April 10 birthdays and deaths:

O. J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson, a talented athlete, actor, and broadcaster, was known for his electric running skills on the field, starring as a Buffalo Bill and a Los Angeles Laker. Off-field controversies, including his murder acquittal and book theft charges, overshadowed his impressive athletic achievements.

Deathyear: 2024

Sam Kinison

Sam Kinison, a pioneer of edgy comedy, was known for his loud, aggressive stage presence and outrageous humor. With his signature cowboy hat and demonic laughter, he tackled taboo topics, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comedy.

Deathyear: 1992

Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai was the 4th Prime Minister of India, serving from 1977 to 1979. A stalwart of the Indian National Congress, he advocated for economic self-reliance and played a key role in India's independence movement.

Deathyear: 1995

Kahlil Gibran

Khalil Gibran was a renowned Lebanese-American poet, painter, and philosopher, celebrated for his mystical and spiritual writings. Born in Lebanon in 1883, Gibran's works, including "The Prophet," blend Eastern and Western philosophies, offering profound insights into humanity, love, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1931

Kevin Peter Hall

Kevin Peter Hall was an American actor, best known for portraying King Kong in the 1986 film "King Kong Lives". He was also the actor behind the Predator suit in the 1987 film "Predator" and Giant in both "The Dark Half" (1993) and "Harry and the Hendersons" (1987).

Deathyear: 1991

Emiliano Zapata

Emiliano Zapata was a Mexican revolutionary general who led the Zapatistas, a peasant-based insurgency, in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). Born in 1879, Zapata fought for land reform, calling for the redistribution of vast lands held by elites to peasants.

Deathyear: 1919

Larry Linville

Larry Linville was an American actor, best known for his roles as Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce on the TV show "M*A*S*H" and Dr. Carl "Clete" Roberts on "The Carol Burnett Show". He was born on September 29, 1939, and passed away on April 10, 2000.

Deathyear: 2000

Dixie Carter

Dixie Carter was an American actress and singer, born in 1939. She appeared in numerous TV shows and films, earning an Emmy nomination for "Designing Women". Known for her strong Southern roots and sharp wit, she delighted audiences with her charismatic stage presence and charming on-screen persona.

Deathyear: 2010

Evelyn Waugh

Evelyn Waugh, a renowned English author, served as a soldier in the 1930s and 1940s. He wrote satirical novels, including "Brideshead Revisited", and worked as a journalist and critic. His wit and humor are still celebrated in his writings.

Deathyear: 1966

Stuart Sutcliffe

Stuart Sutcliffe was a talented Scottish artist and musician, best known as the bassist and founding member of the Beatles. Born in 1940, Sutcliffe's love for art and music led him to join the Beatles, a group that would go on to become one of the most influential music groups of all time.

Deathyear: 1962

Linda Darnell

Linda Darnell was a radiant American actress, born Charlotte Gerarde on October 16, 1923. She rose to fame in the 1940s, starring in films like "Hangover Square" and "A Letter to Three Wives." Her Hollywood career spanned nearly two decades before her untimely death in 1965.

Deathyear: 1965

Natalie Schafer

Natalie Schafer was a talented American actress born in 1900. She is best known for her iconic role as Emanuel "Eunice" Fitzgibbon on the hit TV series "Gilligan's Island." Her career spanned over five decades, with credits in film, television, and theater.

Deathyear: 1991

Lech Kaczyński

The 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash in Smolensk, Russia, resulted in 96 fatalities, including the President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, and several high-ranking government officials, civilian leaders, and military personnel. The crash was attributed to pilot error and inadequate training.

Deathyear: 2010

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French priest, theologian, and philosopher who integrated Christianity with evolutionary theory. He wrote extensively on the relationship between humanity's material and spiritual dimensions.

Deathyear: 1955

Auguste and Louis Lumière

Auguste Lumière was a French director and producer, born in 1862. He, along with his brother Louis, invented the cinematograph, a device that captured moving images. Their early films showcased everyday life, showcasing their innovation and paving the way for the film industry.

Deathyear: 1954

Joseph-Louis Lagrange

Joseph-Louis Lagrange was a renowned Italian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to calculus, number theory, and celestial mechanics. He is famous for his work on the three-body problem and developed the Lagrangian mechanics.

Deathyear: 1813

Michael Curtiz

Michael Curtiz was a renowned Hungarian-American filmmaker, known for his versatility in directing a wide range of genres. He helmed classics such as "Casablanca," "Angels with Dirty Faces," and "White Christmas," earning 12 Oscar nominations and winning two Academy Awards.

Deathyear: 1962

Chris Hani

Chriss Hani was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, serving as General-Secretary of the South African Communist Party. He advocated for non-violent resistance and was a key figure in the African National Congress, sadly assassinated in 1993 at the age of 50.

Deathyear: 1993

Marjorie Main

Marjorie Main was a renowned American actress, born Mary Tomlinson in 1890. With a distinctive contralto voice, she excelled in films, Broadway shows, and radio, earning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Ma Kornfield in the 1946 comedy "The Egg and I".

Deathyear: 1975

Horatio Gates

Horatio Gates was a prominent English-American general during the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1727, he played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Saratoga, which was a turning point in the war.

Deathyear: 1806

Pope Gregory XIII

Gregory XIII (1502-1585) was the Pope of the Catholic Church from 1572 to 1585. He is known for implementing the Gregorian calendar, reforming the papal finances, and opposing the Ottoman Empire's expansion in Eastern Europe.

