July 17 is a date marked by the passing of several notable individuals throughout history. From monarchs and economists to musicians and activists, this day has seen the loss of many influential figures. In this article, we explore the lives and contributions of 16 famous people who died on July 17, shedding light on their achievements and the legacies they left behind.
16 Famous People Who Died on July 17
1. Peter III
Date of death: July 17, 1762
Peter III (born February 21, 1728) was Emperor of Russia for a brief period in 1762. He was known for his attempts to reform the Russian government and military in a manner akin to Western European practices. His reign, however, was short-lived due to his unpopularity and perceived incompetence. He was overthrown by his wife, Catherine the Great, in a coup, and was subsequently murdered on July 17, 1762.
2. Adam Smith
Date of death: July 17, 1790
Adam Smith (born June 16, 1723) was a Scottish economist, philosopher, and author, best known for his influential book “The Wealth of Nations.” Often referred to as the father of modern economics, Smith’s ideas on free markets, division of labor, and the invisible hand have had a lasting impact on economic theory and practice. He died on July 17, 1790, leaving a profound legacy in the field of economics.
3. Charles Gray
Date of death: July 17, 1845
Charles Gray (born March 13, 1764) was a British politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. He is best known for his role in passing the Reform Act 1832, which reformed the British electoral system. Gray’s efforts helped pave the way for more democratic governance in the UK. He died on July 17, 1845.
4. Dorothea Dix
Dorothea Dix
Date of death: July 17, 1887
Dorothea Dix (born April 4, 1802) was an American activist on behalf of the indigent mentally ill. Through her efforts, the first generation of American mental asylums was established. Dix’s work significantly improved the treatment and care of the mentally ill in the United States. She passed away on July 17, 1887.
5. Alexei Nikolayevich
Date of death: July 17, 1918
Alexei Nikolayevich (born August 12, 1904) was the last Tsesarevich of Russia, the heir apparent to the Russian throne. He was the youngest child and only son of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Alexei suffered from hemophilia, which greatly affected his health. He was executed along with his family by Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
6. Anastasia Nikolayevna
Date of death: July 17, 1918
Anastasia Nikolayevna (born June 18, 1901) was the youngest daughter of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia. Known for her vivacious personality, she has been the subject of many myths and legends, particularly the speculation that she survived the execution of the Romanov family. However, she was indeed killed alongside her family on July 17, 1918.
7. Nicholas II
Date of death: July 17, 1918
Nicholas II (born May 18, 1868) was the last Emperor of Russia, reigning from 1894 until his abdication in 1917. His reign saw the fall of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Nicholas II was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918. His death marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Russian history.
8. Billie Holiday
Date of death: July 17, 1959
Billie Holiday (born April 7, 1915) was an American jazz and swing music singer with a career spanning nearly 30 years. Nicknamed “Lady Day,” she was known for her distinctive voice and emotive delivery. Her songs often reflected her personal struggles and the racism she faced. Holiday’s contributions to jazz and popular music are celebrated to this day. She died on July 17, 1959.
9. John Coltrane
Date of death: July 17, 1967
John Coltrane (born September 23, 1926) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. He is one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz, known for his innovative playing and pioneering contributions to modal jazz and free jazz. Coltrane’s work continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world. He passed away on July 17, 1967.
10. Katharine Graham
Date of death: July 17, 2001
Katharine Graham (born June 16, 1917) was an American publisher and the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, The Washington Post. She played a crucial role in the publication of the Pentagon Papers and the investigation of the Watergate scandal, which led to President Nixon’s resignation. Graham’s leadership and courage in journalism have left a lasting impact. She died on July 17, 2001.
11. Edward Heath
Edward Heath
Date of death: July 17, 2005
Edward Heath (born July 9, 1916) was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974. He is known for leading the UK into the European Economic Community, which later became the European Union. Heath’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by economic challenges and industrial unrest. He passed away on July 17, 2005.
12. Walter Cronkite
Date of death: July 17, 2009
Walter Cronkite (born November 4, 1916) was an American broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years. He was often referred to as “the most trusted man in America” due to his calm and reassuring demeanor during turbulent times, such as the assassination of President Kennedy and the Apollo moon landing. Cronkite died on July 17, 2009.
13. John Lewis
Date of death: July 17, 2020
John Lewis (born February 21, 1940) was an American civil rights leader and politician. As a member of the “Big Six” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, he played a key role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Lewis served as a U.S. Congressman from Georgia for over 30 years, advocating for civil rights and social justice until his death on July 17, 2020.
14. Graham Wick
Date of death: July 17, 2021
Graham Wick (born August 14, 1952) was a renowned British mathematician known for his contributions to algebraic geometry and string theory. His work in theoretical physics provided significant insights into the nature of the universe and its fundamental forces. Wick was a respected educator and researcher, leaving behind a rich legacy of academic achievement. He passed away on July 17, 2021.
see also: 18 Celebrities Whose Birthdays on July 17 You May Not Know
15. Francesco Rizzo
Date of death: July 17, 2021
Francesco Rizzo (born February 5, 1943) was an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent the majority of his career with Cagliari, where he helped the team secure their first Serie A title in the 1969-1970 season. Rizzo was known for his technical skills and leadership on the field. He died on July 17, 2021, remembered as one of Cagliari’s greats.
16. Nicholas Goodison
Date of death: July 17, 2021
Nicholas Goodison (born May 16, 1934) was a British banker and former chairman of the London Stock Exchange. He played a key role in modernizing the Exchange, overseeing the introduction of electronic trading and the end of open outcry trading. Goodison was also a passionate advocate for the arts, serving as chairman of the Courtauld Institute of Art. He passed away on July 17, 2021.
Conclusion
The date of July 17 has witnessed the passing of many influential figures from various fields, including royalty, economics, music, journalism, and civil rights. Each of these individuals made significant contributions to their respective areas, leaving lasting legacies that continue to impact the world today. By remembering their lives and achievements, we honor their memory and the enduring influence they have had on history.