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July 27 is a date marked by the passing of many notable figures from various fields. These celebrities left a lasting impact in their respective domains, but their deaths on this specific date often go unnoticed. In this article, we honor their memories and achievements.

21 Famous People Who Died on July 27

1. John Dalton

Date of Death: July 27, 1844

John Dalton, born on September 6, 1766, was an English chemist, physicist, and meteorologist. He is best known for his pioneering work in the development of modern atomic theory and his research on color blindness, which is sometimes referred to as Daltonism in his honor. Dalton’s work laid the groundwork for our understanding of chemical reactions and the behavior of gases, making him a key figure in the history of science.

2. Victor Vreuls

Date of Death: July 27, 1944

Victor Vreuls, born on February 18, 1876, was a Belgian composer and conductor. Vreuls was a prominent figure in the Belgian music scene, contributing significantly to the repertoire of classical music with his compositions. His works, although not widely known outside Belgium, remain an important part of the country’s musical heritage.

3. Conrad Elvehjem

Date of Death: July 27, 1962

Conrad Elvehjem, born on May 27, 1901, was an American biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of nutrition. He is best known for his discovery of niacin and its importance in preventing pellagra, a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Elvehjem’s work in biochemistry and nutrition had a profound impact on public health and the understanding of vitamins.

4. Henri Daniel-Rops

Date of Death: July 27, 1965

Henri Daniel-Rops, born on January 19, 1901, was a French writer and historian known for his extensive works on the history of Christianity. His writings provided a detailed and comprehensive account of the Church’s history, making him a respected figure in religious and historical scholarship. Daniel-Rops’ works continue to be referenced by scholars and readers interested in the history of Christianity.

5. António de Oliveira Salazar

Date of Death: July 27, 1970

António de Oliveira Salazar, born on April 28, 1889, was a Portuguese economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. Salazar established the Estado Novo regime, a corporatist authoritarian regime that ruled Portugal for several decades. His policies and governance had a lasting impact on Portuguese society and politics, making him a controversial figure in the country’s history.

6. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Date of Death: July 27, 1980

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, born on October 26, 1919, was the last Shah of Iran, reigning from 1941 until his overthrow in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize and secularize Iran, but also by political repression and human rights abuses. After being overthrown, he lived in exile until his death. Pahlavi’s legacy continues to influence Iranian politics and society.

7. William Wyler

Date of Death: July 27, 1981

William Wyler, born on July 1, 1902, was a Swiss-German-American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is one of the most honored directors in the history of the Academy Awards, with multiple nominations and wins to his name. Wyler directed classic films such as “Ben-Hur,” “Roman Holiday,” and “The Best Years of Our Lives,” earning him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest directors.

8. Rick Ferrell

Date of Death: July 27, 1995

Rick Ferrell, born on October 12, 1905, was an American professional baseball player who played as a catcher. Ferrell had a long and successful career in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators. He was known for his excellent defensive skills and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.

9. Bob Hope

Date of Death: July 27, 2003

Bob Hope, born on May 29, 1903, was a British-American comedian, actor, singer, and dancer. Hope’s career spanned nearly 80 years, and he was one of the most beloved entertainers in American history. Known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and numerous USO tours to entertain American troops, Hope left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

10. Lucky Grills

Date of Death: July 27, 2007

Lucky Grills, born on May 26, 1928, was an Australian actor and comedian best known for his role as the private investigator in the TV series “Bluey.” Grills had a successful career in both comedy and drama, becoming a beloved figure in Australian television. His comedic talents and distinctive voice made him a household name in Australia.

11. Horst Stein

Date of Death: July 27, 2008

Horst Stein, born on May 2, 1928, was a German conductor known for his work with major orchestras and opera houses around the world. Stein’s career included significant tenures with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna State Opera, and the Hamburg State Opera. His interpretations of classical and romantic repertoire were highly regarded, making him a respected figure in the world of classical music.

12. George Russell

Date of Death: July 27, 2009

George Russell, born on June 23, 1923, was an American jazz pianist, composer, and theorist. Russell is best known for his development of the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization, a groundbreaking approach to jazz harmony and improvisation. His innovative ideas and compositions influenced a generation of jazz musicians and helped shape the direction of modern jazz.

13. Jack Tatum

Date of Death: July 27, 2010

Jack Tatum, born on November 18, 1948, was an American professional football player who played as a safety in the NFL. Tatum was known for his hard-hitting style and was a key player for the Oakland Raiders, with whom he won a Super Bowl. His aggressive play and uncompromising attitude earned him the nickname “The Assassin,” and he remains a legendary figure in NFL history.

14. Ágota Kristóf

Date of Death: July 27, 2011

Ágota Kristóf, born on October 30, 1935, was a Hungarian-Swiss writer known for her stark, minimalist style. Her most famous work, “The Notebook,” is part of a trilogy that explores themes of war, displacement, and human resilience. Kristóf’s writing has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be celebrated for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.

15. Geoffrey Hughes

Date of Death: July 27, 2012

Geoffrey Hughes, born on February 2, 1944, was a British actor known for his roles in popular TV shows such as “Coronation Street,” “Keeping Up Appearances,” and “Heartbeat.” Hughes’ warm, affable persona made him a beloved figure on British television. His performances brought joy to countless viewers and left a lasting legacy in British entertainment.

16. James Alan McPherson

Date of Death: July 27, 2016

James Alan McPherson, born on September 16, 1943, was an American writer and essayist. McPherson was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, awarded for his short story collection “Elbow Room.” His works often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice, making him an important voice in American literature.

17. Gilles Tremblay

Date of Death: July 27, 2017

Gilles Tremblay, born on November 15, 1938, was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a left winger. Tremblay had a successful career with the Montreal Canadiens, winning multiple Stanley Cups. After retiring from playing, he became a respected sports commentator. Tremblay’s contributions to hockey both on and off the ice earned him a place in the hearts of fans.

18. Bernard Hepton

Date of Death: July 27, 2018

Bernard Hepton, born on October 19, 1925, was a British actor known for his roles in television dramas such as “I, Claudius,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” and “Secret Army.” Hepton’s versatile acting skills and ability to bring depth to his characters made him a respected figure in British television and theatre. His performances left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

see also: 19 Celebrities Born on July 27 You May Not Know 

19. Denise Johnson

Date of Death: July 27, 2020

Denise Johnson, born on July 31, 1963, was a British singer known for her powerful voice and contributions to the music of the 1990s. Johnson was a prominent figure in the Manchester music scene and collaborated with bands like Primal Scream, where her vocals were featured on the iconic album “Screamadelica.” Her voice and musical talents left an indelible mark on the British music industry.

20. Burt Metcalfe

Date of Death: July 27, 2022

Burt Metcalfe, born on March 19, 1935, was a Canadian-American television and film producer, director, and writer. Metcalfe is best known for his work on the legendary TV series “MAS*H,” where he served as a producer and writer. His contributions to the show’s success and his work in television production made him a respected figure in the industry.

21. Mike Giddings

Date of Death: July 27, 2023

Mike Giddings, born on August 1, 1945, was an American football coach and executive. Giddings had a long career in both college and professional football, known for his expertise in scouting and player evaluation. His work in identifying and developing talent left a significant impact on the teams he worked with and the sport as a whole.

Conclusion

These 21 celebrities, each a remarkable figure in their own right, left a legacy that continues to be remembered and celebrated. Their contributions to their respective fields, whether in science, entertainment, sports, or the arts, have left an indelible mark on our world. As we remember them, we also celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have had on our lives.