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Many remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on history, but not everyone knows the exact dates of their passing. On July 26, numerous notable figures across various fields have departed. This article highlights 17 celebrities who died on this date, focusing on their birthdays and contributions to the world.

17 Celebrities Who Died on July 26

1. Atahualpa

Date of Death: July 26, 1533

Atahualpa, born in 1502, was the last emperor of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest. His reign marked the end of the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Captured by Francisco Pizarro, Atahualpa was executed by the Spanish in 1533, bringing an end to Inca resistance and significantly altering the course of South American history.

2. Elena Cornaro Piscopia

Date of Death: July 26, 1684

Elena Cornaro Piscopia was born on June 5, 1646. She was an Italian philosopher and the first woman to receive a doctoral degree from a university. Her accomplishments in academia were groundbreaking during a time when women’s education was severely restricted. Elena’s intellectual prowess and determination paved the way for future generations of women scholars.

3. Sam Houston

Date of Death: July 26, 1863

Sam Houston, born on March 2, 1793, was a key figure in the history of Texas. As a soldier, politician, and leader of the Texas Revolution, he played a crucial role in securing Texas’s independence from Mexico. Houston served as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and later as a U.S. senator and governor after Texas joined the United States.

4. William Jennings Bryan

Date of Death: July 26, 1925

William Jennings Bryan was born on March 19, 1860. He was an influential American orator and politician, known for his populist views and his three unsuccessful presidential campaigns. Bryan was a dominant force in the Democratic Party and served as Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson. His advocacy for progressive causes and his role in the famous Scopes Trial remain significant aspects of his legacy.

5. Reza Shah Pahlavi

Date of Death: July 26, 1944

Reza Shah Pahlavi, born on March 15, 1878, was the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and the Shah of Iran from 1925 to 1941. He is credited with modernizing Iran, implementing significant reforms in education, infrastructure, and the military. His efforts to secularize the country and reduce the power of the clergy were controversial and led to his forced abdication by the Allied forces during World War II.

6. Eva Perón

Date of Death: July 26, 1952

Eva Perón, born on May 7, 1919, was the First Lady of Argentina and a powerful political figure. Known affectionately as “Evita,” she championed labor rights and women’s suffrage, and established a lasting legacy through her charitable work. Eva’s life and career were dramatized in the musical “Evita,” which cemented her status as an iconic figure in Argentine history.

7. Ed Gein

Date of Death: July 26, 1984

Ed Gein, born on August 27, 1906, was an American murderer and body snatcher whose crimes in the 1950s shocked the nation. His macabre activities, including the exhumation of corpses and the creation of gruesome trophies, inspired several horror films and books. Gein’s disturbed life has left a lasting imprint on American pop culture and the true crime genre.

8. George Gallup

Date of Death: July 26, 1984

George Gallup, born on November 18, 1901, was a pioneering American statistician and the founder of the Gallup Poll. His innovative techniques in survey sampling and public opinion polling transformed how political and social research is conducted. Gallup’s work continues to influence polling methodologies and the understanding of public opinion worldwide.

9. Alexander Golitzen

Date of Death: July 26, 2005

Alexander Golitzen, born on February 28, 1908, was a Russian-American art director and production designer. He worked on over 300 films, including classics like “Spartacus” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Golitzen won three Academy Awards for his outstanding contributions to film art direction, leaving a significant legacy in Hollywood.

10. Franz West

Date of Death: July 26, 2012

Franz West, born on February 16, 1947, was an Austrian artist known for his unconventional sculptures and installations. His work often encouraged audience interaction, breaking the traditional boundaries of art. West’s innovative approach and distinctive style earned him international acclaim, and his works are displayed in major museums worldwide.

11. J. J. Cale

Date of Death: July 26, 2013

J. J. Cale, born on December 5, 1938, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was a key figure in the development of the Tulsa Sound, blending blues, rock, and country music. Cale’s songs, including “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” were made famous by Eric Clapton and other artists. His laid-back style and influential music have left a lasting legacy.

12. Roland Verhavert

Date of Death: July 26, 2014

Roland Verhavert, born on May 1, 1927, was a Belgian film director known for his contributions to Flemish cinema. He directed numerous films and documentaries, focusing on Flemish culture and history. Verhavert’s dedication to his craft and his role in promoting Belgian cinema are remembered and celebrated within the film community.

13. Bobbi Kristina Brown

Date of Death: July 26, 2015

Bobbi Kristina Brown, born on March 4, 1993, was the daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. She pursued a career in music and reality television, appearing on the show “Being Bobby Brown.” Bobbi Kristina’s life was tragically cut short under circumstances similar to her mother’s, highlighting the pressures and challenges faced by children of celebrities.

14. Einojuhani Rautavaara

Date of Death: July 26, 2016

Einojuhani Rautavaara, born on October 9, 1928, was a Finnish composer renowned for his eclectic style that combined modernism with romanticism. His works, including “Cantus Arcticus” and “Symphony No. 7,” are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and unique soundscapes. Rautavaara’s contributions to contemporary classical music have left a profound impact on the genre.

15. Simegnew Bekele

Date of Death: July 26, 2018

Simegnew Bekele, born on September 13, 1964, was an Ethiopian engineer and the chief project manager of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). His work on the GERD project was instrumental in Ethiopia’s efforts to achieve energy independence and economic development. Bekele’s untimely death was a significant loss to the engineering community and the nation.

see also: 16 Famous People Born In July 26

16. Martin Walser

Date of Death: July 26, 2022

Martin Walser, born on March 24, 1927, was a prominent German writer and playwright. His works, often exploring themes of guilt and memory, have been acclaimed for their psychological depth and narrative style. Walser’s literary contributions earned him numerous awards and solidified his position as a leading figure in post-war German literature.

17. Sinéad O’Connor

Date of Death: July 26, 2023

Sinéad O’Connor, born on December 8, 1966, was an Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and controversial persona. Her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a global hit. O’Connor’s career was marked by her outspoken views on social and political issues, making her both a beloved and polarizing figure in the music industry.

Conclusion

These 17 celebrities, spanning diverse fields and eras, have each left a unique legacy. Their contributions continue to influence and inspire, demonstrating the lasting impact of their lives and work. July 26 serves as a poignant reminder of their departures, but also as a celebration of their enduring achievements.