April 26 birthdays and deaths:

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum is an American actor and producer, known for his captivating performances in films like 'Magic Mike,' '21 Jump Street,' and 'Step Up.' He has also ventured into producing with his company, Free Association.

Birthyear: 1980

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is a renowned American actor, director, and producer, known for his iconic roles in TV shows like "Breaking Bad" and "The Mandalorian," as well as films like "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X." He's a master of playing complex, nuanced characters.

Birthyear: 1958

Melania Trump

Melania Trump, a Slovene-American model, became the 47th First Lady of the United States in 2017. Born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, she met Donald Trump in 1998 and married him in 2005, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006. She has been a dedicated advocate for children's well-being and anti-bullying initiatives.

Birthyear: 1970

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is a beloved American actress, singer, and producer, renowned for her groundbreaking variety show "The Carol Burnett Show" (1967-1978), earning 25 Emmy nominations and winning six. Her signature tarzan yell and comedic genius have endeared her to audiences for decades.

Birthyear: 1933

Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees. He's a 4-time All-Star, 2-time Silver Slugger, and 2022 AL MVP, known for his towering home runs and impressive defensive plays, earning him the nickname "The Judge."

Birthyear: 1992

Kevin James

Kevin James is an American actor and comedian, best known for his starring role as Doug Heffernan in the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens" and his film roles in "Grown Ups" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop."

Birthyear: 1965

Jet Li

Jet Li is a renowned Chinese-Singaporean martial artist, actor, and producer. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has starred in iconic films like 'Romeo Must Die' and 'Fist of Legend', showcasing his incredible martial arts skills and captivating audiences worldwide.

Birthyear: 1963

Jordana Brewster

Jordana Brewster is a Panamanian-American actress, born on April 26, 1980. She's best known for her roles in "Fast & Furious" franchise, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", and TV series "Dallas". Her versatility and charm have made her a beloved Hollywood presence.

Birthyear: 1980

Kane (wrestler)

Glenn 'Kane' Jacobs is a renowned American professional wrestler, actor, and politician. Known for his intimidating WWE persona, Kane, he has also appeared in films and pursued a career in politics, serving as the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018.

Birthyear: 1967

Rudolf Hess

Rudolf Hess was a German politician and Deputy Führer of Nazi Germany. He flew to Scotland in 1941 on a solo mission to negotiate peace, but was captured and imprisoned.

Birthyear: 1894

Joey Jordison

Joey Jordison, aka #1, was an American musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Slipknot. He was a founding member and a key figure in the band's early success, earning a Grammy nomination for "Wait and Bleed" in 2001.

Birthyear: 1975

Stana Katic

Stana Katic is a Canadian actress born on April 26, 1978, in Hamilton, Ontario. She's best known for her starring role as Detective Kate Beckett in the ABC series "Castle" and has also appeared in films like "Quantum of Solace" and "The Spirit".

Birthyear: 1978

Tom Welling

Tom Welling is an American actor and director, best known for his iconic role as Clark Kent/Superman in the hit TV series "Smallville" (2001-2011). He has also appeared in films like "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Draft Day."

Birthyear: 1977

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein was an influential Austrian-English philosopher and academic who made significant contributions to philosophy of language, mind, and logic. His works, such as "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" and "Philosophical Investigations," continue to shape modern philosophical thought.

Birthyear: 1889

Daniil Kvyat

Daniil Kvyat is a Russian racing driver who has competed in Formula One for Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing. Born on April 26, 1994, he made his F1 debut in 2014 and has achieved several podium finishes in his career.

Birthyear: 1994

Giorgio Moroder

Giorgio Moroder is an Italian singer-songwriter and producer, known for his iconic disco hits like "Take My Breath Away" and "I Feel Love" with Donna Summer, as well as his work on soundtracks for films like "Top Gun" and "American Gigolo".

