They Died in 2008

For seven decades he fought the good fight against what he called 'radical humanism', fought in Spain against Hitler and Mussolini with the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and made the 1974 award winning documentary film, " Dreams and Nightmares". b. 15 October, 1915 d. 6 April, 2008

French-Martinican, 94

Deputy, French National Assembly; one of the founders of the negritude movement in Francophone literature

French novelist, 85

January 11, 1906 – April 29, 2008. Chemist.

Also historian and Nobel Laureate. This literary giant's writings exposed the oppressive regime of Soviet Communism. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970. b. 11 Dec 1918, d. 3 August 2008

Hollywood composer, arranger and orchestrator. Mr. Courage had worked on nearly 100 films since the late 1940s, including many of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer studio's celebrated musicals: "The Band Wagon," "Funny Face," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Oklahoma!," "Gigi" and "My Fair Lady." He wrote several scores for Star Trek: The Original Series, among them the main title theme, known as the "Star Trek Fanfare". He even made the "whoosh" sound heard as the USS Enterprise flies past the screen during the music.

Also a playwright and screenwriter. Won the Oscar for The English Patient in 1996. 6 Jan 1954, Ryde, Isle of Wight, U.K. - 19 Mar 2008 London, U.K.

Also a film director & screenwriter. Won the Oscar for The English Patient in 1996. 6 Jan 1954, Ryde, Isle of Wight, U.K. - 19 Mar 2008 London, U.K.

Also a film director & playwright. Won the Oscar for The English Patient in 1996. 6 Jan 1954, Ryde, Isle of Wight, U.K. - 19 Mar 2008 London, U.K.

February 2 - (Lt. Philip Gerard on "The Fugitive") age 89

Also a Comedian. Known for his Stand-up TV series, "The Bernie Mac Show", he went on to star in such films as "Mr. 3000", "Ocean's Elevens" and "Bad Santa". Born and died Chicago style, 5 October 1957 - 9 August 2008

Also an Actor. Known for his Stand-up TV series, "The Bernie Mac Show", he went on to star in such films as "Mr. 3000", "Ocean's Elevens" and "Bad Santa". Born and died Chicago style, 5 October 1957 - 9 August 2008

Bettie Page's life was filled with cult myth, mystery, and sadness. Her image captured the imagination of a generation with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality, during an era of 1950s sexual repression. She was the quintessential pin-up, tacked up on walls in military barracks and garages; five decades later, some feminists still hail her as a pioneer of women's liberation. b. 22 April 1923 (Nashville, USA) d. 11 December 2008 (Los Angeles, California, USA)

January 17 - age 64

Five-time All-Star outfielder and broadcaster spent almost four decades with the Yankees. b. 20 May 1946 (Oklahoma City, OK, USA) - d. 12 July 2008 (Oklahoma City, OK; complications from a malignant brain tumor.)

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Bo was a founding father of Rock 'n' Roll whose distinctive "Shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians. Nee Ellas Otha Bates a.k.a. Ellas McDaniel b. 30 December 1928 (McComb, Mississippi, USA) d. 2 June 2008 (Archer, Florida) - aged 79

January 15 -(Mark Shay in "The Client") age 25

63, British ITN news presenter, stroke

Chief photographer for the Kennedy White House. Sloughton documented its glittering public moments and its intimate private ones. He also captured its sudden end in one of the signal images of the 20th century — Lyndon B. Johnson’s swearing-in as president aboard Air Force One on Nov. 22, 1963. b. 18 January 1920 (Oskaloosa, Iowa, USA) d. 3 November 2008 (Merritt Island, Florida, USA)

April 5th. He was born Charles Carter near Chicago. He played many of the great roles in epic Hollywood movies including Moses in "The Ten Commandments," Judah Ben-Hur in "Ben-Hur," (won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1960 for Ben-Hur) Andrew Jackson in "The President's Lady," El Cid in "El Cid," John The Baptist in "The Greatest Story Every Told," Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy," General Gordon in "Khartoum," Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers," and Henry VIII in "The Prince and the Pauper." He was an activist who was NRA (National Rifle Association) President from 1998-2003. He died at age 84.

