Famous people and celebrities who died in October 1986

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in October 1986. 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

• Oct. 1 Archie League

  Pioneering air traffic controller recognized as the first professional in his field, instrumental in developing modern aviation safety...

• Oct. 3 Vince DiMaggio

  American baseball player and manager (b. 1912).

• Oct. 5 James H. Wilkinson

  Distinguished American mathematician and computer scientist who made significant contributions to computational mathematics and scientific...

• Oct. 5 Hal B. Wallis

  American film producer (b. 1898).

• Oct. 10 Gleb Wataghin

  Ukrainian-italian physicist and academic (b. 1899).

• Oct. 11 Norm Cash

  Norm Cash was a prominent Major League Baseball first baseman who played primarily for the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1974, known for his...

• Oct. 14 Keenan Wynn

  Keenan Wynn was a prolific American character actor known for his signature mustache, gravelly voice, and memorable appearances in both film and television. He appeared in hundreds of productions over a career spanning five decades, often playing supporting yet scene-stealing roles. [bio]

• Oct. 14 Takahiko Yamanouchi

  Japanese physicist (b. 1902).

• Oct. 16 Arthur Grumiaux

  Renowned Belgian classical violinist and pianist, celebrated for his exceptional interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.

• Oct. 16 Iolanda Margherita di Savoia
• Oct. 19 Samora Machel

  Prominent Mozambican revolutionary leader who became the first president of Mozambique after independence, playing a crucial role in the...

• Oct. 19 Dele Giwa

  Nigerian journalist, co-founded newswatch magazine (b. 1947).

• Oct. 19 Alfred Bauer
• Oct. 21 Lionel Murphy

  Lionel Murphy was a prominent Australian jurist and politician who served as the 22nd Attorney-General of Australia, making significant...

• Oct. 22 Albert Szent-Györgyi

  Hungarian-american physiologist and biochemist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1893).

• Oct. 22 Albert von Szent-Györgyi Nagyrápolt

  Prize laureate for his discoveries in connection with the biological combustion processes, with special reference to vitamin C and the...

• Oct. 22 Jane Dornacker

  American actress and singer (b. 1947).

• Oct. 22 Thorgeir Stubø

  Norwegian guitarist and composer (b. 1943).

• Oct. 22 Ye Jianying

  Chinese general and politician, head of state of the people's republic of china (b. 1897).

• Oct. 23 Lino Ventura

  Lino Ventura was an Italian-born French actor renowned for his tough-guy roles in French cinema during the mid-20th century. He became one of France's most popular film stars and was celebrated for his naturalistic style and magnetic screen presence. [bio]

• Oct. 23 Edward Adelbert Doisy

  American biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1893).

• Oct. 26 Jackson Scholz

  American sprinter who won multiple Olympic medals.

• Oct. 28 John Braine

  John Braine was an influential English novelist and librarian, best known for his novel 'Room at the Top', a key work in the British Angry...

• Oct. 28 Ian Marter
• Oct. 31 Robert S. Mulliken

  American physicist and chemist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1896).