July 23 birthdays and deaths:

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was a groundbreaking English singer-songwriter known for her powerful, soulful voice and eclectic blend of jazz, pop, and R&B. Her iconic album "Back to Black" won five Grammy Awards and cemented her status as a music legend before her tragically early death in 2011.

Deathyear: 2011

Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was a renowned American general and politician who led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War. Elected as the 18th President of the United States, he played a significant role in reuniting the nation and establishing the modern Republican Party.

Deathyear: 1885

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a talented American actor, born in 1920. He was known for his introspective and emotionally charged performances, which played a significant role in shaping his unique screen presence.

Deathyear: 1966

Sally Ride

Sally Ride was a trailblazing American physicist and astronaut who became the first American woman in space in 1983. A member of the NASA Astronaut Corps, she flew on the STS-7 and STS-41-G missions, logging over 343 hours in space.

Deathyear: 2012

Vic Morrow

Vic Morrow was an American actor who appeared in films and television shows from the 1950s to the 1980s. Known for his tough-guy persona, he starred in "Combat!" and "Twilight Zone," and won a posthumous Oscar for his work in "Twilight Zone: The Movie."

Deathyear: 1982

Philippe Pétain

Philippe Pétain was a French general and politician who served as 119th Prime Minister of France from 1940 to 1942. Born in 1856, he was known for his military victories in World War I and later played a significant role in the French collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II.

Deathyear: 1951

Reginald Dyer

Reginald Dyer, a British brigadier general, was born in 1864. He was a prominent figure in the British Indian Army and gained infamous notoriety for ordering the Amritsar massacre in 1919, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians.

Deathyear: 1927

Mehmood (actor)

Mehmood Ali was a renowned Indian actor, director, and producer, born in 1932. With a career spanning over five decades, he worked in over 300 films, displaying his versatility as a comedian, character artist, and director. His signature laugh and signature style remain etched in Indian cinema's history.

Deathyear: 2004

D. W. Griffith

David Wark Griffith was a pioneering filmmaker who directed over 500 films, including the groundbreaking "Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916). His innovative storytelling and cinematography set the stage for the film industry's rapid growth in the early 20th century.

Deathyear: 1948

Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset

Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset, was a prominent English politician and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Born in 1519, he was the illegitimate son of King Henry VIII and enjoyed a scandalous reputation. He died in 1536 at the age of 17.

Deathyear: 1536

Emile Griffith

Emile Griffith, a trailblazing American boxer, held the welterweight title from 1961 to 1963. He won 85 of his 106 professional fights, with 23 knockouts. Griffith also trained notable fighters, including Thomas Hearns and Larry Holmes, before passing away in 2013 at age 75.

Deathyear: 2013

Hassan II of Morocco

Hassan II of Morocco, born on July 9, 1929, was the King of Morocco from 1961 to 1999. He ruled with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and strengthening authoritarian powers. Despite criticism, he achieved significant economic and diplomatic gains for Morocco.

Deathyear: 1999

William Luther Pierce

William Luther Pierce, born in 1933, was an American neo-Nazi activist and author, best known as the founder of the National Alliance, a white supremacist organization. He wrote several books, including "The Turner Diaries", a novel glorifying a violent white supremacist revolution.

Deathyear: 2002

Van Heflin

Henry Robinson Heflin, better known as Van Heflin, was an American actor born in 1910. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Johnny Eager" (1942) and was known for his rugged and charming on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 1971

Eddie Rickenbacker

Eddie Rickenbacker, born in 1890, was an American pilot and racing driver who founded Rickenbacker Motors. He was a Medal of Honor recipient, flying ace, and speed record holder.

Deathyear: 1973

Michael of Russia

Michael Romanov, the first Russian tsar from the House of Romanov, ruled from 1613 to 1645. Born in 1596, he solidified his power after the Time of Troubles and established the Romanov dynasty, introducing reforms and strengthening the Russian Empire.

Deathyear: 1645

Götz von Berlichingen

Goetz von Berlichingen, a renowned German knight and poet, was born in 1480. He was known for his bravery in battle and his literary talents. He fought in the War of the League of Cambrai and his poetry reflected his experiences as a mercenary in Italy.

Deathyear: 1562

Leo McKern

Leo McKern was a renowned Australian-English actor, born in South London in 1920. He was best known for his iconic roles in film, television, and theatre, including his portrayal of Headmaster Alcairo in the BBC's "Rumpole of the Bailey" series.

Deathyear: 2002

Lakshmi Sahgal

Lakshmi Sahgal, born in 1914, was a trailblazing Indian soldier and politician who fought for India's independence and later became a women's rights activist. She was the only female member of the Defense Committee of the Indian National Congress and a pioneer in Indian politics.

Deathyear: 2012

Roger Sherman

Roger Sherman was a pioneering American lawyer and politician, born in 1721. He played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Deathyear: 1793

Eudora Welty

Eudora Welty was a celebrated American novelist and short story writer, born in 1909. She is renowned for her poignant and evocative prose, which often explored the intricate relationships and cultural heritage of the Deep South, as seen in her works like "The Robber Bridegroom" and "The Optimist's Daughter".

