July 7 birthdays and deaths:

MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team. A wicket-keeper batsman, Dhoni is known for his aggressive style and has led India to numerous victories, including two ICC World Cups and a Champions Trophy.

Birthyear: 1981

Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, is a legendary English singer-songwriter, drummer, and actor. As the drummer for the Beatles, he contributed to the band's monumental success. Post-Beatles, Ringo pursued a successful solo career, releasing hit singles like "It Don't Come Easy" and "Photograph."

Birthyear: 1940

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall is an American actress, writer, and producer, known for her quirky, offbeat style. She starred in Altman's "3 Women" (1977), earning an Oscar nomination, and produced "Faerie Tale Theatre" (1982-1987), a popular children's TV series featuring famous actors and unique storytelling.

Birthyear: 1949

Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan is a renowned American comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter known for his witty humor, iconic beard, and relatable takes on food, parenting, and everyday life, as showcased in his stand-up specials and TV shows like "The Jim Gaffigan Show."

Birthyear: 1966

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is an American-Canadian actress and voice actress, known for her distinctive voice and roles in animated TV series and films, including "A Different World," "Rugrats," "The Wild Thornberrys," and "Voltron: Legendary Defender."

Birthyear: 1969

Robert A. Heinlein

Robert A. Heinlein was a pioneering American science fiction writer and screenwriter, known for classics like 'Stranger in a Strange Land' and 'Starship Troopers.' His work often explored themes of individualism, liberty, and humanity's future in space.

Birthyear: 1907

Billy Campbell

Billy Campbell is an American actor known for his distinctive roles in TV and film, including Helix, The 4400, and Once and Again. His rugged charm and versatility have made him a beloved character actor in the entertainment industry.

Birthyear: 1959

Gustav Mahler

Gustav Mahler, a renowned Austrian composer and conductor, is known for his symphonies and song cycles that blended Romanticism with early Modernism. His works, marked by intense emotional depth, continue to influence classical music, ensuring his legacy as a visionary artist.

Birthyear: 1860

Michelle Kwan

Michelle Kwan is a renowned American figure skater, two-time Olympic medalist, and five-time World Champion. Known for her technical precision and artistic expression, Kwan is widely regarded as one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.

Birthyear: 1980

Ana Kasparian

Ana Kasparian is an American journalist, producer, and co-host of the popular online news show "The Young Turks." She's known for her progressive views, sharp commentary, and in-depth analysis on politics, social issues, and current events.

Birthyear: 1986

Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee was a renowned English actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of the Third Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series "Doctor Who" from 1970 to 1974.

Birthyear: 1919

Kirsten Vangsness

Kirsten Vangsness is an American actress and writer, best known for her iconic role as Penelope Garcia in the CBS drama "Criminal Minds". She has also appeared in various TV shows, films, and theater productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer and writer.

Birthyear: 1972

Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige, a legendary baseball player and coach, dominated the Negro Leagues and later the MLB, playing until age 59. Known for his fastball and showmanship, he was a 6-time All-Star and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Birthyear: 1906

Moussa Diaby

Moussa Diaby is a French professional footballer who plays as a winger for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and the France national team. He's known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability, earning him a reputation as one of Europe's most promising young players.

Birthyear: 1999

Chris Andersen

Chris "Birdman" Andersen is a former American professional basketball player who played 16 seasons in the NBA, known for his tattoos, high-flying dunks, and defensive prowess, winning the 2013 NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

Birthyear: 1978

Ralph Sampson

Ralph Sampson, a dominant center, played in the NBA from 1983 to 1992, earning Rookie of the Year and three NBA All-Star selections. A college legend at Virginia, he won three Naismith Awards and was a three-time National Player of the Year.

Birthyear: 1960

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time WNBA All-Star. She's a four-time WNBA champion and three-time WNBA MVP, known for her dominant play and charismatic personality on and off the court.

Birthyear: 1972

Jorja Fox

Jorja Fox is an American actress, best known for her roles as Dr. Sara Sidle in the CBS crime drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and as Agent Diana Barrigan in the NBC drama "The West Wing". She's also an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes.

Birthyear: 1968

Gyanendra of Nepal

Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the last King of Nepal, ruled from 2001 to 2008. He ascended to the throne following the massacre of his brother Birendra and his family. His reign was marked by controversy, and he was eventually deposed, ending Nepal's 240-year-old monarchy.

Birthyear: 1947

David McCullough

David McCullough, a renowned American historian and author, is best known for his meticulously researched and engaging narratives. His Pulitzer Prize-winning works, including "Truman" and "John Adams," have captivated readers with their vivid portrayals of American history and its icons.

Birthyear: 1933

Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic is a legendary Canadian former ice hockey player who played his entire 20-year NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche, winning two Stanley Cups, and earning 13 NHL All-Star Game selections.

Birthyear: 1969

Synyster Gates

Synyster Gates, born Brian Elwin Haner Jr., is the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the American rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his intricate guitar work and powerful solos, Gates has been named one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time.

Birthyear: 1981

Jeremy Kyle

Jeremy Kyle is a British television presenter, best known for hosting the tabloid talk show 'The Jeremy Kyle Show' since 2005, focusing on resolving conflicts and Relationships between family members and friends.

Birthyear: 1965

Doc Severinsen

Doc Severinsen, renowned American trumpet player and conductor, is best known for his 25-year tenure as the bandleader on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." His flashy attire and iconic trumpet solos made him a beloved household name.

Birthyear: 1927

Pat Hitchcock

Patricia Hitchcock, daughter of Alfred Hitchcock, was an English actress, appearing in several films, including her father's "Strangers on a Train" (1951) and "Psycho" (1960). She was also a successful novelist and theatre actress, known for her elegant style and charming on-screen presence.

Birthyear: 1928

Christian Camargo

Christian Camargo is an American actor, producer, and screenwriter, known for his intense performances in films like "Twilight" and "The Hurt Locker". He's also appeared in TV shows like "Dexter" and "House of Cards", showcasing his versatility as a talented artist.

Birthyear: 1971

Virginia Rappe

Virginia Rappe was an American model, actress, and silent film star of the 1910s. Born in 1895, she rose to fame for her beauty and comedic timing. Her promising career was tragically cut short when she died in 1921, aged 26, under mysterious circumstances.

Birthyear: 1891

George Cukor

George Cukor, a renowned American film director and producer, was a master of sophisticated comedies and dramas. His impressive repertoire includes "The Philadelphia Story," "My Fair Lady," and "Little Women," earning him five Academy Award nominations.

Birthyear: 1899

Bill Oddie

Bill Oddie, a beloved English comedian, actor, and singer, is best known for his work on "The Goodies" television series. With his distinctive singing voice and quirky humor, Oddie has entertained audiences for decades.

Birthyear: 1941

Michael Howard

Michael Howard is a Welsh lawyer and politician who served as Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2003 to 2005. He was also Home Secretary from 1993 to 1997.

Birthyear: 1941

Vittorio De Sica

Vittorio De Sica was a renowned Italian actor and director, known for his neo-realist masterpieces like "Bicycle Thieves" and "Umberto D." He won two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and acted in over 150 films, earning him a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

Birthyear: 1901

Mo Collins

Mo Collins is an American actress, comedian, and screenwriter, best known for her work on "Mad TV" (1995-2004) and creating the Nickelodeon show "The Amanda Show" (1999-2002). Her comedic talents have entertained audiences across various TV platforms and films.

Birthyear: 1965

Tadamichi Kuribayashi

Tadamichi Kuribayashi was a Japanese general and poet who led the defense of Iwo Jima during World War II. Despite being vastly outnumbered, he orchestrated a fierce 36-day battle, ultimately sacrificing himself in March 1945. His letters and poetry humanized the war, revealing a complex and compassionate leader.

Birthyear: 1891

Theodore McCarrick

Theodore Edgar McCarrick is a disgraced American cardinal who served as Archbishop of Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2006. He was defrocked in 2019 after allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct surfaced, making him the highest-ranking Catholic official to be laicized.

Birthyear: 1930

Ezzard Charles

Ezzard Charles, known as "The Cincinnati Cobra," was a legendary American boxer who held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1950 to 1951. He won 93 of 122 fights, earning a reputation for his lightning quick reflexes and devastating punching power.

Birthyear: 1921

Alesso

Alesso, born Alessandro Renato Rodolfo Lindblad, is a renowned Swedish DJ, record producer, and musician. He's known for his progressive house and electro music, collaborating with Calvin Harris, Tove Lo, and Hailee Steinfeld, with hits like 'Heroes' and 'Cool' topping the charts.

