Famous people and celebrities who died on August 20

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on August 20. 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.

• 1915 Paul Ehrlich

  MED - German physician and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1854)

• 1915 Carlos Finlay

  Carlos Finlay was a Cuban physician known for his pioneering work on yellow fever transmission.

• 1917 Adolf von Baeyer

  CHE - German chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1835)

• 1917 Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von Baeyer

  Nobel Prize laureate in recognition of his services in the advancement of organic chemistry and the chemical industry, through his work on organic dyes and hydroaromatic compounds

• 1961 Percy Williams Bridgman

  Nobel Prize laureate for the invention of an apparatus to produce extremely high pressures, and for the discoveries he made therewith in the field of high pressure physics

• 1971 Rashid Minhas

  Pakistani Air Force pilot who became a national hero for his extraordinary sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military honor, for his bravery in preventing an enemy aircraft from crossing the border.

• 1974 Ilona Massey

  Hungarian-born actress who starred in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s, known for her beauty and musical talents.

• 1980 Joe Dassin

  Renowned French-American singer-songwriter who was a major pop music figure in France during the 1960s and 1970s, known for hits like 'Les Champs-Élysées'.

• 1982 Ulla Jacobsson

  Swedish actress known for her role in the historical war film 'Zulu', which was a significant British epic about the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

• 1983 Kerwin Duinmeijer

  Dutch teenager who became a tragic symbol of racial violence in the Netherlands, highlighting societal tensions and discrimination.

• 1986 Thad Jones

  Renowned American jazz composer and trumpet player, famous for the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, a significant ensemble in jazz history.

• 1989 George Adamson

  British wildlife conservationist known as the 'Lion Man of Africa', who dedicated his life to protecting and understanding lions in Kenya.

• 1995 Hugo Pratt

  Legendary Italian comic book artist and writer, creator of the iconic character Corto Maltese, who revolutionized the graphic novel genre.

• 2001 Fred Hoyle

  Renowned British astronomer who made significant contributions to stellar nucleosynthesis and proposed the controversial steady-state theory of the universe. He was also a prolific science fiction writer who popularized scientific concepts.

• 2001 Kim Stanley

  Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful stage and screen performances, particularly in theater and notable films of the mid-20th century.

• 2006 Joe Rosenthal

  Joe Rosenthal was a renowned American photographer famous for capturing the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph during World War II, one of the most recognizable images in military history. His Pulitzer Prize-winning image symbolized American courage and became a powerful representation of the US Marine Corps.

• 2006 Bryan Budd

  Victoria Cross recipient Bryan Budd was a British Army soldier who displayed exceptional bravery during military operations in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the UK's highest military honor for his heroic actions in combat, sacrificing his life while protecting his fellow soldiers.

• 2007 Leona Helmsley

  Leona Helmsley was a notorious American real estate businesswoman known as the 'Queen of Mean' for her harsh management style and legal troubles. She and her husband Harry built a massive real estate empire in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Her infamous tax evasion trial in 1989 made her a symbol of wealthy excess and corporate greed.

• 2008 Stephanie Tubbs Jones

  Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a pioneering African American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Ohio's 11th congressional district from 1999 until her unexpected death in 2008. She was a significant figure in Democratic Party politics and congressional representation.

• 2008 Gene Upshaw

  Legendary American football player who played for the Oakland Raiders and later became a prominent leader of the NFL Players Association.

• 2012 Phyllis Diller

  Pioneering American comedian known for her eccentric stage persona, self-deprecating humor, and groundbreaking comedy performances in the 1950s and 1960s. She was a trailblazing female comedian who challenged traditional comedy norms with her unique style and wit.

• 2012 Dom Mintoff

  Prominent Maltese politician who served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta, known for his significant political reforms and leadership during a transformative period in Maltese history.

• 2013 Elmore Leonard

  Renowned American crime fiction and western novelist known for his gritty, dialogue-driven style. He wrote numerous bestsellers that were adapted into films like 'Get Shorty' and 'Jackie Brown'.

• 2013 Narendra Dabholkar

  Indian rationalist and social activist who founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti to combat superstition and promote scientific thinking. He was assassinated in 2013 for his progressive views challenging religious dogma.

• 2013 Ted Post

  Ted Post was an American film and television director known for his work in various genres, including the famous 'Planet of the Apes' franchise. He directed episodes of popular TV series and several feature films during his long career spanning several decades.

• 2013 Marian McPartland

  Renowned English-American jazz pianist and composer who made significant contributions to jazz music through her performances and radio programs.

• 2014 Edmund Szoka

  Edmund Szoka was an American Catholic cardinal who served as Archbishop of Detroit and played significant roles in Vatican diplomacy.

• 2017 Jerry Lewis

  Legendary American comedian, actor, and filmmaker famous for his comedic partnership with Dean Martin and his groundbreaking muscular dystrophy telethons. He was a pivotal figure in comedy and entertainment during the mid-20th century, known for his slapstick humor and philanthropic work.