The world has seen many remarkable individuals whose legacies continue to live on, even after their passing. July 23 marks the day we remember several influential figures who left an indelible mark in various fields such as politics, science, arts, and sports. Here, we explore the lives and achievements of 17 celebrities who died on this date. This list includes some notable personalities you might not have known shared this significant date.
17 Celebrities Who Died on July 23
1. Roger Sherman
Date of Death: July 23, 1793
Roger Sherman, born on April 19, 1721, was a founding father of the United States. He was the only person to sign all four major American documents: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Sherman’s contributions to the formation of the American government were substantial, particularly his role in drafting the Great Compromise, which shaped the structure of Congress.
2. Alexandre de Beauharnais
Date of Death: July 23, 1794
Alexandre de Beauharnais, born on May 28, 1760, was a French political figure and general during the French Revolution. As a member of the noble Beauharnais family, he held significant influence but eventually fell victim to the Reign of Terror. Beauharnais was executed by guillotine, but his legacy lived on through his son, Eugène, and his wife, Joséphine, who later became the Empress of France as the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
3. Ulysses S. Grant
Date of Death: July 23, 1885
Ulysses S. Grant, born on April 27, 1822, was the 18th President of the United States and a commanding general during the American Civil War. Grant’s leadership was instrumental in the Union’s victory, and he later played a pivotal role in the Reconstruction era. His presidency focused on civil rights and rebuilding the nation. Despite facing personal and political challenges, Grant’s military and presidential legacies remain highly respected.
4. William Ramsay
William Ramsay
Date of Death: July 23, 1916
William Ramsay, born on October 2, 1852, was a Scottish chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904. Ramsay is best known for his discovery of the noble gases, which added an entirely new group to the periodic table. His work on isolating argon, helium, neon, krypton, and xenon greatly advanced our understanding of chemical elements and their properties.
5. D. W. Griffith
Date of Death: July 23, 1948
D. W. Griffith, born on January 22, 1875, was a pioneering American film director, known for his groundbreaking work in early cinema. Griffith’s 1915 film “The Birth of a Nation” was both revolutionary for its technical achievements and controversial for its racist portrayal of African Americans. Despite this, his contributions to the development of film narrative and techniques have earned him a place in cinematic history.
6. Philippe Pétain
Date of Death: July 23, 1951
Philippe Pétain, born on April 24, 1856, was a French general and Marshal of France, known for his role during World War I and later as the head of the Vichy government in World War II. Initially celebrated as a hero for his leadership at the Battle of Verdun, Pétain’s reputation was tarnished by his collaboration with Nazi Germany. He was convicted of treason after the war and sentenced to life imprisonment.
7. Hassan II
Date of Death: July 23, 1999
Hassan II, born on July 9, 1929, was the King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. His reign was marked by significant political and economic changes in Morocco, as well as efforts to modernize the country while maintaining its cultural heritage. Hassan II was a key figure in regional politics and played a crucial role in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
8. James E. Davis
Date of Death: July 23, 2003
James E. Davis, born on April 3, 1962, was an American politician and New York City Councilman. Davis was a former police officer and a community activist who worked tirelessly to reduce violence and promote unity. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by a political rival during a council meeting, shocking the nation and highlighting the dangers faced by public servants.
9. Carlos Paredes
Carlos Paredes
Date of Death: July 23, 2004
Carlos Paredes, born on February 16, 1925, was a renowned Portuguese guitarist and composer. Known as the “Master of the Portuguese Guitar,” Paredes’ music was deeply rooted in the traditional fado genre, yet he brought a unique, innovative style that captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions to music have left a lasting legacy in Portuguese culture.
10. Myron Floren
Date of Death: July 23, 2005
Myron Floren, born on November 5, 1919, was an American musician and accordionist best known for his work on “The Lawrence Welk Show.” Floren’s virtuosity on the accordion and his cheerful stage presence made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. He played a key role in popularizing the accordion and bringing it into the mainstream music scene.
11. Jean-Paul Desbiens
Date of Death: July 23, 2006
Jean-Paul Desbiens, born on March 7, 1927, was a Canadian writer, journalist, and teacher. Desbiens is best known for his book “Les Insolences du Frère Untel,” which criticized the education system in Quebec and sparked significant reforms. His work as a social critic and advocate for educational improvement had a profound impact on Quebec society.
12. Amy Winehouse
Date of Death: July 23, 2011
Amy Winehouse, born on September 14, 1983, was a British singer-songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto voice and eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Her critically acclaimed albums “Frank” and “Back to Black” earned her numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards. Tragically, Winehouse’s life was marred by substance abuse and mental health issues, leading to her untimely death at the age of 27.
see also: 21 Celebrities Whose Birthdays Are on July 23 You May Not Know
13. Sally Ride
Date of Death: July 23, 2012
Sally Ride, born on May 26, 1951, was an American astronaut and physicist who made history as the first American woman to travel into space. Ride’s groundbreaking journey on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 inspired countless women to pursue careers in science and technology. She later became an advocate for science education, founding Sally Ride Science to promote STEM literacy.
14. Emile Griffith
Emile Griffith
Date of Death: July 23, 2013
Emile Griffith, born on February 3, 1938, was a professional boxer from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Griffith won world championships in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His career was marked by his rivalry with Benny Paret, which ended tragically when Paret died following their third fight. Griffith’s story highlights the triumphs and tragedies of the boxing world.
15. John Cornell
Date of Death: July 23, 2021
John Cornell, born on February 2, 1941, was an Australian film producer, writer, actor, and businessman. He was best known for his work on the “Crocodile Dundee” films, which became international hits. Cornell’s contributions to the film industry and his business ventures made him a significant figure in Australian entertainment.
16. Bob Rafelson
Date of Death: July 23, 2022
Bob Rafelson, born on February 21, 1933, was an American film director, writer, and producer. He was a prominent figure in the New Hollywood era, known for directing films such as “Five Easy Pieces” and producing “Easy Rider.” Rafelson’s work pushed the boundaries of traditional Hollywood filmmaking and had a lasting influence on American cinema.
17. Inga Swenson
Date of Death: July 23, 2023
Inga Swenson, born on December 29, 1932, was an American actress and singer. She was best known for her roles in the television series “Benson” and the musical “110 in the Shade.” Swenson’s talent and versatility as a performer earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Conclusion
These 17 individuals, each from different walks of life, left a lasting legacy that continues to influence and inspire us. Their contributions to their respective fields and the world at large remind us of the impact one life can have. As we remember them on July 23, we celebrate their achievements and the enduring mark they left on history.