June 15 birthdays and deaths:

Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping, a Chinese engineer and politician, serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China. Born in 1953, he rose to power in 2013, consolidating authority through anti-corruption campaigns and economic reforms, becoming one of China's most powerful leaders in decades.

Birthyear: 1953

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox is an American actress and producer, best known for her iconic roles as Monica Geller on the hit TV show "Friends" and as Gale Weathers in the "Scream" horror movie franchise.

Birthyear: 1964

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool and the Egypt national team. Known for his speed, skill, and clinical finishing, Salah has won numerous awards, including the Premier League Golden Boot and African Footballer of the Year.

Birthyear: 1992

Ice Cube

Ice Cube, born O'Shea Jackson, is a renowned American rapper, producer, and actor. A N.W.A founding member, he's known for hits like 'Friday' and 'Straight Outta Compton.' With a successful music and film career, he's aHip-Hop icon, influencing generations of artists.

Birthyear: 1969

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor and singer, best known for his iconic roles in TV shows "Doogie Howser, M.D." and "How I Met Your Mother," as well as hosting numerous award shows, including the Oscars and Tonys.

Birthyear: 1973

Helen Hunt

Helen Hunt is a talented American actress, director, and producer. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "As Good as It Gets" and is known for her iconic TV show "Mad About You," earning multiple Emmy nominations.

Birthyear: 1963

Leah Remini

Leah Remini is an American actress and producer, best known for her role as Carrie Heffernan on the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens" (1998-2007). Born on June 15, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, Remini has also appeared in various TV shows and films, including "Second Act" and "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath."

Birthyear: 1970

Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp is an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since become a Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion.

Birthyear: 1993

Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings, a country music outlaw, defied conventions with his unique blend of rock and country sounds. With hits like "Luckenbach, Texas" and "Good Ol' Boys," he inspired a generation of country-rock rebels, earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Birthyear: 1937

Dusty Baker

Dusty Baker is a legendary American baseball player and manager, known for his 19-year playing career and 22-year managerial stint, leading teams like the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds to numerous postseason appearances.

Birthyear: 1949

Jim Belushi

Jim Belushi is an American actor, singer, and comedian, best known for his role as Jim Belsky on the ABC sitcom "According to Jim" (2001-2009). He's also appeared in films like "About Last Night..." and "K-9."

Birthyear: 1954

Aurora (singer)

Aurora Aksnes, known simply as Aurora, is a Norwegian singer-songwriter born in 1996. She rose to fame with her ethereal, emotive voice and hit singles like "Runaway" and "Conqueror," earning her a devoted global following and critical acclaim.

Birthyear: 1996

Bayley (wrestler)

Bayley, whose real name is Pamela Rose Martinez, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand. She is a former NXT Women's Champion and Women's Tag Team Champion, known for her high-energy persona and underrated wrestling skills.

Birthyear: 1989

Jim Varney

Jim Varney was an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter, best known for his iconic character Ernest P. Worrell, a lovable, bumbling buffoon. He starred in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, entertaining audiences with his physical comedy and witty humor.

Birthyear: 1949

Yuri Andropov

Yuri Andropov was a Russian politician who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1982 until his death in 1984. He was a reform-minded leader who introduced modest reforms, but his reign was cut short by his poor health and eventual death.

Birthyear: 1914

Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson was a renowned American singer-songwriter known for his distinctive baritone voice and eclectic style. He penned hits like "Coconut" and "Everybody's Talkin'," and collaborated with The Beatles, earning two Grammy Awards during his illustrious career.

Birthyear: 1941

Edward the Black Prince

Edward, the Black Prince of England (1330-1376), was the eldest son of King Edward III and a renowned military leader. He played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War, winning notable victories at Crécy and Poitiers, earning him a legendary status in English history.

Birthyear: 1330

Iñaki Williams

Iñaki Williams Arthuer, a skilled Basque footballer, plays as a forward for Athletic Bilbao and the Ghana national team. Known for his pace, power, and versatility, Williams has become a fan favorite in La Liga and international competitions.

