Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1989

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1989. 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 John Ogdon

  Renowned British pianist and composer known for his exceptional interpretative skills and performances of complex contemporary classical music.

• Aug. 5 Ralph Meeker

  Ralph Meeker was a prominent American actor known for his tough-guy roles in film noir and stage productions. He gained significant recognition for his performances in 'Picnic' and the classic film noir 'Kiss Me Deadly'. His acting career was impacted by a stroke in 1980.

• Aug. 7 Mickey Leland

  Prominent African American congressman from Texas who was a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes and died in a plane crash while on a humanitarian mission.

• Aug. 12 William Shockley

  Co-inventor of the transistor, a groundbreaking electronic component that revolutionized modern computing and electronics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956 for his seminal work in semiconductor research alongside John Bardeen and Walter Brattain.

• Aug. 12 William Bradford Shockley

  Nobel Prize laureate for their researches on semiconductors and their discovery of the transistor effect

• Aug. 12 Samuel Okwaraji

  Nigerian footballer (born 1964)

• Aug. 13 Tim Richmond

  Tim Richmond was a talented NASCAR driver who won 13 races before tragically dying from AIDS in 1989, becoming a poignant figure in racing history.

• Aug. 13 Larkin I. Smith

  American police officer and politician (b. 1944)

• Aug. 15 Minoru Genda

  Minoru Genda was a prominent Japanese military officer, strategic pilot, and politician who played a significant role in Japan's military history during World War II.

• Aug. 15 Thrasyvoulos Tsakalotos

  Officer in the greek army (born 1897).

• Aug. 15 F de Jong Edz

  Dutch historian / director (iisg).

• Aug. 16 Amanda Blake

  Amanda Blake was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Miss Kitty Russell in the long-running TV western series 'Gunsmoke'. She was a prominent television actress during the 1950s and 1960s.

• Aug. 18 Luis Carlos Galan

  Colombian presidential candidate, murdered

• Aug. 18 Bert Oosterbosch

  Cyclist

• Aug. 20 George Adamson

  British wildlife conservationist known as the 'Lion Man of Africa', who dedicated his life to protecting and understanding lions in Kenya.

• Aug. 21 Raul Seixas

  Legendary Brazilian rock musician and composer known for pioneering Brazilian rock and counterculture music. He was a significant cultural icon who blended mysticism, rock, and social critique in his work.

• Aug. 22 Robert Grondelaers

  Belgian cyclist (born 1933).

• Aug. 23 R D Laing

  Influential Scottish psychiatrist known for his radical approach to understanding mental illness, challenging traditional psychiatric practices and advocating for patient rights.

• Aug. 23 Mohammed Abed Elhai

  Sudanese poet and academic (b. 1944)

• Aug. 23 Ronald Laing

  British psychiatrist (anti-psychiatry)

• Aug. 23 Helen le Clerq

  Dutch dancer

• Aug. 25 Gunnar Johnsen Berg

  Composer dies at age 80

• Aug. 26 Irving Stone

  Renowned American biographical novelist famous for works like 'Love is Eternal' and 'Lust for Life', which explored the lives of historical figures.

• Aug. 26 Henk Heidweiller

  Ambassador of suriname

• Aug. 28 Joseph Alsop

  Joseph Alsop was a prominent American political journalist and columnist who wielded significant influence in Washington D.C. during the mid-20th century. He was known for his insider perspective and close relationships with political elites, often collaborating with his brother Stewart Alsop. His syndicated columns were widely read and helped shape political discourse from the 1930s to the 1970s.

• Aug. 29 Peter Scott

  Renowned British naturalist, wildlife conservationist, and artist who played a pivotal role in environmental protection and founded the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

• Aug. 30 Joe De Santis

  Dies at 80