Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2008

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2008. 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 1 Anthony Mamo
Maltese lawyer and politician who became the first President of Malta, playing a crucial role in the country's early independence period.
May 3 Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo
Spanish engineer and politician, prime minister of spain (b. 1926)
May 5 Irv Robbins
Co-founder of Baskin-Robbins, the world-famous ice cream chain. He revolutionized the ice cream industry by introducing innovative flavors and a unique business model.
May 5 Jerry Wallace
American singer and guitarist (b. 1928)
May 8 Eddy Arnold
Legendary country music singer who significantly influenced the genre, known for his smooth vocal style and crossover appeal.
May 9 Pascal Sevran
French television personality and multifaceted artist who hosted 'La France en Chansons' for nearly two decades. He was a notable author, composer, and singer who began his career at a young age.
May 9 Nuala O'Faolain
Irish journalist and producer (b. 1942)
May 10 Leyla Gencer
Renowned Turkish soprano known for her exceptional performances in opera, particularly in bel canto repertoire. She was a significant figure in classical music during the mid-20th century.
May 11 John Rutsey
Original drummer of the legendary Canadian rock band Rush, who played a crucial role in the band's early years.
May 12 Robert Rauschenberg
A pioneering American artist who significantly influenced the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Neo-Dadaism and Pop Art. His innovative mixed-media works challenged traditional artistic boundaries and redefined contemporary art in the mid-20th century.
May 12 Irena Sendler
Polish nurse and social worker who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto. She risked her life to rescue children and was recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations by Israel.
May 13 Saad Al-Salim Al-Sabah
Kuwaiti ruler, emir of kuwait (b. 1930)
May 15 Alexander Courage
Renowned American composer best known for composing the iconic original Star Trek television series theme music, which became a significant part of pop culture history.
May 15 Willis Eugene Lamb
Nobel Prize laureate for his discoveries concerning the fine structure of the hydrogen spectrum
May 16 Robert Mondavi
Legendary California winemaker who revolutionized the American wine industry and put Napa Valley on the global wine map. He co-founded Opus One Winery and was instrumental in elevating California wines' international reputation.
May 18 Joseph Pevney
American television director (born 1911).
May 19 Vijay Tendulkar
Indian playwright and screenwriter (b. 1928)
May 20 Hamilton Jordan
Influential political strategist who served as White House Chief of Staff under President Jimmy Carter. He was a key architect of Carter's presidential campaign and played a significant role in American political history.
May 23 Utah Phillips
Renowned American folk singer, storyteller, and labor rights activist who significantly influenced folk music and social justice movements.
May 23 Iñaki Ochoa de Olza
Spanish mountaineer (b. 1967)
May 24 Dick Martin
Dick Martin was an influential American comedian and television producer best known for co-creating the groundbreaking comedy show 'Laugh-In' with Dan Rowan. He transformed from a bartender to a successful comedian, performing in nightclubs and television before launching the revolutionary comedy series that ran from 1968 to 1972.
May 24 Jimmy McGriff
Renowned American jazz organist and bandleader known for his significant contributions to soul jazz and blues music during the mid-20th century.
May 25 J. R. Simplot
American businessman, founded simplot (b. 1909)
May 26 Zita Urbonaitė
Lithuanian cyclist (b. 1973)
May 27 Franz Künstler
Hungarian soldier (b. 1900)
May 29 Harvey Korman
Legendary American comedian and actor best known for his iconic role on 'The Carol Burnett Show', where he won four Emmy Awards. He was a prominent comedic performer in television and film, notably appearing in Mel Brooks' classic comedies 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein'.
May 30 Lorenzo Odone
Italian-American patient who became the subject of the powerful medical drama 'Lorenzo's Oil', highlighting his struggle with adrenoleukodystrophy. His story raised global awareness about rare genetic disorders.