Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2008

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2008. 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

• May 1 Anthony Mamo

  Maltese lawyer and politician who became the first President of Malta, playing a crucial role in the country's early independence period.

• May 5 Irv Robbins

  Co-founder of Baskin-Robbins, the world-famous ice cream chain.

• May 5 Jerry Wallace

  American singer and guitarist (b. 1928).

• May 8 Eddy Arnold

  Legendary country music singer who significantly influenced the genre, known for his smooth vocal style and crossover appeal.

• May 9 Pascal Sevran

  French television personality and multifaceted artist who hosted 'La France en Chansons' for nearly two decades.

• May 9 Nuala O'Faolain

  Irish journalist and producer (b. 1942).

• May 10 Leyla Gencer

  Renowned Turkish soprano known for her exceptional performances in opera, particularly in bel canto repertoire.

• May 11 John Rutsey

  Original drummer of the legendary Canadian rock band Rush, who played a crucial role in the band's early years.

• May 12 Irena Sendler

  Polish nurse and social worker who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw...

• May 12 Robert Rauschenberg

  A pioneering American artist who significantly influenced the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Neo-Dadaism and Pop Art.

• May 13 Saad Al-Salim Al-Sabah

  Kuwaiti ruler, emir of kuwait (b. 1930).

• May 15 Willis Eugene Lamb

  Prize laureate for his discoveries concerning the fine structure of the hydrogen spectrum.

• May 15 Alexander Courage

  Renowned American composer best known for composing the iconic original Star Trek television series theme music, which became a significant...

• May 15 Tommy Burns

  Scottish footballer and manager (b. 1956).

• May 16 Robert Mondavi

  Pioneering winemaker who revolutionized the California wine industry, co-founded Opus One Winery, and played a crucial role in establishing...

• May 18 Joseph Pevney

  American television director (born 1911).

• May 19 Vijay Tendulkar

  Indian playwright and screenwriter (b. 1928).

• May 20 Hamilton Jordan

  Influential political strategist who served as White House Chief of Staff under President Jimmy Carter.

• May 23 Utah Phillips

  Renowned American folk singer, storyteller, and labor rights activist who significantly influenced folk music and social justice movements.

• May 23 Iñaki Ochoa de Olza

  Spanish mountaineer (b. 1967).

• May 24 Dick Martin

  Dick Martin was an influential American comedian and television producer best known for co-creating the groundbreaking comedy show...

• May 24 Jimmy McGriff

  Renowned American jazz organist and bandleader known for his significant contributions to soul jazz and blues music during the mid-20th...

• May 26 Sydney Pollack

  American actor, director, and screenwriter (b. 1934).

• May 27 Franz Künstler

  Hungarian soldier (b. 1900).

• May 29 Harvey Korman

  Harvey Korman was an American actor and comedian best known for his work on 'The Carol Burnett Show' and in Mel Brooks' comedy films, including 'Blazing Saddles' and 'History of the World, Part I.' [bio]

• May 29 Paula Gunn Allen

  Native american writer (b. 1939).

• May 30 Lorenzo Odone

  Italian-American patient who became the subject of the powerful medical drama 'Lorenzo's Oil', highlighting his struggle with...