Famous people and celebrities who died on July 20
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on July 20. 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.
- 1912 Andrew Lang
Scots novelist, poet, literary critic, and contributor in the field of anthropology
- 1937 Guglielmo Marconi
PHY - Italian physicist and engineer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1874)
- 1944 Mildred Harris
Mildred Harris was a prominent silent film actress during the early 20th century, known for her roles in numerous films during the golden age of Hollywood's silent era.
- 1944 Ludwig Beck
German general and Chief of the German General Staff during the early years of World War II.
- 1958 Franklin Pangborn
Dies at 69
- 1969 Roy Hamilton
Roy Hamilton was a talented American rhythm and blues singer known for his powerful voice and influential musical style during the 1950s.
- 1973 Bruce Lee
Legendary Chinese-American martial artist and actor who revolutionized action cinema, becoming a global icon of martial arts and cultural representation. His groundbreaking films like 'Enter the Dragon' transformed Hollywood's perception of Asian actors and martial arts movies.
- 1973 Robert Smithson
Influential American artist and pioneer of the Land Art movement, known for groundbreaking works like 'Spiral Jetty'. His innovative approach to art and landscape tragically ended with his untimely death in a plane crash.
- 1974 Kamal Dasgupta
Renowned Indian author known for his contributions to Bengali literature.
- 1976 Joseph Rochefort
Crucial American naval intelligence officer who played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, particularly in breaking Japanese naval codes.
- 1983 Frank Reynolds
Frank Reynolds was an American journalist and war correspondent known for his work in broadcast news during the mid-20th century. He worked for ABC News and was a prominent television news anchor during the 1960s and 1970s. Reynolds covered significant historical events including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
- 1987 Richard Egan
Hollywood actor of the 1950s known for his rugged good looks and leading roles in numerous films. He was considered one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors and later became a successful businessman. Egan was also known for his strong Catholic faith and commitment to family values.
- 1989 Marie-Madeleine Fourcade
A courageous French resistance leader during World War II who took over the 'Alliance' intelligence network after her predecessor's arrest. She played a critical role in gathering intelligence against Nazi occupation and was known by her code name 'Hérisson' (Hedgehog).
- 1991 Geeta Dutt
Geeta Dutt was a legendary playback singer who significantly contributed to the golden era of Bollywood music, known for her melodious and versatile voice.
- 1993 Vince Foster
American lawyer and political figure involved in the Clinton administration, whose death sparked significant controversy and speculation.
- 1997 Linda Stirling
At 75, a college professor (pretender) dies
- 2003 Nicolas Freeling
Renowned English writer known for his crime fiction and detective novels, active from the mid-20th century until his death in 2003.
- 2005 James Doohan
Famous Canadian-American actor best known for playing Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in the original Star Trek series. He was also a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Artillery.
- 2006 Gérard Oury
Renowned French filmmaker known for his significant contributions to French comedy cinema, directing classic films and performing as an actor.
- 2007 Kai Siegbahn
Kai Siegbahn was a renowned Swedish physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to X-ray spectroscopy, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1981 for his fundamental work in electron spectroscopy.
- 2007 Tammy Faye Messner
Tammy Faye Messner was a prominent American televangelist, singer, and media personality known for her flamboyant makeup, emotional interviews, and advocacy for AIDS patients during the 1980s.
- 2011 Lucian Freud
Lucian Freud was a renowned British painter known for his raw, psychologically intense figurative art and significant influence on 20th-century portraiture. He was the grandson of Sigmund Freud and a leading figure in the School of London art movement.
- 2013 Helen Thomas
Helen Thomas was a pioneering American journalist renowned for her assertive and direct questioning of US presidents during her long career in the White House Press Corps. She was a trailblazing female journalist who covered the presidencies from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, becoming an iconic figure in political reporting.
- 2013 Pierre Fabre
French pharmacist and businessman who founded Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, a major pharmaceutical company. He was also a passionate rugby enthusiast and owner of Castres Olympique rugby club.
- 2014 Victor G. Atiyeh
Victor G. Atiyeh was a notable American politician who served as the 32nd Governor of Oregon from 1979 to 1987, making history as the first Arab American governor in the United States.
- 2017 Chester Bennington
Lead singer of the iconic rock band Linkin Park, known for his powerful vocal range and emotional performances. He tragically died by suicide in 2017, leaving a significant impact on alternative rock music.
- 2019 Sheila Dikshit
Influential Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Delhi for three consecutive terms, playing a crucial role in the city's development and governance.
What Is special about July 20?
Discover what makes July 20 a memorable date