April 22 birthdays and deaths:

J. Robert Oppenheimer

J. Robert Oppenheimer was a renowned American physicist and academic who directed the Manhattan Project, leading to the development of the atomic bomb. He served as director of the Institute for Advanced Study and was a strong advocate for the responsible use of scientific knowledge.

Birthyear: 1904

Amber Heard

Amber Heard is an American actress known for her versatility in films like "Aquaman," "Justice League," and "The Rum Diary." Born on April 22, 1986, she's also an activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.

Birthyear: 1986

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson is a legendary American actor and producer, known for his iconic roles in films like 'Easy Rider,' 'Chinatown,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' and 'As Good as It Gets.' With 12 Oscar nominations, he's a three-time Academy Award winner.

Birthyear: 1937

Machine Gun Kelly (musician)

Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, is a renowned American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. Known for his rapid-fire flow and emotive lyrics, he has released several successful albums and collaborated with artists like Travis Barker and Young Thug.

Birthyear: 1990

Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary and politician, founded Soviet Russia in 1917. He led the Bolsheviks to power, introducing Marxist-Leninist ideology, nationalizing industries, and establishing a one-party state. His radical reforms transformed Russia, leaving a lasting impact on world politics and history.

Birthyear: 1870

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a renowned American actor, born on April 22, 1966, in Seattle, Washington. He's known for his iconic roles in TV series like "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Walking Dead," as well as films like "Watchmen" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."

Birthyear: 1966

Kaká

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, known as Kaká, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. With exceptional dribbling skills and vision, he won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 and led AC Milan to Champions League victory in 2007.

Birthyear: 1982

Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant, a renowned German philosopher, anthropologist, and academic, is best known for his critical philosophy, which emphasized the role of human perception in understanding reality. His influential works include 'Critique of Pure Reason' and 'Perpetual Peace'.

Birthyear: 1724

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch is a retired American football running back who played for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks. Known for his powerful running style and "Beast Mode" nickname, Lynch was a key player in the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII championship.

Birthyear: 1986

Spencer Haywood

Spencer Haywood is a American basketball legend, playing professionally from 1969-1983. A four-time NBA All-Star, Haywood won an Olympic gold medal in 1968 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, recognized for his trailblazing career on and off the court.

Birthyear: 1949

Sean Lock

Sean Lock was a renowned English comedian and actor, best known for his witty humor and clever wordplay. He was a team captain on the popular TV show "QI" and appeared on "Have I Got News for You" and "8 Out of 10 Cats."

Birthyear: 1963

Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell was a legendary American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor, known for his smooth voice, virtuosic guitar playing, and iconic hits like "Gentle on My Mind" and "Rhinestone Cowboy". He had a successful music and acting career spanning over five decades before passing away in 2017.

Birthyear: 1936

John Waters

John Waters, known as the "Pope of Trash," is a cult film icon. He's directed irreverent, outré classics like "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray," and launched the careers of Divine and Ricki Lake. Waters' work celebrates the bizarre, pushing boundaries of good taste and morality.

Birthyear: 1946

Peter Frampton

Peter Frampton is a renowned English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. His 1976 album 'Frampton Comes Alive!' is a classic, featuring hits like 'Show Me the Way' and 'Do You Feel Like We Do.' He's known for his soulful voice, virtuosic guitar playing, and enduring pop-rock legacy.

Birthyear: 1950

Isabella I of Castile

Isabella I of Castile, also known as Isabella the Catholic, was a queen of Castile and León from 1474 until her death in 1504. She sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas and played a crucial role in the unification of Spain.

Birthyear: 1451

David Luiz

David Luiz is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Flamengo and the Brazil national team. Known for his skill, vision, and goalscoring ability, he has won numerous titles, including the Champions League with Chelsea.

Birthyear: 1987

Vladimir Nabokov

Vladimir Nabokov was a Russian-born novelist, critic, and poet renowned for his lyrical prose and complex characters. His notable works include "Lolita," "Pale Fire," and "Speak, Memory," showcasing his mastery of language and innovative storytelling techniques.

Birthyear: 1899

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd is a renowned American actress, comedian, and TV personality, best known for her roles on "The View" and "Less Than Perfect." She has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing her versatility and wit, earning her multiple award nominations and wins.

