The world has seen many notable figures leave us on various dates, but July 20 stands out for the number of remarkable celebrities who have passed away on this day. From political figures to entertainers, each of these individuals left an indelible mark on their respective fields. In this article, we will explore the lives and legacies of 17 celebrities who died on July 20, highlighting their birthdays and contributions.
17 Famous People Who Died on July 20
1. Leo XIII
Date of Death: July 20, 1903
Leo XIII, born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci on March 2, 1810, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1878 until his death. Known for his intellectualism and advocacy for the poor, Leo XIII issued numerous encyclicals, including the famous “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed the rights and conditions of the working classes. His pontificate marked a new era in the Church’s engagement with modern social issues.
2. Guglielmo Marconi
Date of Death: July 20, 1937
Guglielmo Marconi, born on April 25, 1874, was an Italian inventor and electrical engineer known for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission. He is often credited with the invention of the radio, and his contributions to wireless communication were recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909. Marconi’s innovations laid the groundwork for the modern telecommunications industry.
3. Arthur Seccull
Date of Death: July 20, 1951
Arthur Seccull, born on November 10, 1873, was a cricketer who played for England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his solid batting technique and sportsmanship, Seccull made significant contributions to his team during his career. Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, his dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on English cricket.
4. Abdullah I of Jordan
Abdullah I of Jordan
Date of Death: July 20, 1951
Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, born on February 2, 1882, was the founder and first King of Jordan. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the modern Jordanian state and was instrumental in the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I. Abdullah’s leadership and vision were key in shaping Jordan’s early development as a nation.
5. Blair Moody
Date of Death: July 20, 1954
Blair Moody, born on February 13, 1902, was an American journalist and politician. He served as a United States Senator from Michigan and was known for his progressive views and advocacy for labor rights. Moody’s work in journalism and politics earned him a reputation as a dedicated public servant who strived to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
6. James Alexander Calder
Date of Death: July 20, 1956
James Alexander Calder, born on March 17, 1868, was a Canadian politician who served in various governmental roles, including as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Immigration and Colonization. Calder’s efforts in shaping Canada’s immigration policies were significant, and he played a vital role in the development of the country’s infrastructure and social services.
7. Franklin Pangborn
Date of Death: July 20, 1958
Franklin Pangborn, born on January 23, 1889, was an American actor best known for his comedic roles in classic Hollywood films. With his distinctive mannerisms and impeccable timing, Pangborn became a beloved character actor, appearing in numerous comedies throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His work with directors like Preston Sturges and his memorable performances left a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
8. Joseph Keilberth
Date of Death: July 20, 1968
Joseph Keilberth, born on April 19, 1908, was a German conductor known for his interpretations of classical and romantic orchestral music. He served as the principal conductor of several major orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Bavarian State Opera. Keilberth’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians made him a respected figure in the world of classical music.
9. Allen Jenkins
Date of Death: July 20, 1974
Allen Jenkins, born on April 9, 1900, was an American character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows. Known for his gravelly voice and tough-guy persona, Jenkins often played supporting roles in crime dramas and comedies. His versatility as an actor and his memorable performances made him a familiar face in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.
10. Carter DeHaven
Date of Death: July 20, 1977
Carter DeHaven, born on October 5, 1886, was an American actor, director, and producer. He began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to film, where he worked both in front of and behind the camera. DeHaven’s contributions to early cinema, particularly in comedy, were significant, and he worked with many notable figures of the silent film era.
11. Frank Reynolds
Frank Reynolds
Date of Death: July 20, 1983
Frank Reynolds, born on November 29, 1923, was an American television journalist and anchor for ABC News. Known for his calm demeanor and authoritative presence, Reynolds covered many significant events during his career, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. His work in journalism earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected news anchor.
12. Richard Egan
Date of Death: July 20, 1987
Richard Egan, born on July 29, 1921, was an American actor known for his roles in film and television. With his rugged good looks and strong screen presence, Egan became a popular leading man in the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in films such as “A Summer Place” and “Pollyanna,” as well as numerous television series.
13. Vince Foster
Date of Death: July 20, 1993
Vince Foster, born on January 15, 1945, was an American attorney who served as Deputy White House Counsel during the first term of President Bill Clinton. Foster was a close friend of the Clintons and played a significant role in the early days of the administration. His tragic death by suicide in 1993 sparked numerous conspiracy theories and remains a subject of speculation and controversy.
14. Roberto Suárez Gómez
Date of Death: July 20, 2000
Roberto Suárez Gómez, born on January 8, 1932, was a Bolivian drug lord known as the “King of Cocaine.” He was one of the most powerful drug traffickers in South America during the 1970s and 1980s. Suárez Gómez’s criminal empire had a significant impact on the global drug trade, and his life inspired several works of fiction and media portrayals.
see also: 22 Celebrities Who Died on July 19 That You May Not Know
15. Chuck E. Weiss
Date of Death: July 20, 2021
Chuck E. Weiss, born on March 18, 1945, was an American songwriter and vocalist known for his eclectic musical style and association with Tom Waits. Weiss’s career spanned several decades, and he became a beloved figure in the Los Angeles music scene. His unique blend of blues, rock, and jazz earned him a dedicated following and influenced many musicians.
16. Douglas Mitchell
Douglas Mitchell
Date of Death: July 20, 2021
Douglas Mitchell, born on December 13, 1941, was a Canadian football executive and commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Mitchell’s contributions to Canadian football were significant, and he played a crucial role in the growth and development of the CFL. His leadership and vision helped shape the league into a prominent sports organization in Canada.
17. Juan Meza
Date of Death: July 20, 2021
Juan Meza, born on March 18, 1956, was a Mexican boxer who held the WBC super bantamweight title from 1984 to 1985. Known for his powerful punching and tenacity in the ring, Meza had a successful career with notable victories over several top fighters. His contributions to the sport of boxing were significant, and he remains a respected figure in the boxing community.
Conclusion
The lives of these 17 celebrities who died on July 20th serve as a testament to their diverse contributions to society. From groundbreaking inventions and political leadership to memorable performances in entertainment and sports, each of these individuals left a lasting legacy. Remembering their birthdays and achievements helps us appreciate the impact they had on their respective fields and the world at large.