Deathyear: 2001

Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon

Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon (1526-1596) was an English courtier and military leader. He served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth I and led her troops in Scotland. He was a skilled diplomat and played a key role in the Elizabethan court.

Deathyear: 1596

Cordell Hull

Cordell Hull was a renowned American diplomat, serving as the 47th US Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944. He was a key architect of the United Nations and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his efforts to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars.

Deathyear: 1955

Domenico Scarlatti

Domenico Scarlatti was a renowned Italian harpsichord player and composer. Born in 1685, he was a student of Arcangelo Corelli and later became a-court composer for Queen Christina of Sweden.

Deathyear: 1757

Bridget of Sweden

Bridget of Sweden, a mystic and saint, founded the Brigittine Order in 1370. Born in 1303, she was a devoted wife, mother, and spiritual seeker. Her visions and prophecies inspired the Order's mission to serve the poor and promote prayer and scholarship.

Deathyear: 1373

Mohammad Zahir Shah

Mohammed Zahir Shah was the last king of Afghanistan, ruling from 1933 to 1973. He implemented reforms, modernized the country, and promoted education. A liberal and modernizer, he was exiled in 1973 and lived in Rome until his death in 2007.

Deathyear: 2007

Keith Godchaux

Keith Godchaux was a renowned American keyboardist and songwriter, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead and more recently the Jerry Garcia Band. He was known for his unique and expressive keyboard playing style.

Deathyear: 1980

Isaac Singer

Isaac Singer, a German-American entrepreneur, founded the Singer Corporation in 1851. Born in 1811, Singer revolutionized the sewing machine industry with his innovative designs and manufacturing techniques, establishing the company as a leading textile machinery manufacturer.

Deathyear: 1875

Dora Bryan

Dora Bryan is a renowned English actress, born in 1923, known for her versatility in film, television, and stage. She has appeared in numerous productions, including the iconic British comedy "A Taste of Honey" and was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in 2004 for her contributions to British cinema.

Deathyear: 2014

Glenn Curtiss

Glenn Curtiss was a pioneering American aviator and engineer, credited with numerous aviation milestones. He designed and flew the first seaplane in 1911 and developed the first practical flying boat. His innovative designs and flying skills earned him the title "The Father of Naval Aviation".

Deathyear: 1930

Viktor Vasnetsov

Viktor Vasnetsov was a prominent Russian painter known for his iconic works of Russian folk culture and mysticism. Born in 1848, he was a leading figure in the Art Nouveau movement, blending elements of fantasy, symbolism, and Russian folklore in his vivid and enchanting paintings.

Deathyear: 1926

Djalma Santos

Djalma Santos, a Brazilian footballer, was born on February 27, 1929. He played as a right-back for São Paulo FC and the Brazilian national team, winning the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. Santos is a legendary figure in Brazilian football, known for his exceptional defensive skills and athleticism.

Deathyear: 2013

Rona Anderson

Rona Anderson was a Scottish actress born in 1926, known for her versatility on stage and screen. She starred in numerous British films and TV shows, including the popular series "Compact" and "As You Like It."

Deathyear: 2013

Chaim Potok

Chaim Potok was a renowned American novelist and rabbi, known for his thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration of Jewish identity and faith. His novels, such as "The Chosen" and "My Name is Asher Lev", continue to resonate with readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 2002

William Ramsay

William Ramsay, a Scottish chemist and academic, discovered several noble gases, including helium, neon, and argon. His work on gas properties led to the discovery of several new elements. He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 for his groundbreaking research.

Deathyear: 1916

Andries Pretorius

Andries Pretorius was a South African general born in 1798. He led the Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch settlers, in the Great Trek of 1835-1838. He played a key role in the Battle of Blood River and later became the first State President of the South African Republic.

Deathyear: 1853

Piero Piccioni

Piero Piccioni was a renowned Italian pianist, conductor, and composer, known for his versatility in various styles. Born in 1921, he excelled in classical music, jazz, and scores for films, earning him international recognition and a prominent place in Italian musical heritage.

Deathyear: 2004

Donald Barthelme

Donald Barthelme (1931-1989) was a renowned American author known for his innovative and unconventional writing style. His short stories and novels blended humor, satire, and surrealism, exploring the absurdities of modern life and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1989

Ted Greene

Ted Greene, a renowned American guitarist and journalist, was born in 1946. Known for his captivating stage presence and versatility, Greene's music style blended genres such as jazz, pop, and rock. He also worked as a music journalist, sharing his passion with the world through his writing.

Deathyear: 2005

John Kundla

John Kundla was a renowned American basketball coach, born in 1916. He led the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships, including their inaugural title in 1948. His 65-game winning streak remains the longest in professional basketball history.

Deathyear: 2017

Shigenori Tōgō

Shigenori Tōgō was a Japanese politician and diplomat who served as Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1941 to 1947. He played a crucial role in Japan's foreign policy during World War II and was involved in the country's post-war reconstruction.

Deathyear: 1950

Robert J. Flaherty

Robert Flaherty, a pioneering filmmaker, directed and produced iconic documentaries, such as "Nanook of the North" (1922) and "Louisiana Story" (1948), showcasing indigenous cultures and the American South, blending fiction and non-fiction techniques to create enchanting and enduring cinematic masterpieces.

Deathyear: 1951