Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1978

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1978. 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. 2 Antony Noghès

  Monaco grand prix was founded by a french-monacan businessman (d. 1978).

• Aug. 2 Carlos Chávez

  Mexican journalist and composer, mexican symphonic orchestra was founded by mexican conductor.

• Aug. 3 Luo Ruiqing
• Aug. 5 Jesse Haines

  American baseball player and coach (b. 1893).

• Aug. 6 Edward Durell Stone

  American architect, designed radio city music hall and the kennedy center (b. 1902).

• Aug. 7 Eddie Calvert

  English trumpeter (b. 1922).

• Aug. 9 James Cozzens

  Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for meticulous writing and character development, including notable works like 'Guard of...

• Aug. 11 Berta Ruck

  Indian-born welsh romance novelist (b. 1878).

• Aug. 12 John Williams

  John Williams is a celebrated American composer, conductor, and pianist, renowned for composing some of the most iconic film scores in cinematic history, including those for 'Star Wars', 'Jaws', 'Indiana Jones', and 'Harry Potter'. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Williams has become one of the most successful and influential film composers, earning numerous awards and recognition worldwide. [bio]

• Aug. 14 Joe Venuti
• Aug. 16 Alidius Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer

  Dutch soldier and politician, governor-general of the dutch east indies (b. 1888).

• Aug. 21 Charles Eames

  Charles Eames was an influential American designer, architect, and filmmaker, best known for his groundbreaking contributions to modern furniture design and his partnership with his wife, Ray Eames. Together, they created the iconic Eames Chair and developed innovative techniques in the use of molded plywood, fiberglass, and other industrial materials, leaving a lasting legacy on twentieth-century design. [bio]

• Aug. 21 Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs
• Aug. 22 Phyllis McGinley

  Phyllis McGinley was an acclaimed American poet and writer who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1961, known for her witty and insightful...

• Aug. 22 Ignazio Silone

  Prominent Italian novelist and political activist known for his powerful works critiquing fascism and social injustice, including the famous...

• Aug. 22 Jomo Kenyatta

  Kenyan politician, 1st president of kenya (b. 1894).

• Aug. 24 Louis Prima

  Louis Prima was an influential American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and trumpeter known for his energetic stage presence and pioneering fusion of jazz, swing, and popular music. His performative charisma made him a defining figure of mid-20th-century American music. [bio]

• Aug. 26 José Manuel Moreno

  José Manuel Moreno was a prominent Argentinian footballer and manager who played during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 26 Charles Boyer

  French-american actor, on-screen since 1919.

• Aug. 27 Gordon Matta-Clark

  American painter and illustrator (b. 1943).

• Aug. 27 Ieva Simonaitytė

  Lithuanian author and poet (b. 1897).

• Aug. 28 Robert Shaw

  Robert Shaw was an English actor, novelist, and playwright, renowned for his powerful performances in both film and theater. He gained international fame for his roles in blockbuster films such as 'Jaws' and 'The Sting.' [bio]

• Aug. 28 Bruce Catton

  American historian and journalist (b. 1899).

• Aug. 30 Henryk Zygalski
• Aug. 31 John Wrathall

  Rhodesian accountant and politician, 2nd president of rhodesia (b. 1913).