Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1979

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1979. 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 Thurman Munson

  Legendary New York Yankees catcher who was a key player in the 1970s, known for his intense competitiveness and exceptional skills behind...

• Aug. 3 Bertil Ohlin

  Swedish economist and politician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1899).

• Aug. 3 Angelos Terzakis

  Greek author and playwright (b. 1907).

• Aug. 6 Feodor Lynen

  Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning the mechanism and regulation of the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism.

• Aug. 6 Feodor Felix Konrad Lynen

  German biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1979).

• Aug. 8 Nicholas Monsarrat

  Nicholas Monsarrat was a renowned British novelist and naval officer, best known for his maritime war novels like 'The Cruel Sea'.

• Aug. 9 Raymond Washington

  American gang leader and founder of the crips (born 1953).

• Aug. 10 Walter Gerlach

  German physicist and academic (b. 1889).

• Aug. 11 J. G. Farrell

  English author (b. 1935).

• Aug. 12 Ernst Boris Chain

  Prize laureate for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases.

• Aug. 13 Andrew Dasburg

  American painter and sculptor (b. 1887).

• Aug. 16 John Diefenbaker

  Canadian lawyer and politician, 13th prime minister of canada (b. 1895).

• Aug. 17 Vivian Vance

  Vivian Vance was an American actress and singer best known for her role as Ethel Mertz in the classic television sitcom 'I Love Lucy.' Her comedic timing and chemistry with Lucille Ball made her one of the most beloved supporting actresses in American television history. [bio]

• Aug. 17 John C. Allen

  Pioneering American roller coaster designer who significantly influenced the amusement park industry during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 18 Vasantrao Naik

  Prominent Indian politician who served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1963 to 1975, playing a significant role in the state's...

• Aug. 21 Giuseppe Meazza

  Giuseppe Meazza was a legendary Italian footballer who played as a forward and midfielder for Inter Milan and the Italian national team.

• Aug. 22 James T. Farrell

  James T. Farrell was an influential American novelist, short-story writer, and poet best known for his Studs Lonigan trilogy, a landmark...

• Aug. 25 Stan Kenton

  Influential American jazz composer and bandleader who revolutionized big band music through progressive and experimental styles, challenging...

• Aug. 26 Mika Waltari

  Renowned Finnish novelist and playwright, best known for his international bestseller 'The Egyptian', which was adapted into a Hollywood...

• Aug. 27 Lord Louis Mountbatten

  Lord Louis Mountbatten was a prominent British naval officer and statesman who played a crucial role in British imperial history, serving as...

• Aug. 29 Gertrude Chandler Warner

  American author and educator (b. 1890).

• Aug. 30 Jean Seberg

  American actress (b. 1938).

• Aug. 31 Sally Rand

  Sally Rand was an American burlesque dancer and actress, best known for popularizing the fan dance and bubble dance in the 1930s. She became a symbol of the era's risqué stage entertainment and was a celebrated figure in vaudeville and nightclubs. [bio]

• Aug. 31 Tiger Smith

  English cricketer and coach (b. 1886).