and flamboyant stage persona. He rose to fame with the 1956 hit 'I Put a Spell on You,' a song that cemented his place in music history. [bio]

• 2000 Tom Landry

  Legendary NFL coach of the Dallas Cowboys who revolutionized modern football strategy and led the team to multiple Super Bowl victories.

• 2000 Oliver

  American singer best known for his hit singles 'Good Morning Starshine' and 'Jean' in 1969.

• 2001 Kristina Söderbaum

  Kristina Söderbaum was a notable Swedish-German actress and photographer active during the mid-20th century, known for her work in German...

• 2001 Tiberio Mitri

  Tiberio Mitri was a famous Italian boxer known for his dramatic life, characterized by success, extravagance, and a tragic decline.

• 2005 Dorothy Stang

  American-Brazilian nun and environmental activist murdered in Brazil for defending indigenous rights and the Amazon rainforest.

• 2010 Nodar Kumaritashvili

  Georgian luger who tragically died during a training run at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, leading to significant safety discussions...

• 2011 Betty Garrett

  Betty Garrett was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her roles in Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as her work in television series such as 'All in the Family' and 'Laverne & Shirley.' [bio]

• 2011 Kenneth Mars

  Kenneth Mars was an American actor known for his comedic character roles in film, television, and voice acting. He is best remembered for his performances in Mel Brooks films and his work in animation voiceovers. [bio]

• 2011 Peter Alexander

  Peter Alexander was an American artist known for creating diverse artworks ranging from abstract minimalist pieces to elaborate global...

• 2012 David Kelly

  David Kelly was a beloved Irish character actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater, known for his...

• 2014 Sid Caesar

  Sid Caesar was an influential American comic actor and writer, best known for his work on pioneering 1950s television sketch comedy shows such as 'Your Show of Shows' and 'Caesar's Hour.' Renowned for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to portray a variety of characters and accents, Caesar is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in … [bio]

• 2015 Gary Owens

  Gary Owens was an American disc jockey, voice actor, radio announcer, and television personality best known for his announcer role on the hit television show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' His distinctive booming voice and deadpan comedic delivery made him a recognizable figure in entertainment throughout the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

• 2015 David Carr

  David Carr was a prominent American journalist and media columnist for The New York Times, known for his insightful and critical writing...

• 2015 Mosie Lister

  Prominent American gospel singer-songwriter and minister who was a member of the influential Statesmen Quartet.

• 2015 Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat

  Malaysian cleric and politician who served as the 12th Menteri Besar of Kelantan, a significant political figure in Malaysian Islamic...

• 2015 Steve Strange

  Welsh singer known for his work with the new wave band Visage and prominent figure in the 1980s music scene.

• 2017 Al Jarreau

  Grammy-winning jazz singer renowned for his extraordinary vocal range and ability to win awards across multiple music genres.

• 2019 Gordon Banks

  World Cup-winning English goalkeeper renowned for his extraordinary saves, particularly the famous stop against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup.