February 29 birthdays and deaths:

Richard Ramirez

Richard Ramirez, aka the "Night Stalker," was a notorious American serial killer and sex offender who terrorized California from 1984 to 1985, committing heinous crimes that left 14 dead and many more traumatized before his 1989 arrest and eventual death in 2013 while awaiting execution on death row.

Birthyear: 1960

Aileen Wuornos

Aileen Wuornos, notorious American serial killer, was convicted of murdering six men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Her case drew widespread media attention, and she was executed by lethal injection in 2002, claiming she had acted in self-defense against abusive clients.

Birthyear: 1956

Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is a renowned American author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Known for his self-help books like "Unshakeable" and "Money: Master the Game," he inspires millions with his empowering seminars, TED talks, and charitable work, helping people overcome fear and achieve success.

Birthyear: 1960

Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton is an American professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. He was drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NBA draft and is known for his exceptional passing ability and court vision.

Birthyear: 2000

Ja Rule

Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, is a renowned American rapper and actor. Known for his distinctive voice and lyrical flow, he rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like "Holla Holla" and "Always on Time," featuring Ashanti.

Birthyear: 1976

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a right-winger for Barcelona and the Spain national team. Born on February 29, 2000, he rose to prominence with Valencia CF before joining Manchester City in 2020.

Birthyear: 2000

Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai, a Indian nationalist and Gandhian, served as India's fourth Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979. A civil servant and politician, he played a key role in the Indian independence movement and was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1991.

Birthyear: 1896

Pedro Sánchez

Pedro Sánchez is the Prime Minister of Spain since 2018, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). A economist by training, he has focused on progressive policies, social justice, and European integration, navigating Spain through the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

Birthyear: 1972

Dennis Farina

Dennis Farina was an American actor and former police officer, best known for his roles in TV shows "Law & Order" and "Crime Scene Investigation." He also appeared in films like "Midnight Run" and "Get Shorty." Farina's unique blend of authority and charm made him a beloved character actor.

Birthyear: 1944

Mark Foster (musician)

Mark Foster is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie pop band Foster the People. Born on February 29, 1984, in San Fernando Valley, California, he's known for hits like "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Sit Next to Me," blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics.

Birthyear: 1984

Jessie T. Usher

Jessie T. Usher is an American actor, born on December 29, 1992, in Maryland. He gained recognition for his roles in TV series "Survivor's Remorse" and "The Boys", as well as films like "Level Up" and "Independence Day: Resurgence".

Birthyear: 1992

Joss Ackland

Joss Ackland was a renowned English actor, active from 1959 to 2019. He appeared in over 130 films and TV shows, including "White Mischief," "Lethal Weapon 2," and "The Hunt for Red October." With a distinctive voice and authoritative presence, Ackland was a beloved character actor.

Birthyear: 1928

Sean Abbott

Sean Abbott is an Australian cricketer who plays as a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He has played for the Australian national team in all formats and is also a key player for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

Birthyear: 1992

Peter Scanavino

Peter Scanavino is an American actor, born on February 29, 1980, in Denver, Colorado. He plays Detective Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, joining the cast in 2014.

Birthyear: 1980

Rakhee Thakrar

Rakhee Thakrar is an English actress best known for her roles in BBC One's EastEnders and Netflix's Sex Education. Born on February 29, 1984, in Leicester, England, she has also appeared in various stage productions and television dramas, showcasing her versatility as a talented young actress.

Birthyear: 1984

Alex Rocco

Alex Rocco was a renowned American actor, best known for his portrayal of Moe Greene in "The Godfather" (1972). With over 100 film and TV credits, Rocco's prolific career spanned five decades, earning him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe nomination.

Birthyear: 1936

Gioachino Rossini

Gioachino Rossini, renowned Italian composer, is celebrated for his 39 operas, including "The Barber of Seville" and "William Tell". His melodic genius, humor, and mastery of bel canto style have made him a beloved figure in opera history, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of classical music.

Birthyear: 1792

Antonio Sabàto Jr.

Antonio Sabàto Jr. is an Italian-American model and actor, best known for his iconic Calvin Klein underwear campaign in the 1990s. He has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "General Hospital" and "The Bold and the Beautiful," and has competed on "Dancing with the Stars."

Birthyear: 1972

Lena Raine

Lena Raine is a renowned American video game composer and producer, known for her work on critically acclaimed titles such as Guild Wars 2, Minecraft: Dungeons, and Magic: The Gathering Arena.

Birthyear: 1984

James B. Donovan

James B. Donovan was an American lawyer who negotiated the 1962 release of U-2 spy plane pilot Gary Powers from the Soviet Union, inspiring the book and film "Bridge of Spies."

Birthyear: 1916

Khaled (musician)

Khaled, also known as the "King of Raï", is an Algerian singer-songwriter renowned for his soulful voice and fusion of Arabic music with Western styles. Born in 1960, Khaled has released hit albums like "N'ssi N'ssi" and "Aïcha", winning numerous awards, including a Grammy nomination.

Birthyear: 1960

Pope Paul III

Pope Paul III, born Alessandro Farnese, was a significant Renaissance papacy figure. He convened the Council of Trent, a crucial Counter-Reformation effort, and played a key role in the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation.

Birthyear: 1468

Pedro Zamora

Pedro Zamora was a Cuban-American AIDS activist and educator who raised awareness about HIV/AIDS through his appearance on MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco" in 1994. He advocated for AIDS research, education, and treatment until his death at age 22.

Birthyear: 1972

Dave Williams (singer)

Dave Williams, the American singer, was the lead vocalist of the metal band Drowning Pool. Known for his intense stage presence and powerful vocals, Williams performed with the band from 1999 until his tragic death in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of heavy metal music.

Birthyear: 1972

Saul Williams

Saul Williams is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and actor known for his eclectic blend of indie rock, hip hop, and R&B. His soulful, emotive vocals and poignant lyrics have drawn comparisons to artists like Tom Waits and Patti Smith.

Birthyear: 1972

Jesper Lindstrøm

Jesper Lindstrøm is a Danish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt and the Denmark national team. Known for his vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, he has become a key player for club and country.

Birthyear: 2000

Dave Brailsford

Dave Brailsford is a renowned English cyclist and coach, credited with transforming British Cycling's fortunes. As performance director, he led the team to 12 Olympic gold medals and numerous World Championship titles, earning a knighthood for his services to cycling in 2013.

Birthyear: 1964

Herman Hollerith

Herman Hollerith, a pioneering statistician and entrepreneur, co-founded the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, later IBM, in 1896. He developed the first electromechanical punch-card tabulator, revolutionizing data processing and earning 20 patents. His innovative ideas transformed the industry, shaping the course of modern computing.

Birthyear: 1860

Eric Kendricks

Eric Kendricks is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Birthyear: 1992

Balthus

Balthus, born Balthasar Klossowski, was a French-Swiss painter and illustrator known for his enigmatic, dreamlike depictions of youth, still lifes, and landscapes. His work blended realism and surrealism, influencing many artists, including filmmaker Luis Buñuel and writer Georges Bataille.

Birthyear: 1908

Henri Richard

Henri Richard, "The Pocket Rocket," was a Canadian ice hockey player who won a record 11 Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens between 1956 and 1975. He played 1,256 games, recording 1,045 points, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973.

Birthyear: 1936

Taylor Twellman

Taylor Twellman is a retired American soccer player and current ESPN sportscaster. He played professionally for the New England Revolution and scored 101 goals in 224 appearances. Twellman won the MLS Cup with the Revolution in 2007 and was a four-time MLS All-Star.

Birthyear: 1980

Michèle Morgan

Michèle Morgan was a renowned French-American actress and singer who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for "Anita" (1948). Known for her stunning beauty and captivating on-screen presence, Morgan starred in over 70 films during her illustrious career, earning her a place in French cinema history.

