Michael Cole (1940–2024), The Mod Squad actor

Michael Cole was an actor best known for playing Pete Cochran in the 1960s and ‘70s crime drama, “The Mod Squad,” and a 64-episode stint on “General Hospital.” 

Lance Larson (1940–2024), Olympic champ and record-holding swimmer

Lance Larson was an Olympic champion swimmer who was ultimately awarded a silver medal instead of gold in what is considered one of the most controversial calls in modern swimming history.

John Nichols (1940–2023), The Milagro Beanfield War author 

John Nichols was a New Mexico author known for “The Milagro Beanfield War.” 

Patricia Schroeder (1940–2023), U.S. Representative from Colorado

Patricia Schroeder was a longtime Democratic U.S. Representative from Colorado known for her work towards women’s rights.

Jerry Blavat (1940–2023), legendary rock and roll DJ

Jerry Blavat was a Philadelphia DJ who became iconic as a radio and TV fixture for decades.

Hank Goldberg (1940–2022), longtime ESPN NFL reporter

Hank Goldberg was an NFL reporter for ESPN as well as a handicapping expert.

Clive Sinclair (1940–2021), personal computing pioneer

Clive Sinclair was an English inventor who helped revolutionize the computer industry with his creation of the first home computer available for less than $200.

Chuck Close (1940–2021), acclaimed photorealistic painter

Chuck Close was a celebrated artist known for his large-scale portraits, some of which were composed of many tiny paintings arranged as pixels.

Joan Ullyot (1940–2021), convinced Olympics to add women’s marathon

Joan Ullyot was a physician and runner whose research and advocacy helped persuade the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to add a women’s marathon to the Summer Olympics.

Alex Trebek (1940–2020), beloved 'Jeopardy!' host

Alex Trebek was the beloved host of the iconic game show “Jeopardy!” for more than 35 years.

Tony Allen (1940–2020), legendary Afrobeat drummer

Tony Allen was a Nigerian drummer who helped to create the Afrobeat sound with bandleader Fela Kuti in the 1970s. His pioneering polyrhythms have influenced drummers around the world. Musicians like Brian Eno, Damon Albarn, and Flea have referred to him as the world’s greatest drummer.

Don Imus (1940–2019), controversial radio “shock jock”

Don Imus was the controversial radio “shock jock” who hosted the popular longtime radio show “Imus in the Morning.” He was known for his outspoken on-air personality and his program sometimes offended listeners as he was accused of saying racist and homophobic comments. Imus debuted his show in 1971 on WNBC in New York City. He inspired others including Howard Stern, who later hosted his own show on WNBC. Imus and his wife Deirdre founded the Imus Ranch in 1999, a summer camp for children with cancer. He retired from broadcasting in 2018 after a nearly 50-year career.

Paul Prudhomme (1940 - 2015), New Orleans celebrity chef

Famed chef Paul Prudhomme died Thursday morning at the age of 75, according to the New Orleans restaurant he owned, K-Paul's, CNN reported.