Famous people and celebrities who died in October 1999

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in October 1999. 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

• Oct. 1 Lena Zavaroni

  Lena Zavaroni was a Scottish child prodigy singer who rose to fame at a young age but tragically struggled with anorexia, which ultimately led to her untimely death.

• Oct. 2 Heinz G. Konsalik

  Prolific German journalist and novelist known for his war-themed and dramatic works, who wrote extensively during the mid-20th century.

• Oct. 3 Akio Morita

  Co-founder of Sony Corporation, a pioneering Japanese businessman who transformed the global electronics industry and helped establish Sony as a world-leading technology company.

• Oct. 4 Bernard Buffet

  Bernard Buffet was a prominent French post-expressionist painter known for his distinctive linear style and powerful portraits. He was a significant figure in the mid-20th century art scene, gaining international recognition for his unique artistic approach. Buffet was particularly renowned for his still-lifes, landscapes, and emotionally charged dark portraits.

• Oct. 4 Art Farmer

  Renowned American jazz trumpeter and composer, a key member of The Jazztet and an influential figure in the hard bop and cool jazz movements.

• Oct. 6 Amália Rodrigues

  Amália Rodrigues was the legendary 'Queen of Fado', a renowned Portuguese singer and actress who profoundly influenced traditional Portuguese music and culture during the 20th century. She is considered the most important figure in fado music, elevating the genre to international recognition.

• Oct. 8 John McLendon

  American basketball player and coach (b. 1915)

• Oct. 9 Milt Jackson

  Legendary jazz vibraphonist and a key member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Jackson was a pioneering musician who significantly influenced the development of bebop and modern jazz.

• Oct. 9 Akhtar Hameed Khan

  Renowned Pakistani economist, scholar, and social activist who made significant contributions to development economics and community empowerment.

• Oct. 9 Morris West

  Renowned Australian novelist who wrote critically acclaimed and internationally recognized works, most famously 'The Shoes of the Fisherman', a novel exploring Vatican politics and global religious dynamics.

• Oct. 11 Leo Lionni

  Renowned Dutch-American graphic designer, illustrator, and children's book author known for his innovative and artistic picture books like 'Frederick' and 'Swimmy'.

• Oct. 12 Wilt Chamberlain

  Legendary NBA player who revolutionized basketball with his extraordinary scoring and physical dominance. He is famous for scoring 100 points in a single game and being one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.

• Oct. 13 Michael Hartnett

  Irish poet (b. 1941)

• Oct. 14 Julius Nyerere

  Julius Nyerere was a prominent African leader who served as Tanzania's first president from 1962 to 1985. He was a key figure in African independence movements and advocated for socialist policies and Pan-Africanism.

• Oct. 15 Josef Locke

  British-irish soldier, policeman, tenor and actor (b. 1917)

• Oct. 16 Jean Shepherd

  Renowned American humorist, radio personality, and writer best known for creating the beloved holiday film 'A Christmas Story'. He was a masterful storyteller who captivated audiences through radio, books, and live performances with his nostalgic and humorous narratives about American life.

• Oct. 19 Nathalie Sarraute

  Prominent French novelist and essayist, a key figure in the nouveau roman literary movement who explored psychological subtleties and inner experiences through innovative narrative techniques.

• Oct. 20 Calvin Griffith

  Former owner of the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins baseball franchises, known for moving the team from Washington to Minnesota in 1961.

• Oct. 20 Jack Lynch

  Irish politician and footballer who served as the 5th Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. He was a significant political figure who led the country during a complex period of social and political change.

• Oct. 21 Ahmet Taner Kışlalı

  Turkish political scientist, lawyer, and politician (b. 1939)

• Oct. 25 Leonard Boyle

  Renowned Irish-Canadian palaeographer and medievalist who made significant contributions to historical manuscript research.

• Oct. 25 Payne Stewart

  Professional golfer known for his distinctive knickerbockers style and major championship victories. He tragically died in a mysterious plane crash in 1999 when the aircraft flew on autopilot for hours before crashing in South Dakota, killing all aboard.

• Oct. 26 Hoyt Axton

  Hoyt Axton was a renowned American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician known for his contributions to country music and film. He wrote several hit songs and appeared in notable movies, leaving a significant mark on American popular culture.

• Oct. 27 Charlotte Perriand

  Pioneering French modernist designer and architect who collaborated with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. She was a key figure in 20th-century design, known for her innovative approach to functional living spaces and furniture design. Her work significantly influenced modern interior architecture and design philosophy.

• Oct. 27 Robert Mills

  Distinguished American physicist and academic who made significant contributions to scientific research and education during the 20th century.

• Oct. 28 Antonios Katinaris

  Greek singer-songwriter (b. 1931)

• Oct. 29 Greg

  Belgian author and illustrator known for his significant contributions to comic book literature, particularly famous for creating the popular comic series Achille Talon.