Charisse is principally celebrated for her on-screen pairings with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. b. 8 March 1922 (Amarillo, Texas USA) - d. 17 June 2008 (Los Angeles California, USA)

Charisse is principally celebrated for her on-screen pairings with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. b. 8 March 1922 (Amarillo, Texas USA) - d. 17 June 2008 (Los Angeles California, USA)

Organist & keyboard player. An original member of the E Street Band, his work as a keyboardist helped define the band's distinct sound. (born 23 January 1950 d. 17 April 2008)

Rhoda's hubby Joe, on "Rhoda". February 13 - age 68

Also a director and comedian. He teamed up in the 1950's with Dan Rowan to become a comedy duo. 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' was an American sketch comedy television program which ran for 140 episodes from January 22, 1968 to May 14, 1973. "Sock it to Me!" b. 30 January, 1922 (Battle Creek, Michigan, USA) d. 24 May, 2008 (Santa Monica, California ) - aged 86

American comedian, actor & director. He teamed up in the 1950's with Dan Rowan to become a comedy duo. 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' was an American sketch comedy television program which ran for 140 episodes from January 22, 1968 to May 14, 1973. "Sock it to Me!" b. 30 January, 1922 (Battle Creek, Michigan, USA) d. 24 May, 2008 (Santa Monica, California ) - aged 86

Also an actor and comedian. He teamed up in the 1950's with Dan Rowan to become a comedy duo. 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' was an American sketch comedy television program which ran for 140 episodes from January 22, 1968 to May 14, 1973. "Sock it to Me!" b. 30 January, 1922 (Battle Creek, Michigan, USA) d. 24 May, 2008 (Santa Monica, California ) - aged 86

Known as the Cambodian born photojournalist who survived the murderous Khmer Rouge revolution led by Pol Pot, the genocide in Cambodia beginning in 1975 which took the lives of 2 million. Pran's gruesome four year ordeal of torture and starvation was told in the 1984 movie, "The Killing Fields". b. 27 September, 1942 d. 30 March, 2008.

Scottish rugby union. Aged 81, (Edinburgh Academical, Scotland). April 14

LaFontaine was famous for recording more than 5,000 movie trailers and hundreds of thousands of television commercials, network promotions, and video game trailers. His nicknames included 'Thunder Throat' and 'The Voice of God'. He became identified with the phrase "In a world…", which has been used in movie trailers so frequently that it has become a cliché. b. 26 August 1940 ( Duluth, Minnesota, USA ) d. 1 September 2008 (Los Angeles, California, USA)

Pitcher for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Dottie pitched for six seasons and was a legend on the field, hurling fastballs and knee-buckling curve balls, pitching underhand, sidearm and overhand.

American theme song composer and musician. Hagen created music for movies and television. He is remembered for co-writing and whistling "The Fishin' Hole", the melody of the main theme to The Andy Griffith Show, the instrumental classic "Harlem Nocturne" used as the theme to television's Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. He played with Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Ray Noble. b. 9 July 1919 (Chicago, Illinois) d. 26 May 2008 (Rancho Mirage, California)

American Actress, Singer and Cabaret star. Perhaps best known for her 1953 Christmas song "Santa Baby", Orson Welles once called her the "most exciting woman in the world." She took over the role of Catwoman for the third season of the 1960s Batman TV series. Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys. b. 17 January 1927(Columbia, South Carolina, USA) d. 25 December 2008 (Weston, Connecticut, USA)

American Actress, Singer and Cabaret star. Perhaps best known for her 1953 Christmas song "Santa Baby", Orson Welles once called her the "most exciting woman in the world." She took over the role of Catwoman for the third season of the 1960s Batman TV series. Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys. b. 17 January 1927(Columbia, South Carolina, USA) d. 25 December 2008 (Weston, Connecticut, USA)

American singer and songwriter A.K.A. the "Tennesse Plowboy', One of country music's most successful performers, 37 of his hits crossed over to the pop charts. -- b. 15 May 1918, d. 8 May 2008

A Tony Award winner, she "both embodied and winked at the stereotypes of fetching chanteuse and sexpot blonde." She earned a vocal degree from the Julliard School of Music, and then graduated from Columbia School of Drama. Adams began working regularly on television with comedian and future husband, Ernie Kovacs and talk show pioneer Jack Paar. Adams did a long-running series of TV commercials for Muriel Cigars. She remained the pitch-lady for Muriel well after Kovacs' death, intoning in a Mae West style and sexy outfit. Her supporting roles in television and film spanned five decades. b. 16 April 1927 (Kingston, Pennsylvania, USA) d. 15 October 2008 (Los Angeles, California)

