August 8 birthdays and deaths:

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John is a beloved English-Australian singer-songwriter and actress known for her powerful vocals and iconic roles in films like "Grease" and "Xanadu". Her chart-topping hits, such as "Physical" and "Hopelessly Devoted to You", have become timeless classics in the music industry.

Deathyear: 2022

Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell was a talented American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor, best known for his smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like "Gentle on My Mind" and "Rhinestone Cowboy." With a career spanning over 50 years, he left an enduring mark on the music industry.

Deathyear: 2017

Patricia Neal

Patricia Neal was a renowned American actress, best known for her iconic roles in "Hud" (1963) and "The Subject Was Roses" (1968), earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for the latter. Her illustrious career spanned over five decades, with a memorable presence on screen.

Deathyear: 2010

Karen Black

Karen Black was a talented American actress and singer, known for her distinctive voice and edgy style. She appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, earning two Academy Award nominations for her performances in "The Great Gatsby" and "Fried Green Tomatoes."

Deathyear: 2013

Sixto Rodriguez

Sylvia Rose Rodriguez, known professionally as Ritchie Valens, was an American singer and songwriter born in 1942.

Deathyear: 2023

Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) was a renowned American novelist and short story writer. Her works, often infused with elements of horror and the supernatural, explored themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the darker aspects of human nature. Her classic novel "The Haunting of Hill House" (1959) is a prime example of her genre-defying storytelling.

Deathyear: 1965

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks was a pioneering American actress, dancer, and fashion icon of the 1920s and 1930s. Born Pamela Brady in CHICAGO in 1906, Brooks is best known for her bobbed hair, striking features, and sassy, flapper-era film roles in classic movies like "Pandora's Box" and "Diary of a Lost Girl."

Deathyear: 1985

Barbara Bel Geddes

Barbara Bel Geddes is an American actress born in 1922. She is best known for her iconic roles in films like "From Here to Eternity" and "Vertigo", as well as her portrayal of Miss Ellie Ewing on the TV series "Dallas".

Deathyear: 2005

Fay Wray

Fay Wray, a pioneering actress, charmed the big screen with her striking features and vulnerability. Born Vina Fay Wray in Alberta, Canada, she rose to fame as the damsel in distress in King Kong (1933) and remained a Hollywood legend until her passing in 2004.

Deathyear: 2004

Richard Deacon (actor)

Richard Deacon (1921-1984) was a talented American actor, best known for his roles in TV comedies "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Andy Griffith Show". His memorable performances earned him three Emmy nominations and a lifelong fan base celebrating his comedic genius.

Deathyear: 1984

Angus MacAskill

Angus MacAskill, a Scottish-Canadian giant, was born in 1825 on the Isle of Uist. Standing 7 feet 9 inches tall, he held the title of "world's tallest man" for many years.

Deathyear: 1863

George Canning

George Canning, a lawyer and politician, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1827. He was the first PM born after the Glorious Revolution and is known for his role in the Catholic Emancipation Act and his eventual resignation due to poor health.

Deathyear: 1827

Michael Wittmann

Michael Wittmann was a renowned German Panzergrenadier commander in World War II, leading the 2nd Company of the 1st Battalion, 25th Panzergrenadier Regiment. He was born in 1914 and killed in action on August 8, 1944, at the age of 29.

Deathyear: 1944

Ahmed Deedat

Ahmed Deedat was a South African missionary and author born in 1918. He was a missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and wrote numerous books and articles on Islam and Christianity. He was known for his debates with Christian ministers and his critiques of Christianity.

Deathyear: 2005

Alan Napier

Alan Napier was a British actor, born in 1903, known for his extensive career in film, television, and theater. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including the iconic 1960s TV series "Batman," where he played the role of Alfred Pennyworth.

Deathyear: 1988

Cannonball Adderley

Cannonball Adderley was a pioneering American jazz saxophonist known for his soulful, swinging style and iconic solos. With albums like 'Mood to Be Welded' and 'Somethin' Else', he bridged traditional and modern jazz, influencing generations of saxophonists.

