The world of fame and celebrity often intersects with the world of loss in ways that can be both surprising and poignant. July 22 has seen the passing of several notable figures whose contributions have left a lasting impact on their respective fields. From legendary musicians and actors to influential political figures and intellectuals, these celebrities’ deaths on this date might not be as widely remembered, but their legacies continue to resonate. In this article, we’ll explore 20 celebrities who passed away on July 22, highlighting their contributions and their birthdays.
20 Celebrities Who Died on July 22
1. John Dillinger
Date of Death: July 22, 1934
John Dillinger, born on June 22, 1903, was a notorious American gangster during the Great Depression. Dillinger was infamous for his bank robberies and his ability to evade capture by the FBI. His criminal exploits captivated the nation, and his death at the hands of federal agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago marked the end of a dramatic chapter in American criminal history.
2. Mackenzie King
Date of Death: July 22, 1950
William Lyon Mackenzie King, born on December 17, 1874, was a Canadian politician who served as Prime Minister of Canada for three non-consecutive terms between 1921 and 1948. King was known for his leadership during World War II and his influence in shaping Canadian policy. His death marked the end of a significant era in Canadian politics.
3. Bernice Neugarten
Date of Death: July 22, 2001
Bernice Neugarten, born on July 26, 1912, was a pioneering American gerontologist known for her work on aging and the elderly. Neugarten’s research and theories on life course and aging significantly advanced the field of gerontology. Her contributions to understanding the experiences and needs of older adults continue to influence social policy and research.
4. Marion Montgomery (Marian Runnells)
Date of Death: July 22, 1981
Marion Montgomery, born on June 23, 1931, was an American singer and songwriter known for her work in jazz and popular music. Montgomery’s smooth voice and engaging performances earned her acclaim in the music industry. Her death marked a loss to the world of jazz and music enthusiasts.
5. Qusay Hussein
Qusay Hussein
Date of Death: July 22, 2003
Qusay Hussein, born on May 17, 1966, was the son of Saddam Hussein and a prominent figure in the Iraqi government. As the head of the Special Security Organization, Qusay played a significant role in the regime’s operations. His death during a raid by U.S. forces in Iraq was a notable event in the Iraq War.
6. (Jean-Baptiste) Illinois Jacquet
Date of Death: July 22, 2004
Illinois Jacquet, born on October 29, 1922, was an influential American jazz saxophonist known for his powerful performances and contributions to the genre. Jacquet’s distinctive style and energetic playing helped shape the sound of jazz during the mid-20th century. His death marked the end of a significant era in jazz music.
7. Dika Newlin
Date of Death: July 22, 2005
Dika Newlin, born on January 5, 1923, was an American composer and musicologist. Newlin was known for her work in contemporary classical music and her contributions to the study of avant-garde music. Her death was a loss to the world of contemporary music and academic music research.
8. László Kovács
Date of Death: July 22, 2007
László Kovács, born on May 14, 1933, was a Hungarian-American cinematographer renowned for his work in film. Kovács’s contributions to cinematography included notable films such as “Easy Rider” and “Five Easy Pieces.” His innovative techniques and visual style left a lasting impact on the film industry.
9. Estelle Getty
Date of Death: July 22, 2008
Estelle Getty, born on July 25, 1923, was an American actress best known for her role as Sophia Petrillo on the hit TV show “The Golden Girls.” Getty’s comedic timing and memorable performances made her a beloved figure in television. Her death was widely mourned by fans and fellow actors alike.
10. Joe Beck
Joe Beck
Date of Death: July 22, 2008
Joe Beck, born on August 29, 1945, was an American jazz guitarist known for his work with artists such as Stevie Wonder and George Benson. Beck’s virtuosity and contributions to jazz guitar left a significant mark on the genre. His passing was a loss to the jazz community.
11. Peter Krieg (Wilhelm Gladitz)
Date of Death: July 22, 2009
Peter Krieg, born on September 24, 1941, was a German filmmaker and journalist. Krieg’s work in documentary filmmaking and his contributions to media and journalism made him a notable figure in European cinema. His death was a significant loss to the world of documentary film.
12. Phillip Walker
Date of Death: July 22, 2010
Phillip Walker, born on December 11, 1937, was an American blues guitarist and singer. Walker’s career spanned several decades, and he was known for his energetic performances and contributions to the blues genre. His death marked the end of a vibrant chapter in blues music.
13. Linda Christian
Date of Death: July 22, 2011
Linda Christian, born on November 13, 1923, was a Mexican-American actress who appeared in several films and television shows. Christian was known for her roles in movies such as “Tarzan and the Mermaids” and her work on television. Her death was a loss to the world of film and television.
see also: 18 Famous People Whose Birthdays on July 22 You May Not Know
14. Bobby Taylor
Date of Death: July 22, 2017
Bobby Taylor, born on February 18, 1934, was an American singer and songwriter, best known for his work with the Motown group The Vancouvers. Taylor’s contributions to soul and R&B music helped shape the sound of the era. His passing was felt deeply by fans and fellow musicians.
15. Rene Portland
Date of Death: July 22, 2018
Rene Portland, born on February 27, 1953, was an American women’s college basketball coach. Portland’s coaching career was distinguished by her leadership and success in building competitive teams. Her death marked the end of a notable career in women’s sports.
16. Art Neville
Art Neville
Date of Death: July 22, 2019
Art Neville, born on December 17, 1937, was an American musician known for his work with The Neville Brothers and The Meters. Neville’s contributions to funk, soul, and rhythm and blues made him a significant figure in the music world. His passing was a loss to fans of New Orleans music and beyond.
17. Jean-Pierre Jaussaud
Date of Death: July 22, 2020
Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, born on February 19, 1936, was a French racing driver known for his success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Jaussaud’s achievements in endurance racing made him a respected figure in the world of motorsport. His death was a notable event in the racing community.
18. David Moores
Date of Death: July 22, 2020
David Moores, born on March 29, 1944, was a British businessman and former chairman of Liverpool Football Club. Moores played a significant role in the club’s management and success. His death was a loss to the world of football and business.
19. Adolf Scherer
Date of Death: July 22, 2021
Adolf Scherer, born on April 17, 1941, was a German mathematician and professor known for his work in the field of algebraic geometry. Scherer’s contributions to mathematics were recognized within the academic community. His death was a significant loss to the field of mathematics.
20. Günther Herrmann
Date of Death: July 22, 2022
Günther Herrmann, born on November 5, 1936, was a German economist and professor known for his work in economic theory and policy. Herrmann’s research and contributions to the field of economics were influential in shaping economic thought. His passing was a notable event in the world of economics.
Conclusion
The celebrities who died on July 22 span a diverse range of fields, from entertainment and sports to academia and politics. Each of these individuals left a unique mark on their respective industries, and their legacies continue to be remembered. While their deaths may not always be widely publicized, their contributions have had a lasting impact on the world. As we reflect on their lives and achievements, we honor their memories and recognize the enduring influence they have left behind.