July 21 birthdays and deaths:

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett, the iconic American singer-songwriter, has been delighting audiences for over 75 years with his velvety smooth baritone voice. With a career spanning over eight decades, he has released numerous hit songs, earned numerous awards, and sold over 50 million records worldwide.

Deathyear: 2023

John Heard (actor)

John Heard is a renowned American film and television actor born in 1946. Known for his versatility, he has appeared in iconic films like "Chinatown" (1974) and the "Home Alone" franchise (1990-1992).

Deathyear: 2017

Claus von Stauffenberg

Claus von Stauffenberg, a German army officer, plotted to assassinate Hitler in July 1944. Born in 1907 in Stuttgart, Germany, Stauffenberg was part of the July Plot to overthrow the Nazi regime. He was executed by firing squad in 1944, aged 36.

Deathyear: 1944

Robert Burns

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet and songwriter, was born in 1759. He is celebrated for his poetic talent and contributions to the Scottish culture. His work, such as "Auld Lang Syne"

Deathyear: 1796

Mako (actor)

Mako Iwamatsu was a renowned Japanese-American actor and singer, born in 1933. With a career spanning over four decades, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Year of the Dragon" and "M*A*S*H".

Deathyear: 2006

Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard was a pioneering American astronaut and naval officer who made history as the first American in space on May 5, 1961, aboard Mercury-Redstone 3. He continued to play a significant role in the US space program, serving as the commander of the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

Deathyear: 1998

Basil Rathbone

I think there may be a mistake! Basil Rathbone was a British actor, not South African-American. He was born on June 13, 1892, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to British parents. He is best known for his iconic portrayals of Sherlock Holmes in the 1939-1946 film series.

Deathyear: 1967

Jerry Goldsmith

Jerry Goldsmith was a renowned American composer and conductor, born in 1929. He composed iconic film scores for films such as "The Sand Pebbles", "Planet of the Apes", and "Star Trek", and won numerous awards, including multiple Academy and Grammy Awards.

Deathyear: 2004

Lee Miller

Lee Miller was a pioneering American model, photographer, and artist. Born in 1907, she was a muse to Man Ray and a celebrated photographer in her own right, capturing the surrealism movement and glamorous society throughout her career.

Deathyear: 1977

Robert Young (actor)

Robert Young, a talented American actor and singer, was born in 1907. He is best known for his role as Dr. James Harvey on the popular TV series "Marcus Welby, M.D."

Deathyear: 1998

Henry Percy (Hotspur)

Henry Percy (1364-1408) was an English soldier and nobleman who fought in the Wars of the Roses. He was a prominent supporter of King Henry IV and played a key role in the battle of Shrewsbury, where he was killed.

Deathyear: 1403

Long John Baldry

Long John Baldry was a renowned English-Canadian singer and actor, born in 1941. With a booming voice and witty lyrics, he charmed audiences with his blues, folk, and country music.

Deathyear: 2005

Jimmie Foxx

Jimmie Foxx, also known as "Double X", was a power-hitting first baseman who played for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox. He won two MVP awards and had a .325 career batting average, induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.

Deathyear: 1967

Dennis Green

Dennis Green is a former NFL player and coach. Born in 1949, he played wide receiver for the Northwestern Wildcats and later coached the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

Deathyear: 2016

Annie Ross

Annie Ross, a Scottish-American singer and actress, is renowned for her velvety smooth vocals and interpretive skills. Born in 1930, she has performed with Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, earning Grammy Awards and induction into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 2020

Sam Bass (outlaw)

Sam Bass, born in 1851, was an American outlaw and train robber during the late 19th century. Known for his courageous and reckless behavior, Bass was a key figure in a gang that robbed trains across the Southern United States, earning him notoriety and infamy.

Deathyear: 1878

Ellen Terry

Ellen Terry was a renowned English actress, born on February 24, 1847. She was a leading lady of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with the Shakespearean stage.

Deathyear: 1928

Arshile Gorky

Arshile Gorky (1904-1948) was a prominent Armenian-American painter and illustrator. Born in Armenia, he immigrated to the US in 1920 and developed a distinctive style blending Armenian and American influences. His work is characterized by dreamlike, expressive abstractions and figurative paintings.