Birthyear: 1991

Bérénice Bejo

Bérénice Bejo is an Argentinian-French actress born in 1976. She gained international recognition for her roles in "The Artist" (2011) and "The Past" (2013), earning Academy Award and César Award nominations for her performances.

Birthyear: 1976

Elizabeth of Hungary

Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as Saint Elizabeth, was a princess and philanthropist who devoted her life to helping the sick and the poor. She was canonized four years after her death at age 24, recognized for her extraordinary charity and kindness.

Birthyear: 1207

David Eddings

David Eddings was a renowned American author, best known for his epic fantasy series, including "The Belgariad" and "The Malloreon". His works are celebrated for their detailed world-building, memorable characters, and classic mythological themes. Eddings' legacy has inspired a devoted fan base and numerous bestselling novels.

Birthyear: 1931

Joe Zawinul

Joe Zawinul, an Austrian jazz legend, was a renowned keyboardist and composer. As a founding member of Weather Report, he created iconic fusion jazz, blending electronic and acoustic sounds. His innovative style influenced generations of musicians, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy.

Birthyear: 1932

Glenys Kinnock

Glenys Kinnock, a dedicated educator and Labour Party politician, has served as a Member of the European Parliament and a House of Lords member. She's advocated for human rights, education, and women's empowerment, earning numerous honors for her tireless work.

Birthyear: 1944

Nuon Chea

Nuon Chea, also known as "Brother Number Two," was a senior leader of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. He was responsible for implementing policies that led to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2.2 million people, nearly a quarter of Cambodia's population.

Birthyear: 1926

Alberto Aquilani

Alberto Aquilani is a retired Italian footballer who played as a midfielder. He played for top clubs like Roma, Juventus, and Liverpool, earning 38 caps for Italy. Known for his vision and passing range, Aquilani won the 2006 World Cup and 2010 Coppa Italia with Roma.

Birthyear: 1984

Vonda Shepard

Vonda Shepard is an American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her role as a pianist and performer on the TV show "Ally McBeal". Her soulful voice and poignant songwriting have earned her multiple awards and a devoted fan base.

Birthyear: 1963

Eiji Tsuburaya

Eiji Tsuburaya was a pioneering Japanese cinematographer and producer, best known for his special effects work on Godzilla (1954) and Ultraman (1966). He founded Tsuburaya Productions, a renowned studio for tokusatsu films, earning him the title "Father of Tokusatsu." His innovative techniques revolutionized Japanese science fiction films.

Birthyear: 1901

Sevyn Streeter

Sevyn Streeter is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and catchy R&B hits like "It Won't Stop" and "Next". She's written for artists like Ariana Grande and Chris Brown, and has collaborated with Trey Songz and Ty Dolla Sign.

Birthyear: 1986

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Jonathan Dayton is an American director and producer, best known for directing the Academy Award-winning film "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006) and "Ruby Sparks" (2012). He has also directed music videos for bands like Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins.

Birthyear: 1957

Simone Beck

Simone Beck was a renowned French chef and author, known as "Simca" to fans. She co-authored "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" with Julia Child, introducing French cuisine to American home cooks. Her warmth and expertise helped popularize French cooking techniques worldwide.

Birthyear: 1904

Mary Ford

Mary Ford was an American singer and guitarist, best known for her innovative use of multi-tracking in the 1950s. She was a popular recording artist, topping the charts with hits like "I'm a Fool to Care" and "This I Swear".

Birthyear: 1924

Emanuel Steward

Emanuel Steward, a legendary American boxer and trainer, guided 41 world champions, including Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko. Known for his corner expertise and nurturing style, Steward was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.

Birthyear: 1944

Mohammad Ashraful

Mohammad Ashraful is a former Bangladeshi cricketer who played international cricket from 2001 to 2013. He was a talented batsman and occasional leg-spinner, known for his elegant strokeplay and aggressive style, earning him the nickname "The Master of Dhaka".

Birthyear: 1984

Gottfried von Cramm

Gottfried von Cramm, a German tennis legend, won 2 singles titles at Roland Garros (1934, 1936) and was a Wimbledon finalist three times (1935-1937). He was also a Davis Cup champion in 1935 and is considered one of Germany's greatest tennis players.

Birthyear: 1909

Gian Carlo Menotti

Gian Carlo Menotti was an Italian-American composer, best known for his operas, particularly "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (1951), the first opera written for television. He won a Pulitzer Prize and an Oscar, and founded the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina.

