August 17 is a date that may not seem significant at first glance. However, it marks the anniversary of the passing of several notable figures whose contributions to their respective fields have left an indelible mark on history. In this article, we will explore the lives and legacies of 15 celebrities who died on August 17, highlighting their birthdays, careers, and the impact they made during their lifetimes.
15 Famous People Died on August 17
1. Robert Gilruth
Date of death: August 17, 2000
Robert Gilruth (born October 8, 1913) was a pioneering aerospace engineer and a key figure in the history of space exploration. He served as the director of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center and played a critical role in the success of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Gilruth’s leadership and vision were instrumental in landing a man on the moon, and he is often remembered as one of the architects of America’s space program.
2. John Bahcall
Date of death: August 17, 2005
John Bahcall (born December 30, 1934) was an American astrophysicist known for his work on the solar neutrino problem and the Hubble Space Telescope. Bahcall’s contributions to the field of astrophysics were profound, and he was a strong advocate for the development of space-based observatories. His research helped to deepen our understanding of the universe and opened new avenues for exploration.
3. Bill Deedes
Date of death: August 17, 2007
Bill Deedes (born June 1, 1913) was a British journalist and politician who enjoyed a long and varied career. As a journalist, he worked for the Daily Telegraph, and as a politician, he served as a Conservative Member of Parliament and later as a Cabinet minister. Deedes was also a close friend of Evelyn Waugh, and many believe he was the inspiration for the character of William Boot in Waugh’s satirical novel Scoop. His wit, wisdom, and charm made him a beloved figure in British public life.
4. Franco Sensi
Date of death: August 17, 2008
Franco Sensi (born July 29, 1926) was an Italian entrepreneur and football executive, best known as the longtime president of AS Roma, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs. Under his leadership, AS Roma won multiple titles, including the Serie A championship in 2001. Sensi’s passion for football and his commitment to his club left a lasting legacy in Italian sports.
5. Edwin Morgan
Edwin Morgan
Date of death: August 17, 2010
Edwin Morgan (born April 27, 1920) was a Scottish poet and translator, widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures in modern Scottish literature. Morgan’s work was diverse and innovative, ranging from lyrical poetry to experimental forms. He served as Scotland’s first official Makar (national poet) from 2004 until his death, and his poetry continues to inspire readers around the world.
6. John Hollander
Date of death: August 17, 2013
John Hollander (born October 28, 1929) was an American poet, critic, and academic. Hollander’s poetry was known for its intellectual depth and technical precision, and he was a respected figure in the literary community. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including Yale University, and his work earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Hollander’s contributions to poetry and literary criticism have had a lasting influence on the field.
7. Yvonne Craig
Date of death: August 17, 2015
Yvonne Craig (born May 16, 1937) was an American actress and ballet dancer, best known for her role as Batgirl in the 1960s television series Batman. Craig’s portrayal of the character made her a pop culture icon, and she was one of the first actresses to portray a female superhero on screen. Her career spanned film, television, and stage, and she was also a dedicated advocate for various charitable causes.
8. Arthur Hiller
Date of death: August 17, 2016
Arthur Hiller (born November 22, 1923) was a Canadian-American film director best known for directing the classic romantic drama Love Story (1970). Hiller’s career in Hollywood spanned several decades, and he directed a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas. He also served as the president of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Hiller’s contributions to cinema were recognized with numerous awards and accolades.
9. Boyd Grant
Date of death: August 17, 2020
Boyd Grant (born August 17, 1933) was an American college basketball coach known for his successful tenures at Fresno State and Colorado State. Grant was known for his disciplined coaching style and his ability to turn around struggling programs. He led Fresno State to three NCAA tournament appearances and a National Invitation Tournament championship in 1983. Grant’s impact on college basketball was significant, and he is remembered as one of the sport’s most respected coaches.
10. Savvas Theodoridis
Savvas Theodoridis
Date of death: August 17, 2020
Savvas Theodoridis (born February 18, 1935) was a Greek footballer and football executive, best known for his long association with Olympiacos, one of Greece’s most successful football clubs. Theodoridis played as a goalkeeper for Olympiacos and later served in various administrative roles, including vice president. His lifelong dedication to the club earned him a place in the hearts of fans, and he is considered a legend in Greek football.
11. Sheila Bromberg
Date of death: August 17, 2021
Sheila Bromberg (born May 31, 1928) was a British harpist who made history as the first woman to play on a Beatles album. Bromberg’s harp can be heard on the track “She’s Leaving Home” from the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. In addition to her work with the Beatles, Bromberg had a distinguished career as a session musician, performing with many of the leading orchestras and artists of her time. Her contributions to music were both groundbreaking and enduring.
12. Josephine Tewson
Date of death: August 17, 2022
Josephine Tewson (born February 26, 1931) was a British actress best known for her roles in popular television sitcoms, including Keeping Up Appearances and Last of the Summer Wine. Tewson’s comedic timing and memorable characters made her a beloved figure in British television. Her work brought joy to millions of viewers, and she is fondly remembered for her contributions to British comedy.
13. Gudrun Pflüger
Date of death: August 17, 2023
Gudrun Pflüger (born October 18, 1972) was an Austrian athlete and conservationist known for her achievements in cross-country skiing and her work in wildlife conservation. Pflüger was a four-time winner of the World Mountain Running Championships and later became an advocate for the protection of wolves. Her dedication to environmental causes and her remarkable athletic career left a lasting impact on both sports and conservation.
see also: 20 Celebrities Born on August 17
14. John Devitt
Date of death: August 17, 2023
John Devitt (born February 4, 1937) was an Australian swimmer who won gold medals at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics. Devitt was known for his sportsmanship and his contributions to the sport of swimming, both as a competitor and as an administrator. His achievements in the pool were matched by his dedication to promoting the sport and supporting the next generation of athletes.
15. Rick Jeanneret
Date of death: August 17, 2023
Rick Jeanneret (born July 23, 1942) was a Canadian-American sportscaster best known as the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). Jeanneret’s voice became synonymous with Sabres hockey, and his enthusiastic and colorful commentary endeared him to fans. He was one of the longest-serving broadcasters in the NHL and received numerous awards for his contributions to sports broadcasting.
Conclusion
The lives of these 15 celebrities who passed away on August 17 serve as a reminder of the diverse and lasting impacts that individuals can have across various fields, from space exploration and sports to literature, music, and film. Though their careers spanned different domains, each of these figures left a legacy that continues to be remembered and celebrated. Their stories are a testament to the power of human achievement and the enduring influence of those who dedicate their lives to their passions.
FAQs:
What Anniversaries and Holidays Are Celebrated on August 17?
August 17 is recognized for several notable events and holidays, including Indonesia’s Independence Day and the Day of Mourning in Korea, which commemorates the death of the nation’s first president, Syngman Rhee.