Deathyear: 1948

Angharad Rees

Angharad Rees is a renowned English-Welsh actress born in 1944. With a storied career spanning decades, she has delighted audiences in film and television, showcasing her talent in diverse roles. Her enduring legacy is a testament to her dedication and passion for the craft.

Deathyear: 2012

Manuel II Palaiologos

Manuel II Palaiologos was the eldest son of John V Palaiologos and reigned as Byzantine Emperor from 1391 to 1425. He fought against the Ottoman Empire and was a fierce defender of Constantinople, earning the nickname "Paliologos the Learned" for his intellectual pursuits.

Deathyear: 1425

Alexander Cockburn

Alexander Cockburn was a renowned Scottish-American journalist and author, known for his scathing critiques of power and his advocacy for social justice. He wrote for various publications, including The Nation, and penned several books, including "Corruptions of Empire".

Deathyear: 2012

E. L. Doctorow

E. L. Doctorow is a renowned American novelist, short story writer, and playwright, born in 1931. His works are known for their innovative narrative structures and complex characters.

Deathyear: 2015

Albert Luthuli

Albert Luthuli was a South African anti-apartheid activist and president of the African National Congress. He was the first African to head the ANC and became the first African Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1960, advocating for racial equality and justice in South Africa.

Deathyear: 1967

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, ruled from 1952 to 1972. He introduced modernizing reforms, promoting education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Known for his progressive vision, he transformed Bhutan's isolated society into a modern nation, gradually opening up to the world.

Deathyear: 1972

Robert G. Ingersoll

Robert G. Ingersoll, a Civil War veteran, rose to fame as a lawyer, politician, and orator. Born in 1833, he served in the Union Army and later became a U.S. Senator and Minister to Great Britain. Known for his eloquent speeches and freethinking philosophy.

Deathyear: 1899

Ta Mok

Ta Mok, a notorious Cambodian politician, was a Khmer Rouge leader who fought against the Vietnamese occupation. He was also a Buddhist monk and later became the commander of the Khmer Rouge forces during the 1980s.

Deathyear: 2006

Pedro Lascuráin

Pedro Lascuráin was a Mexican politician who served as President of Mexico for a record 45 minutes on February 13, 1913. Born in 1856, he succeeded Francisco I. Madero as president before being ousted by Victoriano Huerto in a coup, making him one of the shortest-serving presidents in history.

Deathyear: 1952

Lord Alfred Hayes

Lord Alfred Hayes, a pioneering English-American wrestler and manager, was born in 1928. He made a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling, known for his flamboyant ring attire and charismatic persona, enthralling audiences across the globe.

Deathyear: 2005

Bob Kalsu

Bob Kalsu was an American football player and lieutenant in the United States Army. He played center for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL) before serving in Vietnam, where he was killed in action on July 21, 1970.

Deathyear: 1970

Dave Garroway

Here is 40 words about Dave Garroway: Dave Garroway was a renowned American journalist and actor born in 1913. He began his career as a radio disc jockey and went on to host the popular TV show "The Today Show" for several years, becoming one of the first anchors of the program.

Deathyear: 1982

Antonio de Mendoza

Antonio de Mendoza, a Spanish politician and noble, served as the first Viceroy of New Spain from 1535 to 1550. Born in 1495, Mendoza played a pivotal role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas, overseeing the conquest and administration of present-day Mexico and Central America.

Deathyear: 1552

Ruth St. Denis

Ruth St. Denis, a pioneer of modern dance, revolutionized the art form through her expressive movements and innovative choreography. Her innovative spirit and experimental approach to dance paved the way for future generations of dancers and choreographers.

Deathyear: 1968

Ralph Houk

Ralph Houk was a renowned American baseball figure. As a player, he was a catcher for the New York Yankees (1947-1954). Later, he managed the Yankees to three World Series titles and won 1,613 games, making him one of the winningest managers in MLB history.

Deathyear: 2010

Mikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov

Mikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov (1907-1970) was a renowned Russian anthropologist and sculptor. He developed the method of reconstructing human faces from skull remains, creating iconic busts of Lenin, Stalin, and other Soviet leaders.

Deathyear: 1970