Birthyear: 1940

John Isner

John Isner is a renowned American tennis player known for his powerful serves, holding the record for most aces in a single match (113). He has won 15 ATP titles, including the 2018 Miami Open, and has been ranked as high as No. 8 in the world.

Birthyear: 1985

Tionne Watkins

Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins is a renowned American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress, best known as a founding member of the R&B group TLC. Born on April 26, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa, Watkins has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been named one of the greatest female vocalists of all time.

Birthyear: 1970

Israr Ahmed

Israr Ahmed was a renowned Indian-Pakistani theologian, philosopher, and scholar who founded the Tanzeem-e-Islami organization. He was a prolific author and television personality, known for his Urdu lectures on Islamic thought and Quranic exegesis. Ahmed's work focused on revitalizing Islamic values and promoting a modern, moderate Islam.

Birthyear: 1932

Debra Wilson

Debra Wilson is an American actress and comedian, best known for her impressions on Mad TV, where she became the show's longest-running cast member. She's also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing her impressive comedic range and versatility.

Birthyear: 1962

Bobby Rydell

Bobby Rydell was an American singer and actor known for his smooth voice and teen idol status in the 1950s-60s. He had 34 Top 100 hits, including "Wild One" and "Volare," and starred in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie."

Birthyear: 1942

Gary Wright

Gary Wright was an American singer-songwriter, keyboard player, and producer, best known for his 1976 hit single "Dream Weaver" and other 70s classics like "Love is Alive" and "Really Wanna Know You". His music blended elements of rock, pop, and electronic music.

Birthyear: 1943

Jessica Lynch

Jessica Lynch, a former US Army private first class, was captured during the Iraq War in 2003. Her dramatic rescue by US special forces made international headlines, earning her the nickname "The POW".

Birthyear: 1983

Thiago Almada

Thiago Almada is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Atlanta United and the Argentina national team. He's known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

Birthyear: 2001

Koo Stark

Koo Stark is an American actress and photographer, known for her roles in films like "Victor/Victoria" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." She gained international attention for her romantic relationship with Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in the 1980s.

Birthyear: 1956

I. M. Pei

I.M. Pei, a renowned Chinese-American architect, left an indelible mark on the world. His iconic designs include the National Gallery of Art's East Building and the Bank of China Tower. With a career spanning over 60 years, Pei's modernist and sustainable approach continues to inspire architects globally.

Birthyear: 1917

Roger Taylor (Duran Duran drummer)

Roger Taylor is a British drummer, singer, and songwriter, best known as the drummer of the iconic rock band Queen. He has also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles, including "Radio Ga Ga" and "A Kind of Magic".

Birthyear: 1960

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a British actress and singer-songwriter, known for her versatile performances on stage and screen. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Mike Leigh's "Secrets & Lies" and has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and musical theater productions.

Birthyear: 1967

Marie de' Medici

Marie de' Medici, queen of Henry IV of France, was a powerful and influential figure in French politics. Born in 1575, she served as regent for her son Louis XIII from 1610 to 1617, playing a significant role in shaping France's future.

Birthyear: 1575

Joan Chen

Joan Chen is a renowned Chinese-American actress, director, producer, and screenwriter. Known for her versatility, she has appeared in films like "The Last Emperor" and "Twin Peaks," while also directing and producing several projects, earning numerous awards and nominations for her work.

Birthyear: 1961

Eugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix, a pioneering French Romantic painter and lithographer, was renowned for his vivid, expressive works, exploring themes of history, mythology, and literature, as seen in iconic pieces like "Liberty Leading the People" and "The Massacre at Chios."

Birthyear: 1798

Duane Eddy

Duane Eddy is a renowned American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor known for his iconic instrumental hits like "Rebel Rouser" and "Peter Gunn." With his distinctive "twangy" guitar sound, he has influenced countless musicians and remains a rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll pioneer.

Birthyear: 1938

Frederick Law Olmsted

Frederick Law Olmsted was a pioneering American journalist and landscape architect who co-designed iconic Central Park in New York City. His innovative designs emphasized harmony with nature, earning him the title "Father of American Landscape Architecture."

