Famous people and celebrities who died in May 1980

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 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

• May 2 George Pal

  Renowned Hungarian-American animator, film producer, and pioneer in science fiction and special effects filmmaking.

• May 2 Clarrie Grimmett

  New zealand-australian cricketer (b. 1891)

• May 4 Josip Broz Tito

  Yugoslav field marshal and politician, 1st president of yugoslavia (b. 1892)

• May 4 Kay Hammond

  Actress (blithe spirit five golden hours), is killed in brighton, united kingdom, at the age of 71.

• May 5 Edmond Vandercammen

  Belgian poet and writer known for his significant literary contributions during the mid-20th century. He was an important figure in Belgian poetry, exploring themes of social struggle and human experience.

• May 6 María Luisa Bombal

  Chilean writer (b. 1910)

• May 12 Lillian Roth

  Actress (animal crackers and alice sweet alice).

• May 14 Hugh Griffith

  Welsh actor known for his memorable roles in classic films like 'Ben-Hur', 'Mutiny on the Bounty', and 'Oliver!'

• May 14 Wilhelm Weismann

  Composer dies at 79

• May 15 Gordon Prange

  Gordon Prange was a distinguished American historian and academic specializing in Japanese history, best known for his comprehensive work on Pearl Harbor and US-Japan relations.

• May 18 David A. Johnston

  David A. Johnston was a renowned American volcanologist who tragically died during the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption while studying the volcano. He is remembered for his critical scientific work and his famous last radio transmission warning about the impending eruption.

• May 18 Ian Curtis

  Iconic post-punk musician and lead singer of Joy Division, whose tragic life and profound musical influence significantly impacted alternative rock history.

• May 18 Victims of Mount St Helens eruption

  \ \ harry randall truman (born in 1896) david a. johnston (u.s. volcanologist) (b. 1949)\ reid blackburn, national geographic photojournalist (b. 1952)

• May 21 Ida Kaminska

  Actress (shop on main street), who dies.

• May 27 Gün Sazak

  Turkish agronomist and politician (b. 1932)

• May 28 Rolf Nevanlinna

  Known for his work in complex analysis and mathematical logic.

• May 30 Timmy Caldwell

  Rocker (marshall tucker band), dies.