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Throughout history, many notable figures have passed away on July 29. While some of these individuals are well-known, others may not be as familiar to you. This article highlights the lives and contributions of 20 celebrities who died on this day, providing a glimpse into their birthdays, careers, and legacies.

20 Celebrities Who Died on July 29

1. Philip I

Date of Death: July 29, 1108

Philip I, born on May 23, 1052, was King of France from 1060 until his death. His reign saw significant developments in the French monarchy, although it was also marked by internal conflict and territorial disputes. Philip’s reign laid the groundwork for the expansion and consolidation of French royal power in the subsequent centuries.

2. William Wilberforce

Date of Death: July 29, 1833

William Wilberforce, born on August 24, 1759, was a British politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. A member of Parliament for Yorkshire, Wilberforce’s tireless efforts were instrumental in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which ended British involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

3. Robert Schumann

Date of Death: July 29, 1856

Robert Schumann, born on June 8, 1810, was a German composer and influential music critic. Known for his piano works, symphonies, and lieder, Schumann’s music is celebrated for its expressiveness and emotional depth. His marriage to pianist Clara Schumann also made them one of the most famous musical couples in history.

4. Agostino Depretis

Date of Death: July 29, 1887

Agostino Depretis, born on January 31, 1813, was an Italian statesman and a prominent figure in the unification of Italy. He served as Prime Minister of Italy multiple times between 1876 and 1887. Depretis was known for his pragmatic approach to politics and his role in establishing Italy as a unified nation.

5. Vincent van Gogh

Date of Death: July 29, 1890

Vincent van Gogh, born on March 30, 1853, was a Dutch post-impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art. Despite his struggles with mental illness and a lack of commercial success during his lifetime, van Gogh’s paintings, including “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers,” are now celebrated worldwide.

6. Cass Elliot

Date of Death: July 29, 1974

Cass Elliot, born on September 19, 1941, was an American singer and a member of the Mamas & the Papas. Known for her powerful voice and charismatic presence, Elliot contributed to the band’s success with hits like “California Dreamin'” and “Monday, Monday.” Her solo career also saw success with the song “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”

7. Herbert Marcuse

Date of Death: July 29, 1979

Herbert Marcuse, born on July 19, 1898, was a German-American philosopher, sociologist, and political theorist. A prominent member of the Frankfurt School, Marcuse’s works, including “One-Dimensional Man,” critiqued capitalist societies and explored the potential for revolutionary change. His ideas influenced the student movements of the 1960s.

8. Vladimir Zworykin

Date of Death: July 29, 1982

Vladimir Zworykin, born on July 30, 1888, was a Russian-American engineer and inventor. Known as one of the pioneers of television technology, Zworykin’s inventions, such as the iconoscope and kinescope, were crucial in the development of electronic television. His work laid the foundation for modern television broadcasting.

9. David Niven

Date of Death: July 29, 1983

David Niven, born on March 1, 1910, was a British actor known for his suave and debonair screen persona. He starred in numerous films, including “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Around the World in 80 Days,” and “The Pink Panther.” Niven’s charm and wit made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

10. Dorothy Hodgkin

Date of Death: July 29, 1994

Dorothy Hodgkin, born on May 12, 1910, was a British chemist who advanced the technique of X-ray crystallography. She won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her work on the structures of important biochemical substances, including penicillin and vitamin B12. Hodgkin’s contributions significantly advanced the field of chemistry.

11. Jerome Robbins

Date of Death: July 29, 1998

Jerome Robbins, born on October 11, 1918, was an American choreographer, director, and dancer. He is best known for his work on Broadway musicals such as “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “The King and I.” Robbins’s innovative choreography and direction left a lasting impact on musical theatre.

12. Foday Sankoh

Date of Death: July 29, 2003

Foday Sankoh, born on October 17, 1937, was a Sierra Leonean revolutionary leader and founder of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Sankoh played a central role in the Sierra Leone Civil War, which was marked by widespread atrocities. He was arrested and died while awaiting trial for his crimes.

13. James Hubert “Huby” Heard

Date of Death: July 29, 2003

James Hubert “Huby” Heard, born on January 10, 1916, was an American baseball player and coach. Known for his contributions to Negro league baseball, Heard’s career spanned several decades, during which he played for and managed various teams. His dedication to the sport helped pave the way for future generations of African American players.

14. Hildegarde [Sell]

Date of Death: July 29, 2005

Hildegarde, born on February 1, 1906, was an American cabaret singer, known as “The Incomparable Hildegarde.” Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she became a popular performer in nightclubs and on radio. Hildegarde’s glamorous style and engaging performances made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

15. Jim Olin

Date of Death: July 29, 2006

Jim Olin, born on February 28, 1920, was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia. A Democrat, Olin was known for his commitment to public service and his efforts to address issues such as education and health care during his tenure in Congress.

see also: 18 Celebrities Born on July 29

16. Art Davis

Date of Death: July 29, 2007

Art Davis, born on December 5, 1934, was an American jazz bassist known for his work with notable musicians such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. Davis’s skillful playing and innovative techniques made him a respected figure in the jazz community.

17. Tom Snyder

Date of Death: July 29, 2007

Tom Snyder, born on May 12, 1936, was an American television personality and news anchor. Known for his late-night talk show “Tomorrow with Tom Snyder,” he conducted interviews with a wide range of guests, from celebrities to politicians. Snyder’s distinctive interviewing style and charismatic presence made him a popular figure in television journalism.

18. Tomasz Stańko

Date of Death: July 29, 2018

Tomasz Stańko, born on July 11, 1942, was a Polish trumpeter and composer known for his contributions to jazz. Stańko’s career spanned over five decades, during which he became a leading figure in European jazz. His innovative approach to music and his distinctive sound earned him international acclaim.

19. Carl Levin

Date of Death: July 29, 2021

Carl Levin, born on June 28, 1934, was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan for 36 years. A Democrat, Levin was known for his work on national security, military affairs, and government oversight. His dedication to public service and his efforts to promote transparency and accountability left a lasting impact on American politics.

20. Clive Rowlands

Date of Death: July 29, 2023

Clive Rowlands, born on May 14, 1938, was a Welsh rugby union player and coach. Known for his contributions to Welsh rugby, Rowlands captained the national team and later served as its coach. His leadership and strategic insights helped shape the success of Welsh rugby during his tenure.

Conclusion

The lives of these 20 individuals reflect a wide array of contributions across various fields, from politics and science to art and entertainment. Their legacies continue to influence and inspire, even as they are remembered on the day of their passing. Each of these figures, through their unique talents and efforts, has left an indelible mark on history, illustrating the diverse ways in which one can make a lasting impact on the world.