Birthyear: 1994

Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn, nicknamed "Der Titan", is a German football legend and sportscaster. A decorated goalkeeper, he won the Golden Ball in 2002, and played for Bayern Munich and the German national team. He's now a prominent TV personality, known for his insightful analysis and charismatic style.

Birthyear: 1969

Jake Busey

Jake Busey, son of Gary Busey, is an American actor, musician, and film producer. He has appeared in over 30 films, including "Starship Troopers," "Tomcats," and "Identity," showcasing his versatility in drama, horror, and comedy genres.

Birthyear: 1971

Julie Hagerty

Julie Hagerty is an American model and actress, best known for her roles in "Airplane!" (1980), "No Holds Barred" (1989), and "Friends" (2003-2004). She began her career as a model, transitioning to acting in the late 1970s, and has since appeared in numerous films and TV shows.

Birthyear: 1955

Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo, a wealthy silk merchant's wife, was the enigmatic subject of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa portrait. Her gentle smile and puzzling gaze have captivated art lovers for centuries, making her one of the most famous women in history.

Birthyear: 1479

Lakshmi Mittal

Lakshmi Mittal is an Indian-English businessman and steel magnate, chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel producer. Born in 1950 in India, he has an estimated net worth of over $15 billion, ranking him among the richest people in the world.

Birthyear: 1950

Eileen Davidson

Eileen Davidson, a multi-talented American actress and model, is best known for her roles on soap operas such as "The Young and the Restless" and "Days of Our Lives", as well as her stint on the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills".

Birthyear: 1959

Simon Callow

Simon Callow is a renowned English actor and director, known for his commanding stage presence and versatility in films like "Amadeus" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral". He has also directed several operas and plays, showcasing his multifaceted talent.

Birthyear: 1949

Tim Lincecum

Tim Lincecum, nicknamed "The Freak," is a former American baseball pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants (2007-2014) and Los Angeles Angels (2016). He's a two-time Cy Young Award winner (2008-2009) and played a key role in the Giants' World Series championships in 2010 and 2012.

Birthyear: 1984

Wade Boggs

Wade Boggs is a legendary American baseball player who played for 18 seasons, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. A 5-tool player, he won 5 batting titles, 2 Gold Gloves, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Birthyear: 1958

Greg Vaughan

Greg Vaughan is an American actor and model, known for his roles in soap operas such as "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives". He won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2018.

Birthyear: 1973

Noddy Holder

Noddy Holder is a British rock icon, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of Slade, a glam rock band. With his distinctive voice and songwriting skills, he penned hits like "Merry Xmas Everybody" and "Cum On Feel the Noize," earning him a place in UK rock history.

Birthyear: 1946

Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup is a Danish football legend, known for his innovative style and vision on the pitch. A talented playmaker, he won numerous titles with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Danish national team, before transitioning to a successful managerial career.

Birthyear: 1964

Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg, a renowned Norwegian pianist and composer, was born in 1843 and died in 1907. He's best known for his iconic "Peer Gynt" suite, which showcases his mastery of Nordic folk-inspired classical music, characterized by lyricism, harmony, and rich orchestration.

Birthyear: 1843

Mario Cuomo

Mario Cuomo, the 52nd Governor of New York, served from 1983 to 1994. A renowned lawyer and politician, he was known for his progressive policies, eloquent speeches, and advocacy for social justice, leaving a lasting impact on New York State politics.

Birthyear: 1932

Chris Morris (satirist)

Chris Morris is a renowned English actor, satirist, director, and producer known for his dark humor and subversive comedy style, famously showcased in TV series "Brass Eye" and "Nathan Barley", as well as the film "Four Lions", which he wrote and directed.

Birthyear: 1962

Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset

Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset, was an English politician and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, born in 1519 to King Henry VIII and his mistress, Elizabeth Blount. He died in 1536, leaving no legitimate heirs.

Birthyear: 1519

Demis Roussos

Demis Roussos, a renowned Egyptian-Greek singer-songwriter and bass player, enchanted audiences with his powerful, soaring vocals and charismatic stage presence. His iconic hits like "Forever and Ever" and "My Friend the Wind" remain timeless classics.

