Famous people and celebrities who died on August 16

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on August 16. 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.

• 1678 Andrew Marvell

  English politician and poet (d. 1678).

• 1938 Robert Johnson

  Legendary Delta blues musician who profoundly influenced rock and blues music, known for mythical stories about selling his soul to the devil at a crossroads to gain extraordinary guitar skills.

• 1949 Margaret Mitchell

  Renowned American novelist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning epic 'Gone with the Wind', a landmark work of historical fiction set during the American Civil War that became a global literary phenomenon.

• 1951 Louis Jouvet

  French theatre director, designer, stage worker, teacher, and stage administrator before his film and acting careers. jouvet excelled on the stage, even though he was often seen in film. jouvet, a cultural ambassador for france, was a lecturer, writer, and an honorary citizen. he co-made "hotel du nord" together with geiraudoux. his daughter lisa jouvet followed him into the entertainment …

• 1957 Irving Langmuir

  CHE - American chemist and physicist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1881)

• 1972 Pierre Brasseur

  Pierre Brasseur was a renowned French actor and screenwriter who made significant contributions to French cinema during the mid-20th century.

• 1973 Selman Waksman

  MED - Ukrainian-american biochemist and microbiologist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1888)

• 1977 Elvis Presley

  Elvis Presley was an iconic American rock and roll singer, widely regarded as the 'King of Rock and Roll'. He revolutionized popular music and became a global cultural phenomenon with his unique musical style and electrifying performances. His influence on music and popular culture remains profound decades after his death.

• 1986 John Hurley

  At 45, a song writer (son a preacher man) dies

• 1989 Amanda Blake

  Amanda Blake was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Miss Kitty Russell in the long-running TV western series 'Gunsmoke'. She was a prominent television actress during the 1950s and 1960s.

• 1993 Stewart Granger

  A prominent British actor known for adventure films in the 1950s, Stewart Granger was a charismatic leading man who transitioned from theater to cinema. He changed his name from James Stewart and became a major star in Hollywood and British productions. His most notable films include 'The Prisoner of Zenda' and numerous historical dramas.

• 1995 Oveta Hobby

  Pioneering American politician and government official who served as the first female Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Eisenhower. She was a trailblazing leader in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II, rising to the rank of colonel. Her early political career in Texas demonstrated her exceptional leadership and administrative skills.

• 1997 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

  Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer who revolutionized Sufi devotional music globally. He was renowned for his extraordinary vocal range and ability to blend traditional Islamic musical forms with contemporary styles. His international recognition made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

• 1998 Dorothy West

  Dorothy West was a prominent African American writer of the Harlem Renaissance, known for her novels and short stories exploring Black life and culture in the early 20th century.

• 2004 Carl Mydans

  Renowned American photojournalist who documented major world events during the 20th century, including World War II and the Korean War.

• 2005 Frère Roger

  Frère Roger was a Swiss Christian monk who founded the Taizé Community, an influential ecumenical monastic order known for promoting peace, reconciliation, and innovative worship music that attracts thousands of young people annually.

• 2006 Alfredo Stroessner

  Paraguayan military dictator who ruled Paraguay from 1954 to 1989, known for his brutal authoritarian regime and human rights violations.

• 2008 Dorival Caymmi

  Legendary Brazilian musician who pioneered bossa nova and captured the essence of Bahian culture through his music, influencing generations of Brazilian artists.

• 2008 Masanobu Fukuoka

  Renowned Japanese farmer, philosopher, and author who developed the 'natural farming' method, emphasizing minimal human intervention in agriculture.

• 2010 Bobby Thomson

  Famous baseball player known for his legendary 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' home run in 1951, which won the National League pennant for the New York Giants.

• 2010 Dimitrios Ioannidis

  A Greek military officer who played a significant role in the 1967 military coup in Greece, known for his involvement in the military junta that ruled the country.

• 2012 William Windom

  Accomplished American actor known for memorable roles in television series like 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'The Farmer's Daughter', with a career spanning several decades.

• 2016 João Havelange

  Prominent Brazilian sports administrator who served as FIFA President from 1974 to 1998, significantly transforming global football's commercial landscape.

• 2016 John McLaughlin

  Renowned jazz fusion guitarist and composer who played with groundbreaking bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra and collaborated with Miles Davis. A pivotal figure in jazz-rock fusion and world music, known for his innovative guitar techniques.

• 2018 Aretha Franklin

  Legendary American soul singer known as the 'Queen of Soul', who revolutionized popular music with her powerful voice and iconic hits. She was a groundbreaking artist who won 15 Grammy Awards and significantly influenced R&B, gospel, and soul music genres.

• 2019 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.

• 2019 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.

• 2019 Richard Williams

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

• 2021 Sean Lock

  Renowned English comedian and writer known for his dark humor and appearances on panel shows like '8 Out of 10 Cats'.