Famous people and celebrities who died in September 2008

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

• Sept. 1 Jerry Reed

  Legendary country western singer, songwriter, and actor known for hit songs and roles in films like 'Smokey and the Bandit'. He was a charismatic performer who successfully crossed between music and acting careers.

• Sept. 1 Thomas J. Bata

  Renowned Czech-Canadian businessman who transformed the Bata Shoe Company into a global footwear empire, pioneering international shoe manufacturing and distribution.

• Sept. 2 Bill Melendez

  Renowned Mexican-American animator best known for producing and directing Charlie Brown and Snoopy animated specials. He was a key figure in bringing Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters to television.

• Sept. 6 Anita Page

  Prominent American actress of the silent film and early sound era, known for her roles in MGM productions during the late 1920s and early 1930s. She was one of the most popular actresses of her time and worked with notable stars like Buster Keaton.

• Sept. 7 Nagi Noda

  Nagi Noda was a Japanese artist, director, and designer known for her creative and unconventional work in various media.

• Sept. 7 Gregory Mcdonald

  Gregory Mcdonald was an acclaimed American novelist best known for his Fletch mystery series, which won multiple awards and was later adapted into popular films.

• Sept. 7 Don Haskins

  Legendary college basketball coach who famously led Texas Western College to an NCAA championship in 1966, breaking racial barriers by starting an all-Black lineup.

• Sept. 7 Ilarion Ciobanu

  Romanian rugby player and actor (b. 1931)

• Sept. 7 Kune Biezeveld

  Dutch minister and theologian (b. 1948)

• Sept. 8 Ralph Plaisted

  American explorer (b. 1927)

• Sept. 9 Richard Monette

  Accomplished Canadian actor and theater director who was a prominent figure at the Stratford Festival, recognized for his significant contributions to Canadian theater and awarded multiple honors.

• Sept. 10 Gérald Beaudoin

  Canadian lawyer and politician who played a significant role in Canadian legal and political spheres during his career.

• Sept. 12 David Foster Wallace

  Postmodern American author renowned for his complex, innovative writing style, particularly his landmark novel 'Infinite Jest', and his significant contributions to contemporary literature.

• Sept. 12 Bob Quinn

  Australian footballer and coach (b. 1915)

• Sept. 14 Hyman Golden

  American businessman, co-founded snapple (b. 1923)

• Sept. 15 Richard Wright

  Legendary keyboardist of Pink Floyd, a pioneering rock band that revolutionized progressive and psychedelic rock. He was a crucial member of the band from its early days until his death in 2008.

• Sept. 16 Norman Whitfield

  Legendary Motown songwriter and record producer who wrote numerous hit songs for The Temptations and other soul artists, significantly contributing to the label's musical legacy.

• Sept. 18 Mauricio Kagel

  Renowned Argentinian avant-garde composer and multimedia artist who significantly influenced contemporary classical and experimental music in the 20th century. He was a pioneering figure in electronic music and innovative theatrical compositions, working extensively in Cologne's electronic music scene.

• Sept. 18 Leo de Berardinis

  Renowned Italian theater actor and director known for his experimental and avant-garde performances, who significantly influenced contemporary Italian theater during the late 20th century.

• Sept. 19 Earl Palmer

  Legendary session drummer who was a key member of the Wrecking Crew and played on numerous iconic recordings across multiple genres.

• Sept. 22 Thomas Dörflein

  German zookeeper (b. 1963)

• Sept. 22 Petrus Schaesberg

  German painter, historian, and educator (b. 1967)

• Sept. 23 Peter Leonard

  Australian journalist (born 1942)

• Sept. 24 Irene Dailey

  Accomplished American actress known for her roles in television, particularly in the soap opera 'Another World' and the film 'The Grissom Gang'.

• Sept. 26 Paul Newman

  Legendary Hollywood actor, philanthropist, and director who became an iconic figure in American cinema, known for his charismatic performances and humanitarian work.

• Sept. 26 Marc Moulin

  Belgian keyboard player, producer, and journalist (b. 1942)

• Sept. 29 Hayden Carruth

  Hayden Carruth was a distinguished American poet who won the National Book Award and was renowned for his innovative and deeply personal poetry. He significantly contributed to contemporary American poetry with his unique voice and profound literary works.

• Sept. 30 J. B. Jeyaretnam

  Singaporean lawyer and politician (b. 1926)