Rich Dauer (1952–2025), Orioles second baseman

Rich Dauer was a longtime second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, winning a World Series with the team in 1983 and securing a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame.0

Jerry T. Hodges Jr. (1925–2024), Tuskegee Airman

Jerry T. Hodges Jr. was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran and one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen.

Al Ruddy (1930–2024), Oscar-winning Godfather producer

Al Ruddy was an Oscar-winning producer who won acclaim for “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby.” He also co-created the TV shows “Hogan’s Heroes” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.” 

Rev. Cecil Murray Sr. (1929–2024), Los Angeles civil rights leader

Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray Sr. was a minister and civil rights leader who emerged as a calming voice during the Los Angeles Riots of 1992.

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.

C.R. Roberts (1936–2023), football star who defied segregation

C.R. Roberts was a college football star with the USC Trojans who went on to play for Canada's Toronto Argonauts and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, following a historic college career that included beatingan all-white team in the segregated South.

Sam Cunningham (1950–2021), NFL star who inspired college football integration

Sam Cunningham was a football player who helped break down racial barriers at the University of Southern California before excelling with the New England Patriots.

Paul Westphal (1950–2021), Basketball Hall of Famer

Paul Westphal was a five-time NBA All-Star who later became a head coach.

Gerald Carr (1932–2020), Skylab 4 commander

Gerald Carr was an astronaut who commandedc2Skylabc24c2in 1973, the final Skylabc2mission.c2

Grant Imahara (1970–2020), host of “MythBusters,” “White Rabbit Project”

Grant Imahara was an electrical engineer and roboticist who was best known for hosting “MythBusters” and “White Rabbit Project.”

Max Tuerk (1994–2020), former NFL player with Chargers, Cardinals

Max Tuerk was a former NFL player with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the Arizona Cardinals.

Ntozake Shange (1948–2018), pioneering black feminist poet and playwright

Wrote the influential play ‘For Colored Girls’ which won an Obie Award.

Ndugu Chancler (1952–2018), legendary session drummer

Ndugu Chancler, legendary session drummer who played on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” has died at the age of 65, according to multiple news sources.

Evan Helmuth (1977–2017), The Devil Inside star

Actor played a priest in “The Devil Inside” horror film.

Joseph Wapner (1919–2017), The People's Court judge

"The People's Court" judge launched the courtroom-reality TV genre.

Sammy Lee (1920–2016), Olympic diving champion

Sammy Lee, a two-time Olympic diving champion, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, of pneumonia in Newport Beach, California, according to The Associated Press. He was 96.

Jerry Heller (1940–2016), rap manager

Managed gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A. and Eazy-E.

8 Simple Rules for Remembering John Ritter

For John Ritter fans, here are eight great ways to honor him on his birthday, or any day.

Artist Varnette Honeywood (1950–2010)

Varnette Honeywood began studying art as a child at age 12, and it would be books for children that would bring her art to its widest audience.