July 17 birthdays and deaths:

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was a legendary American jazz singer known for her expressive, emotive voice and improvisational style. Born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, she sang with a smooth, bluesy tone, interpreting standards and originals like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit".

Deathyear: 1959

Peter III of Russia

Peter III of Russia, who ruled from January to July 1762, was the grandson of Peter the Great and the son of Catherine I. He was a German-born prince who ascended to the throne after the death of his mother.

Deathyear: 1762

Jules Bianchi

Jules Bianchi was a French racing driver who represented Marussia F1 Team from 2013 to 2015. After a severe crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Bianchi suffered a fatal head injury and passed away on July 17, 2015, at the age of 25.

Deathyear: 2015

Adam Smith

Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher and economist, is best known for his book "The Wealth of Nations" (1776). He is considered one of the founders of modern economics, and his ideas on division of labor and free markets continue to influence economic thought and policy-making to this day.

Deathyear: 1790

Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia

On July 17, 1918, the Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children, were brutally killed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The victims were: the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, Prince Andrew, Crown Prince Alexei, and the four Grand Duchesses: Olga, Tatiana, Marie, and Anastasia.

Deathyear: 1918

John Coltrane

John Coltrane was a pioneering American saxophonist and composer, best known for his influential work in the development of free jazz and avant-garde music. His iconic album "A Love Supreme" is considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.

Deathyear: 1967

Alexandra Feodorovna (Alix of Hesse)

On July 17, 1918, the Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their five children, and three retainers, were brutally murdered by Bolshevik forces in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The victims, who were brutally treated and executed, included Nicholas II, Alexandra, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, Alexei, and the servants.

Deathyear: 1918

William James Sidis

William James Sidis was a child prodigy who entered Harvard at 11 and earned his Ph.D. at 17. A mathematician and anthropologist, he made significant contributions to algebraic geometry and linguistics, publishing numerous papers and collaborating with renowned scholars.

Deathyear: 1944

Edward Heath

Edward Heath was a British politician and statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974. Prior to his premiership, he was a Colonel in the British Army and a Member of Parliament for over 30 years.

Deathyear: 2005

John Lewis

John Lewis, a legendary civil rights leader and politician, served as a U.S. Representative from Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Deathyear: 2020

Ty Cobb

Ty Cobb, nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was a legendary American baseball player and manager. He played for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Athletics from 1905 to 1928, setting numerous records, including a .366 career batting average, and won the Triple Crown in 1922.

Deathyear: 1961

Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite was a renowned American journalist and anchor of the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. Known as "Old Newsman," he reported on world events, including the moon landing and Vietnam War.

Deathyear: 2009

Bruiser Brody

Bruiser Brody was a rugged football player and wrestler known for his toughness and rough-around-the-edges style. Born in 1946, he played for the University of Minnesota and later wrestled professionally, earning a reputation for his intense matches and hard-hitting moves.

Deathyear: 1988

Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia

On the night of July 17, 1918, the Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children, along with four loyal servants, were brutally executed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg, Russia, their massacre sparking a wave of international outrage and grief.

Deathyear: 1918

Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya

Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya is a Russian-Australian pair skater born in 2000. She began skating at age 5 and partnered with Harley Windsor, becoming the first Australian duo to win a Grand Prix medal. In 2018, they finished 14th at the Olympics.

Deathyear: 2020

Jed Johnson (designer)

On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 departed John F. Kennedy International Airport bound for Paris. The Boeing 747 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Long Island, killing all 230 people on board. The cause of the crash remains a mystery, fueling ongoing speculation and controversy.

Deathyear: 1996

Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia

On July 17, 1918, Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their children Alexei, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Dmitri were brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg, Russia, marking the tragic end of the Romanov dynasty and the devastating consequences for its victims and their families.

Deathyear: 1918

Juan Manuel Fangio

Juan Manuel Fangio, a pioneering Argentine racing driver, won five Formula One World Championships between 1951 and 1957. He drove for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati, earning acclaim for his exceptional skills and four World Championship wins.

Deathyear: 1995

Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia

The Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their children, were brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks on the night of July 16-17, 1918. This tragic event shocked the world and left a lasting impact on Russian history.

