August 18 is a day marked by the loss of several influential figures across different fields, from world leaders and artists to entertainers and intellectuals. In this article, we will explore the lives of 20 celebrities who passed away on this date. We will highlight their birthdays, careers, and the lasting impact they made during their lifetimes.
20 Famous People Died on August 18
1. Genghis Khan
Date of death: August 18, 1227
Genghis Khan (born around 1162) was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. Genghis Khan is renowned for his military genius, uniting the Mongolian tribes and leading a series of conquests that reshaped the world. His legacy is complex, seen as both a brutal conqueror and a unifying leader who facilitated trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.
2. Pope Paul IV
Date of death: August 18, 1559
Pope Paul IV (born June 28, 1476) served as the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1555 until his death. His papacy is remembered for its significant influence on the Counter-Reformation, and for his role in establishing the Roman Inquisition. Paul IV’s policies were controversial, especially his strict enforcement of doctrinal conformity and moral discipline.
3. Walter Chrysler
Date of death: August 18, 1940
Walter Chrysler (born April 2, 1875) was an American automotive industry pioneer who founded the Chrysler Corporation in 1925. He played a crucial role in the development of the modern automobile industry and was instrumental in the creation of iconic vehicles that defined an era. Chrysler’s innovative approach to car manufacturing and business management left a lasting legacy in the automotive world.
4. Frederick Ashton
Date of death: August 18, 1988
Frederick Ashton (born September 17, 1904) was a British ballet dancer and choreographer, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century ballet. Ashton was a founding choreographer of The Royal Ballet, and his works are celebrated for their elegance, musicality, and wit. He helped shape the identity of British ballet and influenced generations of dancers and choreographers.
5. David Peakall
Date of death: August 18, 2001
David Peakall (born March 18, 1931) was a British ecotoxicologist whose research was pivotal in understanding the impact of pollutants on wildlife, particularly birds. His work contributed significantly to environmental protection efforts and the banning of harmful chemicals like DDT. Peakall’s scientific contributions have had a lasting impact on environmental policy and conservation efforts worldwide.
6. Dean Riesner
Dean Riesner
Date of death: August 18, 2002
Dean Riesner (born November 3, 1918) was an American screenwriter known for his work on classic films such as Dirty Harry, Play Misty for Me, and The Enforcer. Riesner’s talent for crafting tense, character-driven stories made him a sought-after writer in Hollywood. His contributions to the film industry spanned several decades, influencing the thriller and action genres.
7. Tony Jackson
Date of death: August 18, 2003
Tony Jackson (born July 16, 1938) was an American R&B singer and bass guitarist, best known as a member of The Searchers, one of the prominent bands of the British Invasion. Jackson’s distinctive voice and musical skills contributed to the band’s success during the 1960s. His influence on the music scene during that era continues to be recognized by fans and musicians alike.
8. Elmer Bernstein
Date of death: August 18, 2004
Elmer Bernstein (born April 4, 1922) was an American composer and conductor, best known for his film scores. Bernstein’s music graced many classic films, including The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Ghostbusters. His ability to capture the essence of a film through music earned him an Academy Award and numerous other accolades. Bernstein’s work remains influential in the world of cinema.
9. Gao Xiumin
Date of death: August 18, 2005
Gao Xiumin (born January 28, 1959) was a beloved Chinese actress and comedian, known for her roles in TV series and sketch comedies. Gao was particularly famous for her performances in the annual Chinese New Year Gala, where her humor and charm won the hearts of millions. Her sudden death at the height of her career shocked fans across China, but her legacy in Chinese entertainment endures.
10. Fernand Gignac
Date of death: August 18, 2006
Fernand Gignac (born March 23, 1934) was a Canadian singer and actor, celebrated for his smooth voice and romantic ballads. Gignac was a prominent figure in Quebec’s music scene, and his recordings were widely popular throughout the French-speaking world. His contributions to music and culture in Quebec have left a lasting imprint on the region’s artistic landscape.
