Famous people and celebrities who died on July 21
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on July 21. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.
- 1796 Robert Burns
A scottish poet and songwriter, burns was a national hero, who wrote nearly all of his works in the scots language. burns was mostly self-educated. he received a small amount of education through brief schooling at dalrymple's parish school. his first collection of poems appeared in 1786. the edinburgh edition followed in 1787. this helped to establish his reputation. burns …
- 1928 Ellen Terry
British actress. she is considered the best actress on the english stage for more than 50 years. shakespeare was one of her most recognizable works. in 1864, she married g. f. watts and their son, gordon craig became a theatre designer. she was married to three times.
- 1944 Claus von Stauffenberg
German military officer who led the most significant internal resistance attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. He planted a bomb at Hitler's Wolf's Lair headquarters on July 20, 1944, which narrowly failed to kill the Nazi leader. After the plot's failure, he was executed by firing squad the same day.
- 1948 Arshile Gorky
Arshile Gorky was a pioneering Armenian-American abstract expressionist painter who significantly influenced modern art. He bridged European modernist techniques with American avant-garde movements, creating deeply personal and emotionally charged artworks. His style evolved from surrealism to abstract expressionism, making him a crucial figure in 20th-century art history.
- 1967 Basil Rathbone
For over 40 years, he was a south african-british actor on stage and in film. although he is most well-known for his "sherlock holmes", radio series and film in the 1940s and 1950s, he also excelled in many other roles. he was nominated to the oscars for "romeo and juliet" in 1936 and "if i were king" 1938. his last …
- 1967 Jimmie Foxx
Legendary Hall of Fame baseball player renowned for his exceptional hitting power and considered one of the greatest first basemen in baseball history. He was a key player in the American League during the 1930s and early 1940s.
- 1967 Albert John Lutuli
Nobel Prize laureate for his non-violent struggle against apartheid
- 1968 Ruth St. Denis
American dancer and choreographer (b. 1878)
- 1970 Mikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov
Russian anthropologist and sculptor (b. 1907)
- 1977 Lee Miller
Lee Miller was a pioneering American photographer and model who documented World War II as a war correspondent for Vogue magazine. Her powerful and intimate images captured the realities of war, including the liberation of concentration camps. She was also a significant figure in the Surrealist art movement.
- 1982 Dave Garroway
Pioneering American television broadcaster who was the first host of NBC's 'Today Show' from 1952 to 1961. He was known for his innovative, relaxed style that transformed morning television programming.
- 1996 Herb Edelman
American character actor known for roles in 'The Odd Couple' TV series and 'St. Elsewhere', who passed away from emphysema at age 62.
- 1998 Alan Shepard
Pioneering American astronaut who was the first American in space and later walked on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. He was a key figure in the early US space program and a celebrated naval aviator.
- 1998 Robert Young
Iconic American television actor known for starring in 'Father Knows Best' and 'Marcus Welby, M.D.', who struggled with personal challenges including depression and alcoholism.
- 2004 Jerry Goldsmith
Renowned American film composer who created iconic musical scores for numerous movies and TV shows, including Star Trek and Planet of the Apes. He was a multiple Emmy and Grammy Award winner and significantly influenced film music composition.
- 2004 Edward B. Lewis
Nobel Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of early embryonic development
- 2005 Long John Baldry
Influential English-Canadian blues singer, songwriter, and voice actor who was a key figure in the British blues scene.
- 2006 Princess Mako of Akishino
Princess Mako of Akishino is a prominent member of the Japanese Imperial Family, known for her academic excellence and humanitarian efforts. She renounced her royal status to marry a commoner, which garnered significant media attention in Japan.
- 2006 Mako Iwamatsu
Renowned Japanese-American actor and voice artist known for diverse roles in film and television.
- 2008 Donald Stokes
Baron Stokes was a prominent English businessman who played a significant role in the industrial landscape of mid-20th century Britain. He was particularly known for his leadership in the automotive industry, serving as chairman of British Leyland Motor Corporation.
- 2012 Angharad Rees
Welsh actress and jewellery designer known for her roles in television series like 'Poldark' and her successful career in fashion and design.
- 2015 E. L. Doctorow
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for historical fiction works like 'Ragtime' and 'The Book of Daniel', who significantly influenced contemporary American literature.
- 2016 Dennis Green
Renowned American football coach and player who had a significant career in the NFL, most notably as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. He was known for his passionate coaching style and memorable 'playoffs?!' rant.
- 2017 John Heard
Versatile American actor known for his theater work and memorable role as the father in the iconic 'Home Alone' films. He won multiple theater awards and was recognized for his compelling stage performances.
- 2018 Alene Duerk
Pioneering US Navy nurse who became the first woman to attain flag rank, serving as head of the Navy Nurse Corps from 1970 and overseeing 39 naval hospitals.
- 2020 Annie Ross
Innovative jazz vocalist and actress, famous for her groundbreaking work with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, a pioneering vocal jazz trio.
- 2023 Tony Bennett
Legendary American singer who defined jazz and pop standards for decades, winning multiple Grammy Awards and known for his timeless hits.
What Is special about July 21?
Discover what makes July 21 a memorable date