Birthyear: 1967

Donald Tusk

Donald Tusk, a Polish journalist and politician, served as the 14th Prime Minister of Poland from 2007 to 2014 and later became the President of the European Council. Known for his liberal views, he played a key role in shaping Poland's relations with the European Union.

Birthyear: 1957

Aaron Spelling

Aaron Spelling was a renowned American actor, producer, and screenwriter, best known for creating iconic TV shows like "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Dynasty," and "Charlie's Angels." He produced over 200 films and TV shows, earning numerous Emmy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Birthyear: 1923

Ryan Stiles

Ryan Stiles is an American-Canadian actor and comedian, best known for his improv skills on the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and his starring role as Dr. Herb Melnick on the sitcom "The Drew Carey Show."

Birthyear: 1959

Estelle Harris

Estelle Harris, a talented American actress and comedian, is best known for her iconic role as Estelle Costanza, George's mother, on the hit TV show "Seinfeld." Her distinctive voice and comedic timing brought laughter to audiences worldwide.

Birthyear: 1928

Bettie Page

Bettie Page, the "Queen of Pin-ups," was a provocative American model and actress who mesmerized the 1950s with her bold style, iconic bangs, and signature bondage-themed photographs, cementing her status as a cult figure and feminist icon.

Birthyear: 1923

Jason Miller (playwright)

Jason Miller, a Tony Award-winning playwright and actor, was best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning play "That Championship Season" and his iconic role as Father Karras in "The Exorcist" (1973).

Birthyear: 1939

Sacco and Vanzetti

Nicola Sacco, an Italian-American anarchist, was wrongly accused of murder and robbery in the infamous Sacco and Vanzetti case. Executed in 1927, his case sparked international outrage, fueling debate on capital punishment, immigrant rights, and social justice.

Birthyear: 1891

Daniel Johns

Daniel Johns, Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist, rose to fame with Silverchair, his iconic band known for alternative rock hits like "Tomorrow" and "Straight Lines."

Birthyear: 1979

Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake (1938-2022) was a renowned Japanese fashion designer, known for his innovative and futuristic designs. He blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern technology, creating iconic pleated pieces and perfumes. His eponymous brand celebrated individuality and comfort, dressing celebrities and first ladies alike.

Birthyear: 1938

Terry Francona

Terry Francona is a highly successful American baseball manager and former player. As a player, he played for several teams from 1981 to 1990. As a manager, he led the Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles (2004, 2007) and currently manages the Cleveland Guardians.

Birthyear: 1959

Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus, a legendary jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, was known for his dynamic, genre-bending music and intense stage presence. His iconic compositions, such as "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "Mingus Ah Um," continue to inspire jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

Birthyear: 1922

Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw is an American actress known for her breakout role as Nell Crain in Netflix's horror series "The Haunting of Hill House." She has also appeared in "Doctor Sleep" and "Black Widow." Her performances have earned her critical acclaim and a reputation as a talented young actress.

Birthyear: 2011

Regine Velasquez

Regine Velasquez is a renowned Filipino singer and actress, dubbed the "Asia's Songbird." With a vocal range spanning over four octaves, she has released numerous hit albums and singles, earning numerous awards and accolades in the music industry.

Birthyear: 1970

Charlotte Rae

Charlotte Rae was an American actress and singer, best known for her roles as Edna Garrett on "Diff'rent Strokes" and its spin-off "The Facts of Life." She won multiple Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination for her performances.

Birthyear: 1926

Eve Muirhead

Eve Muirhead is a Scottish curler who has competed at three Winter Olympics, winning bronze in 2014. She has also won multiple World and European Championships, earning her the title of one of Scotland's most successful curlers.

Birthyear: 1990

Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten

Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten (1906-1947), was a Swedish prince and son of King Gustaf VI Adolf and Crown Princess Margaret. He died in a plane crash at age 41, leaving behind a wife and five young children.

Birthyear: 1906

B. R. Chopra

Baldev Raj Chopra was a renowned Indian film director and producer, known for his socially conscious and critically acclaimed films like "Naya Daur" and "Waqt". His work spanned over five decades, earning him numerous awards and prestigious recognition in Indian cinema.

Birthyear: 1914

Louise Glück

Louise Glück is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet known for her introspective and lyrical style. She has published 12 collections, exploring themes of family, nature, and the human condition, earning her numerous awards and accolades.

