Death is an inevitable part of life, and even the most celebrated individuals are not exempt from its reach. While some celebrity deaths become major news stories, others may pass under the radar, leaving their fans to remember them quietly. Here, we highlight 22 celebrities who passed away on July 24, some of whom you may not know about. Each had a unique impact on their field, leaving behind legacies that deserve recognition.
22 Famous People Who Died on July 24
1. Maria Szymanowska
Date of Death: July 24, 1831
Maria Szymanowska, born on December 14, 1789, was a pioneering Polish pianist and composer. She was one of the first professional virtuoso pianists in Europe, known for her remarkable talent and extensive concert tours. Szymanowska composed numerous pieces for the piano and influenced many later composers, including Frederic Chopin.
2. Martin Van Buren
Date of Death: July 24, 1862
Martin Van Buren, born on December 5, 1782, was the eighth President of the United States. Serving from 1837 to 1841, Van Buren played a key role in shaping the modern Democratic Party. His presidency, however, was marred by the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression that affected the nation. Despite this, he remained an influential figure in American politics.
3. Matthew Webb
Date of Death: July 24, 1883
Matthew Webb, born on January 19, 1848, was a British swimmer and adventurer known for being the first person to swim the English Channel without the use of artificial aids. He completed the swim on August 25, 1875, in less than 22 hours. Webb’s feat made him an international celebrity and a symbol of human endurance and bravery.
4. James Chadwick
James Chadwick
Date of Death: July 24, 1974
James Chadwick, born on October 20, 1891, was an English physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for discovering the neutron. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the development of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb. Chadwick’s contributions to science have had a lasting impact on both physics and global history.
5. Peter Sellers
Date of Death: July 24, 1980
Peter Sellers, born on September 8, 1925, was a renowned British actor and comedian best known for his work in the “Pink Panther” films. His ability to portray a wide range of characters with distinct personalities made him one of the most versatile actors of his time. Sellers’ comedic genius and memorable performances have left a lasting legacy in the world of film.
6. Andrew Cunanan
Date of Death: July 24, 1997
Andrew Cunanan, born on August 31, 1969, was an American spree killer who gained infamy for murdering fashion designer Gianni Versace. Cunanan’s killing spree in 1997 shocked the world and ended with his suicide on a houseboat in Miami Beach. His life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and a television series.
7. Ahmad Shamlou
Date of Death: July 24, 2000
Ahmad Shamlou, born on December 12, 1925, was a prominent Iranian poet, writer, and journalist. Known for his powerful and innovative poetry, Shamlou’s works have been translated into several languages. He is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Persian literature, and his poems continue to inspire readers around the world.
8. Georges Dor
Date of Death: July 24, 2001
Georges Dor, born on March 10, 1931, was a Canadian singer-songwriter, playwright, and poet. He was known for his heartfelt songs and his contributions to Quebec’s cultural heritage. Dor’s music and literary works have had a significant impact on French-Canadian culture, and he remains a beloved figure in Quebec.
9. Gus Tinsley
Date of Death: July 24, 2002
Gus Tinsley, born on February 16, 1915, was an American football player and coach. He played as an end for the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL and later became the head coach at Louisiana State University. Tinsley’s contributions to football, both as a player and a coach, have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
10. Claude André François Ballif
Claude André François Ballif
Date of Death: July 24, 2004
Claude André François Ballif, born on May 22, 1924, was a French composer known for his innovative and experimental approach to music. He was a key figure in contemporary classical music and his works often incorporated complex rhythms and unusual harmonies. Ballif’s contributions to modern music have influenced many composers and musicians.
11. Richard Doll
Date of Death: July 24, 2005
Richard Doll, born on October 28, 1912, was a British physician and epidemiologist who made significant contributions to public health. He was one of the first researchers to establish a link between smoking and lung cancer. Doll’s groundbreaking work in epidemiology has saved countless lives and continues to inform public health policies worldwide.
12. Albert Ellis
Date of Death: July 24, 2007
Albert Ellis, born on September 27, 1913, was an American psychologist who founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). His work revolutionized the field of psychotherapy and provided a new framework for understanding and treating emotional and behavioral issues. Ellis’s contributions to psychology have had a profound impact on mental health treatment.
13. Norman Dello Joio
Date of Death: July 24, 2008
Norman Dello Joio, born on January 24, 1913, was an American composer known for his choral and orchestral works. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1957 and composed numerous pieces that are still performed today. Dello Joio’s contributions to American classical music have earned him a place among the great composers of the 20th century.
14. E. Lynn Harris
Date of Death: July 24, 2009
E. Lynn Harris, born on June 20, 1955, was an American author known for his novels exploring the lives of African-American men, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. His books were bestsellers and brought important issues of identity and acceptance to the forefront of popular literature. Harris’s writing continues to resonate with readers today.
15. Dan Peek
Date of Death: July 24, 2011
Dan Peek, born on November 1, 1950, was an American musician and a founding member of the band America. He contributed to many of the band’s hits, including “A Horse with No Name” and “Ventura Highway.” Peek’s influence on the soft rock genre and his work with America have left a lasting legacy in the music world.
16. Chad Everett
Chad Everett
Date of Death: July 24, 2012
Chad Everett, born on June 11, 1937, was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the television series “Medical Center.” His career spanned more than four decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Everett’s charm and talent made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
17. Nikos Mamangakis
Date of Death: July 24, 2013
Nikos Mamangakis, born on March 3, 1929, was a Greek composer known for his work in film and television. He composed scores for many popular Greek films and TV series, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural landscape. Mamangakis’s music remains an integral part of Greek cinema and television history.
18. Ik-Hwan Bae
Date of Death: July 24, 2014
Ik-Hwan Bae, born on June 19, 1956, was a South Korean violinist and music educator. He was known for his virtuosity and passion for music, which he shared with students around the world. Bae’s contributions to classical music and music education have inspired countless musicians and left a lasting impact on the field.
19. John Murray
Date of Death: July 24, 2017
John Murray, born on February 15, 1932, was an American sportswriter known for his coverage of baseball. He was a respected figure in sports journalism, known for his insightful analysis and dedication to the game. Murray’s work has influenced many sportswriters and continues to be celebrated in the world of sports journalism.
see also: 18 Famous People Whose Birthdays on July 24 You May Not Know
20. Ann Syrdal
Date of Death: July 24, 2020
Ann Syrdal, born on March 12, 1945, was an American computer scientist and researcher known for her work in text-to-speech technology. She was a pioneer in developing natural-sounding synthetic voices, which have been used in various applications, from assistive technologies to virtual assistants. Syrdal’s contributions to computer science have had a lasting impact on the field.
21. Dieter Brummer
Dieter Brummer
Date of Death: July 24, 2021
Dieter Brummer, born on May 5, 1976, was an Australian actor best known for his role as Shane Parrish on the television soap opera “Home and Away.” His portrayal of the troubled teenager earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. Brummer’s talent and contributions to Australian television are remembered fondly by fans and colleagues.
22. Jackie Mason
Date of Death: July 24, 2021
Jackie Mason, born on June 9, 1928, was an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and distinctive style. He was a prominent figure in comedy for decades, influencing many comedians with his observational humor and unique delivery. Mason’s legacy in the world of comedy remains strong, with his work continuing to entertain audiences.
Conclusion
The passing of these 22 celebrities on July 24th marks the end of their remarkable lives but not the impact they made. Each of these individuals contributed significantly to their respective fields, whether through art, science, sports, or entertainment. Their legacies continue to inspire and influence new generations, reminding us of the enduring power of human creativity and achievement. As we remember these figures, we celebrate their contributions and the indelible marks they have left on the world.