Famous people and celebrities who died on May 15

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

• 1634 Hendrick Avercamp

  Hendrick Avercamp was a Dutch painter known for his winter landscapes and scenes of Dutch life.

• 1886 Emily Dickinson

  Emily Dickinson was an American poet renowned for her innovative and singular approach to poetry. Although only a few of her nearly 1,800 poems were published during her lifetime, Dickinson's posthumously published works have made her one of the most significant and influential figures in American literature. [bio]

• 1924 Paul-Henri-Benjamin d'Estournelles de Constant

  French diplomat and politician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1852).

• 1924 Paul Henri Benjamin Balluet d'Estournelles de Constant, Baron de Constant de Rebecque

  Prize laureate for their prominent position in the international movement for peace and arbitration.

• 1967 Edward Hopper

  Prominent American realist painter known for his iconic depictions of modern American life.

• 1971 Tyrone Guthrie

  Tyrone Guthrie was a renowned English theatrical director, known for his innovative contributions to both British and international theatre, and for founding several influential theatres. [bio]

• 1980 Gordon Prange

  Gordon Prange was a distinguished American historian and academic specializing in Japanese history, best known for his comprehensive work on...

• 1985 Jackie Curtis

  Jackie Curtis was a prominent Warhol Superstar and underground artist in New York City, known for groundbreaking performances in drag and...

• 1986 Theodore H. White

  Renowned journalist and historian famous for his groundbreaking 'The Making of the President' book series, which provided deep insights into...

• 1986 Elio de Angelis

  Renowned Italian Formula One racing driver known for his skill and tragic early death during a testing accident in 1986.

• 1989 Johnny Green

  Acclaimed American composer, conductor, and arranger who won multiple Academy Awards for his musical compositions.

• 1991 Ronald Lacey

  Character actor famous for his memorable role as Major Arnold Toht in Steven Spielberg's 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', a classic adventure...

• 1994 Gilbert Roland

  Gilbert Roland was a Mexican-American actor known for his long and varied career in Hollywood, spanning from the silent film era into the 1980s. He gained fame with his roles in both English and Spanish language films, particularly for his portrayals of romantic Latin lovers and for the Cisco Kid series. [bio]

• 1995 Eric Porter

  Renowned British stage and screen actor known for notable performances in classic productions like 'Antony & Cleopatra' and '39 Steps'.

• 2003 June Carter Cash

  June Carter Cash was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author best known for her work with Johnny Cash and as a member of the legendary Carter Family. Renowned for her contributions to country music and her charismatic stage presence, she played a significant role in shaping the genre. [bio]

• 2007 Jerry Falwell

  Influential American evangelical pastor who founded the Moral Majority and significantly impacted conservative Christian political activism...

• 2007 Yolanda King

  Yolanda King was a prominent civil rights activist, actress, and eldest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.

• 2008 Willis Eugene Lamb

  Prize laureate for his discoveries concerning the fine structure of the hydrogen spectrum.

• 2008 Alexander Courage

  Renowned American composer best known for composing the iconic original Star Trek television series theme music, which became a significant...

• 2009 Wayman Tisdale

  Professional basketball player who became a renowned smooth jazz bassist after his sports career, known for his musical talent and...

• 2010 Bekim Fehmiu

  Bekim Fehmiu was a Yugoslavian actor of Albanian origin, internationally renowned as one of the first Eastern European actors to achieve major success in Western cinema. Fehmiu was noted for his roles in European and Hollywood films during the 1960s and 1970s, including the acclaimed 'I Even Met Happy Gypsies' and 'The Adventurers.' [bio]

• 2012 Carlos Fuentes

  Renowned Mexican novelist, essayist, and intellectual who was a key figure in the Latin American literary boom of the 20th century.

• 2012 Zakaria Mohieddin

  Egyptian soldier and politician who served as the 33rd Prime Minister of Egypt, contributing to the country's political history during a...

• 2014 Jean-Luc Dehaene

  Prominent Belgian politician and lawyer who served as the 63rd Prime Minister of Belgium, playing a significant role in the country's...

• 2020 Fred Willard

  Fred Willard was an American comedic actor known for his improvisational style and prolific career in television and film, including memorable roles in Christopher Guest mockumentaries and TV sitcoms. [bio]

• 2023 Robert E. Lucas Jr.

  Prize laureate for having developed and applied the hypothesis of rational expectations, and thereby having transformed macroeconomic...