Adams worked regularly on television with comedian and future husband, Ernie Kovacs and talk show pioneer Jack Paar. Adams did a long-running series of TV commercials for Muriel Cigars. She remained the pitch-lady for Muriel well after Kovacs' death, intoning in a Mae West style and sexy outfit. b. 16 April 1927 (Kingston, Pennsylvania, USA) d. 15 October 2008 (Los Angeles, California)

She earned a vocal degree from the Julliard School of Music. b. 16 April 1927 (Kingston, Pennsylvania, USA) d. 15 October 2008 (Los Angeles, California)

He earned the medal for his actions at the Battle of Ia Drang, for what became the first major confrontation between large forces of the American and North Vietnamese armies on 14 November 1965. As a helicopter pilot, he flew through gunfire more than 20 times during a single, ferocious battle, bringing supplies to a trapped battalion of United States soldiers and flying more than 70 wounded soldiers to safety. "We Were Soldiers", a 2002 feature film, depicts his role in the Ia Drang battle. b. 20 November 1927 (Neely, Mississippi, USA) d. 20 August 2008 (Boise, Idaho, USA)

Appeared in the Golden Girls

She played Suellen O'Hara, Scarlet's younger sister in the 1939 film "Gone With The Wind." She also starred as Al Jolson's wife in the film "The Jolson Story" with Larry Parks in 1946. other films include "Union Pacific," "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," and "The Seven Year Itch." died July 4th age 91.

February 13, 1922 – March 7, 2008 "Lord Pym of Sandy"

Thompson enlisted in the United States Marines on the day he graduated from high school, 5 May 1942. He served in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division during World War II. He served in a number of battles across the Pacific theater, including Tarawa, Abemana Atoll, Guadalcanal, Saipan and Tinian. Thompson reached the rank of corporal serving in the US Marine corp until 17 September 1945.

And American Navajo Code Talker. Thompson enlisted in the United States Marines on the day he graduated from high school, 5 May 1942. He served in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division during World War II. He served in a number of battles across the Pacific theater, including Tarawa, Abemana Atoll, Guadalcanal, Saipan and Tinian. Thompson reached the rank of corporal serving in the US Marine corp until 17 September 1945.

Died May 4, 2008 aged 89. Invented the Pringles container. Part of his remains were buried in one of the containers he designed.

An American football player for the Oakland Raiders

A Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman, Upshaw later served as the head of the National Football League Players Association for 25 years. b. 15 August 1945(Robstown, Texas, USA) d. 20 August 2008 (Lake Tahoe, California, USA)

Also an author and comedian. Hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, Carlin often shrugged off attempts to label him as a "difference-maker" in American culture. His 1972 routine, "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," sparked an indecency debate that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Carlin was especially noted for his political and dark humour and his observations on language, psychology, and religion along with many taboo subjects.

Also and actor and comedian. Hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, Carlin often shrugged off attempts to label him as a "difference-maker" in American culture. His 1972 routine, "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," sparked an indecency debate that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Carlin was especially noted for his political and dark humour and his observations on language, psychology, and religion along with many taboo subjects.

Hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, Carlin often shrugged off attempts to label him as a "difference-maker" in American culture. His 1972 routine, "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," sparked an indecency debate that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Carlin was especially noted for his political and dark humour and his observations on language, psychology, and religion along with many taboo subjects.

Nobel Prize-winning Biologist. His research on the inner workings of the cell gave birth to the modern field of cell biology. b. 19 November 1912 (Iasi, Romania) d. 7 October 2008 (Del Mar, California, USA)

Born 1917, Norwegian activist for international solidarity and women's rights

And political strategist. Architect of the Carter Presidency. The youngest White House chief of staff in US History, he later dedicated his life to working with children with cancer and authored several books. b. 21 September 21, 1944 (Albany, Georgia, USA) d. 20 May 20, 2008 (Atlanta, Georgia) - aged 63

