Benoit Violier (1971 - 2016), acclaimed chef

Chef Benoí®t Violier, whose acclaimed Le Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville in Lausanne, Switzerland, was ranked recently atop a list of the world's best high-end dining establishments, was found dead at his home Sunday of a likely self-inflicted gunshot wound, police reported. Violier was 44. The restaurant in western Switzerland, which Violier operated with his wife, Brigitte, was the recipient of three Michelin stars, a mark of top quality in haute cuisine. Violier took over the restaurant in 2012 after having worked under its previous owner, Philippe Rochat, for 15 years. Rochat became a mentor and father figure to Violier over the years before passing the torch.

Robert Miles (1969–2017), DJ known for club hit Children

Legendary DJ was known for the 1995 international smash hit “Children.”

Norman Dyhrenfurth (1918–2017), leader of America's first successful Everest expedition

His Everest expedition pioneered the modern U.S. mountaineering and outdoor industry.

Bruno Ganz (1941–2019), played Hitler in “Downfall”

Bruno Ganz was a Swiss actor known for his portrayal of Hitler in the 2004 Oscar-nominated movie “Downfall.” He was a favorite of director Wim Wenders, appearing as an angel who chooses mortal life after he falls in love with a trapeze performer in 1987’s “Wings of Desire.” and starred opposite Dennis Hopper in Wender’s “The American Friend.” He also appeared in “The Boys from Brazil” and “The Reader.”

Norah Vincent (1968–2022), bestselling author of “Self-Made Man”

Norah Vincent was an author known for her bestselling book “Self-Made Man,” detailing a year and a half when she lived disguised as a man.

Jean-Luc Godard (1930–2022), director and pioneer of the French New Wave film movement

Jean-Luc Godard was a French director who pioneered post-war French cinema by establishing the French New Wave film movement.

Anita Kerr (1927–2022), backup singer for Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison

Anita Kerr was the leader of the Anita Kerr Singers, who sang backup for country superstars including and as well as recording their own music.

Theodor O. Diener (1921–2023), scientist who discovered viroids

Theodor O. Diener was a scientist who discovered the tiny infectious disease agents now known as viroids.

Tina Turner (1939–2023), legendary Queen of Rock and Roll

Tina Turner was one of the bestselling recording artists of all time, known for her hits including “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Barbara Mullen (1927–2023), unconventional 1950s model

Barbara Mullen was a model in the 1950s whose slim frame offered a glimpse into the future of modeling.

Oleg Protopopov (1932–2023), gold medal-winning Olympic figure skater

Oleg Protopopov was a two-time Olympic gold medal winner who, along with his wife, Ludmila Belousova, defected from the Soviet Union and became an international figure skating icon. 

Betty Rollin (1936–2023), journalist and women’s health advocate 

Betty Rollin was a news correspondent and author whose two memoirs were both adapted into TV movies, including “First, You Cry” starring .

Caterina Valente (1931–2024), popular French-Italian singer

Caterina Valente was a French-Italian singer and musician who sang in 11 different languages and performed with icons like Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald.