August birthdays and deaths:
Famous deaths in August: (Top 50)
Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII, daughter of Ptolemy XII, ruled Egypt from 51 BC until her death in 30 BC. She was the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, known for her beauty, intelligence, and cunning, as well as her alliances with Mark Antony and Julius Caesar.
Death: -30, August-12
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, known as the "King of Rock and Roll," was a legendary American singer, guitarist, and actor. Born in 1935, he revolutionized popular music with his distinctive voice, dance moves, and iconic style, selling millions of records and enduring as a cultural icon.
Death: 1977, August-16
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was a renowned American model and actress, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926. She rose to fame with her iconic film roles and glamorous persona, captivating the world with her charm, wit, and mesmerizing beauty.
Death: 1962, August-4
Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales, was a beloved member of the British royal family. Born in 1961 to John Spencer and Frances Shand Kydd, she married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981. Known for her charity work and fashion sense, she became a global icon until her untimely death in 1997.
Death: 1997, August-31
Anne Heche
Anne Heche was a talented American actress, born in 1969. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Donnie Brasco," "Volcano," and "The Juror." She was also a long-time partner of Ellen DeGeneres.
Death: 2022, August-11
Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy American financier, was born in 1953. He was known for his involvement in finance and philanthropy. Epstein was also accused of various controversial activities, including human trafficking and sexual abuse, which led to his arrest and subsequent death in 2019.
Death: 2019, August-10
Robin Williams
Robin Williams was a brilliant and beloved American actor and comedian, known for his rapid-fire wit, impressive improvisational skills, and iconic roles in films like "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Aladdin," and "Mrs. Doubtfire."
Death: 2014, August-11
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.
Death: 2022, August-8
Dodi Fayed
Dodi Fayed is an Egyptian film producer, businessman, and member of the wealthy Fayed family. Born in 1955, he is best known for his association with Princess Diana, with whom he died in a car accident in Paris in 1997.
Death: 1997, August-31
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman was an American actor and playwright born in 1976. He is best known for his roles in Marvel's Black Panther and Captain America, also appearing in 42, Get on Up, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, among others.
Death: 2020, August-28
Emmett Till
Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy, was kidnapped and brutally murdered in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. His brutalized body was discovered in the Tallahatchie River, sparking outrage and galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement.
Death: 1955, August-28
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev, the 8th and final leader of the Soviet Union, introduced reforms as General Secretary from 1985 to 1991. His policies of glasnost (transparency) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed to revitalize the economy and promote democracy, but ultimately led to the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991.
Death: 2022, August-30
Yevgeny Prigozhin
Yevgeny Prigozhin is a Russian businessman and founder of the private military company Wagner Group. Born in 1961, he rose to prominence as a key figure in Russian military intervention abroad, allegedly leading mercenaries in Ukraine and Syria. His exact role has remained somewhat mysterious.
Death: 2023, August-23
Bray Wyatt
Windham Lawrence Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt, is a former American professional wrestler born in 1987. Known for his eerie persona and family-driven storyline in WWE, Wyatt has captivated audiences with his unsettling character and in-ring performances since his debut in 2009.
Death: 2023, August-24
Aaliyah
Aaliyah (1979-2001) was a renowned American singer, actress, and model. She was a teenage star, releasing three successful albums and starring in films like "Romeo Must Die". Her unique voice, captivating stage presence, and talent earned her widespread recognition and a devoted fan base.
Death: 2001, August-25
Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate, a stunning model and actress, emerged as a Hollywood darling in the 1960s. Bitten by the acting bug, she appeared in numerous films, including "Valley of the Dolls" and "Batman." Her life was tragically cut short in August 1969, a victim of the Manson Family murders.
Death: 1969, August-9
Anne, Queen of Great Britain
Anne Stuart, Queen of Great Britain, born on February 6, 1665, was a Protestant Stuart monarch who ruled from 1702 until her death in 1714. She was the second cousin of King William III and is known for her perseverance in establishing the Acts of Union.
Death: 1714, August-1
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was a legendary American singer-songwriter known as the "Queen of Soul." Born in Memphis in 1942, she rose to fame in the 1960s with her powerful voice, emotive performances, and iconic hits like "Respect" and "Think."
Death: 2018, August-16
Bob Barker
Bob Barker, born December 12, 1923, is a renowned American television game show host, best known for hosting "The Price is Right" from 1972 to 2007. He is known for his iconic catchphrase "Come on down!"
Death: 2023, August-26
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a visionary American painter known for his raw, emotive, and often explosive art. Born in 1960, he blended graffiti, abstract expressionism, and figurative elements, creating a distinctive style that expressed his experiences as an African American artist in the 1980s.
Death: 1988, August-12
Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was an Indian nationalist who fought for independence from British colonial rule. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and led the Azad Hind Dal, an Indian nationalist organization.
Death: 1945, August-18
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong, pioneering American astronaut, engineer, and pilot, born in 1930, made history as the first person to set foot on the Moon in 1969's Apollo 11 mission, marking a monumental achievement in space exploration.
Death: 2012, August-25
Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson was a legendary American actor and World War II veteran, best known for his tough-guy roles in film westerns. He began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, starring in iconic films like "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Great Escape."
Death: 2003, August-30
Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma
Louis Mountbatten, born in 1900, was a distinguished English admiral and politician. He served as the 44th Governor-General of India from 1947 to 1952 and played a key role in the country's transition to independence. He was also known for his bravery and leadership during World War II.
Death: 1979, August-27
Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche was a groundbreaking German philosopher and philologist known for his critique of traditional morality and his concept of the "Übermensch" (Superman). His influential ideas on the will to power, eternal recurrence, and the death of God continue to shape Western philosophy.
Death: 1900, August-25
Ken Miles
Ken Miles was a pioneering British racing driver and engineer, born in 1918. He competed in the 1950s and 1960s, driving for Shelby American and Aston Martin. Miles won numerous races and helped develop the iconic Shelby Cobra. Despite his impressive career, Miles sadly died in a crash testing a Ford GT40.
Death: 1966, August-17
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned Indian author, poet, and playwright who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Born on May 7, 1861, he was a pioneer of modern Bengali literature and philosophy, and his works continue to inspire and influence people around the world.
Death: 1941, August-7
Henry V of England
Henry V of England, the second son of King Henry IV, proved to be a capable and ambitious leader. He defeated the French at Agincourt, earning the nickname "the Lion of England." He died at the age of 35, leaving no male heir, in 1422.
Death: 1422, August-31
Babe Ruth
George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. was a legendary American baseball player and coach. A towering figure in the sport, Ruth paved the way for the modern game. He played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Boston Braves, holding records for home runs and World Series championships.
Death: 1948, August-16
Truman Capote
Truman Capote was a captivating American author, known for his Southern Gothic and psychological suspense fiction. His works, such as "In Cold Blood" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," have become classics.
Death: 1984, August-25
Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder, a legendary comedian, charmed audiences with his understated wit and versatility in iconic films like "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971) and "Young Frankenstein" (1974), showcasing his remarkable range as a comedian, actor, and director.
Death: 2016, August-29
Julia Child
Julia Child, a pioneer in American cuisine, revolutionized French cooking with her iconic cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and her beloved TV show "The French Chef." Her charisma, enthusiasm, and signature voice continue to inspire home cooks and chefs worldwide.
Death: 2004, August-13
Idi Amin
Idi Amin, a Ugandan field marshal and politician, served as the 3rd President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He seized power in a military coup, brutally ruled, and perpetrated human rights atrocities, resulting in an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
Death: 2003, August-16
John McCain
John McCain (1936-2018) was a U.S. Navy pilot, P.O.W., and politician. He represented Arizona in the U.S. House (1983-1987) and Senate (1987-2018), known for his independent streak, bipartisanship, and iconic presidential runs in 2000 and 2008.
Death: 2018, August-25
Richard Attenborough
Richard Attenborough was a renowned English actor, director, and producer, known for his iconic roles in films like "Chaplin" and "Gandhi." He has also directed and produced numerous films, earning acclaim for his work in the film industry.
Death: 2014, August-24
Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall, a sultry and iconic Hollywood legend, shone on screen with her husky voice and smoky eyes. Born Betty Joan Perske in 1924, she was a actress, model, and singer, known for her sultry style and unforgettable roles in films such as "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep".
Death: 2014, August-12
Richard III of England
Richard III of England, the last king of the House of York, reigned from 1483 to 1485. He was a master politician and military leader, but his reputation was marred by the murder of the Princes in the Tower and his infamous physical disabilities.
Death: 1485, August-22
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India's 10th and 12th Prime Minister (1998-2004), was a prominent BJP leader known for his diplomatic skills, moderate views, and strong nationalist stance.
Death: 2018, August-16
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was a renowned American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, known for his incredible blues-rock sound and virtuosic guitar playing. With albums like "Texas Flood" and "Soul to Soul", he electrified audiences with hits like "Pride and Joy" and "Love Struck Baby".
Death: 1990, August-27
Lenny Bruce
Lenny Bruce was a pioneering comedian, actor, and writer known for his incisive, irreverent humor and biting social commentary. Despite facing controversy and legal battles, Bruce remains a beloved and influential figure in American comedy, his impact still felt in many comedians and comedy styles today.
Death: 1966, August-3
Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress renowned for her nuanced performances. Born in 1915, she won three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, earning iconic roles in films like "Casablanca," "Notorious," and "Autumn Sonata."
Death: 1982, August-29
Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky was a Russian Marxist theorist and politician who played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution. He founded the Red Army and served as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, but was eventually exiled and assassinated in Mexico in 1940.
Death: 1940, August-21
Prince George, Duke of Kent
Prince George, Duke of Kent KG, GBE, GCVO, DSO (1902-1942) was the fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary. He served as a naval officer and was killed in a plane crash at 39, unmarried and without children.
Death: 1942, August-25
Ted Kennedy
Ted Kennedy, a prominent American politician, was born in 1932. He served as a US Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years, known for his progressive policies and leadership on issues like healthcare, education, and civil rights.
Death: 2009, August-25
Haile Selassie
Haile Selassie I, the last Emperor of Ethiopia, ruled from 1930 to 1974. A member of the Solomonic dynasty, he modernized Ethiopia while maintaining traditional political and cultural practices. He also served as a strong advocate for African unity and decolonization.
Death: 1975, August-27
Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda was a renowned American actor, born in 1905, with a career spanning over 60 years. He appeared in iconic films like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "12 Angry Men," earning an Academy Award and winning hearts with his commanding presence and versatility on screen.
Death: 1982, August-12
Tony Scott
Tony Scott, a British-American film director and producer, born in 1944, made an impact on the film industry through his work in action-packed movies.
Death: 2012, August-19
Richard Burton
Here is a 40-word summary of Richard Burton: Welsh-Swiss actor and producer Richard Burton (1925-1984) was renowned for his powerful stage presence and distinctive voice. On screen, he starred in films like "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", earning critical acclaim and industry recognition.
Death: 1984, August-5
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson is a legendary musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist, songwriter, and original member of The Band. With his distinctive guitar style and poetic lyrics, he crafted iconic songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek."
Death: 2023, August-9
Mark Antony
Mark Antony, a renowned Roman general and politician, born in 83 BC, was a key supporter of Julius Caesar and a member of the Second Triumvirate. He won several battles, including Philippi, and was instrumental in Caesar's assassination and subsequent retaliation.
Death: -30, August-1