Birthyear: 1920

Tempest Storm

Tempest Storm, born Annie Banks, was a renowned American burlesque performer and actress, dubbed "The Queen of Exotic Dancers." With a career spanning over 60 years, she mesmerized audiences with her sultry performances and iconic style, becoming a legendary figure in the world of burlesque.

Birthyear: 1928

William A. Wellman

William A. Wellman was a pioneering filmmaker, known for directing iconic films like "Wings" (1927) and "The Public Enemy" (1931). He won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Director and was a trailblazer in the aviation film genre.

Birthyear: 1896

Benedikt Höwedes

Benedikt Höwedes is a German former professional footballer who played as a center-back. Born on February 29, 1988, he won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany and had stints at Schalke 04, Juventus, and Lokomotiv Moscow.

Birthyear: 1988

Darren Ambrose

Darren Ambrose is a retired English footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He had a 15-year career, featuring for clubs like Newcastle United, Charlton Athletic, and Crystal Palace, scoring over 100 goals. Ambrose was known for his vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise.

Birthyear: 1984

Jimmy Dorsey

Jimmy Dorsey was a renowned American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. With his brother Tommy, he formed the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, a popular swing band of the 1930s-40s. Jimmy's smooth, lyrical sax style and hit songs like "Green Eyes" and "Opus No. 1" made him a jazz legend.

Birthyear: 1904

Ann Lee

Ann Lee, also known as Mother Ann, was an English-American religious leader who founded the Shakers in 1774. She preached morality, equality, and spiritual ecstasy, attracting thousands to her communal utopia. Her legacy shaped American religious and social history.

Birthyear: 1736

Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Nelson Asofa-Solomona is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop or second-row for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL and New Zealand Kiwis nationally. He debuted in 2015 and has since become a key player in both teams.

Birthyear: 1996

Seymour Papert

Seymour Papert, a renowned South African mathematician and computer scientist, co-created the Logo programming language, revolutionizing computer education. His work in artificial intelligence, education, and constructivism inspired generations, leaving a lasting legacy until his passing in 2016.

Birthyear: 1928

Augusta Savage

Augusta Savage, a pioneering African American sculptor, was born in Florida in 1892. She created powerful works exploring African American life and identity, including a famous bust of W.E.B. Du Bois. Her artistry defied racism and sexism, paving the way for future generations of artists.

Birthyear: 1892

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is a critically acclaimed American author, best known for blending fantasy, science fiction, and historical elements in his novels. His works include "The Anubis Gates" and "Declare," earning him multiple World Fantasy Awards and a dedicated cult following.

Birthyear: 1952

Cam Ward

Cameron Ward is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 13 seasons in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and earning a Conn Smythe Trophy in the process.

Birthyear: 1984

Al Rosen

Al Rosen, nicknamed "The Hebrew Hammer," was a talented American baseball player and manager. He played for the Cleveland Indians (1947-1956) and won the 1953 American League MVP award. Rosen later managed the New York Yankees (1976) and Houston Astros (1985-1987).

Birthyear: 1924

Jessica Long

Jessica Long is an American paralympic swimmer born without fibulae in her legs, which were amputated below the knee as an infant. Despite this, she's a 13-time Paralympic gold medalist, 23-time World Championship medalist, and holds multiple world records in the S8 classification.

Birthyear: 1992

Norberto Briasco

Norberto Briasco was an Argentine-Armenian footballer who played as a striker. Born in 1996, he represented Argentina's youth teams before making his professional debut with Boca Juniors, earning a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer.

Birthyear: 1996

James Mitchell (actor)

James Mitchell, a renowned American actor and dancer, starred in the iconic TV series "All My Children" as Palmer Cortlandt for nearly 30 years. He also had a successful Broadway career, performing in musicals like "Brigadoon" and "Carousel".

Birthyear: 1920

Arthur Franz

Arthur Franz was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows, often playing characters with authority, such as doctors, lawyers, and military officers. He was active in the industry from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Birthyear: 1920

Lydia Jacoby

Lydia Jacoby is an American swimmer who made history as the first Alaskan to win an Olympic gold medal, capturing gold in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at just 17 years old.

Birthyear: 2004