11. Jamie Astaphan
Date of death: August 18, 2006
Jamie Astaphan (born August 18, 1947) was a Canadian sports doctor known for his involvement with Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson. Astaphan became infamous after the 1988 Seoul Olympics doping scandal, where Johnson was stripped of his gold medal for steroid use. Despite the controversy, Astaphan’s impact on sports medicine and the discussions surrounding performance-enhancing drugs has been significant.
12. Lucien Jarraud
Date of death: August 18, 2007
Lucien Jarraud (born February 6, 1911) was a French actor and voice artist, best known for his work in radio and television. Jarraud’s distinctive voice made him a popular figure in French media, particularly as a radio host. His contributions to French culture, especially in the mid-20th century, are remembered fondly by audiences who grew up listening to his broadcasts.
13. Pervis Jackson
Date of death: August 18, 2008
Pervis Jackson (born May 17, 1938) was an American singer and member of The Spinners, one of the most successful soul groups of the 1970s. Jackson’s deep bass voice was a key component of the group’s sound, and he contributed to many of their hits, including “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” and “The Rubberband Man”. His influence on the soul and R&B genres has been enduring.
14. Kim Dae-jung
Date of death: August 18, 2009
Kim Dae-jung (born January 6, 1924) was the 8th President of South Korea, serving from 1998 to 2003, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts to promote democracy and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kim’s “Sunshine Policy” aimed to improve relations with North Korea, and he is remembered as a champion of human rights and democracy in South Korea.
15. Benjamin Kaplan
Date of death: August 18, 2010
Benjamin Kaplan (born April 11, 1911) was an American judge and legal scholar, known for his contributions to the fields of intellectual property and civil procedure. Kaplan served as a professor at Harvard Law School and as a justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. His work in shaping modern legal thought, particularly in the areas of copyright law, has had a lasting impact on the American legal system.
16. Scott McKenzie
Scott McKenzie
Date of death: August 18, 2012
Scott McKenzie (born January 10, 1939) was an American singer best known for his 1967 hit song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”, which became an anthem of the counterculture movement. McKenzie’s gentle voice and the song’s message of peace and love resonated with the era’s spirit. Although he never replicated the success of “San Francisco”, McKenzie’s place in music history is secure.
17. Don Pardo
Date of death: August 18, 2014
Don Pardo (born February 22, 1918) was an American radio and television announcer, best known as the voice of Saturday Night Live for nearly four decades. Pardo’s booming voice became an iconic part of the show, introducing cast members and guest hosts with his distinctive style. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized with a place in the Television Hall of Fame.
see also: 18 Celebrities Who Died on August 13
18. Kofi Annan
Date of death: August 18, 2018
Kofi Annan (born April 8, 1938) was a Ghanaian diplomat and the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving from 1997 to 2006. Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his efforts in revitalizing the UN and promoting human rights, peace, and development. His legacy as a global leader and advocate for peace and justice remains influential.
19. Ben Cross
Date of death: August 18, 2020
Ben Cross (born December 16, 1947) was a British actor best known for his role as Harold Abrahams in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire (1981). Cross’s performance in the film brought him international recognition and opened doors to a successful acting career in both film and television. His work continues to be celebrated by fans of classic cinema.
20. Robert Smith
Date of death: August 18, 2021
Robert Smith (born March 4, 1956) was an American musicologist and scholar, known for his extensive research and writings on classical music and its cultural impact. Smith was a respected figure in the academic community, contributing valuable insights into the history and development of music. His work has had a lasting influence on the study and appreciation of classical music.
Conclusion
The individuals mentioned above made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving behind legacies that continue to influence and inspire. Their deaths on August 18 remind us of the transient nature of life, but their work and impact remain immortalized in history. From Genghis Khan’s vast empire to Kofi Annan’s global peace efforts, these figures have shaped the world in various ways, ensuring that their memories endure.
FAQs:
What Anniversaries and Holidays Are Celebrated on August 17?
August 17 is celebrated for several events, including:
Indonesia’s Independence Day, marking its independence from the Netherlands in 1945.
National Massachusetts Day in the United States, celebrating the history and culture of Massachusetts.
National Thrift Shop Day in the United States, encouraging people to buy from thrift shops.
These anniversaries are diverse, ranging from national independence to cultural celebrations, reflecting the significance of this date globally.