Photo Credits – Wikipedia**I do my best to keep this page updated once or twice a week. So if I miss anyone, please send me a message .
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JANUARY
7 – Peter Yarrow (86): Musician – Best known as a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, Yarrow became famous for hits like “Puff, the Magic Dragon” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The group’s socially conscious music made a lasting cultural impact, especially during the 1960s civil rights movement. Yarrow also advocated for peace and education, contributing to numerous charitable and humanitarian efforts throughout his career.
11 – James McEachin (93): Actor & Decorated Veteran – Known for roles in Perry Mason and Matlock, he appeared in over 50 TV shows and films. A Korean War veteran awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, McEachin later became an author and advocate for veterans, blending a career in Hollywood with a legacy of service and storytelling.
12 – Claude Jarman Jr. (90): Actor – Best known for his Academy Award-nominated performance as the young star of The Yearling (1946), Jarman became a beloved child actor in Hollywood. He later transitioned into a career in film production and preservation. Jarman’s iconic role and contributions to film history made him a notable figure in 20th-century American cinema.
12 – Leslie Charleson (79): Actress – Best known for her long-running role as Monica Quartmaine on the soap opera General Hospital, Charleson became a beloved daytime TV star. Her portrayal earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. With a career spanning television, film, and theater, she remains one of the most recognizable figures in soap opera history.
16 – Joan Plowright (95): Actress – Tony and Golden Globe winner, known for Enchanted April and Tea with Mussolini. A distinguished stage performer, she was a longtime member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Married to Laurence Olivier, she built a legacy of powerful performances in film, TV, and theater, earning immense respect for her grace and talent.
16 – Bob Ueker (90): Former MLB catcher turned legendary broadcaster, beloved for his humor and self-deprecating wit. Dubbed “Mr. Baseball,” he’s been the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers since 1971. Also known for his roles in Major League and Miller Lite commercials, Uecker’s impact on baseball and entertainment earned him the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award.
30 – Dick Button (95): Legendary figure skater – two-time Olympic gold medalist (1948, 1952), and first to land a triple jump in competition. A five-time world champion, he revolutionized the sport with athleticism and innovation. Later, he became a beloved TV commentator, shaping figure skating coverage for decades with his sharp analysis and wit.
FEBRUARY
7 – David Roberts (85): Veteran actor – best known for his roles in Woody Allen films like Annie Hall and Play It Again, Sam. A versatile performer, he built a successful career in film, television, and Broadway. Recognized for his charismatic screen presence and sharp comedic timing, Roberts remains a beloved figure in American cinema.
24 – Roberta Flack (88): Iconic singer – songwriter known for timeless hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song. A Grammy-winning artist, she blended soul, jazz, and R&B with emotional depth and elegance. Her smooth voice and heartfelt storytelling made her one of the most influential vocalists of her era.
27 – Gene Hackman (95): Actor – Two-time Oscar-winning actor known for The French Connection and Unforgiven. A Hollywood legend, he starred in The Conversation, Superman, and Hoosiers. Renowned for his intensity and versatility, he retired in 2004 after a career spanning five decades.
March
3 – Carl Thomas Dean (82): Dolly Parton’s late husband – Parton met Dean outside the Whishy Washy Laundromat when she moved to Nashville at 18. They married in 1966 in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia and were married for nearly 60 years.
21 – George Forman (76): Boxer – Two-time world heavyweight champion (1973, 1994), Olympic gold medalist (1968), and successful entrepreneur. Known for his epic bouts with Muhammad Ali and his remarkable comeback at 45 to reclaim the title, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion. Later gained fame for the George Foreman Grill, selling over 100 million units. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
30 – Richard Chamberlain (90): Actor – Rose to fame as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV series, becoming a teen idol. Known for epic miniseries Shōgun and The Thorn Birds, as well as films like The Three Musketeers (1973). One of the first major Hollywood stars to come out as gay, influencing LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
31 – Barbara Allen (82): Politician – Trailblazing Kansas state senator who served from 1989 to 2005, known for her bipartisan leadership and advocacy for healthcare reform, education, and women’s rights. A cancer survivor, she became a vocal proponent for early detection and patient support. Widely respected for her integrity and dedication, she paved the way for more women in state and national politics.
April
1 – Vali Kilmer (65): Actor – Known for iconic roles in Top Gun (Iceman), Batman Forever (Batman), The Doors (Jim Morrison), and Tombstone (Doc Holliday). Gained fame for his versatility and charisma, battled throat cancer affecting his voice but made a triumphant return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) using AI-assisted voice technology.
1 – Johnnie Williston (84): Businessman – Founder of Williston Industries, he revolutionized agricultural equipment with innovative, durable designs that boosted farm productivity nationwide. A self-made entrepreneur, he expanded his company globally and became a noted philanthropist, supporting rural education and sustainability projects. Celebrated for blending ingenuity with integrity, his legacy lives on in fields and communities across America.
6 – Jay North (72): Actor – Rose to fame as the mischievous title character in the 1959 sitcom Dennis the Menace, becoming one of the most recognizable child stars of his era. Though he struggled with typecasting, he later found purpose as a correctional officer and advocate for child actors. His early performance remains a classic image of mid-century American television.
10 – Joey Viera (80): Actor – Gained fame as Porky, Jeff’s lovable friend on the original Lassie TV series (1954–1957). A cousin of singer Johnny Rivers, he later transitioned into a long career in film and television under the name Donald Keeler. His early role in Lassie remains a cherished piece of classic American television, fondly remembered by fans of the golden age of family programming.