Birthyear: 1946

Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson was a renowned German-American psychologist and psychoanalyst who developed the influential "Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development" theory, exploring human identity formation and its relation to social and cultural contexts.

Birthyear: 1902

Polly Draper

Polly Draper is an American actress, producer, and screenwriter, best known for her role as Ellyn Warren in the 1980s TV series "thirtysomething." She's also a Tony Award-winning producer for the Broadway play "Collected Stories" and has worked on several other films and TV shows.

Birthyear: 1955

Johnny Hallyday

Johnny Hallyday, known as the "French Elvis," was a legendary singer and actor who dominated French music for over five decades, selling over 110 million records worldwide with his unique blend of rock 'n' roll, blues, and French folk influences.

Birthyear: 1943

Mike Holmgren

Mike Holmgren is a renowned American football coach and former player, best known for leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XXXI victory in 1996.

Birthyear: 1948

Andy Pettitte

Andy Pettitte, a legendary American baseball player, pitched for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros from 1991 to 2013. A 5-tool left-hander, he won 219 games, including 4 World Series championships, and earned 3 All-Star selections.

Birthyear: 1972

Paul Rusesabagina

Paul Rusesabagina is a Rwandan humanitarian who sheltered over 1,200 refugees during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His selfless act was portrayed in the film "Hotel Rwanda," earning him international recognition and numerous awards for his courage and humanitarianism.

Birthyear: 1954

Russell Hitchcock

Russell Hitchcock is an Australian singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic soft rock band Air Supply. With his soaring tenor voice, he has captivated audiences worldwide, belting out hits like "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" and "All Out of Love."

Birthyear: 1949

Alan Brazil

Alan Brazil is a retired Scottish footballer and popular sportscaster. He played for Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United, earning 13 caps for Scotland. After retiring, Brazil transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, known for his witty humor and insightful commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSport.

Birthyear: 1959

Miriam Defensor Santiago

Miriam Defensor Santiago was a renowned Filipino judge, politician, and international law expert. She served as a Senator and Iron Lady of Asia, known for her strong anti-corruption stance and unwavering dedication to public service.

Birthyear: 1945

Herbert A. Simon

Herbert A. Simon, a renowned American political scientist and economist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1978 for his pioneering work on decision-making and problem-solving.

Birthyear: 1916

David Rose (songwriter)

David Rose was a renowned English-American pianist, composer, and conductor. He wrote music for film and television, earning multiple Academy Award and Emmy nominations. His iconic theme for the TV show "Little House on the Prairie" remains a classic.

Birthyear: 1910

Steve Walsh (musician)

Steve Walsh, legendary American rock singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the iconic vocalist and keyboardist of the progressive rock band Kansas. His powerful, wide-ranging voice and songwriting skills have made him a rock legend, with hits like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind."

Birthyear: 1951

James Robertson Justice

James Robertson Justice was a renowned English actor and educator, best known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence in films like "Dr. in the House" and "Whisky Galore!". He was also a passionate ornithologist and educator, teaching at various institutions during his lifetime.

Birthyear: 1907

Brad Armstrong (wrestler)

Brad Armstrong, aka "Bullet" Bob Armstrong's son, was a renowned American professional wrestler. He competed in WCW, WWE, and NWA, winning multiple championships, including the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship. Armstrong tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 51.

Birthyear: 1962

Léon Degrelle

Léon Degrelle was a Belgian SS officer who fought on the Eastern Front during World War II. He later fled to Spain, where he lived in exile until his death in 1994.

Birthyear: 1906

Neal Adams

Neal Adams was a legendary American comic book artist and illustrator, known for his iconic work on Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern/Green Arrow. His dynamic, realistic style revitalized the comic book industry in the 1960s and 1970s, earning him a place in the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame.

Birthyear: 1941

Pia Miranda

Pia Miranda is an Australian actress known for her breakout role as Josie Alibrandi in the 2000 film "Looking for Alibrandi." She has also appeared in TV shows like "Neighbours" and "Tricky Business." Miranda has received multiple award nominations for her performances.

