Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1978

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1978. 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. 2 Carlos Chávez

  Mexican journalist and composer, mexican symphonic orchestra was founded by mexican conductor.

• Aug. 2 Antony Noghès

  Monaco grand prix was founded by a french-monacan businessman (d. 1978).

• Aug. 5 Queenie Smith

  Actress/dancer (funny side), passes away at the age of 79.

• Aug. 5 Jesse Haines

  American baseball player and coach (b. 1893)

• Aug. 6 Edward Durell Stone

  American architect, designed radio city music hall and the kennedy center (b. 1902)

• Aug. 6 Paul VI [Giovanni Montini]

  Italian pope (1963-1978), dies at age 80

• Aug. 7 Eddie Calvert

  English trumpeter (b. 1922)

• Aug. 7 Franz Alphons Wolpert

  Composer dies at the age of 60

• Aug. 9 James Cozzens

  Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for meticulous writing and character development, including notable works like 'Guard of Honor' and 'By Love Possessed'.

• Aug. 11 Berta Ruck

  Indian-born welsh romance novelist (b. 1878)

• Aug. 12 John Williams

  Renowned American composer, pianist, and conductor famous for iconic film scores like Star Wars and Jaws.

• Aug. 16 Alidius Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer

  Dutch soldier and politician, governor-general of the dutch east indies (b. 1888)

• Aug. 16 Jean Acker

  American silent film actress (born in 1893)

• Aug. 16 Alidius WL Tjarda van Stachouwer

  Governor-general of the netherlands indies, dies at 90

• Aug. 21 Charles Eames

  Iconic American designer who revolutionized mid-20th century architecture and furniture design, creating groundbreaking pieces that blended functionality, innovation, and aesthetic beauty.

• Aug. 22 Phyllis McGinley

  Phyllis McGinley was an acclaimed American poet and writer who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1961, known for her witty and insightful suburban poetry that captured mid-20th century American life.

• Aug. 22 Ignazio Silone

  Prominent Italian novelist and political activist known for his powerful works critiquing fascism and social injustice, including the famous novels 'Fontamara' and 'Bread and Wine'.

• Aug. 22 Jomo Kenyatta

  Kenyan politician, 1st president of kenya (b. 1894)

• Aug. 24 Louis Prima

  Legendary American jazz, swing, and jump blues singer, trumpeter, and actor known for his energetic performances and contributions to mid-20th century popular music.

• Aug. 26 José Manuel Moreno

  José Manuel Moreno was a prominent Argentinian footballer and manager who played during the mid-20th century. He was known for his exceptional skills on the football field and significant contributions to Argentine football.

• Aug. 26 Charles Boyer

  French-american actor, on-screen since 1919. in 1931, he played his first english-speaking part. boyer, who was a model of the american continental gallant and suave screen love, was able to gracefully transition into his older roles. his roles in "conquest," 1937, "algiers," 1938, "gaslight," 1944, and "fanny," 1961 were nominated for best actor oscars.

• Aug. 27 Gordon Matta-Clark

  American painter and illustrator (b. 1943)

• Aug. 27 Ieva Simonaitytė

  Lithuanian author and poet (b. 1897)

• Aug. 28 Robert Shaw

  Renowned American choral conductor who revolutionized choral music through the Robert Shaw Chorale and his work with the Cleveland Orchestra. He was a pioneering figure in choral conducting, known for his methodical approach and passion for cultivating amateur singers.

• Aug. 28 Bruce Catton

  American historian and journalist (b. 1899)

• Aug. 31 John Wrathall

  Rhodesian accountant and politician, 2nd president of rhodesia (b. 1913)