British Playwright, Director, Actor, Poet and Political Activist. He has been called the most influential and imitated playwright of his generation. In 2005 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Pinter wrote 29 plays including The Birthday Party, The Caretaker, The Homecoming, and Betrayal, 21 screenplays including The Servant, The Go-Between and The French Lieutenant's Woman. As well as the Nobel Prize, Pinter received 19 honorary degrees and numerous other prizes and awards, including the French Légion d'honneur. b. 10 October 1930 (London, England) d. 24 December 2008 (London, England)

British Playwright, Director, Actor, Poet and Political Activist. He has been called the most influential and imitated playwright of his generation. In 2005 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

British Playwright, Director, Actor, Poet and Political Activist. He has been called the most influential and imitated playwright of his generation. In 2005 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Pinter directed 27 theatre productions, including James Joyce's Exiles, David Mamet's Oleanna, 7 plays by Simon Gray and many of his own plays. As well as the Nobel Prize, Pinter received 19 honorary degrees and numerous other prizes and awards, including the French Légion d'honneur. b. 10 October 1930 (London, England) d. 24 December 2008 (London, England)

Also a voiceover artist. Emmy-winning comedic actor best known for playing the self-described "luminous second banana" for a decade on television's "The Carol Burnett Show" and for starring in such Mel Brooks films as "Blazing Saddles. Was a featured performer on The Danny Kaye Show. He also starred in the short-lived Mel Brooks TV series The Nutt House. Korman was nominated for six Emmy Awards for his work on The Carol Burnett Show, and won four times . He was also nominated for four Golden Globes for the series, winning in 1975.

Also an Emmy-winning comedic actor. His early television work included voice-over work on Tom and Jerry and as the Great Gazoo on The Flintstones. He did voice work for the live-action movie The Flintstones as well as the animated The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue.

American, 87

January 22 - Aged 28. "Two Hands", "A Knight's Tale" and "Brokeback Mountain" "The Dark Knight".

Known to many as the “female Schindler”, she rescued children during the Holocaust -- A Polish Roman Catholic, she created a network to rescue 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. b. 15 February 1910 - d. 12 May 2008

Generations of kids trooped to Baskin-Robbins stores to buy ice cream flavors like Pralines 'n Cream, Daiquiri Ice and Pink Bubblegum.Robbins opened his first ice cream store in Glendale, Calif., in December 1945, following his discharge from the Army.Robbins offered 21 flavors at that store. b. 6 December 1917, in Winnipeg, Canada - d. 6 May 2008, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA

B. August 20, 1942 – d. August 10, 2008) was an American soul & funk singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, arranger, composer, and actor. His film Shaft, earned Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song (the first Academy Award received by an African-American in a non-acting category) and 2 Grammy Awards. He received a third Grammy for the album Black Moses. From 1997 to 2006, he provided the voice for the character "Chef" on the Comedy Central animated TV series South Park.

Perhaps best remembered as Sgt James Kinchlow (Kinch) on the television sitcom "Hogan's Heroes". He also appeared in the films "A Patch of Blue" and "Something of Value." performed in "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Nothing But a Man" on Broadway. Died March 16th at age 76

59, British television presenter (You've Been Framed, Beadle's About), pneumonia

His Roles roles in three "Smokey and the Bandit" Southern comedy films opposite Burt Reynolds often overshadowed his gifts as a prolific country singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist.

His Roles roles in three "Smokey and the Bandit" Southern comedy films opposite Burt Reynolds often overshadowed his gifts as a prolific country singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist. Before he made the jump to Hollywood he had established himself as one of the most sought-after guitarists in Nashville, a songwriter who wrote hits for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee and many others. He became a regular presence on the pop and country charts in the '70s and '80s with humourous hits including "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "Amos Moses," "East Bound and Down" and "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)." b. 20 March 1937 (Atlanta, Georgia USA) d. 1 September 2008 (Nashville, Tennessee USA)

And music journalist. He coined the term "rhythm and blues", and was integral in signing and/or producing many of the biggest acts of the last 50 years, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. b. 10 January 10, 1917(The Bronx, New York, USA) d. 15 August 2008 (Sarasota, Florida, USA)

Best known as the host in the USA of "ABC's Wide World Of Sports". while hosting the US coverage of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics he became the newsman who had to announce that the Israeli athletes who were held hostage had died. McKay died June 7th at age 86.