Birthyear: 1943

Michael Wittmann

Michael Wittmann was a highly decorated German SS officer and panzer commander during World War II, credited with destroying over 130 tanks and several hundred other armored vehicles, earning him the title "The Black Baron."

Birthyear: 1914

Yehudi Menuhin

Yehudi Menuhin, a renowned American-Swiss violinist and conductor, was born in 1916 and died in 1999. He was celebrated for his technical mastery, expressive playing style, and commissioned works from prominent composers like Bartók and Messiaen.

Birthyear: 1916

Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Gopalkrishna Gandhi, a distinguished Indian civil servant and politician, served as the 22nd Governor of West Bengal from 2004 to 2009. A grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, he is known for his advocacy of social justice and human rights.

Birthyear: 1945

Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding was a pioneering English novelist and playwright, best known for his influential novels "Tom Jones" and "Amelia". A prominent figure in 18th-century literature, Fielding's works showcased his wit, satire, and insight into human nature, earning him a legacy as a founding father of the English novel.

Birthyear: 1707

Steve Fossett

Steve Fossett was a renowned American businessman, pilot, and sailor who set numerous records in ballooning and sailing. He was the first to fly solo non-stop around the world in a hot air balloon and sailed solo around the world in 2004.

Birthyear: 1944

Jack Nitzsche

Jack Nitzsche was a renowned American singer-songwriter, pianist, and conductor. He collaborated with Phil Spector, arranged iconic songs like "River Deep - Mountain High", and worked with Neil Young, Graham Parker, and Willy DeVille, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Birthyear: 1937

Dee Strange-Gordon

Dee Strange-Gordon is an American professional baseball second baseman who has played for the Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, and others. He's a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, known for his speed, defense, and contact-hitting ability.

Birthyear: 1988

Lewis Powell (conspirator)

Lewis Powell, a Confederate sympathizer, was part of the conspiracy to assassinate top government officials in 1865. On April 14, he attacked Secretary of State William Seward, brutally stabbing him multiple times, but ultimately failing to kill him.

Birthyear: 1844

Giorgio Agamben

Giorgio Agamben is an Italian philosopher and academic known for his innovative approaches to politics, ethics, and aesthetics. His influential works, such as "Homo Sacer," explore the intersections of power, law, and humanity, offering provocative insights into modern society and the human condition.

Birthyear: 1942

Kevin Kiermaier

Kevin Kiermaier is an American professional baseball center fielder who plays for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his exceptional defensive skills, he's a three-time Gold Glove Award winner and has been named to the American League All-Star team.

Birthyear: 1990

Danni Wyatt

Danni Wyatt is an English cricketer who has played for the England women's national team since 2010. A right-arm medium bowler and lower-order batter, she has featured in several World Cups and has taken 79 wickets in international cricket.

Birthyear: 1991

Princess Margaret of Prussia

Princess Margaret of Prussia (1872-1954), was a daughter of Frederick III, German Emperor, and granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Birthyear: 1872

Janet Evanovich

Janet Evanovich is a bestselling American author, known for her humorous mystery novels. Her popular Stephanie Plum series has sold over 75 million copies worldwide. Her books are translated into over 40 languages, cementing her status as a literary phenomenon.

Birthyear: 1943

Germaine de Staël

Germaine de Staël, a French author and political philosopher, was a pioneering figure in the Romantic movement. Her influential writings on literature, politics, and morality shaped European thought, earning her the title "the greatest woman of her time."

Birthyear: 1766

Rita Levi-Montalcini

Rita Levi-Montalcini, a pioneering Italian neurologist, discovered the nerve growth factor, earning her the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. A trailblazer for women in science, she was a senator for life in the Italian Senate and lived to be 103.

Birthyear: 1909

Jeff Hostetler

Jeff Hostetler, an American football quarterback, played in the NFL from 1984 to 1997, notably leading the New York Giants to a Super Bowl XXV victory in 1991, earning two Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl MVP honors.

Birthyear: 1961

Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk

Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk (d. 1503), was the sixth child of King Edward IV and sister of the missing Princes in the Tower. She married John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, and had several children, including a son who would lead a rebellion against Henry VIII.

