Famous people and celebrities who died on May 11

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 11. 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.

• 1916 Karl Schwarzschild

  Developed the first exact solution to Einstein's field equations of general relativity.

• 1927 Juan Gris

  Spanish painter and sculpturer who spent most of his adult life in france.

• 1963 Herbert Spencer Gasser

  American physiologist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1888).

• 1965 Roger Vailland

  French novelist and writer known for his existentialist works and exploration of human desire and social dynamics.

• 1970 Johnny Hodges

  Renowned alto saxophonist and key member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, Hodges was a legendary jazz musician known for his distinctive,...

• 1973 Lex Barker

  Lex Barker was an American actor best known for playing Tarzan in five films during the early 1950s and for his roles in European adventure movies, particularly the German adaptations of Karl May's novels in the 1960s. [bio]

• 1979 Lester Flatt

  Influential bluegrass musician and guitarist, co-founder of the Foggy Mountain Boys and Nashville Grass.

• 1981 Bob Marley

  Bob Marley was a legendary Jamaican reggae musician, songwriter, and singer. As the frontman of The Wailers and later as a solo artist, Marley played a crucial role in bringing reggae music and Rastafarian culture to international prominence. Known for his powerful lyrics that addressed social justice, love, and peace, Marley is regarded as an enduring global icon of music … [bio]

• 1981 Odd Hassel

  Norwegian chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1897).

• 1983 Zenna Henderson

  Pioneering American science fiction writer who broke gender barriers by publishing under her own name.

• 1985 Chester Gould

  Chester Gould was an influential American cartoonist best known for creating the iconic comic strip Dick Tracy, which revolutionized crime...

• 1986 Fritz Pollard

  First African American head coach in the NFL and a standout player in the early days of professional football.

• 1988 Kim Philby

  Infamous British double agent who worked for Soviet intelligence during the Cold War.

• 1996 Nnamdi Azikiwe

  Prominent Nigerian nationalist leader who served as the country's first president and governor-general, playing a crucial role in Nigeria's...

• 1998 Oreste Kirkop

  Maltese actor and tenor who made notable contributions to performing arts in Malta during the mid-20th century.

• 2001 Douglas Adams

  Douglas Adams was a renowned British author who revolutionized science fiction comedy with his iconic 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'...

• 2002 Bill Peet

  Bill Peet was a renowned Disney animator and children's book author who worked on classic animated films like Cinderella and 101 Dalmatians.

• 2003 Noel Redding

  Bass guitarist who was a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, playing a crucial role in the band's iconic sound during the late 1960s.

• 2005 Michalis Genitsaris

  Prominent Greek rebetiko singer and composer who significantly contributed to traditional Greek music during the mid-20th century.

• 2006 Floyd Patterson

  Floyd Patterson was a legendary American boxer who won Olympic gold in 1952 and became a two-time heavyweight world champion.

• 2007 Malietoa Tanumafili II

  Malietoa Tanumafili II was the head of state of Samoa, serving as the O le Ao o le Malo (traditional chief and head of state) from 1962 to...

• 2007 Bernard Gordon

  Bernard Gordon was an American screenwriter and producer who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

• 2008 John Rutsey

  Original drummer of the legendary Canadian rock band Rush, who played a crucial role in the band's early years.

• 2011 Robert Traylor

  Professional basketball player who played in the NBA, tragically passing away in 2011 at a relatively young age.

• 2015 Jef Geeraerts

  Flemish writer and former Belgian Congo colonial administrator who transitioned to writing after returning to Belgium following the Congo's...

• 2017 Yale Lary

  Yale Lary was a legendary NFL safety and punter who played for the Detroit Lions, known for his exceptional defensive skills and being named...

• 2019 Peggy Lipton

  Peggy Lipton was an American actress, model, and singer best known for her iconic roles on the television series 'The Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks.' Her unique presence and style made her a cultural figure in the late 1960s and early 1990s. [bio]

• 2020 Jerry Stiller

  Jerry Stiller was an American comedian and actor, best known for his work in comedy teams, as well as his roles on television sitcoms such as 'Seinfeld' and 'The King of Queens.' He was widely recognized for his sharp comedic timing and distinctive voice. [bio]

• 2021 Norman Lloyd

  Renowned American actor, director, and producer with a remarkable career spanning over nine decades in film and television, best known for...