Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1979

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1979. 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 Thurman Munson

  Legendary New York Yankees catcher who was a key player in the 1970s, known for his intense competitiveness and exceptional skills behind the plate. He was the team captain and won multiple awards before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1979.

• Aug. 3 Bertil Ohlin

  ECO - Swedish economist and politician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1899)

• Aug. 3 Angelos Terzakis

  Greek author and playwright (b. 1907)

• Aug. 6 Feodor Lynen

  Nobel Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning the mechanism and regulation of the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism

• Aug. 6 Feodor Felix Konrad Lynen

  MED - German biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1979)

• Aug. 6 Kurt Kasznar

  Actor (cmdr fitzhugh - land of the giants), dies at 65

• Aug. 8 Nicholas Monsarrat

  Nicholas Monsarrat was a renowned British novelist and naval officer, best known for his maritime war novels like 'The Cruel Sea'. He served in the Royal Navy during World War II and drew extensively from his naval experiences in his writing.

• Aug. 9 Raymond Washington

  American gang leader and founder of the crips (born 1953).

• Aug. 10 Walter Gerlach

  German physicist and academic (b. 1889)

• Aug. 11 J. G. Farrell

  English author (b. 1935)

• Aug. 12 Ernst Boris Chain

  MED - German-irish biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1979)

• Aug. 13 Andrew Dasburg

  American painter and sculptor (b. 1887)

• Aug. 16 John Diefenbaker

  Canadian lawyer and politician, 13th prime minister of canada (b. 1895)

• Aug. 17 Vivian Vance

  Beloved American actress famous for her role as Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom 'I Love Lucy', which revolutionized television comedy in the 1950s. She was a key part of one of the most successful and influential comedy shows in television history.

• Aug. 17 John C. Allen

  Pioneering American roller coaster designer who significantly influenced the amusement park industry during the mid-20th century. He was renowned for designing innovative and thrilling roller coaster structures that set new standards in theme park engineering.

• Aug. 18 Vasantrao Naik

  Prominent Indian politician who served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1963 to 1975, playing a significant role in the state's political development.

• Aug. 21 Giuseppe Meazza

  Giuseppe Meazza was a legendary Italian footballer who played as a forward and midfielder for Inter Milan and the Italian national team. He was considered one of the most talented players of his era, known for his exceptional technical skills and goal-scoring ability. Meazza was so famous that the San Siro stadium in Milan was renamed 'San Siro-Meazza' in his …

• Aug. 22 James T. Farrell

  James T. Farrell was an influential American novelist, short-story writer, and poet best known for his Studs Lonigan trilogy, a landmark work in 20th-century American literature.

• Aug. 25 Stan Kenton

  Influential American jazz composer and bandleader who revolutionized big band music through progressive and experimental styles, challenging traditional jazz conventions throughout his four-decade career.

• Aug. 26 Mika Waltari

  Renowned Finnish novelist and playwright, best known for his international bestseller 'The Egyptian', which was adapted into a Hollywood film. He is considered Finland's most famous author of the 20th century.

• Aug. 27 Lord Louis Mountbatten

  Lord Louis Mountbatten was a prominent British naval officer and statesman who played a crucial role in British imperial history, serving as the last Viceroy of India and making significant contributions during World War II.

• Aug. 29 Gertrude Chandler Warner

  American author and educator (b. 1890)

• Aug. 30 Jean Seberg

  American actress (b. 1938)

• Aug. 31 Sally Rand

  Famous burlesque performer known for her provocative fan dance, Sally Rand was an iconic American entertainer who became a sensation during the Great Depression era.

• Aug. 31 Tiger Smith

  English cricketer and coach (b. 1886)