Birthyear: 1822

Ma Rainey

Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Pridgett, was a pioneering American blues singer-songwriter of the 1920s and 1930s. Known for her powerful, soulful voice and energetic stage presence, she was one of the first professional blues singers, influencing later musicians like Bessie Smith and Janis Joplin.

Birthyear: 1886

John II of France

John II of France, also known as John the Good, was King of France from 1350 to 1364. He was captured by the English in 1356 and ransomed for 3 million guilders, leading to financial crisis and peasant uprisings, known as the Jacquerie, during his reign.

Birthyear: 1319

John James Audubon

John James Audubon was a renowned French-American ornithologist and painter who explored the American wilderness, capturing the beauty of birds in his iconic book "The Birds of America" featuring over 435 life-sized watercolor illustrations of North American species.

Birthyear: 1785

John Corabi

John Corabi is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the former lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe, Scarpe, Union, and ESP. His distinctive voice and songwriting skills have made him a respected figure in the rock music industry.

Birthyear: 1959

Caro Emerald

Caro Emerald is a Dutch pop and jazz singer known for her sultry, vintage sound and impressive vocal range. Born Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw, she rose to fame with her 2010 debut album "Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor," which topped the Dutch charts.

Birthyear: 1981

Susannah Harker

Susannah Harker is an English actress born on April 26, 1965, in London. She's best known for her roles in the 1995 mini-series "Pride and Prejudice" as Jane Bennet, and in the TV series "Ultra" and "Intimacy". She's also appeared in various stage productions and films.

Birthyear: 1965

Claudine Auger

Claudine Auger, a French model and actress, is best known for playing Domino Derval in the 1965 James Bond film "Thunderball." A former Miss France Monde, Auger's career spanned over four decades, with roles in European cinema and television, earning her a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Birthyear: 1941

Daesung

Kang Daesung, also known as Daesung, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on April 26, 1989, he is best known as a member of the K-pop group BIGBANG, one of the most influential and successful K-pop acts in the world.

Birthyear: 1989

Pedro Pierluisi

Pedro Pierluisi is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the 17th Governor of Puerto Rico from August 2019 to January 2020. He was previously the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico from 2009 to 2017.

Birthyear: 1959

Odysseas Vlachodimos

Odysseas Vlachodimos is a Greek international footballer playing as a goalkeeper for Benfica and the Greece national team. He began his career at Pandramaikos and has also played for Niki Volou and Panathinaikos, earning over 20 caps for Greece since his debut in 2018.

Birthyear: 1994

Melvin Ingram

Melvin Ingram is an American football outside linebacker who has played in the NFL for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he was a first-round draft pick in 2012 and has recorded over 400 tackles and 50 sacks in his career.

Birthyear: 1989

Jordan Pefok

Jordan Pefok is an American professional footballer who plays as a forward for Young Boys in the Swiss Super League. Born on April 26, 1995, in Washington, D.C., Pefok has also represented the United States at the U20 and senior levels.

Birthyear: 1996

Jonathan dos Santos

Jonathan dos Santos is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Mexico national team and LA Galaxy. Born on April 26, 1990, he has won two MLS Cups and was a key player in Mexico's 2018 World Cup squad.

Birthyear: 1990

James Rouse

James Rouse was a pioneering American real estate developer, known for creating Columbia, Maryland, a planned community. He also developed Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston and Harborplace in Baltimore, revitalizing urban waterfronts. His innovative approach to urban planning earned him numerous awards and accolades.

Birthyear: 1914

Samantha Cristoforetti

Samantha Cristoforetti is a renowned Italian astronaut and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut. She holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, spending 199 days aboard the International Space Station in 2014-2015.

Birthyear: 1977

Douglas Sirk

Douglas Sirk was a renowned German-American director and screenwriter, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged melodramas of the 1950s, such as "All That Heaven Allows" and "Written on the Wind", starring Rock Hudson and Lana Turner.

