Phil Donahue (1935–2024), TV talk show icon

Phil Donahue was a longtime talk-show host whose signature program all but created the template that daytime TV would follow for years to come.

Al Quie (1923–2023), former congressman and Governor of Minnesota 

Al Quie was a Republican who served in Congress for more than 20 years and as Governor of Minnesota, in addition to being considered twice as a potential vice-presidential running mate in a U.S. presidential election.

Ashlea Albertson (1998–2023), 24-year-old racing driver

Ashlea Albertson was a talented young car racing driver from Indianapolis sponsored by the Tony Stewart Racing team.

James Buckley (1923–2023), oldest former U.S. senator 

James Buckley was a U.S. senator from New York who served in the 1970s and later became a federal judge.

Ray Hildebrand (1940–2023), Paul & Paula singer 

Ray Hildebrand was a singer and songwriter better known as “Paul” in the 1960s pop duo Paul & Paula, who had a hit with “Hey Paula.”

Clayton Jacobson II (1933–2022), Jet Ski trailblazer

Clayton Jacobson II was credited with inventing a personal motorized watercraft that would later become known as the Jet Ski.   

Virginia Patton (1925–2022), “It’s a Wonderful Life” actress 

Virginia Patton was an actress who is best remembered for playing the sister-in-law of Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey in the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”   

Hal Singer (1919–2020), hit-making jazz saxophonist

Hal Singer was a hit-making jazz saxophonist and R&B performer known for his 1940s No. 1 hit song “Corn Bread.”

Jeanette Carlson (1929–2020), anti-apartheid activist

Jeanette Carlson was an anti-apartheid activist who was a leader of the South African civil rights organization the Black Sash.

Jack Sherman (1956–2020), former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist

Jack Sherman was a former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He played on their self-titled debut album in 1984.

Jesse Goins (1960–2020), miner featured in “Gold Rush”

Jesse Goins was a miner featured in the Discovery reality series, “Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine.”

Dale Hawerchuk (1963–2020), Hockey Hall of Famer

Dale Hawerchuk was an NHL star who played for the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Ben Cross (1947–2020), “Chariots of Fire” star

Ben Cross was a British actor best known for starring as Harold Abrahams in “Chariots of Fire” and Sarek in “Star Trek (2009).”   

Kofi Annan (1938–2018), former UN Secretary-General

Nobel Peace Prize winner andfirst black African Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Albert "Sonny" Burgess (1929 - 2017), Sun Records rockabilly singer

Rockabilly musician was a Sun Records veteran...

Liz MacKean (1964 - 2017), BBC journalist

Ex-BBC journalist was known for her hard-hitting exposés…

Turku, Finland, Attack Victims

Two people died in a knife attack.

Sir Bruce Forsyth (1928 - 2017), Strictly Come Dancing host

British TV legend hosted "Strictly Come Dancing" and "The Generation Game"...

Don Pardo: Voice of Saturday Night

Prolific television announcer Don Pardo was the voice of "Saturday Night Live" for nearly four decades.

Anita Loos, Screenwriting Pioneer

Born on this day in 1888, Anita Loos was among the most important screenwriters in American movie history. We look back at her influential career...