The world of fame and glamour often leaves an indelible mark on history through the lives and legacies of its most renowned personalities. While many celebrities are remembered long after their passing, some fade into obscurity, only to be rediscovered by those curious about the annals of history. This article explores 18 celebrities who passed away on July 31, highlighting their contributions and commemorating their birthdays.
18 Celebrities Who Died on July 31
1. Fanny Leys
Date of Death: July 31, 1991
Fanny Leys was a Belgian painter known for her detailed portrait work during the 19th century. Born on June 13, 1822, she was part of the Leys family, which had significant contributions to the Belgian art scene. Despite the limited recognition of female artists during her time, Leys managed to carve out a niche for herself with her skillful and delicate brushwork. Her works primarily featured portraits that captured the essence and personality of her subjects, making her a respected figure in the Belgian art community. Leys passed away at the young age of 32, leaving behind a small but impactful body of work.
2. Jerome Beatty Jr.
Date of Death: July 31, 2002
Jerome Beatty Jr., born on October 19, 1916, was an American author and editor, widely recognized for his contributions to children’s literature and his work as an editor for “American Legion Magazine.” Beatty was the creator of the “Matthew and Maria” series, which became a favorite among young readers. His writing was known for its wit and the ability to engage young minds with exciting and educational content. Beatty also had a significant editorial career, influencing the content and direction of several publications. His contributions to literature and journalism were celebrated, and his death marked the end of a prolific career that had touched many lives.
3. Guido Crepax
Date of Death: July 31, 2003
Guido Crepax, born on July 15, 1933, was an Italian comic book artist and writer best known for creating the character Valentina. Crepax’s work was distinctive for its sensual and surreal style, which revolutionized the Italian and international comic scene. He was a pioneer in the graphic novel genre, blending art with complex storytelling that often explored psychological and erotic themes. Valentina, his most famous creation, became an icon in pop culture, representing the liberated woman of the 1960s and 70s. Crepax’s influence on comics and graphic novels remains significant, and his death marked the loss of a true innovator in visual storytelling.
4. Laura Betti
Laura Betti
Date of Death: July 31, 2004
Laura Betti, born on May 1, 1927, was an Italian actress and singer, known for her collaboration with the renowned director Pier Paolo Pasolini. Betti began her career as a cabaret singer before transitioning to film, where she became one of Pasolini’s favorite actresses, starring in several of his films including “Teorema” and “The Canterbury Tales.” Her performances were often intense and enigmatic, reflecting her deep understanding of the complex characters she portrayed. Betti’s work earned her critical acclaim, including a Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. Her death in 2004 marked the end of a remarkable career that significantly impacted Italian cinema.
5. Les Braid
Date of Death: July 31, 2005
Les Braid, born on September 15, 1937, was an English musician best known as the bassist and vocalist for the band The Swinging Blue Jeans. The band gained popularity in the 1960s with hits like “Hippy Hippy Shake” and “Good Golly Miss Molly,” contributing to the Merseybeat scene that also produced The Beatles. Braid’s bass lines and harmonizing vocals were key elements in the band’s sound, helping them achieve international success. Despite the band’s fading popularity in the later years, Braid continued to perform and tour, maintaining a loyal fan base. His death in 2005 was a significant loss for the British music scene, particularly for fans of 1960s rock and roll.
6. Paul Eells
Date of Death: July 31, 2006
Paul Eells, born on September 24, 1935, was a beloved American sportscaster known for his work as the voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Eells had a long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting, starting in radio and moving on to television. He became the play-by-play announcer for Razorbacks football and basketball games, earning a reputation for his enthusiastic and heartfelt commentary. Eells was not just a sportscaster but a beloved figure in Arkansas, admired for his professionalism and his passion for sports. His tragic death in a car accident in 2006 was a shocking loss to the sports community, particularly in Arkansas, where he was considered a local legend.
7. Harry Alan Towers
Date of Death: July 31, 2009
Harry Alan Towers, born on October 19, 1920, was a British film producer and screenwriter known for his work in the adventure and thriller genres. Towers had a prolific career, producing over 80 films, often in collaboration with notable directors like Jess Franco and using classic literature as source material. Some of his well-known works include “The Face of Fu Manchu” and “Venus in Furs.” Towers was also known for his ability to produce films on tight budgets and short schedules, a skill that earned him a reputation as a resourceful and efficient producer. His contributions to the film industry were significant, particularly in the realm of B-movies and genre films.
8. Mitch Miller
Date of Death: July 31, 2010
Mitch Miller, born on July 4, 1911, was an American oboist, conductor, record producer, and television host. Miller was a major figure in the American music industry during the 1950s and 60s, known for his work at Columbia Records, where he worked with artists like Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis. He was also the host of the popular TV show “Sing Along with Mitch,” which became a cultural phenomenon, encouraging viewers to sing along with their favorite songs. Miller’s contributions to music were not just in performance and production but also in shaping the tastes of a generation. His death in 2010 marked the end of an era in American music.