Born James T. Godbolt, known as the 'King of Slides', was a world-renowned tap dancer, especially famous for his innovative tap style mixed with jazz. b. circa 1927 in Atlanta, GA - d. 16 May 2008

76, British racing driver

Mitchell pioneered a style of drumming that would later be known as 'fusion', a style of playing distinguished by interplay with lead instruments such as guitar or keyboards, and the melding of jazz and rock drumming styles. He was a powerful force on the Jimi Hendrix's Experience band's 1967 debut album, "Are You Experienced?" as well as "Electric Lady" and "Axis: Bold as Love". His explosive drumming style can be heard in "Fire" and "Manic Depression". Mitchell was the the groups last surviving member when he died after recently completing the 2008 Experience Hendrix Tour.

Most Valuable Player in the 1955 World Series for the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees. A left-handed pitcher who pitched a shutout in Game 7 of the series and helped the Dodgers win their first World Series title in Major League Baseball. Died January 13th at age 75.

John Richard "Jack or J.R." SimplotAn Idahoan farmer and agricultural supplier specializing in potato products. In 2007 he was estimated to be the 89th-richest person in America, at $3.6 billion. At the time of his death in May 2008, at age 99, he was the oldest billionaire on the Forbes 400. J.R. quit school in the eighth grade, at age 14, and left home to strike out on his own in 1923. He then worked on a farm near Declo, Idaho, getting into the potato and other vegetable processing business. b. 9 January 1909 (Dubuque, Iowa, USA) d. 25 May 2008 (Boise, Idaho, USA)

Sir John Marks Templeton was an American-born British stock investor and mutual fund pioneer who dedicated much of his fortune to religion and science. b. 29 November 1912 (Winchester, Tennessee USA) - d. 8 July 2008 (Nassau, Bahamas)

Sir John Marks Templeton was an American-born British stock investor and mutual fund pioneer who dedicated much of his fortune to religion and science. He renounced his U.S. citizenship in 1968, thus avoiding U.S. income taxes. He had dual naturalised Bahamian and British citizenship and lived in the Bahamas. b. 29 November 1912 (Winchester, Tennessee USA) - d. 8 July 2008 (Nassau, Bahamas)

Founder of the Ten, a group of New York City expressionist painters, he helped shape American art as early as the 1930s. (born 1909, Vitebsk; d. 16 April 2008, New York City)

An original member of the vocal group the Pied Pipers in the 1930s. Jo had two #1 solo hits with "You Belong To Me" in 1952 and "Make Love To Me" in 1953. She also had success with "Shrimp Boats" and "Jambalaya" in the 50s. With her husband, arranger/conductor Paul Weston, Jo won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris" in 1961. She died July 16th at age 90.

Danish architect b. 1918 November 29. Designed the Sydney Opera House

110, last French veteran of World War 1

Classical pianist; recorded more than 60 LP's; died June 27 at 83 in La Jolla, California

A classically trained saxophonist, he infused jazz, blues and funk with his staccato styling to the eclectic sound of the Dave Matthews Band. As a founding member of the band, Moore often arranged music for the songs written by front man Dave Matthews. Moore also co-wrote many of the band's songs, notably "Too Much" and "Stay". b. 7 September 1961(Durham, North Carolina, USA) d. 19 August 2008 (Los Angeles, California, USA)

Lead vocalist of the legendary Motown R&B group, The Four Tops. "Baby I Need Your Loving", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)", "It's the Same Old Song", "Reach Out I'll Be There", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", "Bernadette", "Still Water (Love)", and "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" were all hits featuring Stubbs. The Four Tops were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. b. 6 June 1936 (Detroit, Michigan, USA) d. 17 October 2008 (Detroit, Michigan)

January 18 - (Evelyn in "Crossing Jordan") age 80

February 5 , taught the Beatles, age 96

Successful mystery writer; daughter of President Harry Truman

Aged 42, body found in Paddington on this date after suspected suicide by hanging, April 13

His books (e.g. Jurassic Park) have sold over 150 million copies worldwide. His works were usually based on the action genre and heavily feature technology. Many of his future history novels have medical or scientific underpinnings, reflecting his medical training and science background. b. 23 October 1942 (Chicago, Illinois, USA) d. 4 November 2008 (Los Angeles, California)

Best known for his science fiction and techno-thriller novels, films, and television programmes e.g. Jurassic park & E.R. His books have sold over 150 million copies worldwide. His works were usually based on the action genre and heavily feature technology. Many of his future history novels have medical or scientific underpinnings, reflecting his medical training and science background.

