Famous people and celebrities who died in August 2016

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 2016. 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 Ahmed Zewail

  Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian-American chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of femtochemistry, revolutionizing our...

• Aug. 9 Gerald Grosvenor

  6th Duke of Westminster, a prominent British landowner, businessman, and philanthropist who significantly influenced British aristocracy and...

• Aug. 9 VI duca di Westminster Gerald Grosvenor
• Aug. 13 Kenny Baker

  Kenny Baker was an English actor and musician best known for portraying the droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars film series. His contribution to one of the most influential pop culture franchises made him an enduring figure in cinema history. [bio]

• Aug. 13 Pramukh Swami Maharaj

  Influential Indian spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, known for his humanitarian work and global spiritual guidance.

• Aug. 13 Françoise Mallet-Joris
• Aug. 14 Fyvush Finkel

  Fyvush Finkel was an American actor, singer, and comedian best known for his work on stage, particularly in Yiddish theater, as well as for his television roles in 'Picket Fences' and 'Boston Public.' [bio]

• Aug. 15 Bobby Hutcherson
• Aug. 16 João Havelange

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

• Aug. 16 John McLaughlin

  Renowned jazz fusion guitarist and composer who played with groundbreaking bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra and collaborated with Miles...

• Aug. 17 Arthur Hiller

  Canadian actor, director, and producer (b. 1923).

• Aug. 19 Jack Riley

  Versatile American comedian and actor known for his work in television comedy, particularly memorable for his roles in comedy shows and...

• Aug. 19 Lou Pearlman
• Aug. 20 Daniela Dessì
• Aug. 22 S. R. Nathan

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• Aug. 22 Toots Thielemans

  Belgian and american jazz musician (b. 1922).

• Aug. 24 Walter Scheel

  Prominent West German liberal politician who served as Vice Chancellor, Foreign Minister, and President of West Germany from 1974 to 1979.

• Aug. 24 Roger Y. Tsien

  Prize laureate for the discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein, GFP.

• Aug. 25 James Watson Cronin

  Prize laureate for the discovery of violations of fundamental symmetry principles in the decay of neutral K-mesons.

• Aug. 25 James Cronin
• Aug. 25 Sonia Rykiel
• Aug. 28 Juan Gabriel

  Legendary Mexican singer, songwriter, and performer who was one of the most important and influential artists in Latin American music...

• Aug. 28 Mr. Fuji

  American professional wrestler and manager (b. 1934).

• Aug. 29 Gene Wilder

  Gene Wilder was an acclaimed American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for his iconic roles in classic comedy films such as 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory', 'Young Frankenstein', and 'Blazing Saddles'. [bio]

• Aug. 30 Marc Riboud