9. Michael Ansara
Michael Ansara
Date of Death: July 31, 2013
Michael Ansara, born on April 15, 1922, was a Syrian-American actor known for his roles in television series such as “Broken Arrow,” “Star Trek,” and “I Dream of Jeannie.” Ansara’s deep voice and commanding presence made him a popular character actor, often cast in roles of authority figures or villains. His portrayal of Kang, a Klingon warrior, in “Star Trek” was particularly memorable and earned him a place in the hearts of science fiction fans. Ansara’s career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, leaving a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
10. Billy Pierce
Date of Death: July 31, 2015
Billy Pierce, born on April 2, 1927, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher known for his time with the Chicago White Sox and the San Francisco Giants. Pierce was one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of his era, earning seven All-Star selections and leading the American League in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average at various points in his career. He was known for his precision and competitiveness on the mound, qualities that made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers. Pierce’s contributions to baseball were significant, and his passing in 2015 was a moment of reflection for many in the sports community.
11. Roddy Piper
Date of Death: July 31, 2015
Roddy Piper, born on April 17, 1954, was a Canadian professional wrestler and actor, best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Piper, often referred to as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, was one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in wrestling, known for his sharp wit, fiery personality, and legendary feuds with other wrestling superstars like Hulk Hogan. His “Piper’s Pit” interview segments became iconic, blending entertainment with unpredictability. Piper also had a successful acting career, most notably starring in John Carpenter’s cult classic “They Live.” His death in 2015 was a significant loss to the wrestling and entertainment communities.
12. Seymour Papert
Date of Death: July 31, 2016
Seymour Papert, born on February 29, 1928, was a South African-born American mathematician, computer scientist, and educator known for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and education technology. Papert was a co-founder of the MIT Media Lab and developed the programming language Logo, which was designed to help children learn to think and solve problems. His work in constructionism, a theory of learning, has had a profound impact on education, particularly in the use of technology as a learning tool. Papert’s contributions to both computer science and education have left a lasting legacy, influencing how technology is used in classrooms around the world.
13. Bill Russell
Date of Death: July 31, 2022
Bill Russell, born on February 12, 1934, was an American professional basketball player and coach. Russell’s illustrious career with the Boston Celtics included 11 NBA championships and five MVP awards. His defensive prowess and leadership on and off the court made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
14. Fidel V. Ramos
Date of Death: July 31, 2022
Fidel V. Ramos, born on March 18, 1928, was a Filipino general and politician who served as the 12th President of the Philippines. Ramos’ presidency was marked by significant economic reforms and political stability. His leadership and dedication to public service were instrumental in shaping the modern Philippines.
15. Hartmut Heidemann
Hartmut Heidemann
Date of Death: July 31, 2023
Hartmut Heidemann, born on February 5, 1941, was a German footballer who played as a midfielder. Heidemann’s career included stints with MSV Duisburg and the West Germany national team. His contributions to football were appreciated by fans and fellow players, making him a respected figure in the sport.
16. Mo Ostin [Ostrofsky]
Date of Death: July 31, 2023
Mo Ostin, born on March 27, 1927, was an American music executive known for his influential role in the recording industry. Ostin’s work with Warner Bros. Records and Reprise Records helped shape the careers of numerous iconic artists. His innovative approach to music production and artist management left a lasting impact on the industry.
see also: 20 Celebrities Born on July 31 You May Not Know
17. Angus Cloud
Date of Death: July 31, 2023
Angus Cloud, born on July 10, 1998, was an American actor best known for his role as Fezco in the television series “Euphoria.” Cloud’s portrayal of the complex character garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. His untimely death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, cutting short a promising career.
18. Melaku Worede
Date of Death: July 31, 2023
Melaku Worede, born on February 11, 1936, was an Ethiopian agronomist and environmentalist known for his work in seed conservation and sustainable agriculture. Worede’s efforts in promoting biodiversity and empowering local farmers earned him international recognition. His contributions to environmental sustainability were profound and impactful.
Conclusion
The lives of these 18 celebrities, each unique and impactful in their own way, remind us of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring legacies left behind. From the realms of entertainment and sports to academia and public service, their contributions continue to resonate long after their passing. Commemorating their birthdays and celebrating their achievements ensures that their memories remain alive, inspiring future generations to appreciate the diverse talents and accomplishments of those who came before.
FAQs:
Which celebrity is born on July 31st?
J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was born on July 31, 1965.
Is there a famous person who died on their birthday (July 31)?
Floyd Council, an American blues guitarist and singer, died on July 31, 1976, which was his 64th birthday.
What celebrity died in July 1991?
Lee Remick, an American actress known for her roles in films like “Days of Wine and Roses” and “The Omen,” died on July 2, 1991.