Deathyear: 1918

Elaine Stritch

Elaine Stritch, born in 1925, was a renowned American actress and singer, best known for her feisty and fiery stage presence. She gained fame for her roles in "Company" and "Any Wednesday" while also appearing on Broadway and screen, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment world.

Deathyear: 2014

Jim Bridger

Jim Bridger, born in 1804, was a renowned American scout and explorer who charted the Oregon and California trails. He discovered the Great Salt Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Bridger was also a trapper and trader, playing a key role in the development of the American West.

Deathyear: 1881

Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia

The Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children, were brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918, in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The family was arrested in 1917 and held in secret, ultimately executed in a basement, their bodies never recovered.

Deathyear: 1918

Katharine Graham

Katharine Graham was a pioneering American publisher who led The Washington Post to prominence. As the first female CEO of a major American news organization, she played a crucial role in publishing the Pentagon Papers and advocating for a free press, earning her the Pulitzer Prize in 1998.

Deathyear: 2001

David Kelly (weapons expert)

David Kelly, a British biological warfare expert, was born in 1944 in Wales. He worked as a weapons inspector for the United Nations, and was mistakenly identified as the source of the claim that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2003.

Deathyear: 2003

Nicholas II

The Romanov Family was brutally executed by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918. Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their five children, and Dimma, their loyal servant, were slain in Yekaterinburg. The tragedy was a tragic event that shocked the world and left a lasting impact on history.

Deathyear: 1918

Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey

Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. He was a Whig politician and leading figure in the Reform Act of 1832, which significantly reformed the British electoral system, expanding suffrage and addressing electoral corruption.

Deathyear: 1845

Charlotte Corday

I think there may be a mistake here! Charlotte Corday was actually a French queen, not a murderer. She was born on July 27, 1768, and was executed by guillotine on July 17, 1793, for assassinating Jean-Paul Marat, a prominent leader of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.

Deathyear: 1793

Henri Poincaré

Henri Poincaré was a French mathematician, physicist, and engineer who made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, physics, and engineering. He is considered one of the most prominent mathematicians of the 20th century, known for his work on topology, differential equations, and the Poincaré conjecture.

Deathyear: 1912

Jadwiga of Poland

Jadwiga, also known as Hedwig, was the Queen of Poland from 1384 to 1399. Born in 1374, she was the daughter of King Louis I of Hungary. She married Jagiello, Grand Duke of Lithuania, and united the two nations, becoming one of the most influential queens in Polish history.

Deathyear: 1399

Geraldine Fitzgerald

Geraldine Fitzgerald was an Irish-American actress known for her versatility and range. Born in 1913, she appeared in numerous films, including "Theodus of a Midnight" with Maria Schell, and TV shows, earning four Emmy nominations during her illustrious career.

Deathyear: 2005

Chas Chandler

Chas Chandler was a British bassist, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded The Animals and produced hits for artists like The Hollies and Slade.

Deathyear: 1996

Draža Mihailović

Draža Mihailović was a Serbian general and nationalist who led the Chetniks, a resistance movement, against the Axis powers during World War II. He was born in 1893 and executed in 1946 for alleged war crimes. His legacy remains controversial, sparking debates about his role in the war.

Deathyear: 1946

Mickey Spillane

Mickey Spillane was a pioneering American crime novelist, best known for his Mike Hammer series. Born in 1918, Spillane's hard-boiled detective stories were incredibly popular, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His gritty, noir-inspired novels characterized by their graphic violence, dark humor, and gritty realism.

Deathyear: 2006

Mimar Sinan

Mimar Sinan, the renowned Ottoman architect and engineer, designed the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque. Born in 1489, Sinan's impressive works demonstrate his mastery of Ottoman architecture, blending Gothic and Islamic styles, showcasing his creative genius in shaping Istanbul's architectural landscape.

Deathyear: 1588

Álvaro Obregón

Álvaro Obregón was a Mexican general and politician who served as the 39th President of Mexico from 1920 to 1924. A key figure in the Mexican Revolution, he played a leading role in the Constitutionalist movement and was a key ally to Venustiano Carranza.