Birthyear: 1897

Delon Wright

Delon Wright is an American professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on April 26, 1992, Wright played college basketball for the University of Utah before being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2015.

Birthyear: 1992

Michele Ferrero

Michele Ferrero was an Italian entrepreneur who founded Ferrero SpA, a global confectionery company. He created iconic brands like Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher, revolutionizing the chocolate industry with his innovative products and becoming one of Italy's richest men.

Birthyear: 1925

Ernst Udet

Ernst Udet was a renowned German colonel and flying ace, credited with 62 aerial victories in World War I. A charismatic figure, he later became a Luftwaffe officer and advisor, but tragically took his own life in 1941 due to personal and professional struggles.

Birthyear: 1896

Ms. Dynamite

Niomi McLean-Daley, aka Ms. Dynamite, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Known for her energetic flow and socially conscious lyrics, she won the Mercury Music Prize in 2002 for her debut album "A Little Deeper" and was nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist.

Birthyear: 1981

Jules and Gédéon Naudet

Jules Naudet is a French-American director and producer, best known for his documentary films that explore themes of heroism and humanity. His award-winning films, including "9/11" and "In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11," showcase his ability to capture poignant, real-life stories.

Birthyear: 1973

Jay DeMarcus

Jay DeMarcus is an American bass player, songwriter, and producer, best known as a member of the country music group Rascal Flatts. He has co-written numerous chart-topping hits and has won multiple awards, including several Academy of Country Music Awards.

Birthyear: 1971

Bill Wennington

Bill Wennington is a Canadian retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1985 to 2000. He won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, and was a key contributor to their 1996-1998 title runs.

Birthyear: 1963

Jack Douglas (actor)

Jack Douglas was a beloved English actor and comedian, best known for his appearances in the "Carry On" film series. He played lovable, bumbling characters, entertaining audiences with his comedic timing and endearing on-screen presence.

Birthyear: 1927

Hack Wilson

Hack Wilson was a renowned American baseball player who played from 1923 to 1934. A power-hitting outfielder, he holds the National League record for most RBIs in a season with 191 in 1930, earning him the MVP award.

Birthyear: 1900

John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute

John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute, was a Scottish racing driver and aristocrat. He competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and British GT Championship, exemplifying his passion for motorsport.

Birthyear: 1958

Bernard Malamud

Bernard Malamud was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and short story writer, known for his poignant and introspective works exploring Jewish identity, morality, and the human condition.

Birthyear: 1914

Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily

Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily, Queen of France (1782-1866), was the wife of King Louis Philippe I and played a crucial role in supporting her husband during the French Revolution and subsequent constitutional monarchy.

Birthyear: 1782

Carlos Bianchi

Carlos Bianchi is a legendary Argentinian footballer and manager. As a player, he won the Ballon d'Or in 1977 and led Boca Juniors to multiple titles. As a manager, he won four Copa Libertadores titles, a record, and is considered one of South America's most successful coaches.

Birthyear: 1949

Peter Handscomb

Peter Handscomb is an Australian cricketer who plays as a top-order batsman. Born on April 26, 1991, he made his Test debut in 2016 and has since scored over 2,000 runs, known for his aggressive style and dominant play.

Birthyear: 1991

Peter II of Portugal

Peter II of Portugal, also known as "The Pacific," was the King of Portugal from 1667 to 1706. He was known for his fairness, wisdom, and diplomatic skills, which earned him a long and peaceful reign, modernizing Portugal and strengthening its economy and military.

Birthyear: 1648

Arno Allan Penzias

Arno Allan Penzias, a German-American physicist, won the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics with Robert Wilson for discovering cosmic microwave background radiation, providing key evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Birthyear: 1933

Óscar García (footballer, born 1973)

Óscar García Junyent, simply known as Óscar, is a Spanish footballer and coach, who played as an attacking midfielder. He played for clubs like Barcelona, Albacete, and Valladolid, and later managed teams such as Brighton & Hove Albion and Saint-Étienne.

