Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1980

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1980. 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 Strother Martin

  Iconic character actor known for memorable roles in classic Western films, particularly famous for his distinctive voice and supporting performances alongside Paul Newman in movies like 'Cool Hand Luke'.

• Aug. 1 Patrick Depailler

  Patrick Depailler was a talented French Formula One racing driver who competed in 95 world championship grands prix, making his debut on July 2, 1972, and leaving a significant mark in motorsport history.

• Aug. 4 Duke Pearson

  Influential American jazz pianist and composer who made significant contributions to the jazz scene during the 1960s and 1970s, known for his work with Blue Note Records.

• Aug. 5 Harold L. Runnels

  American soldier and politician (b. 1924)

• Aug. 6 Marino Marini

  Marino Marini was a renowned Italian sculptor and artist known for his innovative sculptures of horses and riders, incorporating archaic Greek and Etruscan influences. He taught at Villa Reale School of Art in Monza and created notable portrait busts, including a famous one of Igor Stravinsky. A dedicated artist, he has a museum dedicated to his work in Milan.

• Aug. 6 Charles Urbanus

  Dutch baseball player dies at 66

• Aug. 8 Paul Triquet

  Canadian military hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery during World War II. A distinguished general who demonstrated remarkable courage in combat.

• Aug. 9 Jacqueline Cochran

  Jacqueline Cochran was a pioneering American aviator who broke numerous speed and altitude records, becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier. She was a key figure in women's aviation during World War II and helped establish the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Her achievements significantly advanced women's roles in aviation and aerospace.

• Aug. 9 Ruby Hurley

  Ruby Hurley was a prominent civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the NAACP's efforts to combat racial discrimination and advance African American rights during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 9 Elliott Nugent

  Actor (romance)

• Aug. 9 Oleg Grigoryevich Kononenko

  Russian cosmonaut dies at 41

• Aug. 10 Yahya Khan

  Yahya Khan was a Pakistani military general and politician who served as the third President of Pakistan from 1969 to 1971, during a critical period that included the Bangladesh Liberation War.

• Aug. 11 Willi Forst

  Prominent Austrian filmmaker of the mid-20th century who significantly contributed to German-language cinema during the interwar and post-war periods, known for his versatility in acting, directing, and producing.

• Aug. 11 Paul Robert

  Renowned French lexicographer and publisher who significantly contributed to French language documentation and publishing.

• Aug. 14 Dorothy Stratten

  Canadian model and actress tragically murdered at the height of her career, who became a Playboy Playmate and appeared in films like 'Galaxina' and 'They All Laughed'.

• Aug. 18 Norman Cazden

  Composer dies at 65

• Aug. 19 Otto Frank

  Father of Anne Frank and co-founder of Opekta, a company that sold pectin.

• Aug. 20 Joe Dassin

  Renowned French-American singer-songwriter who was a major pop music figure in France during the 1960s and 1970s, known for hits like 'Les Champs-Élysées'.

• Aug. 22 James Smith McDonnell

  American pilot, engineer, and businessman, founded mcdonnell aircraft (b. 1899)

• Aug. 22 Alfred Neubauer

  Czech race car driver and czech manager (d. 1980).

• Aug. 25 Gower Champion

  Celebrated American choreographer, dancer, and Broadway director known for his innovative dance styles and significant contributions to musical theater.

• Aug. 26 Tex Avery

  Tex Avery was a pioneering American animator who revolutionized cartoon comedy, creating iconic characters and innovative animation techniques for Warner Bros. and MGM during the Golden Age of Animation.

• Aug. 26 Rosa Albach-Retty

  German-austrian actress (b. 1874)

• Aug. 26 Miliza Korjus

  Actress (great waltz), died at 71

• Aug. 27 Douglas Kenney

  American actor, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1947)