16 – Wink Martindale (89): Game Show Host – Best known for hosting “Tic-Tac-Dough” and “Gambit,” he became a household name in American television. With a smooth voice and charismatic presence, he also had a hit spoken-word song “Deck of Cards” in 1959. A fixture of game shows for decades, his career spanned radio, TV, and music, making him a beloved figure in entertainment history.
21 – Will Hutchins (94): Western TV Star – Best known for portraying Tom “Sugarfoot” Brewster, a young lawyer-turned-frontiersman, in the 1957–1961 ABC series Sugarfoot. A UCLA graduate and Korean War veteran, Hutchins also appeared in films like Spinout and Clambake alongside Elvis Presley, and later played Dagwood Bumstead in the 1968 Blondie series. He passed away on April 21, 2025, in Manhasset, New York.
28 – Priscilla Pointer (100): Actress – Renowned for her role as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on Dallas, Pointer’s career spanned theater, film, and television. A Broadway veteran, she co-founded the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop and appeared in Carrie, Blue Velvet, and Mommie Dearest. She frequently collaborated with her daughter, actress Amy Irving. Pointer passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 28, 2025, in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
May
1 – Ruth Buzzi (88): Comedy Legend – Iconic for her role as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968–1973), Buzzi won a Golden Globe and received five Emmy nominations. Her comedic characters, including Doris Sidebottom and Kim Hither, became staples of 1960s sketch comedy. Buzzi’s extensive career spanned television, film, and voice acting, with notable roles on Sesame Street and in films like Freaky Friday. She passed away on May 1, 2025, in Stephenville, Texas.
5 – Denise Alexander (85): Soap Opera Icon – Best known for portraying Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital from 1973 to 1984, and again from 1996 to 2009, Alexander was one of daytime TV’s first female doctors. She also starred as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives and appeared on Another World. A child actress who began her career in radio, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 1976 and continued to make guest appearances on General Hospital through 2021.
7 – Joe Don Baker (89): Actor – Known for his tough-guy roles, Baker gained fame portraying Sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall (1973). He appeared in three James Bond films: as arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987), and CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). His career spanned over 50 films and television series, including Cape Fear (1991) and Mud (2012). Baker earned a BAFTA nomination for his role in the BBC series Edge of Darkness (1985). He passed away on May 7, 2025, in Los Angeles.
9 – Johnny Rodriguez (73): Country Music Pioneer – Born in Sabinal, Texas, Rodriguez broke barriers as the first major Hispanic star in country music. Discovered while in jail, he signed with Mercury Records at 21 and achieved six No. 1 hits, including “You Always Come Back to Hurting Me” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico.” Honored by three U.S. presidents, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Institute of Hispanic Culture Pioneer Award in 2010.
20 – George Wendt (76): Actor – Best known for portraying Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom Cheers from 1982 to 1993, Wendt’s portrayal earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations. He began his career at Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe and later appeared in films like Fletch and Spice World. Wendt also made memorable guest appearances on shows such as Saturday Night Live, Frasier, and The Simpsons. He passed away on May 20, 2025, the 32nd anniversary of the Cheers finale.
22 – Pippa Scott (89): Actress – Known for roles in The Searchers (1956) and TV shows like The Virginian and Perry Mason, she brought intelligence and poise to both film and television. Niece of legendary director Michael Curtiz, she later became a director and social activist, using her platform to champion human rights and progressive causes. Her career spanned decades with grace, versatility, and purpose.
30 – Loretta Swit (86): Actress – Best known for her Emmy-winning role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on MASH* (1972–1983), one of television’s most acclaimed series. Her portrayal evolved from comic foil to complex, trailblazing female character, earning critical praise. Beyond acting, she was a passionate animal rights advocate, dedicating decades to activism. Swit’s blend of talent and compassion left a lasting cultural impact.
June
9 – Sly Stone (82): Musician – Frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, pioneers of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock. Known for hits like “Everyday People” and “Dance to the Music,” he broke racial and gender barriers with an integrated band and socially conscious lyrics. His innovative sound influenced artists from Prince to Public Enemy, cementing his legacy as a revolutionary force in American popular music.
11 – Brian Wilson (82): Musician – Co-founder of the Beach Boys and visionary behind the groundbreaking 1966 album Pet Sounds, widely considered one of the greatest albums in music history. Known for his complex harmonies, innovative studio techniques, and emotionally resonant songwriting, he reshaped pop music. Despite lifelong mental health struggles, his genius influenced generations of artists and secured his legacy as a pioneering force in 20th-century music.
18 – Lou Christie (81): Singer-Songwriter – Known for his distinctive falsetto and 1960s pop hits like “Lightning Strikes” and “Two Faces Have I.” Rose to fame with chart-topping singles blending teen romance and dramatic vocals. Co-wrote many of his songs, making him a standout in the era of Brill Building pop. His unique voice and style left a lasting imprint on American pop music.
19 – Lynn Hamilton (94): Actress – Best known as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford’s girlfriend on Sanford and Son (1972–1977), becoming one of the first Black women with a recurring role on a major U.S. sitcom. Also appeared in The Waltons, Good Times, and The Practice, building a decades-long career in television and stage that broke barriers and brought warmth and dignity to every role.
24 – Bobby Sherman (81): Singer and Actor – 1960s and ’70s teen idol known for hits like “Little Woman” and roles on TV shows such as Here Come the Brides. Sold millions of records and drew massive fan followings. Later became a paramedic and LAPD officer, earning praise for his public service after stardom, a rare transition from pop fame to real-life heroism.
26 – Rick Hurst (82): Actor – Best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard (1980–1983), a comedic role that made him a fan favorite. Also appeared in popular TV shows such as Sanford and Son, MASH*, and The Bob Newhart Show, showcasing his versatility as a character actor across decades of American television.