Birthyear: 1911

Tom Kristensen

Tom Kristensen is a renowned Danish race car driver, known for his exceptional skills and impressive resume. He has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans a record nine times, as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship and numerous other accolades.

Birthyear: 1967

Tony Jacklin

Tony Jacklin is a renowned English golfer and sportscaster, known for winning the 1969 Open Championship and 1970 U.S. Open. He has 28 European Tour victories and captained the European Ryder Cup team from 1983 to 1989.

Birthyear: 1944

Hank Mobley

Hank Mobley was a renowned American saxophonist and composer, known for his rich, soulful tone and contributions to hard bop and soul jazz. He recorded extensively with Blue Note Records and collaborated with jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Birthyear: 1930

Lion Feuchtwanger

Lion Feuchtwanger was a prominent German-Jewish author and playwright, known for his historical novels and plays. His works, such as "Jud Süß" and "Patria", often explored themes of social justice, morality, and the human condition, offering a critical perspective on German history and society.

Birthyear: 1884

Michael Ancram

Michael Ancram is a British politician and lawyer who served as Shadow Foreign Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2006. He was Member of Parliament for Devizes from 1992 to 2010.

Birthyear: 1945

Camillo Golgi

Camillo Golgi was a renowned Italian physician and pathologist who discovered the Golgi apparatus, a complex organelle within cells. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906 for his groundbreaking work on the structure of the nervous system.

Birthyear: 1843

Heloísa Pinheiro

Helô Pinheiro, a Brazilian beauty, inspired Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes to write the iconic song "The Girl from Ipanema" in 1964. Her stunning looks and carefree spirit captivated the composers at a Rio de Janeiro beach, making her a timeless muse in music history.

Birthyear: 1945

Tung Chee-hwa

Tung Chee-hwa is a Hong Kong businessman and politician who served as the 1st Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005. He played a key role in the territory's transition from British to Chinese rule, promoting economic growth and stability during his tenure.

Birthyear: 1937

Félicien Rops

Félicien Rops was a Belgian painter and illustrator known for his provocative and often erotic works. A prominent figure in the Symbolist movement, Rops' art often explored themes of beauty, death, and the human condition, showcasing his technical skill and innovative style.

Birthyear: 1833

Biljana Plavšić

Biljana Plavšić, a Bosnian Serb politician, served as the 2nd President of Republika Srpska from 1996 to 1998. A former biologist, she was a key figure in the Bosnian War and later convicted of crimes against humanity by the ICTY, serving 8 years in prison.

Birthyear: 1930

Joseph Marie Jacquard

Joseph Marie Jacquard, a French merchant, revolutionized textile manufacturing with his innovative Jacquard loom (1801), which used punched cards to automate weaving. This pioneering invention significantly increased efficiency and paved the way for modern industrialization, earning Jacquard a lasting legacy in the history of technology.

Birthyear: 1752

Jim Rodford

Jim Rodford was a renowned English bass player, best known for his work with Argent, The Kinks, and The Zombies. With a career spanning over 50 years, he played on numerous classic hits, including "Hold Your Head Up" and "Time of the Season".

Birthyear: 1941

Emperor Sutoku

Emperor Sutoku of Japan, who reigned from 1123 to 1142, was the 75th emperor of Japan. He abdicated in favor of his son, Emperor Konoe, but later attempted to reclaim the throne, leading to the Hōgen Rebellion, which he lost, and was exiled to Sanuki Province, where he died in 1164.

Birthyear: 1119

Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins was an American blues singer and pianist who performed with Muddy Waters and others. He was a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was still touring and recording until his death at age 97 in 2011.

Birthyear: 1913

Jo Siffert

Jo Siffert was a Swiss racing driver who competed in Formula One, winning two Grand Prix races. He was a popular driver known for his aggressive style, and his life was cut short in a fatal crash at Brands Hatch in 1971.

Birthyear: 1936

Ian Wilmut

Ian Wilmut is a renowned English-Scottish embryologist and academic who led the team that cloned Dolly the sheep in 1996, a groundbreaking achievement in genetic engineering and reproductive biology.

Birthyear: 1944

Eddie Romero

Eddie Romero, a pioneer of Philippine cinema, directed over 60 films, including "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kami Ngayon" (1976) and "Aguila" (1980). He was a National Artist of the Philippines for Film in 2003, recognized for his contributions to the country's film industry.

Birthyear: 1924