July 31 birthdays and deaths:
Famous people who died on July 31:
Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud is an American actor born in 1998. He rose to fame for his portrayal of Fez in the HBO miniseries "Euphoria" (2019-2022). With his breakout role, Cloud has gained widespread recognition for his unique acting style and captivating on-screen presence.
Deathyear: 2023
Bill Russell
Bill Russell, a towering figure in NBA history, dominated the court as a player and coach. With an unprecedented 11 NBA championships, Russell's unyielding defensive prowess and clutch shooting led the Boston Celtics to unparalleled success, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players and coaches in NBA history.
Deathyear: 2022
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson, born December 29, 1808, was a skilled politician and general who served as the 17th President of the United States from 1865 to 1869.
Deathyear: 1875
Roddy Piper
Roddy Piper, the Canadian wresting icon, was a charismatic grappler and memorable actor. Born in Saskatchewan in 1954, he won multiple championships, and appeared in films like "They Live" and "Hellcome Home".
Deathyear: 2015
Gore Vidal
Gore Vidal was a renowned American novelist, screenwriter, and critic, known for his witty repartee and biting satire. Born in 1925, he wrote acclaimed novels like "Myra Breckinridge" and "Myra Breckinridge" and was a prominent figure in 20th-century American letters.
Deathyear: 2012
Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, a renowned Hungarian pianist, composer, and conductor, was born in 1811. He was known for his technical virtuosity and expressive playing style, and his compositions, including the piano pieces "La Campanella" and "Hungarian Rhapsodies," remain classics of the Romantic era.
Deathyear: 1886
Udham Singh
Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary who fought for freedom from British rule. Born in 1899, he participated in the Ghadar Movement and assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, a British official responsible for the Amritsar Massacre, in 1940. His fight for Indian independence remains an inspiration to many.
Deathyear: 1940
Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi was a legendary Indian playback singer, born in 1924. He lent his voice to over 7,000 songs in Bollywood films, earning him the nickname "The Melody King." His silky smooth voice and incredible vocal range made him a beloved icon in Indian cinema.
Deathyear: 1980
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a French pioneer aviator and writer who soared across the skies and poured his experiences into poetic prose. Born in 1900, he penned timeless classics like "The Little Prince" and "Wind, Sand and Stars", capturing the human spirit's quest for connection.
Deathyear: 1944
Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish priest and theologian, founded the Society of Jesus, a Catholic order of priests, in 1540. Born in 1491, he was wounded in battle, retired to solitude, and wrote his Spiritual Exercises. His legacy includes the Jesuit order, known for education and missionary work.
Deathyear: 1556
Michael Ansara
Michael Ansara, a Syrian-American actor, is best known for his iconic roles in TV and film, including the character Khaan in the 1970s series "Knight Rider" and his extensive work in Westerns and sci-fi.
Deathyear: 2013
Bobby Robson
Bobby Robson is a renowned English footballer and manager, born in 1933. He played for various clubs, including Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, before coaching some of Europe's top teams, including PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, and Newcastle United again.
Deathyear: 2009
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos, the 12th President of the Philippines, served from 1992 to 1998. He was a decorated general and a leader in the country's resistance against Japanese occupation during World War II.
Deathyear: 2022
Baudouin of Belgium
Baudouin (1930-1993) was the King of the Belgians from 1951 until his abdication in 1991. He reigned during a time of significant social and economic change, earning a reputation for humility, kindness, and dedication to his duties as monarch.
Deathyear: 1993
Jeanne Moreau
Jeanne Moreau was a renowned French actress, born in 1928. She rose to international fame for her captivating performances in films like "Jules and Jim" and "The Lovers." Known for her husky voice and expressive eyes, Moreau's talents earned her multiple award nominations and a lasting legacy in French cinema.
Deathyear: 2017
Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves was a legendary American singer-songwriter known for his smooth, baritone voice and hits like "He'll Have to Go" and "Distant Drums". With a career spanning five decades, he topped the charts with his iconic, velvety tone and mellow, country-pop sound.
Deathyear: 1964
Denis Diderot
Denis Diderot was a French philosopher, art critic, and playwright born in 1713. He was a leading figure in the Enlightenment and co-founded the Encyclopédie, a pioneering publication that compiled knowledge across various fields.
Deathyear: 1784
Robert A. Taft
Here is a 40-word biography of Robert A. Taft: Robert Alphonso Taft, born in 1889, was an American soldier and politician. He served as a lieutenant colonel in World War I and later became a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1939 to 1953, known for his conservative views and anti-New Deal stance.
Deathyear: 1953
Alan Parker
Alan Parker was a renowned English filmmaker, born in 1944. He directed 15 feature films, including "Bugsy Malone" and "Mississippi Burning," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. His films often tackled social and political issues with great sensitivity and nuance.
