Famous people and celebrities who died on May 16

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on May 16. 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.

• 1703 Charles Perrault

  A French author who played a significant role in the development of the modern fairy tale genre, known for his collections 'Histoires ou...

• 1920 Levi Morton

  Levi Morton was the 22nd Vice President of the United States, serving under President Benjamin Harrison from 1889 to 1893.

• 1928 Edmund Gosse

  Edmund Gosse was an English poet, critic and biographer who is best known for his memoir 'Father and Son'.

• 1947 Frederick Gowland Hopkins

  English biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1861).

• 1953 Django Reinhardt

  Django Reinhardt was a pioneering Belgian jazz guitarist who revolutionized gypsy jazz music despite losing the use of two fingers in a...

• 1954 Werner Bischof

  Influential Swiss photojournalist who documented the human impact of World War II, capturing profound images of post-war devastation and...

• 1955 James Agee

  James Agee was a renowned American writer, film critic, journalist, and poet known for his influential works like 'Let Us Now Praise Famous...

• 1957 Eliot Ness

  Famous American law enforcement agent who led the 'Untouchables' team that fought organized crime and Al Capone during the Prohibition era...

• 1977 Modibo Keïta

  Influential Malian political leader who served as the first president of Mali from 1960 to 1968.

• 1984 Andy Kaufman

  Andy Kaufman was an innovative American entertainer best known for his unorthodox comedic style and unpredictable performances that blurred the lines between reality and performance art. [bio]

• 1984 Irwin Shaw

  Irwin Shaw was an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist renowned for his versatile storytelling and impactful works in 20th-century literature and entertainment. [bio]

• 1985 Margaret Hamilton

  Iconic American actress best known for her memorable role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz'.

• 1990 Jim Henson

  Jim Henson was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker, best known as the creator of The Muppets. He was a pioneering figure in puppetry and children's entertainment, whose innovations transformed the art form and led to beloved television programs such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. [bio]

• 1990 Sammy Davis Jr

  Legendary African American entertainer, member of the famous Rat Pack, known for his exceptional singing, dancing, and acting skills across...

• 1992 Marisa Mell

  Marisa Mell was an Austrian actress who gained international fame in the 1960s and 1970s, best known for her roles in European cult cinema, particularly in Italian films. She is regarded as a prominent star of Eurospy and giallo genres. [bio]

• 1992 Chalino Sanchez

  Legendary Mexican singer and songwriter known for narcocorridos, tragically murdered in 1992 and considered an iconic figure in regional...

• 1994 Alain Cuny

  Alain Cuny was a renowned French actor and director, recognized for his intense performances in both theater and film. He was especially notable for his collaborations with distinguished directors such as Federico Fellini and Jean-Luc Godard, and his deep involvement in classic and avant-garde cinema. [bio]

• 1995 Lola Flores

  Lola Flores was a legendary Spanish singer, dancer, and actress known as 'La Faraona', who significantly influenced Spanish folklore and...

• 2003 Mark McCormack

  Pioneering sports agent who founded IMG (International Management Group), revolutionizing the sports marketing and representation industry.

• 2008 Robert Mondavi

  Legendary California winemaker who revolutionized the American wine industry and put Napa Valley on the global wine map.

• 2010 Ronnie James Dio

  American heavy metal vocalist (born 1942).

• 2010 Hank Jones

  Renowned American jazz pianist and bandleader who significantly contributed to the bebop and hard bop jazz movements during the mid-20th...

• 2013 Heinrich Rohrer

  Swiss physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1933).

• 2014 Clyde Snow

  Renowned forensic anthropologist who helped identify victims in major historical cases, including Kennedy, Tutankhamun, John Wayne Gacy, and...

• 2019 I. M. Pei

  Renowned Chinese-American architect who designed iconic buildings like the National Gallery of Art and Bank of China Tower, transforming...

• 2019 Bob Hawke

  Prominent Australian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, leading the Australian Labor Party.