Famous people and celebrities who died on August 9
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on August 9. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.
- 1936 Lincoln Steffens
American writer and lecturer. he was a leader in a group of journalists that theodore roosevelt called "muckrakers". steffensaeur (tm) articles dealt with municipal corruption and were published in "the shame of the cities", 1904, "the struggle for self-government," 2006, and "upbuilders," (1909).
- 1942 Edith Stein
German jew who became teresa benedicta of the cross, a roman catholic nun. she was canonized as a saint by the catholic church on 10/18/1998. because she was jewish, jewish leaders called the canonization "problematic", "offensive" or "an attempt to take over the holocaust without getting to grips with it." some believe that the act was part of pope john …
- 1962 Hermann Hesse
LIT - German-born swiss poet, novelist, and painter, nobel prize laureate (b. 1877)
- 1967 Anton Walbrook
Actor (laura i accuse), suffers a heart attack at the age of 66
- 1967 Joe Orton
Joe Orton was a groundbreaking British playwright who revolutionized theater with his provocative, darkly comedic works that challenged societal conventions. His plays like 'Entertaining Mr. Sloane' and 'Loot' were known for their sharp satire and subversive humor. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he was murdered by his partner in 1967.
- 1969 Sharon Tate
Iconic Hollywood actress tragically murdered by the Manson Family in 1969. She was a rising star known for her beauty and promising acting career, married to director Roman Polanski.
- 1969 Cecil Frank Powell
Nobel Prize laureate for his development of the photographic method of studying nuclear processes and his discoveries regarding mesons made with this method
- 1969 Steven Parent
Steven Parent was a young man tragically murdered during the infamous Manson Family killings at the Tate residence in Los Angeles. He was an innocent victim who happened to be visiting a friend at the property when Charles Manson's followers committed their brutal murders on August 9, 1969. His death marked one of the most shocking moments in the Manson …
- 1969 Jay Sebring
Jay Sebring was a pioneering Hollywood hairstylist tragically murdered during the infamous Manson Family killings, becoming a symbol of the dark side of late 1960s Hollywood.
- 1969 C. F. Powell
PHY - English-italian physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1969)
- 1973 Charlie Daniels
Legendary country and southern rock musician known for his virtuosic fiddle playing and hit song 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia'.
- 1975 Dmitri Shostakovich
Renowned 20th-century Russian composer who created groundbreaking symphonies and string quartets while navigating the complex political landscape of Soviet Russia. His music often subtly critiqued the Soviet regime through complex musical expressions. He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century.
- 1978 James Cozzens
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for meticulous writing and character development, including notable works like 'Guard of Honor' and 'By Love Possessed'.
- 1980 Jacqueline Cochran
Jacqueline Cochran was a pioneering American aviator who broke numerous speed and altitude records, becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier. She was a key figure in women's aviation during World War II and helped establish the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Her achievements significantly advanced women's roles in aviation and aerospace.
- 1980 Ruby Hurley
Ruby Hurley was a prominent civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the NAACP's efforts to combat racial discrimination and advance African American rights during the mid-20th century.
- 1995 Jerry Garcia
Iconic American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band 'The Grateful Dead'. He was a pivotal figure in the counterculture movement and psychedelic rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s.
- 1996 Frank Whittle
Sir Frank Whittle was a pioneering British aerospace engineer and pilot who invented the turbojet engine, revolutionizing aviation technology during World War II. His groundbreaking work fundamentally transformed military and civilian aircraft design in the 20th century.
- 2000 John Harsanyi
ECO - Hungarian-american economist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2000)
- 2003 Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines was a legendary African American tap dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer who revolutionized tap dancing in the 20th century. He starred in numerous films like 'White Nights' and brought tap dance to mainstream entertainment. His innovative style and passionate performances made him an iconic figure in dance and performing arts.
- 2006 James Van Allen
Renowned American physicist who discovered the radiation belts surrounding Earth, now known as the Van Allen belts, which are critical to understanding space physics and planetary magnetospheres.
- 2008 Bernie Mac
Renowned African American comedian and actor known for his sharp wit, stand-up comedy, and roles in films like 'The Original Kings of Comedy' and 'Ocean's Eleven'.
- 2008 Mahmoud Darwish
Mahmoud Darwish was a renowned Palestinian poet and intellectual who became a powerful voice for Palestinian identity, resistance, and cultural expression. His poetry transcended national boundaries and spoke to universal themes of exile, loss, and hope. He is widely considered one of the most important Arab poets of the 20th century.
- 2010 Ted Stevens
Prominent American politician from Alaska who served as a long-time US Senator and was known for his significant influence in national politics.
- 2011 Hind Rostom
Hind Rostom was a legendary Egyptian actress who played pivotal roles during the golden age of Egyptian cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her beauty, charisma, and significant contributions to Arab cinema.
- 2012 Al Freeman
Al Freeman Jr. was an accomplished African American actor, director, and educator known for his significant contributions to theater, film, and television. He won an Emmy Award for his role in the TV series 'One Life to Live' and was a respected acting teacher.
- 2013 Eduardo Falú
Renowned Argentinian folk guitarist and composer who significantly influenced Latin American music during the 20th century.
- 2015 Frank Gifford
Legendary NFL player for the New York Giants and later a prominent ABC sportscaster. He was a Hall of Fame football player who set multiple NFL records and was named MVP in 1956.
- 2016 Gerald Grosvenor
6th Duke of Westminster, a prominent British landowner, businessman, and philanthropist who significantly influenced British aristocracy and real estate.
- 2023 Robbie Robertson
Legendary Canadian musician, best known as the guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band. He was a pivotal figure in the development of Americana and roots rock music.
What Is special about August 9?
Discover what makes August 9 a memorable date