Celebrity Deaths April 2012
Celebrity Deaths April 2012_In April we lost many beloved figures, including "America's Oldest Teenager" and an Australian rock flutist. Click through to read about those who passed away.



Chris Ethridge
Died April 23 (b. 1947)

Bass guitarist Chris Ethridge was a founder of the legendary Flying Burrito Brothers. He was also in the lesser-known band of Gram Parsons, the International Submarine Band.

Cause of death,chris ethridge hospital pancreatic cancer
Ethridge worked with an impressive list of musicians.Chris Ethridge Judy Collins Leon Russell Linda Ronstadt Byrds Jackson Browne Willie Nelson


LeRoy Walker
Died April 23 (b. 1918)

LeRoy Walker was the first African-American president of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the first African-American to coach a U.S. Olympic team.

Circumstances of death,Leroy Walker durham no cause given
He had a late start as a football player.

Charles Colson:Charles Colson Chuck
Died April 21 (b. 1931)

Charles Colson was a lawyer for President Richard Nixon and had an interesting nickname. He had a famous rebirth and then a prolific career.

Cause of death,colson complications from brain hemorrhage
He received several top honors.colson salvation army templeton prize.

Levon Helm
Died April 19 (b. 1940)

Levon Helm was a multi-award-winning folk musician. Before his solo career, he played drums for Bob Dylan and the Band.

Cause of death,helm cancer
"Rolling Stone"Rolling Stone Magazine, recognized Helm as one of the best.helm rolling stone "greatest singers"

Greg Ham
Died April 19 (b. 1953)

Greg Ham was a multi-instrumentalist for one of Australia's most successful bands, Men at Work .

Circumstances of death,greg ham found dead home did not appear suspicious under investigation
What was his second career?greg ham taught guitar "music students".

Dick Clark
Died April 18 (b. 1929)

Dick Clark was an iconic TV and radio host. His "American Bandstand" brought rock 'n' roll to the masses and normalized desegregation.

Cause of death,clark heart attack surgery
When did he first host "New Year's Rockin' Eve"?clark new year's rockin' eve 1972.

Dwayne Schintzius
Died April 15 (b. 1968)

Dwayne Schintzius was a starting player in the NBA who was also known for his role in "Eddie" and his hairstyle.

Cause of death,Schintzius leukemia complications
He holds a college playing record.schintzius only player to amass more than 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists and 250 blocks.

Émile Bouchard
Died April 14 (b. 1919)

Hockey player Émile Bouchard was one of Canada's greats. He was on several champion teams and is commemorated by number.

Circumstances of death,bouchard surrounded by family
He was known as a clean player.Bouchard reputation clean player strongest best body-checkers.

Jonathan Frid
Died April 13 (b. 1924)

Actor Jonathan Frid played a famous vampire. He was also a military man and an Ivy Leaguer.

Cause of death,frid natural causes
What was his soap opera start?Frid psychiatrist As the World Turns

Mark Lenzi
Died April 9 (b. 1968)

Olympic diver Mark Lenzi won a medal in 1992 and another in 1996. He switched from wrestling to diving in high school.

Cause of death,lenzi fainting blood pressure medication heart ailment

Jack Tramiel
Died April 8 (b. 1928)

Computer pioneer Jack Tramiel founded Commodore International and ran the Atari Corporation. Before he began in typewriters, he had a much different job.

Cause of death,tramiel 83 heart failure
What was his famous quote about computers?tramiel "for masses, not the classes"

Mike Wallace:Mike Wallace CBS
Died April 7 (b. 1918)

Mike Wallace was a "60 Minutes" correspondent (for how long?). He was known for his interview style.

Circumstances of death,wallace peacefully waveny care center surrounded by family.
His journalistic start was in college.wallace "michigan daily" at University of Michigan


Fang Lizhi
Died April 6 (b. 1936)

Fang Lizhi was an activist and high scholar who inspired distinct liberal movements in China.

Circumstances of death,lizhi died home tucson
How did the Communist Party react to Lizhi?lizhi expelled Communist Party 1987

Thomas Kinkade
Died April 6 (b. 1958)

The paintings of Thomas Kinkade grace the homes of many Americans. He was disputably the "Painter of Light."

Cause of death,thomas kinkade natural causes autopsy
He embraced the controversy of his art.Kinkade "most controversial artist in the world"

Gil Noble
Died April 5 (b. 1936)

Gil Noble was the groundbreaking journalist behind "Like It Is." He rose from Harlem and utilized the first cellphone.

Cause of death,gil noble death stroke
How long did "Like It Is" air?noble like it is 43


Claude Miller
Died April 4 (b. 1942)

Claude Miller was a French filmmaker known for daring films . He won the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize for "La classe de neige."

Cause of death,claude miller death after long illness
Read about the Cannes tribute.claude miller cannes tribute may 27

Chief Jay Strongbow
Died April 3 (b. 1928)

Wrestler "Chief Jay Strongbow" won championships in the ring and often went on the warpath.

Cause of death,Chief Jay Strongbow fall hospitalized never recovered
His other nickname.Joe Scarpa nickname Joltin' Joe


Jimmy Little
Died April 2 (b. 1937)

Musician Jimmy Little was of unique descent and honored as "an ambassador for indigenous culture."

Cause of death,Jimmy Little died "natural causes" Dubbo
Find out about his personal charity."Jimmy Little Foundation" indigenous kidney

Leila Denmark
Died April 1 (b. 1898)

Supercentenarian ( that means, exactly +supercenturions + at least 110 years) Leila Denmark retired as a pediatrician at a record-breaking age. She was adamant about sugar.

Circumstances of death,denmark at her daughter's home Athens
Where did her age rank worldwide?Denmark 4th-oldest living world