Famous people and celebrities who died in August 2019

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 2019. 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. 4 Nuon Chea

  Senior leader of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, known as 'Brother Number Two' and a key architect of the Cambodian genocide. He was a close associate of Pol Pot and responsible for numerous atrocities.

• Aug. 5 Toni Morrison

  American novelist and Nobel Prize winner known for her powerful storytelling and exploration of African American culture.

• Aug. 6 Sushma Swaraj

  A prominent Indian politician who served as the Minister of External Affairs of India from 2014 to 2019, known for her powerful oratory skills and significant contributions to Indian foreign policy.

• Aug. 7 Kary Mullis

  Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who invented the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a groundbreaking technique that revolutionized genetic research and molecular biology. His invention enabled rapid DNA replication, which has been crucial in fields like medical diagnostics, forensics, and genetic studies.

• Aug. 7 David Berman

  American musician, singer, poet and cartoonist (b. 1967)

• Aug. 10 Jeffrey Epstein

  Notorious American financier and convicted sex offender who was arrested for sex trafficking of minors and associated with powerful political and business figures before his controversial death in prison.

• Aug. 11 Sergio Obeso Rivera

  Mexican roman catholic cardinal (b. 1931)

• Aug. 12 DJ Arafat

  Ivorian dj and singer (b. 1986)

• Aug. 14 Polly Farmer

  Legendary Australian rules football player and coach who significantly influenced the sport's development in Western Australia. He was a pioneering Indigenous athlete known for his exceptional skills and leadership in football during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 16 Peter Fonda

  Iconic American actor, filmmaker, and counterculture figure best known for his role in 'Easy Rider'. He was a key member of the Fonda acting dynasty and an influential figure in 1960s cinema.

• Aug. 16 Richard Williams

  Renowned Canadian-British animator known for his significant contributions to the animation industry, including work on classic animated films.

• Aug. 16 Felice Gimondi

  Legendary Italian professional cyclist known as 'The Phoenix' for his remarkable achievements. He was one of the few cyclists to win all three Grand Tours during his career.

• Aug. 18 Kathleen Blanco

  Kathleen Blanco was a prominent Louisiana politician who served as the state's first female governor from 2004 to 2008, notably leading during the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

• Aug. 19 Lars Larsen

  Danish entrepreneur who founded JYSK, a successful international retail chain specializing in home furnishings and bedding. He built a significant business empire and became a prominent billionaire in Denmark.

• Aug. 21 Celso Piña

  Mexican singer, composer, arranger, and accordionist (b. 1953)

• Aug. 24 Arun Jaitley

  Prominent Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Minister of Law and Justice, playing a significant role in India's legal and political landscape during his career.

• Aug. 25 Ferdinand Piëch

  Legendary automotive executive who transformed Volkswagen Group into a global powerhouse, leading significant technological innovations and strategic acquisitions like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti.

• Aug. 30 Valerie Harper

  Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and its spin-off 'Rhoda', which made her a beloved television star in the 1970s. She was a pioneering comedic actress who broke ground for women in television comedy.

• Aug. 30 Hans Rausing

  Swedish billionaire businessman from the Tetra Pak packaging empire. One of the wealthiest individuals globally, he significantly contributed to modern packaging technology.

• Aug. 31 Anthoine Hubert

  French race car driver (b. 1996)

• Aug. 31 Alec Holowka

  Canadian game developer (b. 1983)