Born September 21

Lorraine O’Grady (1934–2024), conceptual artist and cultural critic

Lorraine O’Grady was a conceptual artist and cultural critic who won acclaim late in life for her mixed-media work, which often explored race and cultural identity, especially from the perspective of a Black woman in the United States.

Bob Beckwith (1932–2024), iconic 9/11 firefighter 

Bob Beckwith was a New York City firefighter who became an icon of resilience when he stood with President George W. Bush at Ground Zero just a few days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Johnny Hardwick (1958–2023), voice of Dale on King of the Hill 

Johnny Hardwick was a stand-up comedian, writer, and voice actor who played Dale Gribble, Hank Hill’s conspiracy-theorist friend on the animated TV show "King of the Hill."

Dave 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur (1968–2023), De La Soul cofounder 

David Jolicoeur was a founding member of the pioneering rap trio De La Soul.  He performed under the names “Trugoy the Dove,” “Plug Two,” and simply "Dave.” 

Mickey Kuhn (1932–2022), last surviving “Gone With the Wind” cast member

Mickey Kuhn was the last surviving credited cast member of the 1939 smash “Gone With the Wind,” having played Beau Wilkes as a child actor.

Joan Hotchkis (1927–2022), “The Odd Couple” costar

Joan Hotchkis was an actress and writer who played Oscar’s girlfriend, Dr. Nancy Cunningham, on TV's “The Odd Couple.”

Rebecca Balding (1948–2022), actress in “Soap,” “Charmed”

Rebecca Balding was an actress known for her recurring roles as Carol David on “Soap” and Elise Rothman on “Charmed.”

Shinzo Abe (1954–2022), longtime Japanese prime minister

Shinzo Abe was the prime minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and 2012 to 2020, the country’s longest-serving prime minister.

Mary Mara (1960–2022), actress in “ER,” “Nash Bridges”

Mary Mara was an actress known for roles in TV shows including known for roles in “ER,” “Nash Bridges,” and “Star Trek: Enterprise.”

Yvonne Wilder (1937–2021), "West Side Story" actor

Yvonne Wilder was an actor known for playing Consuelo in the classic film "West Side Story."

Jeanne Robertson (1943–2021), humorist known for family-friendly laughs

Jeanne Robertson was a humorist who was known for her wholesome stories of family life, featured on YouTube and Sirius XM.

Rick Aiello (1955–2021), “Do the Right Thing” actor

Rick Aiello was an actor known for roles in movies including “Do the Right Thing” and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.”

U-Roy (1942–2021), Jamaican musician who pioneered toasting

U-Roy was a Jamaican musician who pioneered toasting, a precursor to rap music in which a DJ talked over the records he was playing.

Elsa Raven (1929–2020), “Back to the Future” actress

Elsa Raven was an actress known for roles including a brief but memorable one in “Back to the Future” when she begged people to “Save the clock tower!”

Rupert Hine (1947–2020), prolific music producer worked with Tina Turner

Rupert Hine was a prolificmusicproducer who worked with Tina Turner, The Fixx, Stevie Nicks, Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega, Howard Jones and many other artists during a long music career.

Rick May (1940–2020), voice actor for video game Team Fortress II

Rick May was a voice actor best known for his work in video games, including voicing the Soldier in Team Fortress II and Peppy Hare in Star Fox 64, whose signature line became a popular meme: “Do a barrel roll!”

Leonard Cohen (1934–2016), Hallelujah singer and songwriter

Leonard Cohen, a legendary Canadian-born singer-songwriter, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 82.

Chuck Jones: King of Cartoons

Chuck Jones was a giant of the cartoon world, responsible for some of our very favorite classic characters...

Karl Slover, Munchkin Trumpeter

More than 70 years ago, Karl Slover turned his small stature into a plum movie role, one that he'd treasure for the rest of his life. The 4-foot-4-inch actor played a Munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz."