Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1966

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1966. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Aug. 1 Charles Whitman

  Infamous mass shooter who committed a tragic massacre at the University of Texas at Austin on August 1, 1966, killing 15 people before being killed by police. His actions shocked the nation and became a significant case study in mass violence.

• Aug. 3 Lenny Bruce

  Groundbreaking comedian who revolutionized stand-up comedy with his provocative and satirical style, challenging social norms and pushing the boundaries of free speech through his controversial performances.

• Aug. 6 Cordwainer Smith

  Renowned American science fiction author and sinologist, known for his unique and imaginative literary works exploring complex themes of humanity and technology.

• Aug. 6 Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger

  Sci-fi author (space lords) dies at 53

• Aug. 9 Gosta Nystroem

  Composer dies at 75

• Aug. 10 Jacobus C Bloem

  Poet (cinders)

• Aug. 10 Felix A Vening Meinesz

  At 79, geophysicist (black power) dies

• Aug. 14 Tip Snooke

  South african cricketer (born in 1881)

• Aug. 15 Jan Kiepura

  Jan Kiepura was a renowned Polish tenor and actor, famous for his performances in opera, operetta, and film during the early to mid-20th century. He was particularly celebrated for his powerful voice and charismatic screen presence. Kiepura starred in numerous international productions and was a significant cultural figure in Poland and Europe.

• Aug. 15 Seena Owen

  Actress/writer (queen kelly) dies at 71

• Aug. 15 Gerhard / Gerhart Pohl

  German writer (battle of kolbenau) dies at 64

• Aug. 16 Jack Mather

  Actor cisco kid, who was 58 years old, dies from a heart attack

• Aug. 17 Ken Miles

  Legendary British racing driver and automotive engineer known for his pivotal role in Ford's racing program, particularly in the development of the GT40 that famously defeated Ferrari at Le Mans.

• Aug. 17 Michael Garrison

  Producer (crowded sky), dies following a fall at 43

• Aug. 18 Watze Cuperus

  Frisian author (struggle and blessing), is killed at 75

• Aug. 18 Isaac Keesing

  Dutch founder (system keesing), is killed at 80

• Aug. 22 Apolinary Szeluto

  Composer dies at 82

• Aug. 23 Francis X. Bushman

  American actor, director, and screenwriter (b. 1883)

• Aug. 25 Lao She

  Chinese dramatist and novelist. he is best remembered for his 1937 novel rickshaw boy and 1957 play teahouse. manchu descent was his heritage. his vivid use of the beijing dialect is a hallmark of his works. he married hu jieqing, a famous painter. they had four children: one son and three girls. lao she, 67, died at taiping lake in …

• Aug. 26 W. W. E. Ross

  Canadian geophysicist and poet (b. 1894)

• Aug. 26 Art Baker

  Television host, you asked for it, dies at 67

• Aug. 29 Sayyid Qutb

  Influential Egyptian Islamic theorist and intellectual who significantly shaped modern Islamist thought and was a key member of the Muslim Brotherhood, known for his radical writings on Islamic social and political philosophy.

• Aug. 31 Kasimir Edschmid [Karl E Schmidt]

  German writer dies at 75