Peter Jason (1944–2025), Deadwood actor

Peter Jason was a prolific character actor best known for playing Con Stapleton in “Deadwood,” and for his many appearances in the films of director John Carpenter.

Rudy May (1944–2024), Angels, Yankees pitcher

Rudy May was a left-handed pitcher for such Major League Baseball teams as the California Angels and New York Yankees from the 1960s through ‘80s.0

Walt Garrison (1944–2023), Dallas Cowboys fullback 

Walt Garrison was a star fullback for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s and ‘70s who would go on to be inducted into both the Texas Cowboys Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Sir Ian Wilmut (1944–2023), Dolly the cloned sheep co-creator

Professor Sir Ian Wilmut was a British embryologist who led the Roslin Institute team at the University of Edinburgh that cloned Dolly the sheep in 1996.

Dino Danelli (1944–2022), drummer for The Rascals 

Dino Danelli was a drummer and founding member of the rock/soul band The Rascals, known for their hit “Good Lovin.”  

Roland Mesnier (1944–2022), longtime White House pastry chef

Roland Mesnier was the White House pastry chef for 25 years, serving five presidents.

“Grandpa” Elliott Small (1944–2022), iconic New Orleans street musician

“Grandpa” Elliott Small was a New Orleans street musician known for his singing and harmonica playing.

Betty Davis (1944–2022), singer known as the “Queen of Funk”

Betty Davis was a pioneering singer known as the “Queen of Funk,” as well as jazz legend second wife.

George Frayne IV (1944–2021), Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen frontman

George Frayne IV was a singer and pianist, the frontman for country rock band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.

Sam Davis (1944–2019), member of 1970s Steelers dynasty

Sam Davis was a valuable member of the Pittsburgh Steelers 1970s NFL dynasty. He started at left guard, winning 4 super bowls with the legendary team. In 1976, Davis blocked for running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, helping them become the second pair of teammates in NFL history to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Davis retired after the 1979 season.

Jan-Michael Vincent (1945–2019), “Airwolf” star

Jan-Michael Vincent was a Hollywood heartthrob in the 1970s and '80s. He starred on the CBS action series “Airwolf,” playing helicopter pilot Stringfellow Hawke from 1984 until 1987.  Vincent had memorable character roles in “The Mechanic” (1972), as a fellow stunt driver to Burt Reynolds in 1978’s “Hooper,” and the 1978 surf cult classic "Big Wednesday." One of his first starring roles was in Disney’s 1973 movie, “The World’s Greatest Athlete.” He struggled with drug and alcohol problems that contributed to a career downfall after “Airwolf.”  

Jim Bridwell (1944 -2018), legendary climber

Known for his daring ascents and colorful personality…

Carlos Alberto Torres (1944–2016), Brazilian soccer legend

Captain of Brazil's national soccer team when it won the 1970 World Cup.

Mel Daniels (1944 - 2015), Indiana Pacers center

Mel Daniels, Hall of Fame center for the Indiana Pacers, died Friday, October 30, 2015 according to The Indianapolis Star. He was 71.

Pat Woodell (1944–2015), Petticoat Junction star

Actress Pat Woodell, who starred as one of the sisters on the 1960s sitcom "Petticoat Junction", died Sept. 29 at her home in Fallbrook, California, according to the Associated Press. She was 71.