Famous people and celebrities who died on July 31

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on July 31. 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.

• 1805 Dheeran Chinnamalai

  Renowned scientist known for groundbreaking research in the field of physics.

• 1875 Andrew Johnson

  American politician, u.s. president 1865-1869. he succeeded president lincoln. johnson, a noted democrat and methodist, never went to school. his wife taught him. he was determined and stern. in his later years, he became the governor of new mexico territory.

• 1944 Antoine de Saint-Exupery

  Renowned French writer, aviator, and author of 'The Little Prince', who made significant contributions to aviation literature and children's books.

• 1964 Jim Reeves

  Jim Reeves was a pioneering country western singer who transformed the genre's image by trading cowboy attire for sophisticated suits, helping bring country music to urban audiences with his smooth baritone and 'uptown' sound.

• 1965 James Rennie

  Actor (wilson skylark, illicit), is killed at 75

• 1966 Bud Powell

  Legendary bebop jazz pianist who revolutionized piano playing in the mid-20th century, known for his extraordinary technical skill and innovative improvisational style.

• 1967 Richard Kuhn Austria

  Prominent Austrian biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in 1938 for his groundbreaking work on vitamins and their chemical structure.

• 1973 Azumafuji Kin'ichi

  Azumafuji Kin'ichi was a prominent Japanese sumo wrestler who achieved the prestigious rank of yokozuna (grand champion) in the traditional Japanese wrestling sport. He was a significant figure in the sumo world during the mid-20th century.

• 1978 Enoch Light

  Renowned orchestra leader and musician known for his big band and jazz performances, active in mid-20th century entertainment.

• 1980 Mohammed Rafi

  Iconic Indian playback singer who revolutionized Bollywood music with his extraordinary vocal range and versatility.

• 1980 Bobby Van

  Bobby Van was an American actor, dancer, and television host known for his energetic performances and comedic talents. He appeared in numerous Broadway musicals and TV shows, entertaining audiences with his charming and humorous style. He tragically passed away from cancer at the young age of 49.

• 1986 Chiune Sugihara

  Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II by issuing transit visas against his government's orders, risking his career and life to help people escape Nazi persecution.

• 1987 Joseph E. Levine

  Prominent American film producer who founded Embassy Pictures, a significant independent film distribution and production company during the mid-20th century.

• 1993 Baudouin I of Belgium

  Fifth King of the Belgians who reigned from 1951 to 1993, playing a crucial role in the decolonization of the Belgian Congo and known for his deep religious convictions.

• 1994 Anne Shelton

  British singer (glenn miller band), dies at 66

• 2001 Poul Anderson

  Renowned American science fiction and fantasy author, multiple Hugo Award winner known for his innovative and scientifically rigorous storytelling.

• 2003 Guido Crepax

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

• 2004 Laura Betti

  Renowned Italian actress and close friend of Pier Paolo Pasolini, known for her collaborations with major Italian filmmakers like Fellini and Bertolucci. She was also a professional jazz singer before her acting career and created a documentary about Pasolini in 2001.

• 2005 Wim Duisenberg

  Prominent Dutch politician and economist who served as Minister of Finance and first President of the European Central Bank.

• 2009 Bobby Robson

  Legendary English footballer and football manager who had a distinguished career in international soccer, managing several top clubs and the national team.

• 2012 Gore Vidal

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

• 2013 Michael Ansara

  American actor known for his Native American roles in film and television, particularly as Cochise in 'Broken Arrow' and in the series 'Centennial'.

• 2014 Warren Bennis

  Warren Bennis was a pioneering leadership scholar and author who significantly influenced modern management theory and leadership development. He was a professor at the University of Southern California and wrote extensively about leadership, organizational change, and personal growth.

• 2015 Roddy Piper

  Professional wrestler famous for his iconic WWE performances and legendary feud with Hulk Hogan, known for his charismatic personality and memorable wrestling career.

• 2017 Jeanne Moreau

  Iconic French actress and film director who was a leading figure of the French New Wave cinema. She appeared in over 49 films and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Lion d'Or and Legion d'Honneur. Moreau was renowned for her sophisticated and nuanced performances in both French and international cinema.

• 2019 Harold Prince

  Broadway producer and director with record number of Tony Awards, transforming musical theater.

• 2020 Alan Parker

  Renowned English film director, screenwriter, and producer who made significant contributions to cinema, passing away in 2020.

• 2022 Bill Russell

  Bill Russell was a legendary NBA player for the Boston Celtics, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won 11 NBA championships and was a pivotal figure in civil rights movement.