Birthyear: 1973

Wilbert Awdry

Wilbert Awdry, a British clergyman and railway enthusiast, authored "The Railway Series," which inspired the beloved "Thomas the Tank Engine" franchise. His 26 books, written from 1945 to 1972, delighted children worldwide with charming stories of anthropomorphic trains and their adventures.

Birthyear: 1911

Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson, was a kind and gentle soul, known for her compassion and generosity. She managed the Hermitage, their Tennessee estate, and was renowned for her warm hospitality and charitable deeds.

Birthyear: 1767

Tore André Flo

Tore André Flo is a Norwegian former professional footballer and coach, playing as a striker for clubs like Chelsea, Rangers, and Leeds United. He earned 76 caps for Norway, scoring 23 goals, and later managed the under-16 Norwegian national team.

Birthyear: 1973

Peter Norman

Peter Norman, an Australian sprinter, won silver in the 200 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He famously supported the "Black Power" protest by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, standing in solidarity on the medal podium.

Birthyear: 1942

John Redwood

John Redwood is a British politician who served as Secretary of State for Wales from 1993 to 1995. As a Conservative MP, he has represented Wokingham since 1987. A eurosceptic, Redwood has held various Shadow Cabinet positions and was a challenger for the Conservative leadership in 1995.

Birthyear: 1951

Mohammad-Ali Rajai

Mohammad-Ali Rajai was an Iranian politician who served as the 2nd President of Iran from 1981 until his assassination on August 30, 1981. A staunch Islamist, he played a key role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution and was a close ally of Ayatollah Khomeini.

Birthyear: 1933

Scott Norton

Scott Norton is a retired American professional wrestler, best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He was a member of the New World Order (nWo) and held the WCW World Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions.

Birthyear: 1961

Dafne Schippers

Dafne Schippers is a Dutch track and field athlete, specializing in heptathlon and sprinting. Born on June 15, 1992, she is a three-time Olympic medalist, World Champion, and multiple European Champion, Known for her exceptional speed and versatility.

Birthyear: 1992

Jack Horner (paleontologist)

John Horner, renowned American paleontologist, is best known for his groundbreaking discoveries, including the first dinosaur eggs and embryos. His research has greatly advanced our understanding of dinosaur behavior and biology, inspiring the Jurassic Park franchise.

Birthyear: 1946

Erroll Garner

Erroll Garner was a renowned American pianist and composer known for his distinctive, improvisational style, which blended jazz, swing, and classical elements. His iconic songs include "Misty" and "Dreamy."

Birthyear: 1921

Ezer Weizman

Ezer Weizman was a decorated Israeli general and politician who served as the 7th President of Israel from 1993 to 2000. A nephew of Israel's first president, Chaim Weizmann, he played a key role in shaping Israel's military and political landscape, earning the respect of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Birthyear: 1924

Justin Leonard

Justin Leonard is an American professional golfer who won the 1997 Open Championship and 1993 NCAA individual title. He has 12 PGA Tour victories, including the 2005 FedEx Cup, and has represented the US in several international team competitions.

Birthyear: 1972

Robert Sarah

Robert Sarah is a Guinean cardinal of the Catholic Church, born on June 15, 1945. He served as the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2014 to 2021, and is known for his conservative theological stances.

Birthyear: 1945

Deney Terrio

Denny Terrio is an American choreographer and TV host, best known for his work on 'Dance Fever,' a popular 1970s-80s music and dance television show. He also choreographed for iconic artists like Cher and David Bowie.

Birthyear: 1950

Laura Imbruglia

Laura Imbruglia is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her witty, observational lyrics and catchy indie-rock melodies. Her music often explores themes of love, relationships, and modern life, earning her a devoted fan base in Australia and beyond.

Birthyear: 1983

Margaret Abbott

Margaret Abbott was actually an American golfer, and she was also the first American woman to win an Olympic event. She won the women's golf tournament at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Birthyear: 1878

Adam Smith (Washington politician)

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish philosopher and economist who wrote "The Wealth of Nations" (1776), a foundational text of modern economics, introducing concepts like the "invisible hand" and division of labor. He's considered the father of modern capitalism.

Birthyear: 1965

Trevor Plouffe

Trevor Plouffe is a former American professional baseball infielder who played in MLB from 2010 to 2017 for the Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays, known for his versatility and consistent hitting.