Deathyear: 2020
Chiune Sugihara
Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Kaunas, Lithuania, defied his government's orders to issue visas to over 6,000 Jewish refugees, saving them from Nazi persecution during WWII. His heroic actions were recently recognized by the Israeli government, and he is remembered as the "Japanese Schindler".
Deathyear: 1986
Virginia Grey
Virginia Grey, born in 1917, was a talented American actress, starring in over 60 films and television shows. She began her career in the 1930s and continued working until the 1980s, known for her versatility and range, appearing in dramas, comedies, and various TV shows.
Deathyear: 2004
Omar Torrijos
Omar Torrijos was a Panamanian general and politician who led a military coup in 1968. He served as the military leader of Panama from 1968 until his death in 1981.
Deathyear: 1981
Bud Powell
Bud Powell was a groundbreaking American pianist known for his innovative and influential bebop style. Born in 1924, Powell's improvisational genius and harmonic sophistication left a lasting impact on jazz piano.
Deathyear: 1966
Jean Jaurès
Jean Jaurès, a prominent French journalist and politician, was born in 1859. As a stalwart of the French Socialist Party, he championed the cause of labor reform, advocating for workers' rights and proportional representation.
Deathyear: 1914
John V of Portugal
John V (1689-1750) reigned as King of Portugal from 1707 to 1750. He centralized authority, promoted arts and sciences, and strengthened trade and commerce. His reign is remembered for the reconstruction of Lisbon after the devastating 1755 earthquake.
Deathyear: 1750
Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire was a courageous English pilot who flew 140 sorties in World War II. He was captured and imprisoned, but managed to escape and became the most decorated RAF pilot. He continued to serve in the RAF and founded the Cheshire Homes organization for the disabled.
Deathyear: 1992
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, a legendary Japanese sumo wrestler, became the 58th Yokozuna in 1986. Born in 1955, he dominated the sport, winning 31 top division championships and setting multiple records. His extraordinary skill and longevity earned him immense respect and admiration in Japan and globally.
Deathyear: 2016
Harold Prince
Harold Prince, a Broadway legend, has dominated the Tony Awards with his impressive 21 wins, a record-breaking feat. As a producer and director, he has brought iconic shows like West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Cabaret to life, leaving a lasting mark on the world of musical theater.
Deathyear: 2019
Tony Sly
Tony Sly is a renowned American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist best known as the vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band No Use for a Name. Born in 1970, Sly's distinctive vocals and heartfelt lyrics have captivated fans worldwide.
Deathyear: 2012
Dheeran Chinnamalai
Dheeran Chinnamalai was a renowned Indian warrior who led the Poligar Wars against the British East India Company in the 18th century. Born in 1756, he was a chieftain of the Palayakkarar clan in Madurai, India, and fought valiantly for his people's independence and freedom.
Deathyear: 1805
Seymour Papert
Seymour Papert was a renowned South African mathematician and computer scientist who made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence.
Deathyear: 2016
Pascual Jordan
Here is 40 words about Pascual Jordan: Pascual Jordan (1902-1980) was a German physicist, author, and academic. He made significant contributions to quantum mechanics, particularly in the development of the new quantum mechanics and the integration of wave mechanics into the new quantum theory.
Deathyear: 1980
Paul-Henri Spaak
Paul-Henri Spaak was a prominent Belgian politician who served as 40th Prime Minister of Belgium and first President of the United Nations General Assembly. Born in 1899, he played a crucial role in shaping international diplomacy and promoting European integration during the mid-20th century.
Deathyear: 1972
Aurelia (mother of Caesar)
Aurelia Cotta, mother of Gaius Julius Caesar, was a respected Roman woman born circa 120 BCE. Wife of Lucius Julius Caesar, she played a significant role in her son's early life, fostering his connections and ambition, laying the groundwork for his eventual rise to power.
Deathyear: -54
Warren Bennis
Warren Bennis (1925-2013) was a renowned American scholar, author, and academic. He wrote extensively on leadership, innovation, and organizational behavior. A professor and former dean at the University of Southern California, Bennis was a thought leader in the field of management.
Deathyear: 2014
Francis Younghusband
Francis Younghusband was a British Army officer, explorer, and spiritual writer. Born in 1863, he led the famous 1903-1904 Trans-Himalayan expedition to Mount Everest. He later wrote extensively on spirituality and Eastern spirituality, including his book "Easter Jubilee," which explores the intersection of Christianity and Eastern mysticism.
Deathyear: 1942
Richard Schweiker
Richard Schweiker was a decorated American soldier and politician who served as the 14th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1981 to 1985. He was a prominent figure in Republican politics, serving in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Deathyear: 2015