Famous People Who Died Today

Philip K. Dick was an American writer who was known for his work that explores varied social and philosophical themes. Dick's novels have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, and The Adjustment Bureau. In 2005, his novel Ubik was included in Time magazine's list of 100 greatest novels published in English since 1923.

Sarojini Naidu was an Indian poet and political activist. An important figure in the Indian Independence Movement, she was a proponent of anti-imperialistic ideas, women's rights, and civil rights. Her illustrious career as a poet earned her the nickname Nightingale of India. After India became independent, she became the first woman to hold the office of Governor in the Dominion of India.

English writer, D. H. Lawrence, was known for exploring sensitive issues, such as sexuality, emotional health,  and instinct. In his works, he often reflected upon the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. The sexual nature of his writings earned him many enemies. Even though he died at the relatively young age of 44, he left behind a rich literary legacy.

John Wesley was an English cleric, evangelist, and theologian. He is best remembered for leading a revival movement called Methodism within the Church of England. He is credited with founding societies that eventually became the dominant form of the Methodist movement, which remains relevant today. He continues to be the main theological influence on Methodists all over the world.

Isma'il Pasha, also called Ismail the Magnificent, was the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan. He remained instrumental in modernizing Egypt and Sudan and invested considerably in economic and industrial development and urbanization. His administrative policies, particularly those that led to accumulation of huge foreign debt, paved way for his toppling from power and eventually the British occupation of Egypt.

Madeleine Vionnet was a French fashion designer who established her own fashion house in 1912. From 1919 to 1939, Vionnet was one of the most prominent designers in Paris. Dubbed the Queen of the bias cut, Vionnet is best remembered for popularizing the bias cut. Regarded as one of the 20th century's most influential designers, Vionnet inspired many fashion designers.

Mani was a Parthian prophet best remembered for founding a major religion called Manichaeism which was once widespread. Mani is believed to have performed several miracles including teleporting, levitation, and healing, which gained him many followers. He was martyred in 274 and his death drew comparisons to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz was a Polish poet, writer, essayist, translator, and dramatist. Remembered for his literary achievements, Iwaszkiewicz received four nominations for the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature during his lifetime. Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz is also remembered for saving the lives of many Jews during the Second World War and was honored with the Righteous Among the Nations award in 1988.

Apart from being a passionate horticulturist who created the Lotusland botanical gardens in her California mansion, Ganna Walska was also a renowned opera singer. Born to Polish parents in Brest, she grew up to marry 6 times, each time to an influential person. She also bought Paris’s Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

Lawrence Anthony was an international conservationist, explorer, environmentalist, and bestselling author. He is credited with founding the independent conservation and environmental group, The Earth Organization. Anthony played an important role in rescuing and protecting endangered species, such as the Northern White Rhinoceros. A prolific writer, many of Anthony’s books have been translated into numerous languages.

Chad of Mercia was an Anglo-Saxon churchman who, according to Saint Bede, is credited with bringing Christianity to the Mercian kingdom. After his death, Chad was venerated as a saint and continues to be venerated in several churches, such as the Anglican churches, the Roman Catholic, and the Celtic Orthodox Church.