Famous people and celebrities who died in July 2012

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in July 2012. 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 Alan G. Poindexter

  NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot who flew on multiple missions, including STS-122 and STS-131, with a distinguished career in naval aviation.

• July 2 Julian Goodman

  Julian Goodman was a prominent American broadcasting executive who significantly influenced media development in the mid-20th century. He played a key role in the broadcasting industry, leading major networks and shaping media communication strategies. His professional legacy includes contributions to television and radio broadcasting.

• July 2 Maurice Chevit

  Maurice Chevit was a prominent French actor and screenwriter who had a significant career in French cinema and theater during the mid-20th century.

• July 3 Andy Griffith

  Beloved American actor and comedian best known for his starring role in 'The Andy Griffith Show', a classic sitcom that captured the charm of small-town Southern life.

• July 4 Eric Sykes

  Renowned British comedian, actor, writer, and director who was a significant figure in British comedy during the mid-20th century, known for his distinctive humor and numerous television and film appearances.

• July 5 Gerrit Komrij

  Prominent Dutch poet, writer, and translator who made significant contributions to Dutch literature.

• July 8 Ernest Borgnine

  Legendary American actor with a remarkable six-decade career, winning an Academy Award for 'Marty' in 1955 and starring in iconic TV series like McHale's Navy and Airwolf. He was nominated for an Emmy at 92, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.

• July 10 Dolphy

  Renowned Filipino actor, comedian, singer, and producer who was widely celebrated as the 'King of Comedy' in Philippine entertainment.

• July 10 Berthe Meijer

  A remarkable Dutch professional chef and cookbook author who survived the Holocaust as a child. Her life story is a testament to resilience, having been the sole survivor of her family from a concentration camp during World War II. She later became a celebrated culinary professional, authoring 17 cookbooks.

• July 12 Roger Payne

  Roger Payne was a pioneering marine biologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on whale communication and conservation. He is famous for discovering that whales produce complex songs and was instrumental in raising global awareness about whale protection.

• July 12 Else Holmelund Minarik

  Danish-American children's book author and illustrator best known for her 'Little Bear' series, which became a beloved classic in children's literature.

• July 15 Celeste Holm

  Renowned American actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and was a versatile performer in theater and film. She had a distinguished career spanning Broadway and Hollywood, with notable roles in classic productions like 'Oklahoma!'

• July 16 Stephen Covey

  Influential American author, educator, and businessman best known for his seminal self-help book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People', which has profoundly impacted personal and professional development strategies worldwide.

• July 18 Rajesh Khanna

  Legendary Bollywood actor who dominated Indian cinema in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known as the 'first superstar' who revolutionized Hindi film industry with 15 consecutive hit films.

• July 19 Humayun Ahmed

  Humayun Ahmed was a renowned Bengali writer, filmmaker, and intellectual who significantly influenced modern Bangladeshi literature and cinema, creating numerous popular novels and films.

• July 19 Omar Suleiman

  Prominent Egyptian intelligence chief and politician who served as the 16th Vice President of Egypt during the final days of Hosni Mubarak's regime. He played a significant role in Egyptian politics and intelligence services for decades.

• July 21 Angharad Rees

  Welsh actress and jewellery designer known for her roles in television series like 'Poldark' and her successful career in fashion and design.

• July 23 Sally Ride

  Pioneering American astronaut who became the first US woman in space, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983. She was a trailblazer in aerospace and inspired generations of women in science and technology.

• July 23 Lakshmi Sahgal

  A prominent Indian independence activist who fought against British colonial rule, Lakshmi Sahgal was a key member of the Indian National Army and a pioneering woman leader in India's freedom struggle. She was also a medical professional and a strong advocate for women's rights.

• July 23 Margaret Mahy

  Renowned New Zealand children's author who won numerous international awards, including the Carnegie Medal, for her imaginative and engaging storytelling.

• July 24 Sherman Hemsley

  Sherman Hemsley was a prominent African American actor famous for his iconic role as George Jefferson in the groundbreaking sitcoms 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons', which challenged racial stereotypes in 1970s television.

• July 24 Chad Everett

  Chad Everett was a prominent American television actor best known for his leading role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the popular medical drama series 'Medical Center' which aired from 1969 to 1976.

• July 24 Themo Lobos

  Chilean comics writer and artist known for creating the iconic character Mampato, who was a significant figure in Latin American comic book history. He illustrated and wrote Mampato's adventures between 1968 and 1978, publishing through Cucalán.

• July 24 Robert Ledley

  Pioneering American scientist who invented the CT scanner, significantly advancing medical imaging technology and diagnostic capabilities.

• July 27 Tony Martin

  Renowned American singer and actor known for his work in show business, particularly famous for hit songs like 'Tonight We Love'.

• July 27 RG Armstrong

  Prolific American character actor known for his distinctive roles in Western films and television, often portraying tough, rugged characters with intense screen presence.

• July 29 Chris Marker

  Renowned French filmmaker, photographer, and multimedia artist known for experimental documentaries that challenged traditional narrative forms. He was a key figure in the French New Wave cinema and a significant intellectual of the 20th century. His most famous work, 'La Jetée', is a groundbreaking science fiction short film composed almost entirely of still photographs.

• July 30 Maeve Binchy

  Renowned Irish novelist, journalist, and playwright known for her warm and engaging storytelling about Irish life and culture. She wrote numerous bestselling novels and was widely respected in literary circles.

• July 31 Gore Vidal

  Renowned American writer, novelist, essayist, and playwright known for his sharp social commentary and prolific literary career spanning multiple genres.