July 24 birthdays and deaths:

Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers was a pioneering English actor and comedian, known for his versatile and iconic roles in films like "The Pink Panther" series, "Dr. Strangelove," and "A Shot in the Dark."

Deathyear: 1980

Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin was a legendary American actor and TV host, best known for hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "Live! with Regis and Kelly."

Deathyear: 2020

Martin Van Buren

Martin Van Buren was a influential American lawyer and politician who served as the eighth President of the United States from 1837 to 1841. He was the first president born after the American Revolution and was known for his unassuming personality and strong presidential leadership.

Deathyear: 1862

Rodney Alcala

Rodney Alcala, also known as "The Dating Game Killer," was an American serial killer who murdered at least 8 people, mostly young women, in the 1970s. He was born in 1943 and was executed in 2021 for his crimes.

Deathyear: 2021

David Warner (actor)

David Warner is a talented English actor, born in 1941, known for his versatility in film, television, and stage roles. He has appeared in numerous productions, including "Luther" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy."

Deathyear: 2022

Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley is an American actor and singer, best known for his roles in the TV shows "The Jeffersons" and "Amen". Born on February 24, 1938, Hemsley has had a successful career in television, film, and stage, earning multiple awards and nominations for his performances.

Deathyear: 2012

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis was a British footballer who made history as the first £1 million player in 1979. Born in 1954, Francis played for clubs like Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Sampdoria, earning 52 caps for England and scoring 23 goals.

Deathyear: 2023

George Alagiah

George Alagiah is a renowned BBC News journalist and broadcaster born in 1955. He has presented the BBC's flagship news program, News at Six, and is known for his in-depth reporting on global issues, earning him multiple awards and a reputation for excellence in journalism.

Deathyear: 2023

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa was a pioneering Japanese author, born in 1892. He is best known for his short stories, which often explored themes of morality, humanity, and the human condition. His works, such as "Rashōmon" and "In a Copper Red Night," are considered classics of Japanese literature.

Deathyear: 1927

Chad Everett

Chad Everett was a versatile American actor and director, born on June 10, 1937. He is best known for his starring role as Dr. Joe Gannon on the TV series "Medical Center" from 1969 to 1976, earning multiple Emmy nominations for his performance.

Deathyear: 2012

Alex Higgins

Alex Higgins, a Northern Irish professional snooker player, was born in 1949. Known for his attacking style and erratic temperament, Higgins won the World Snooker Championship twice (1972, 1982) and was a renowned figure in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s.

Deathyear: 2010

Marni Nixon

Marni Nixon was an American actress and singer born in 1930. She is known for her iconic voice-overs in films like "West Side Story" and "My Fair Lady," for which she won a Grammy Award.

Deathyear: 2016

Dan Peek

Dan Peek was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as a founding member of the pop duo America. With his smooth falsetto and introspective lyrics, Peek's distinctive voice added depth to America's harmonies and contributed to the band's enduring success.

Deathyear: 2011

Constance Bennett

Constance Bennett was a renowned American actress and producer, born on October 22, 1904. She starred in over 80 films, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Known for her wit, poise, and striking beauty, Bennett's charming on-screen presence made her a Hollywood legend.

Deathyear: 1965

James Chadwick

James Chadwick, a British physicist, discovered the neutron in 1932, leading to groundbreaking research in nuclear physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for his pioneering work. Chadwick's discovery revolutionized atomic physics, paving the way for nuclear energy and a new era of scientific inquiry.

Deathyear: 1974

William J. Brennan Jr.

William J. Brennan Jr. (1906-1997) was a US Army colonel turned Supreme Court Justice, serving from 1956 to 1990. He was known for his progressive opinions on issues like affirmative action, flag burning, and reproductive rights, earning him a reputation as a champion of civil liberties.

Deathyear: 1997

Isaac Bashevis Singer

Isaac Bashevis Singer was a renowned Polish-American author, Nobel laureate, and leading figure in Yiddish literature. Born in Poland in 1902, he masterfully explored the complexities of Jewish identity, culture, and faith through his works, earning widespread acclaim and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978.

Deathyear: 1991

Carlos, Prince of Asturias

Carlos, Prince of Asturias, was born in 1545 as the firstborn son of Emperor Charles V and Infanta Isabella of Portugal. He was the son-in-law of King Philip II of Spain and later became King Charles II of Spain.

Deathyear: 1568

Orleans (band)

Larry Hoppen, American singer and guitarist, was born in 1951. He was a founding member of the band Orleans, known for hits like "Dance with Me" and "After You're Gone". His distinctive vocals and guitar work contributed to the group's distinctive sound.

Deathyear: 2012

Albert Ellis

Albert Ellis was a renowned American psychologist and author, best known for developing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Born in 1913, Ellis was a prolific writer and speaker, authoring over 80 books and thousands of articles. His work focused on the irrational thought patterns that contribute to mental health issues.

Deathyear: 2007

Matilda of Tuscany

Matilda of Tuscany (1046-1115) was a powerful noblewoman and regent of Italy. Known as "Matriança", she played a crucial role in the struggle for power in Italy during the Investiture Controversy, supporting the papacy against the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V.

Deathyear: 1115

Virginia E. Johnson

Virginia E. Johnson, an American psychologist and sexologist, was born in 1925. She was a renowned expert in human sexuality and relationships, best known for her work on human sexuality and the Masters and Johnson approach to human sexual response.

Deathyear: 2013

John Atta Mills

John Atta Mills was a Ghanaian lawyer and politician who served as President of Ghana from 2009 until his death in 2012. He was the first President of Ghana born after Ghana's independence from British colonial rule.

Deathyear: 2012

Arletty

Arletty (1898-1992) was a dazzling French actress and singer who enthralled audiences with her unique blend of bold style, husky voice, and vivacious stage presence. Born Édith-Jeanne Allar, she rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing her talents in films, theater, and music halls.

Deathyear: 1992

George Rodger

George Rodger, a pioneering English photographer and journalist, captured the brutality of World War II through his lens. He documented the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp, earning him the nickname "the eye of Europe."

Deathyear: 1995

Dale Snodgrass

Dale Snodgrass is a renowned US Naval Aviator and air show performer, born in 1949. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former test pilot, showcasing his skills in the F-4 Phantom II and F/A-18 Hornet at numerous air shows, earning him the title "The Master of Aerial Acrobatics".

Deathyear: 2021

Arkhip Kuindzhi

Arkhip Kuindzhi was a Ukrainian-Russian painter born in 1841. He was known for his beautiful landscapes and cityscapes, often depicting romanticized scenes of nature and everyday life. His paintings showcased his attention to detail and color palette, earning him recognition in the Russian art world.

Deathyear: 1910

Witold Gombrowicz

Witold Gombrowicz was a Polish writer and playwright known for his unique, innovative style. Born in 1904, he wrote novels, plays, and essays that explored the human condition, identity, and the absurd. His works, such as "Ferdyduke" and "Trans-Atlantyk," are considered classics of Polish literature.

Deathyear: 1969