Famous people and celebrities who died on May 9

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 9. 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.

• 1931 Albert Abraham Michelson

  Prize laureate for his optical precision instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations carried out with their aid.

• 1942 Józef Cebula

  Polish Catholic priest and martyr who was killed by the Nazis during World War II.

• 1968 Marion Lorne

  Marion Lorne was an American actress known for her work in stage, film, and television, best remembered for her role as Aunt Clara in the TV sitcom 'Bewitched.' [bio]

• 1977 James Jones

  Renowned American novelist who won the National Book Award for his World War II novel 'From Here to Eternity', which was later adapted into...

• 1979 Cyrus Eaton

  American businessman known for his investments and philanthropy.

• 1981 Nelson Algren

  Nelson Algren was a prominent American novelist known for his gritty, realistic portrayals of marginalized urban life in mid-20th century...

• 1985 Edmond O'Brien

  Edmond O'Brien was an Oscar-winning actor renowned for his powerful performances in film noir classics like 'D.

• 1986 Tenzing Norgay

  Legendary Nepalese-Indian Sherpa mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest...

• 1986 Herschel Bernardi

  Herschel Bernardi was a prominent American actor known for his versatile roles in television and film, including voice acting and stage...

• 1987 Obafemi Awolowo

  Prominent Nigerian nationalist, lawyer, and political leader who played a crucial role in Nigeria's independence movement and served as a...

• 1989 Keith Whitley

  Keith Whitley was a prominent American country music singer and songwriter known for his influential 1988 album 'Don't Close Your Eyes',...

• 1994 Elias Motsoaledi

  South African anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) military commander who fought against racial oppression during the struggle...

• 1997 Rawya Ateya

  Pioneering Egyptian politician who became the first female Arab parliamentarian, breaking significant gender barriers in Middle Eastern...

• 1997 Marco Ferreri

  Marco Ferreri was an influential Italian film director known for his provocative and surreal cinema, creating groundbreaking films that...

• 1998 Alice Faye

  Alice Faye was a celebrated American actress and singer, best known for her starring roles in 1930s and 1940s musical films for 20th Century Fox. Recognized for her warm contralto voice and girl-next-door appeal, she became one of Hollywood’s most popular musical stars during the Golden Age of film. [bio]

• 2004 Alan King

  Alan King was a renowned American comedian and actor, famous for his satirical observations of everyday life and his appearances in film, television, and on stage. He became one of the most respected figures in comedy during the 20th century. [bio]

• 2004 Brenda Fassie

  Iconic South African pop singer who revolutionized African music, known for her powerful voice and controversial personal life.

• 2007 Dwight Wilson

  Canadian World War I veteran who lived an exceptionally long life, being one of the last surviving veterans of the First World War.

• 2008 Pascal Sevran

  French television personality and multifaceted artist who hosted 'La France en Chansons' for nearly two decades.

• 2009 Chuck Daly

  Legendary NBA basketball coach who led the Detroit Pistons to two consecutive championships and coached the famous 'Dream Team' to Olympic...

• 2010 Lena Horne

  Lena Horne was an acclaimed American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. She rose to prominence as a nightclub performer before securing roles in Hollywood movies during the 1940s, becoming one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major studio. [bio]

• 2012 Vidal Sassoon

  Iconic hairstylist who transformed modern hairdressing, creating geometric cuts that defined 1960s fashion and became a global hair care...

• 2013 Ottavio Missoni

  Italian fashion designer and former hurdler who co-founded the renowned Missoni fashion brand.

• 2013 George M. Leader

  American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, with a distinguished political career and military...

• 2014 Mary Stewart

  Renowned British author and poet known for her historical fiction and Arthurian novels, who lived from 1916 to 2014.

• 2017 Robert Miles

  Renowned Italian electronic music composer and DJ, famous for his international hit 'Children' and significant contributions to the trance...

• 2020 Little Richard

  Little Richard was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, often regarded as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. With his electrifying performances, flamboyant persona, and genre-defining sound, he played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene of the 1950s and influenced countless artists across multiple generations. [bio]