Birthyear: 1444

Alan Bond

Alan Bond was a renowned English-Australian businessman and entrepreneur. He achieved success in various ventures, including brewing, construction, and yachting, winning the America's Cup in 1983. However, he was also involved in controversies, including fraud convictions and financial scandals, tarnishing his legacy.

Birthyear: 1938

Kathleen Ferrier

Kathleen Ferrier (1912-1953) was a renowned English contralto, celebrated for her rich, expressive voice and captivating stage presence. She excelled in operatic and oratorio performances, particularly in roles like Gluck's Orfeo and Elgar's Dream of Gerontius, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of classical music.

Birthyear: 1912

Antoine of Navarre

Antoine of Navarre (1518-1562) was a French nobleman who played a key role in French politics during the Renaissance. He was King of Navarre, Duke of Vendôme, and a prominent Huguenot leader during the French Wars of Religion.

Birthyear: 1518

Paul Chambers

Paul Chambers was a renowned African-American jazz bassist and composer. A member of Miles Davis' legendary quintet, he played on iconic albums like "Kind of Blue" and "Milestones." His melodic bass lines and compositions, such as "Bolivia" and "Whims of Chambers," remain jazz staples.

Birthyear: 1935

Michael Atiyah

Michael Atiyah, a renowned English-Lebanese mathematician, made groundbreaking contributions to geometry and topology. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 and knighted in 1983 for his exceptional work, leaving a lasting impact on modern mathematics.

Birthyear: 1929

Ethel Smyth

Ethel Smyth was a pioneering English composer and suffragette, known for her operas, choral works, and orchestral pieces. She was one of the first women to gain recognition as a composer, and her music often reflected her advocacy for women's rights and social justice.

Birthyear: 1858

Otto Rank

Otto Rank, an Austrian-American psychologist, pioneered the concept of "will therapy" and introduced the idea of the "trauma of birth." His work influenced psychoanalysis, and he was a prominent figure in the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, collaborating with Sigmund Freud.

Birthyear: 1884

William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg

William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg (1852-1912), reigned from 1905 to 1912. He was a strong advocate for women's rights and introduced universal suffrage, allowing women to vote.

Birthyear: 1852

Richard Glücks

Richard Glücks was a high-ranking German SS officer during World War II, serving as the Inspector of Concentration Camps, overseeing the network of Nazi camps and implementation of the "Final Solution," ultimately responsible for the deaths of millions of people.

Birthyear: 1889

Zoltán Gera

Zoltán Gera is a Hungarian former international footballer and manager, known for his skillful midfield play and goal-scoring ability. He played for clubs like Ferencváros, West Bromwich Albion, and Fulham, earning 97 caps for Hungary between 2002 and 2017.

Birthyear: 1979

Paul Davies

Paul Davies is a renowned English physicist and author, known for his contributions to cosmology and astrobiology. He has written over 25 books, including "God and the New Physics" and "The Eerie Silence", exploring the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion.

Birthyear: 1946

Jeff Minter

Jeff Minter is a renowned British video game designer and programmer, founder of Llamasoft, known for creating psychedelic and mesmerizing games like Space Giraffe, Gridrunner, and goat-simulation game, Polybius.

Birthyear: 1962

Pope Alexander VIII

Pope Alexander VIII, born Pietro Vito Ottoboni, was Pope from 1689 until his death in 1691. A Venetian noble, he was known for his piety, diplomacy, and cultural patronage, commissioning works from famous artists like Bernini and restoring several Roman churches.

Birthyear: 1610

Wu Peifu

Wu Peifu, a powerful warlord, dominated Chinese politics from 1916 to 1928. As marshal of the Beiyang Army, he controlled vast territories and played a crucial role in the Warlord Era, earning the nickname "Thephilosopher-general" for his literary interests.

Birthyear: 1874

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan, a renowned Australian painter, is celebrated for his vibrant, often surreal works depicting Australian history and landscape. His iconic series on Ned Kelly, the infamous outlaw, solidified his reputation as a master of modern Australian art.

Birthyear: 1917

Richard Diebenkorn

Richard Diebenkorn was a renowned American painter and veteran who served in World War II. His "Ocean Park" series, characterized by geometric shapes and bold colors, is highly acclaimed. His unique blend of abstraction and representation continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Birthyear: 1922