Birthyear: 1986

Josiah Henson

Josiah Henson, a former slave, escaped to Canada, where he founded a school for fugitive slaves and helped hundreds of others escape through the Underground Railroad. He wrote his memoirs, inspiring Harriet Beecher Stowe's character Uncle Tom.

Birthyear: 1789

Riccardo Paletti

Riccardo Paletti was an Italian Formula One driver who competed in the 1982 season. He tragically died in a crash during the Canadian Grand Prix, aged just 24, after colliding with Didier Pironi's stalled Ferrari on the starting grid.

Birthyear: 1958

Madison Kocian

Madison Kocian is an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist. Born on June 15, 1997, she won gold in the uneven bars event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, contributing to the US women's gymnastics team's gold medal victory.

Birthyear: 1997

Lash LaRue

Lash LaRue, born Alfred LaRue, was an American actor and producer, best known for his iconic roles in Western films and television shows, particularly his portrayal of the titular character in the 1940s series "Lash LaRue."

Birthyear: 1917

Alberto Sordi

Alberto Sordi was a renowned Italian actor, director, and screenwriter known for his witty comedies and memorable characters. With a career spanning over 60 years, he starred in over 160 films, earning him a place as one of Italy's most beloved and prolific entertainers.

Birthyear: 1920

Saul Steinberg

Saul Steinberg, a renowned Romanian-American cartoonist, delighted audiences with whimsical illustrations that blended satire and humor. His iconic New Yorker covers and clever visual puns continue to inspire generations of artists and enthusiasts alike.

Birthyear: 1914

Gordon Welchman

Gordon Welchman was a renowned English-American mathematician and author who made significant contributions to computer science and cryptography. He worked at Bletchley Park during WWII, helping to crack the German Enigma code, and later wrote about his experiences in his book "The Hut Six Story."

Birthyear: 1906

Billy Williams

Billy Williams, nicknamed 'Sweet Swing,' was a Hall of Fame outfielder who played 16 seasons with the Chicago Cubs (1961-1974) and won the 1970 National League batting title. He later coached for the Cubs and Boston Red Sox.

Birthyear: 1938

Adah Isaacs Menken

Adah Isaacs Menken was a multifaceted artist, exceling as an actress, painter, and poet. Her fiery spirit and androgynous style captivated 19th-century audiences. Born in 1835, she performed in international theaters, leaving a lasting impression on the art world before her untimely death in 1868.

Birthyear: 1835

Ashley Nicole Black

Ashley Nicole Black is an American comedian, actress, and writer known for her clever humor and sharp wit. She gained fame as a correspondent on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and has written for numerous TV shows, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her work.

Birthyear: 1985

Luke Hodge

Luke Hodge is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Hawthorn Football Club and Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL). He's a four-time AFL premiership player and was captain of Hawthorn from 2010 to 2016.

Birthyear: 1984

Terri Gibbs

Terri Gibbs is an American country music singer and keyboard player, born on June 15, 1954, in Fort Myers, Florida. Known for her soulful voice and genre-bending style, she released several albums in the 1980s, gaining a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Birthyear: 1954

James Maloney (rugby league)

James Maloney is a renowned Australian rugby league player who has played for clubs like Sydney Roosters, Salford, and Catalans Dragons. A talented five-eighth, he has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia at international level.

Birthyear: 1986

Cornelis de Witt

Cornelis de Witt, a prominent Dutch politician, served as Grand Pensionary of Holland from 1653 to 1672. He played a crucial role in the Dutch Golden Age, contributing to the country's prosperity and cultural flourishing during that period.

Birthyear: 1623

Lance Parrish

Lance Parrish, nicknamed "The Wheel," is a former MLB catcher and coach, playing for 19 seasons, including eight with the Detroit Tigers. He earned eight Gold Glove Awards and was an eight-time All-Star, later managing the Tigers' Double-A affiliate.

Birthyear: 1956

Lawrence Wilkerson

Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired US Army colonel and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell. A vocal critic of the Iraq War, he has spoken out against torture and advocated for military reform and accountability.

Birthyear: 1945