Famous People Who Died Today

Anthony van Dyck was a Flemish Baroque artist who started painting at an early age before going on to become the leading court painter in England. Although he is best remembered for painting the aristocracy, van Dyck also painted biblical and mythological subjects. In 1632, Anthony van Dyck received a knighthood from Charles I.

As one half of the Swedish pop rock duo Roxette (with Per Gessle), singer and songwriter Marie Fredriksson enjoyed international fame in the 1980s-1990s with albums like Look Sharp! and Joyride. Their single It Must Have Been Love was featured in the movie Pretty Woman. Earlier, in Sweden ,she had also enjoyed success as a solo artist releasing numerous albums.

Catholic bishop Fulton J. Sheen was also a prominent radio and TV personality. Known for his stint on the NBC radio show The Catholic Hour, he also hosted the popular TV programs Life Is Worth Living and The Bishop Fulton Sheen Show. He also wrote extensively on communism, love, and peace.

Born into a reputed family of racers, Al Unser later became a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner. At 48, he also became the oldest racer to emerge victorious at the Indianapolis 500. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee is also known as Big Al and Al Unser Sr.

British paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey had exhibited her interest in drawing and archaeology as a kid. Most of her career was spent working alongside her husband, Louis Leakey. She was in charge of many excavation projects in Kenya. Her discoveries include the first Proconsul skull fossil and 15 new animal species.

Clarice Lispector was a Ukrainian-born Brazilian short story writer and novelist. As a young woman, she entered the Law School of the University of Brazil and began her writing career while studying. She soon gained fame as a writer and won the prestigious Graça Aranha Prize for the best debut novel. She died of cancer at a relatively young age. 

Garnett Silk was a Jamaican Rastafarian and reggae musician best remembered for his emotive, diverse, smooth, and powerful voice. Silk was touted as a rising talent in the 1990s when he lost his life trying to save his mother who was trapped inside her burning house. Many posthumous albums have been released since Garnett Silk's untimely demise at age 28.

Karl Blossfeldt was a German photographer, artist, sculptor, and teacher. He is best remembered for his work Urformen der Kunst, a collection of close-up photos of animals and plants. The book became highly influential and Blossfeldt's works were used as teaching tools in Berlin. Blossfeldt also served as a professor at the United State Schools for Fine and Applied Art. 

Known for his advertisement designs and abstract art, Swiss graphic designer and artist Max Bill was initially trained as a silversmith. He later also taught art in Switzerland and Germany. He not only established the Ulm School of Design, but also designed its building and its academic programs.

Joseph Bramah started his career as a cabinet maker and over time, revolutionized the lock-making industry with his pick-proof locks. Along with blacksmith Henry Maudslay, he changed the course of 19th-century British manufacturing. Best known for his hydraulic press, he also built water closets in Queen Victoria’s home.

Tamara Geva was a Russian-born American ballet dancer, choreographer, and actress. The first wife of popular Georgian-American choreographer George Balanchine, Geva was instrumental in Balanchine's success in his early life. Apart from performing with her husband, Tamara Geva also danced in Sergei Diaghilev's popular dance company the Ballet Russes. She also choreographed several popular Broadway shows throughout her illustrious career.

Manuel Márquez Sterling was a Cuban diplomat best remembered for his service as an interim President of Cuba on January 18, 1934; he served as the president for six hours before he was replaced by another interim President Carlos Mendieta. Manuel Márquez Sterling also served in the Cuban War of Independence and later served as the ambassador to the USA.

David Brudnoy was a radio host whose show was aired on WBZ radio. Brudnoy was a respected figure as he was very knowledgeable about contemporary political issues which he discussed on his show in a courteous manner. Although he knew that he was gay throughout his life, Brudnoy came out publicly in 1994 when he was 54 years old. 

Lea De Mae was a Czech diver, pornographic actress, and adult model. She was part of the high diving national team before injuring her spine while training for the 1996 Olympics. After retiring from professional sports, Lea De Mae appeared in more than 80 adult films. She died at age 27 after suffering from an aggressive form of brain cancer.