Famous People Who Died Today

Counted amongst the most influential stand-up comedians, George Carlin was known for his dark comedy. His comedy routine, Seven Dirty Words, was hugely controversial and played a critical role in Supreme Court’s ruling to censor offensive material on broadcast media. In his career, he released many comedy albums, starred in 14 HBO special, authored books and acted in numerous films.

Fred Astaire was an American actor, television presenter, dancer, choreographer, and singer. Widely regarded as the most influential dancer in film history, Astaire was known for his innovation, perfectionism, and an uncanny sense of rhythm. Also known for his fashion sense, Fred Astaire remained a male fashion icon throughout his career, which spanned more than seven decades.

Pat Nixon was an American educator who served as the First Lady of the US from 1969 to 1974 during which she promoted several charitable causes. She is also one of the most traveled First Lady in the history of the United States, accompanying her husband Richard Nixon on his trips to the Soviet Union and China among other countries.

Felix Christian Klein was a German mathematician and educator remembered for his work on complex analysis, group theory, and non-Euclidean geometry. He is also popular for his work on the relationship between group theory and geometry. He is credited with teaching advanced courses to students like Gregorio Ricci-Curbastro, who went on to become a renowned mathematician in his own right.

Darius Milhaud was a French composer, teacher, and conductor. One of the 20th century's most prolific composers, Milhaud was part of a famous group known as The Group of Six. He also contributed greatly to the French film industry, composing music for films like Madame Bovary and The Beloved Vagabond. Milhaud is often counted among the most important modernist composers. 

Initially a gardener, Nicholas Alkemade joined the Royal Air Force during World War II. An expert in aerial combat, he made headlines when he jumped out of his burning bomber and fell 18,000 feet below, without a parachute, and survived. Following the war, he worked in the chemical industry.

Maria Tanase was a Romanian actress and singer. A versatile singer, Tănase's music ranged from operetta to traditional Romanian music. During her long and illustrious career, Maria Tănase became known as Romania's national diva. She was admired for her voice, charisma, originality, and good looks. She is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's major cultural icons.

Wladimir Köppen was a Russian-German meteorologist, geographer, botanist, and climatologist. He is best remembered for publishing the Köppen climate classification system, which is used even today. Wladimir Köppen made important contributions to many branches of science. He is also credited with coining the term aerology.

Mitsuru Ushijima was a Japanese general best remembered for his service in the Second World War. He commanded the 32nd Army in the Battle of Okinawa, an important battle of the Pacific War. Mitsuru Ushijima lost the battle and committed suicide before getting caught by the enemies.

Armand Fallières began as a town councillor in Nérac and later became the president of France. Prior to this, he had been the prime minister of France, too, but he was forced to resign after just 21 days, owing to his stand on the expulsion of the pretenders to French throne.

Jamshīd al-Kāshī was a Persian mathematician and astronomer who worked during the reign of Tamerlane. Despite his immense contribution to the fields of mathematics and astronomy, much of his work was never brought to Europe and even today it remains unpublished in any form. Jamshīd al-Kāshī’s life inspired the 2009 Iranian biographical-historical film series, The Ladder of the Sky. 

Bernd Becher was a German photographer and conceptual artist. He was one half of the popular Bernd and Hilla Becher duo. Bernd and his wife Hilla are credited with founding the Becher School, which influenced generations of artists and documentary photographers. The duo was honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Erasmus Prize and the Hasselblad Award.

Serbian statesman and 2-time prime minister of Serbia, Ilija Garašanin initially served as a colonel and commander of the army. The son of Serbian revolutionary Milutin Savić, he supported Prince Miloš Obrenović in his early days but later helped Prince Alexander Karadjordjević come to power.

A businessman and film producer, Steve Bing was the founder of Shangri-La Entertainment. He produced films like Beowulf and Shine a Light. Politically, he contributed to the Democratic Party and funded the campaign of its candidates. He killed himself at the age of 55 by jumping from his 27th floor apartment in Los Angeles.

Mike Waterson was an English folk singer, songwriter, and author. He is best remembered for his association with the popular folk group, The Watersons. Waterson was also an important member of the English folk supergroup, Blue Murder. Mike Waterson is also remembered for his work with his sisters, Lal and Norma Waterson.