Deathyear: 1975

Erwin von Witzleben

Erwin von Witzleben was a German field marshal who played a crucial role in World War II, leading the German Army's Eastern Front efforts and overseeing the Mediterranean Theater. He was executed in 1944 for his involvement in the July 20 Plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Deathyear: 1944

Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, was born in 1842. She co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart with Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Known for her compassion and dedication to the poor, Mary was canonized in 2010, recognizing her outstanding virtues and martyrdom.

Deathyear: 1909

James Tissot

James Tissot was a renowned French painter and illustrator, born in 1836. Notable for his meticulous watercolor illustrations of biblical scenes and French society, Tissot's work showcased his exceptional attention to detail and historical accuracy.

Deathyear: 1902

Albert Namatjira

Albert Namatjira was a renowned Australian painter of Indigenous Australian heritage, born in 1902 in the Hermannsburg Mission, Northern Territory. He was the first Indigenous artist to be awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to Australian art.

Deathyear: 1959

Sean Price

Sean Price was an American rapper from Brooklyn, renowned for his lyrical dexterity and raw energy. Born on March 17, 1972, he was a member of Heltah Skeltah and a respected MC in the underground hip-hop scene, releasing several solo projects throughout his career.

Deathyear: 2015

Daniel Jarque

Daniel Jarque was a Spanish professional footballer who played as a central defender for Real Madrid Castilla. Born on January 1, 1983, he died on August 8, 2007, at the age of 26, due to a heart attack while on a pre-season tour with Udinese in Italy.

Deathyear: 2009

James Irwin

James Irwin, an American colonel, pilot, and astronaut, was born on March 17, 1930. He flew 100 missions in Korea and was part of the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. He was the eighth person to walk on the moon and spent nearly 18 hours on extravehicular activity.

Deathyear: 1991

Menahem Golan

Menahem Golan was a prolific Israeli director and producer, known for his low-budget, high-concept films. Founder of Cannon Films, Golan produced and directed numerous genre films, including "The Apple" (1980) and "Hercules" (1983), earning him a reputation as a trailblazing creator of B-movies and camp classics.

Deathyear: 2014

Almanzor

Almanzor, a prominent politician and general, served as the chief minister and de facto ruler of the Caliphate of Córdoba in the 10th century. His reforms and military campaigns significantly strengthened the caliphate, earning him immense power and influence until his death in 1002.

Deathyear: 1002

Alfredo Lim

Alfredo Lim, also known as "Chito" Lim, is a Filipino politician who served as a senator from 1995 to 2004 and as the Mayor of Manila from 2007 to 2016.

Deathyear: 2020

Jacob Burckhardt

Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897) was a renowned Swiss historian and academic. He is known for his groundbreaking work on the Renaissance and Reformation. His book, "The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy," remains a classic in the field.

Deathyear: 1897

John H. Johnson

John H. Johnson founded the Johnson Publishing Company in 1942, creating Ebony magazine in 1945 and Jet magazine in 1951. His publications gave voice to African American experiences, influencing American culture and cementing his legacy as a pioneering publisher and entrepreneur.

Deathyear: 2005

Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei

Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei (1899-1992) was a renowned Iranian cleric and scholar who played a significant role in shaping Shia Islam. As Grand Ayatollah, he was a prominent interpreter of Islamic law and a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. His writings on Islamic thought are still studied widely.

Deathyear: 1992

Eugène Boudin

Eugène Boudin, a French painter, was born in 1824. He was a pioneer of plein-air painting, focusing on landscapes and seascapes. Boudin's works, characterized by soft colors and gentle light, capture everyday scenes in picturesque settings, showcasing his ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.

Deathyear: 1898

Lothair II

Lothair II, born in 835 AD, was a Frankish king who ruled over the West Frankish Kingdom from 855 until his death in 869. He was the son of Emperor Lothair I and was known for his military campaigns against the Bretons and the Vikings.

Deathyear: 869

Francis Hutcheson (philosopher)

Francis Hutcheson, an Irish philosopher, born in 1694, emphasized moral sense theory, arguing that people possess an innate moral sense guiding moral judgments. His "Inquiry into the Original of Our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue" (1725) influenced thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith.

Deathyear: 1746