Developed more than 70 surgical instruments and pioneered now common procedures like cardiac bypass and open-heart surgery. b. 7 September 1908 (Lake Charles, Louisiana USA) - d. 11 July 2008 (Houston, Texas USA)

South African Singer and Activist. Known as 'Mama Africa', her songs inspired millions to continue the struggle against apartheid. In the United States she became a star, touring with Harry Belafonte in the 1960s and winning a Grammy award with him in 1965 for “An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba.” Such was her following and fame that she sang in 1962 at the birthday party of President John F. Kennedy. She also performed with Paul Simon in his “Graceland” concert in Zimbabwe in 1987. b. 4 March 1932 (Johannesburg, South Africa) d. 10 November 2008 (Castel Volturno, Italy)

South African Singer and Activist. Known as 'Mama Africa', her songs inspired millions to continue the struggle against apartheid.

African-American Singer, Actress, Guitarist, Songwriter, and Human Rights Activist. Known as 'Odetta', she was often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. An important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, she was influential musically and ideologically to many of the key figures of the folk-revival of that time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin. b. 31 December 1930 (Birmingham, Alabama, USA) d. 2 December 2008 (NYC, NY, USA)

African-American Singer, Actress, Guitarist, Songwriter, and Human Rights Activist. Known as 'Odetta', she was often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. An important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, she was influential musically and ideologically to many of the key figures of the folk-revival of that time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin. b. 31 December 1930 (Birmingham, Alabama, USA) d. 2 December 2008 (NYC, NY, USA)

Irish President. Aged 84, (1976–1990) and Minister (1959–1973), European Commissioner for Ortoli Commission, April 12

Was an Academy Award–winning and seven-time Academy Award–nominated American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian & auto racing enthusiast. He won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for his performance in the 1986 Martin Scorsese film The Color of Money, three Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award & an Emmy award. He was a co-founder of Newman's Own, a food company from which Newman donated all profits & royalties to charity.

86 British Academy Award–winning actor (A Man for All Seasons), leukaemia

He led the first lunch-counter sit-ins in Birmingham, Alabama and later challenged country club discrimination. b. 7 October 1928 (Birmingham, Alabama, USA) d. 7 November 2008 (Birmingham, Alabama)

Founding member of Pink Floyd, his somber, monumental sounds on the keyboard were at the core of the progressive rock band's music. b. 28 July 1943 (Hatch End, Middlesex, England) d. 15 September 2008 (London, England)

93, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for "Kiss and Tell" 1947, played Jim Bowie in "The Alamo" with John Wayne. On various radio programs in the 1940's. Starred in "Two Rode Together" "The Halls of Montezuma" "Judgement at Nuremberg" "How The West Was Won" "Madigan" :The Way West". Starred in Madigan on television Grew up in Princeton, IL and graduate from Lake Forest College in Illinois.

May 15th, chest injuries from a practice session crash, 48. [his brother died the same way in 2000]

Chairman, Farrar, Straus and Giroux; age 94

Known as a pioneer in the production of world class wines in California's Napa valley, he helped jump-start the entire American wine industry. b. 18 June, 1918 - d. 16 May 2008

Renowned for shaping 20th century art, he was famous for his use of non-traditional materials. b. 22 October 1925 - d. 12 May 2008

February 10 - ( Police Chief Brodie in "Jaws") age 75

February 1 - (Amy Vining on "General Hospital" ) age 49

Futurist and science fiction writer. His most famous novel: 2001: A Space Odissey. 16 Dec 1917, Minehead, Somerset - 19 Mar 2008, Sri Lanka

Also an explorer. (20 July 1919 – 11 January 2008) KG, ONZ, KBE. In 1953, along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to have reached the summit of Mt Everest. Also the first to drive overland (by tractor) to the South Pole in 1958.

