Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1988

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1988. 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 Florence Eldridge

  Renowned Broadway actress known for her theatrical performances, particularly in 'Long Day's Journey into Night', who had a significant career in theater during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 2 Raymond Carver

  Raymond Carver was a seminal American short story writer and poet who revolutionized minimalist fiction in the late 20th century. His works profoundly influenced contemporary literature through collections like 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love'. He is considered a master of the short story form.

• Aug. 2 Roger Vuataz

  Swiss conductor, organist, broadcasting administrator, composer.

• Aug. 8 Alan Napier

  Famous American actor best known for playing Alfred the butler in the classic Batman TV series starring Adam West. He had a long acting career spanning several decades.

• Aug. 8 Félix Leclerc

  Renowned Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and actor who significantly influenced Quebec's cultural landscape and folk music scene.

• Aug. 8 Ramon Valdes

  Mexican actor (born in 1923)

• Aug. 9 Giacinto Scelsi

  Giacinto Scelsi was an innovative Italian avant-garde composer known for his experimental and microtonal music compositions. He significantly influenced 20th-century contemporary classical music and explored unconventional sound techniques.

• Aug. 11 Anne Ramsey

  Distinctive character actress known for memorable roles in films like 'Throw Momma from the Train' and 'The Goonies', with a unique gravelly voice and comedic talent.

• Aug. 11 Pauline Lafont

  French actress with promising talent who tragically died in a hiking accident at age 25, daughter of sculptor Diourka Medveczky and actress Bernadette Lefont.

• Aug. 12 Jean-Michel Basquiat

  Groundbreaking neo-expressionist artist who revolutionized contemporary art in the 1980s. He emerged from New York's street art scene and became a prominent figure in the art world before his untimely death at 27.

• Aug. 14 Roy Buchanan

  Roy Buchanan was an influential American blues-rock guitarist known for his exceptional technical skills and innovative playing style, who tragically died in 1988.

• Aug. 14 Enzo Ferrari

  Italian industrialist, car racing enthusiast. he is considered to be the world's most well-known automaker after henry ford. his blood-red racing cars became a symbol for wealth and sportiness for those who could afford them at six-figure prices. ferrari was always a car lover and a racing enthusiast. he entered his first race at the age of ten. he said …

• Aug. 15 Barry Bingham Sr

  Us newspaper publisher dies at 82

• Aug. 16 Milton Adolphus

  Composer dies at 75

• Aug. 17 Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq

  Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq was a prominent Pakistani military general and politician who served as the President of Pakistan from 1978 to 1988. He came to power through a military coup and significantly influenced Pakistan's political and social landscape during his authoritarian rule.

• Aug. 17 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr.

  Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. was an American lawyer, politician, and son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Aug. 18 Frederick Ashton

  Renowned British choreographer who significantly influenced 20th-century ballet, creating numerous iconic works for the Royal Ballet.

• Aug. 18 Alexandr V Shchukin

  Russian cosmonaut dies in a su-26 accident at 42

• Aug. 21 Ray Eames

  Pioneering American designer who revolutionized mid-century modern design through her groundbreaking collaborative work with her husband Charles Eames. She was instrumental in creating iconic furniture, architectural designs, and multimedia projects that significantly influenced 20th-century aesthetics. Her innovative approach integrated art, design, and functionality in unprecedented ways.

• Aug. 21 Teodoro de Villa Diaz

  Filipino rock musician and guitarist of the band The Dawn, known for his significant contribution to the Philippine rock music scene before his untimely death in 1988.

• Aug. 24 Max Shulman

  Max Shulman was a prominent American humorist, novelist, and screenwriter best known for creating the iconic teenage character Dobie Gillis. He wrote several successful books and television adaptations in the 1950s, significantly contributing to American comedy literature and television.

• Aug. 25 Art Rooney

  Art Rooney was the legendary founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team, a pioneering figure in professional American football who established one of the most successful franchises in sports history.

• Aug. 28 Hazel Dawn

  Us singer/actress (under clover margie) dies at 98

• Aug. 28 Jean Marchand

  Prominent Canadian trade union leader and politician who served as the 43rd Secretary of State for Canada, playing a significant role in Canadian political history.

• Aug. 30 Jack Marshall

  Jack Marshall was a prominent New Zealand National Party politician who served as Prime Minister briefly in 1972. He had an extensive political career spanning 29 years, holding numerous ministerial portfolios and serving as party leader for 17 years.