Birthyear: 1973

Anita Loos

Anita Loos was a pioneering American author, playwright, and screenwriter. Best known for her novel "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Loos was a leading figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, penning scripts for films like "Red-Headed Woman" and "San Francisco." Her witty humor and feminist perspectives continue to inspire writers today.

Birthyear: 1889

Bernie Brillstein

Bernie Brillstein was a renowned American talent agent and producer, credited with launching the careers of iconic comedians like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Jim Henson. His work on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Muppet Show" earned him multiple Emmy Awards.

Birthyear: 1931

Francis Lai

Francis Lai was a renowned French accordion player and composer, best known for his iconic film scores, including the Oscar-winning "A Man and a Woman" (1966) and "Bilitis" (1977). His music often blended folk, pop, and jazz elements, earning him a César Award and a Grammy nomination.

Birthyear: 1932

Akseli Gallen-Kallela

Akseli Gallen-Kallela was a renowned Finnish artist known for his vibrant, Symbolist paintings infused with Finnish folklore and mythology. His masterpieces, such as "The Defense of the Sampo" and "Lemminkäinen's Mother", showcased his unique blend of Nordic mysticism and Art Nouveau styles.

Birthyear: 1865

Peter Zumthor

Peter Zumthor, a renowned Swiss architect and academic, is celebrated for his minimalist and sensual designs. His iconic project, Therme Vals, a serene spa in the Swiss Alps, seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, showcasing his mastery of harmonizing architecture with nature.

Birthyear: 1943

A. E. van Vogt

A. E. van Vogt, a Canadian-American author, was a pioneering science fiction writer. Born in 1912, he wrote over 30 novels and numerous short stories, influencing the genre with his unique blend of philosophy, psychology, and adventure, earning him a place in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

Birthyear: 1912

Joey Wendle

Joey Wendle is an American professional baseball infielder who has played for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and is known for his versatile defensive skills and consistent batting average.

Birthyear: 1990

Marlon King

Marlon King is a former English footballer who played as a striker for several clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Birmingham City. He earned 24 caps for Jamaica between 2004 and 2011, scoring 12 goals.

Birthyear: 1980

Al-Hadi

Al-Hadi, the fourth Abbasid caliph, reigned from 785 to 786. Son of Caliph Al-Mahdi, he was known for his ruthlessness and persecution of the Barmakid family, influential advisors to the Abbasid court. His short reign was marked by brutality and violence, leading to his eventual assassination.

Birthyear: 764

Natrone Means

Natrone Means is a former American football player and coach who played as a running back in the NFL for 12 seasons, then coached in the NFL and college football, including stints with the Indianapolis Colts and University of Pittsburgh.

Birthyear: 1972

H. G. Carrillo

H.G. Carrillo was an American writer and academic who explored themes of identity, culture, and belonging in his work. His debut novel, "Loosing My Espanish", was praised for its lyrical prose and insightful portrayal of the Latinx experience.

Birthyear: 1960

Thomas Reid

Thomas Reid, a prominent Scottish philosopher and academic, contributed significantly to the Scottish Enlightenment. He founded the Scottish School of Common Sense, which emphasized the importance of common sense in philosophy.

Birthyear: 1710

Tomoyuki Tanaka

Tomoyuki Tanaka was a renowned Japanese screenwriter and producer who played a crucial role in the Godzilla franchise, producing 22 films, including the original 1954 classic. He is revered for his contributions to Japanese cinema and sci-fi filmmaking.

Birthyear: 1910

James Dooley (New South Wales politician)

James Dooley was an Irish-Australian politician who served as the 21st Premier of New South Wales from 1925 to 1927 and again from 1929 to 1932. He was a Labor Party member and played a crucial role in shaping the state's economy and infrastructure during his tenure.

Birthyear: 1877