Drake Hogestyn (1953–2024), longtime star of Days of Our Lives

Drake Hogestyn was an actor best known for his long-running role as John Black on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” 

M. S. Swaminathan (1925–2023), led India’s “green revolution”

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was an agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, and humanitarian whose work and leadership during India’s “green revolution” helped fight famine.

Bill Plante (1938–2022), longtime White House correspondent for CBS News

Bill Plante was a journalist who covered the White House for CBS News for more than 30 years.

Gavin Escobar (1991–2022), former Dallas Cowboys tight end

Gavin Escobar was a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys from 2013 to 2016.

Coolio (1963–2022), “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper

Coolio was a rapper and actor who won a Grammy Award for his 1995 No. 1 single “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

Tommy Kirk (1941–2021), "Old Yeller" star

Tommy Kirk was an actor best known for starring in Disney films such as "The Shaggy Dog" and in beach party movies.

Dr. Lonnie Smith (1942–2021), Hammond organ virtuoso and jazz master

Dr. Lonnie Smith was a Hammond organist known for his jazz and soul jazz music.

Bonni Lou Kern (1941–2020), original Mouseketeer

Bonni Lou Kern was an original Mouseketeer who appeared on the first season of the popular Disney  ‘The Mickey Mouse Club.’

José José (1948–2019), Mexico’s “Prince of Song”

José José was a Mexican singer known as “The Prince of Song” and beloved for romantic ballads including “El Triste” and “Amar y Querer.”

Gloria Naylor (1950–2016), The Women of Brewster Place author

Gloria Naylor, the award-winning novelist who authored "The Women of Brewster Place," died Sept. 28, 2016, according to multiple news sources including Ebony Magazine. She was 66.

Agnes Nixon (1922 - 2016), All My Children creator

Agnes Nixon, the creator of “All My Children” and “One Life To Live,” died Sept. 28, 2016, according to multiple news sources. She was 93.

Shimon Peres (1923–2016), former president of Israel

Nobel Peace Prize winner formerly served as Israel's president and prime minister.

Frankie Ford (1939 - 2015), Sea Cruise singer

Frankie Ford, a singer who enjoyed some success in the 1950s as a rock 'n' roll and rhythm-and-blues star, has died after a long illness, according to multiple news sources. Ford, who went on to become a New Orleans icon, died Monday, Sept. 28. He was 76. The specific cause of death was not immediately available. Ford's big break came in 1952, on "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour" TV program. He had a hit in 1959 with "Sea Cruise." The recording went on to sell more than 1 million copies, hitting No. 14 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Although Ford's success was short-lived, he continued recording through the 1980s.

Elia Kazan, Starmaker

In the 1950s and ‘60s, there were few better stepping stones to movie stardom than getting the attention of director Elia Kazan.

Althea Gibson, Tennis Trailblazer

In the 1950s, Althea Gibson joined the ranks of trailblazers like , and when she became the first Black woman to compete on the world tennis tour. Her 1956 Grand Slam win was a crucial step in ushering in the integration of professional sports.