US Congresswoman. A Democratic politician and member of the United States House of Representatives, She was the first African American woman to be elected to Congress from Ohio. b. 10 September 1949 Cleveland, Ohio, USA) d. 20 August 2008 (East Cleveland, Ohio, USA)

Terkel was the ageless master of listening and speaking, a broadcaster, activist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose best-selling oral histories celebrated the common people, the ordinary working-class he liked to call the "non-celebrated". b. 12 May 1912 (New York City, USA) d. 31 October 2008 (Chicago, IL, USA - his adopted home town)

Pulitzer Prize-winner Author and Activist

D. June 15, 2008. Also a visual effects supervisor & make-up artist -- He was best known for his work in the Terminator series, the Jurassic Park series, Aliens, the Predator series, and Edward Scissorhands. He won a total of four Academy Awards for his work.

D. June 15, 2008. Also a visual effects supervisor and film director. He was best known for his work in the Terminator series, the Jurassic Park series, Aliens, the Predator series, and Edward Scissorhands. He won a total of four Academy Awards for his work.

D. June 15, 2008. Also a film directo and make-up artist. He was best known for his work in the Terminator series, the Jurassic Park series, Aliens, the Predator series, and Edward Scissorhands. He won a total of four Academy Awards for his work.

Indonesian President. June 8, 1921 – January 27, 2008

(March 1960-September 2008) Accountant, Factacular champion. Susana accumulated a facts total of 120271 putting her in the top 2 on Factacular at the time of her death. A real friend when needed and always a pleasure to talk to. Sadly missed by her dear friends on Factacular.

January 19 - ("Bob Newhart Show" and "Rome Adventure"), age 70

Also a director and producer. He appeared in over 15 films, including The Interpreter (2005), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Husbands and Wives (1992), The Player (1992), and The Electric Horseman (1979). In 2007, he appeared opposite George Clooney in Michael Clayton, a film which he also co-produced. b. 1 July 1934 (Lafayette, Indiana, USA d. 26 May 2008 (Pacific Palisades, California) aged 73

Also a producer and actor. He directed more than 21 films and 10 television shows, acted in over 30 films or shows, and produced over 44 films. Pollack is best known for directing films Out of Africa (1985), Tootsie (1982), Three Days of the Condor (1975), The Yakuza (1975), The Way We Were and Jeremiah Johnson (1972), along with newer films The Interpreter (2005), Sabrina (1995), The Firm (1993) and Havana (1990). b. 1 July 1934 (Lafayette, Indiana, USA d. 26 May 2008 (Pacific Palisades, California) aged 73

Also NBC News’ Washington bureau chief. the longest-serving moderator of NBC's Meet the Press. He was NBC News' Washington bureau chief and also hosted the eponymous CNBC/MSNBC weekend interview program Tim Russert. He was a frequent correspondent and guest on NBC's The Today Show and Hardball. Russert covered several presidential elections, and he presented the NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey on the NBC Nightly News during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Time Magazine included Russert in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. Was born in Buffalo on May 7, 1950, died on June 13, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Her monumental sculptures of prominent African Americans through history included A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King Jr., Celes King III, Dr. Charles Drew, Frederick Douglass, author Alex Haley and abolitionist Sojourner Truth – fill public spaces across the United States. b. 9 December 1955 (Hempstead, New Yrok, USA) d. 9 September 2008 (Northridge, California)

May 15th (Celtic, Kilmarnock, Reading), melanoma. 51.

Radio and TV. The Tony Snow Show.

Snow was a broadcaster and newspaper columnist. After years of regular guest-hosting for The Rush Limbaugh Show and providing news commentary for National Public Radio, he launched his own talk radio program, The Tony Snow Show, which went on to become nationally syndicated. He was also a regular personality on Fox News Channel since 1996, hosting Fox News Sunday and Weekend Live, and often substituting as host of The O'Reilly Factor. In April 2008, Snow joined CNN as a commentator.

Of cancer at age 53. One of President George W. Bush's Press Secretaries.

Charles Van Dell Johnson was the embodiment of the "boy next door," playing "the red-haired, freckle-faced soldier, sailor or B-25 bomber pilot who used to live down the street" in MGM movies during the war years and found stardom playing servicemen in war movies such as “A Guy Named Joe” and “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.” At the time of his death in December 2008, he was one of the last surviving matinee idols of Hollywood's "golden age." b. 25 August 1916 (Newport, Rhode Island, USA) d. 12 December 2008 (Nyack, New York, USA)

February 27 - , age 82

Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent was born in the coastal town of Oran, Algeria, on August 1, 1936 he died in Paris, June 1, 2008. He was 71 years old.