Famous people and celebrities who died in July 2003

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in July 2003. 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

• July 1 Herbie Mann

  Renowned American jazz flutist who was a pioneering figure in jazz fusion, known for blending various musical styles including Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences.

• July 2 Briggs Cunningham

  Legendary American race car driver and automotive entrepreneur who competed in prestigious motorsport events and was known for his passion for racing and automotive innovation.

• July 4 Barry White

  Renowned American soul and R&B singer famous for his deep, romantic baritone voice and influential music in the 1970s. He was a key figure in the development of disco and soul music, creating numerous hit love songs.

• July 6 Buddy Ebsen

  Buddy Ebsen was a versatile American actor and dancer, best known for his iconic role as Jed Clampett in the immensely popular sitcom 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. He had a long and successful career in film and television spanning several decades.

• July 6 Çelik Gülersoy

  Turkish lawyer, historical preservationist, writer and poet (b. 1930)

• July 10 Winston Graham

  Renowned British novelist famous for historical and suspense works, including the Poldark series. He was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1983. Married to Jean Williamson from 1939 until her death in 1992.

• July 11 Zahra Kazemi

  Iranian-canadian freelance photographer (b. 1948)

• July 12 Benny Carter

  Renowned jazz alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger who was a pivotal figure in the development of big band and swing music during the 20th century. He was known for his innovative musical style and significant contributions to jazz across multiple decades.

• July 13 Compay Segundo

  Legendary Cuban musician and a key member of the Buena Vista Social Club, who played a crucial role in popularizing traditional Cuban music worldwide.

• July 15 Roberto Bolaño

  Renowned Chilean novelist and poet considered one of the most influential Latin American writers of the late 20th century. His works like '2666' and 'The Savage Detectives' revolutionized contemporary literature.

• July 15 Elisabeth Welch

  Elisabeth Welch was an accomplished American actress and singer who had a notable career spanning several decades in entertainment.

• July 15 Tex Schramm

  Legendary NFL executive who served as president of the Dallas Cowboys and played a crucial role in the league's expansion and marketing strategies during the 1960s and 1970s.

• July 16 Celia Cruz

  Legendary Cuban salsa singer who revolutionized Latin music and became a global cultural icon, known for her vibrant performances and signature catchphrase 'Azúcar!'

• July 16 Carol Shields

  Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for her nuanced portrayals of women's lives, including the acclaimed novel 'The Stone Diaries'. She was a prominent figure in Canadian and American literature, celebrated for her insightful and compassionate writing.

• July 17 Walter Zapp

  Walter Zapp was a Latvian-Estonian inventor famous for creating the Minox, a pioneering subminiature camera that became iconic in espionage and photography during the 20th century.

• July 19 Pierre Graber

  Swiss politician and lawyer who served as the 69th President of the Swiss Confederation, playing a significant role in Swiss political history during the mid-20th century.

• July 19 Bill Bright

  American evangelist and author, founded the campus crusade for christ (b. 1921)

• July 20 Nicolas Freeling

  Renowned English writer known for his crime fiction and detective novels, active from the mid-20th century until his death in 2003.

• July 21 John Davies

  English-new zealand runner and coach (b. 1938)

• July 22 Qusay Hussein

  Qusay Hussein was the son of Saddam Hussein, a prominent figure in the Iraqi regime who was killed during the Iraq War in 2003 alongside his father.

• July 22 Uday Hussein

  Saddam Hussein's notorious son, an Iraqi politician known for his brutal reputation and involvement in the regime, who was killed in 2003 during the Iraq War.

• July 23 James E. Davis

  American police officer and politician (b. 1962)

• July 25 John Schlesinger

  Renowned British film director known for critically acclaimed works like 'Midnight Cowboy' and 'Marathon Man', who significantly influenced cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.

• July 25 Erik Brann

  Guitarist and founding member of the psychedelic rock band Iron Butterfly, known for their influential hit 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida'. He was a key figure in the late 1960s rock music scene.

• July 27 Bob Hope

  Bob Hope was an iconic American comedian, actor, and entertainer who became famous for his USO tours entertaining troops during World War II and subsequent conflicts. He was a pioneering multimedia performer who excelled in vaudeville, radio, film, and television, becoming one of the most recognizable entertainers of the 20th century.

• July 29 Foday Sankoh

  Sierra leonean soldier, founded the revolutionary united front (b. 1937)

• July 30 Sam Phillips

  Legendary American radio host and record producer who founded Sun Records, a pivotal label in rock and roll history. He played a crucial role in launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other iconic musicians.

• July 30 Steve Hislop

  Legendary Scottish motorcycle racer who dominated the Isle of Man TT, winning 11 times and securing British championships in 250cc and Superbike categories.

• July 31 Guido Crepax

  Renowned Italian graphic novelist and illustrator famous for his erotic and avant-garde comic art, particularly the character Valentina.