Deathyear: 1928

Robert Guiscard

Robert Guiscard, a renowned Norman adventurer, conquered southern Italy and Sicily in the 11th century. He defeated the Byzantines and established a powerful Norman kingdom, earning the nickname "the Great". His bravery and strategic genius secured his place in history as one of the greatest Norman leaders.

Deathyear: 1085

Dizzy Dean

Dizzy Dean, a legendary pitcher and broadcaster, played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1930 to 1947. Known for his electric fastball, Dean won 150 games and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.

Deathyear: 1974

Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset

Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset, was an English-Scottish politician born in 1587. He served as Lord Chamberlain and was known for his close relationship with King James I. His association with the King led to his rise to power, but also sparked controversy and scandal.

Deathyear: 1645

Giovanni Giolitti

Giovanni Giolitti was a prominent Italian politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of Italy from 1892 to 1896 and again from 1903 to 1905. Known as the "Father of the Ricordi", Giolitti was a key figure in Italian politics, advocating for social and economic reforms.

Deathyear: 1928

John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury

John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, was a renowned military commander and politician in the late 14th century. Born in 1387, he served as Lord High Admiral of England and fought in the Hundred Years' War, displaying exceptional leadership skills and earning him the respect of his contemporaries.

Deathyear: 1453

Eugene Botkin

The Romanov family, consisting of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children, were brutally assassinated in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 1918. The execution of the family, considered martyrs in many Orthodox churches, was a tragic culmination of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

Deathyear: 1918

Leszek Kołakowski

Leszek Kołakowski was a prominent Polish historian and philosopher, best known for his work on the history of Marxism and the philosophy of communism.

Deathyear: 2009

Anna Demidova

The Imperial Romanov family, including Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children, were brutally murdered in Yekaterinburg, Russia on July 17, 1918. The Romanovs, along with four servants, were victims of the shooting, with members of the family being shot and bayoneted before being stabbed to death.

Deathyear: 1918

Eugene Meyer (financier)

Eugene Meyer was an American businessman and publisher, born in 1875. He served as publisher of The Washington Post from 1933-1946, transforming the newspaper into a respected liberal voice. He was also a wealthy investor and played a key role in the creation of the Federal Reserve System.

Deathyear: 1959

Shuba Jay

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, shot down over Ukraine on July 17, 2014, claimed the lives of 298 people from 11 countries, including 196 passengers and 15 crew members. The victims came from various backgrounds, including students, professionals, and families, who were returning from a summer vacation.

Deathyear: 2014

Don "Red" Barry

Don "Red" Barry was an American actor and screenwriter, born in 1912. He began his acting career as a child actor and gained fame in the 1920s and 1930s for his roles in Westerns, dramas, and comedies.

Deathyear: 1980

Jean Borotra

Jean Borotra, a pioneering French tennis player, won 42 singles and 121 doubles matches between 1914 and 1936. Known as "Boro," he was a stylish and elegant player, renowned for his charming personality and thrilling volleys.

Deathyear: 1994

Pope Leo IV

Leo IV was Pope from 847 until his assassination in 855. He was a Italian by birth and was elected Pope at the age of 57. During his papacy, Leo IV clashed with the Holy Roman Emperor Lothair I over the election of a new Pope.

Deathyear: 855

Alexei Trupp

The Romanov family, led by Tsar Nicholas II, was brutally murdered along with their servants and loyal Russian subjects, including their young daughter Anastasia and physician Eugene Botkin.

Deathyear: 1918

Ivan Kharitonov

In Yekaterinburg, Russia, on the night of July 17, 1918, the Romanov family was brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks. Nicholas II, Alexandra, and their five children, along with four retainers, were executed by firing squad, their bodies burned and buried in secret to conceal the atrocity.

Deathyear: 1918

Tự Đức

Tự Đức was the 4th Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, ruling Vietnam from 1847 to 1883. He centralized power, strengthened the army, and supported Confucian education. Despite reforms, his reign was marked by rebellions and eventual French colonization.

Deathyear: 1883