Deathyear: 1585

Al Jaffee

Al Jaffee is a legendary American cartoonist, best known for creating the iconic "Mad" magazine's long-running feature "MAD's Fold-In" since 1964. Also known for his work on "Toppel's Think" and "Al's Brain" puzzle syndication, Jaffee's career spans over 70 years, earning him multiple awards.

Deathyear: 2023

Nino Rota

Nino Rota, a renowned Italian pianist, composer, and conductor, is celebrated for his iconic film scores, including Federico Fellini's "8½" and Luchino Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers". Rota's work embodied a perfect blend of melancholy and lyricism, elevating the cinematic experience.

Deathyear: 1979

Frederick I of Denmark

Frederick I (1471-1523) was the king of Denmark and Norway from 1523 until his death. He was a member of the Oldenburg dynasty and was known for his efforts to centralize power and reform the church.

Deathyear: 1533

Howard Marks

Howard Marks, born in 1945, was a Welsh cannabis smuggler, writer, and legalization campaigner. He got caught smuggling 114 pounds of cannabis in 1973 and wrote "Mr. Nice" about his experiences. He advocated for cannabis legalization and became a prominent figure in the UK's cannabis reform movement.

Deathyear: 2016

William Brewster (Mayflower passenger)

William Brewster, an English official and pilgrim leader, was born in 1566. He served as a postmaster and clerk to the Council of the North. Brewster played a key role in the Pilgrims' voyage to America and was a leader during their early years in Plymouth.

Deathyear: 1644

Richie Benaud

Richie Benaud was a legendary Australian cricketer who bowled off-spin and captained the national team, taking 248 wickets and scoring 6,081 runs. After retiring, he became a highly respected and iconic cricket commentator.

Deathyear: 2015

Jean Vander Pyl

Jean Vander Pyl was a talented American actress and voice artist, best known for her iconic role as Wilma Flintstone in the beloved animated series "The Flintstones" (1960-1966). Her distinctive voice made her characters unforgettable.

Deathyear: 1999

Judith Malina

Judith Malina, a pioneering artist, co-founded The Living Theatre with Julian Beck in 1947. Born in Germany in 1926, she was a passionate advocate for avant-garde theater and activism. Her innovative work continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists.

Deathyear: 2015

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Algernon Charles Swinburne was a prominent English poet, playwright, novelist, and critic, known for his haunting and sensual poetry, often exploring themes of love, death, and the supernatural. His works, such as "Chastelard" and "Atalanta in Calydon," showcased his masterful use of language and rich imagery.

Deathyear: 1909

Little Eva

Little Eva was an American singer known for her distinctive voice and lively stage presence. Born Barbara "Little Eva" Papastriou in 1943, she rose to fame in the early 1960s with hits like "The Loco-Motion" and "Let's Turkey Trot," becoming a teen idol of the era.

Deathyear: 2003

Martin Hannett

Martin Hannett was a renowned English record producer and engineer, best known for his work with Joy Division, The Happy Mondays, and John Cooper Clarke. His innovative production style and distinctive sound continue to influence musicians today.

Deathyear: 1991

Louis the Stammerer

Louis the Stammerer was King of West Francia from 877 to 879. Born in 846, he was the fourth son of Emperor Charles the Bald. Despite his stutter, Louis proved a capable leader, expanding West Francia's borders and strengthening its economy.

Deathyear: 879

Howard Thurman

Howard Thurman was a renowned author, philosopher, and civil rights activist. Born in 1899, he was the first African American to be appointed as the Dean of the Divinity School at Howard University. His work focused on racial harmony, social justice, and personal spirituality.

Deathyear: 1981

King Oliver

King Oliver was a pioneering American cornet player and bandleader, known for his charismatic stage presence and innovative playing style. Born in 1885, Oliver's influence on jazz music was immense, with his band serving as a launching pad for legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Satchmo.

Deathyear: 1938

Sue Townsend

Sue Townsend was a celebrated English author and playwright, best known for her Adrian Mole series. Her humorous and poignant writings captured the quirks and insecurities of adolescence, earning her a cult following and critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 2014

Fevzi Çakmak

Fevzi Çakmak was a Turkish field marshal and politician. He served as the 2nd Prime Minister of Turkey from 1921 to 1922. Born in 1876, Çakmak was a prominent figure in the Turkish War of Independence and played a key role in forming the modern Turkish state.

Deathyear: 1950

Walker Evans

Walker Evans, a pioneering American photographer, is known for his documentary-style images that captured the everyday lives of ordinary people and landscapes in the 20th century. His iconic photos of the American South, documenting poverty and decaying infrastructure, raised awareness about social and economic issues.

Deathyear: 1975

John Byron

John Byron was a renowned English admiral and politician who served as the 24th Commodore Governor of Newfoundland. Born in 1723, Byron played a significant role in the Royal Navy, distinguishing himself in several battles, including the Battle of Cape Finister, before his promotion to governor in 1787.

Deathyear: 1786

Peter Jones (actor)

Peter Jones is a renowned English actor and screenwriter, born in 1920. He is best known for his iconic roles in films like "The Wicker Man" (1973) and "The Guns of Navarone" (1961), showcasing his versatility as a talented performer with a lauded career spanning over six decades.

Deathyear: 2000

Ryszard Kaczorowski

The 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash near Smolensk, Russia, killed 96 people, including Polish President Lech Kaczyński and his wife, 87 members of the Polish government, military officers, and 12 survivors who died in the subsequent hours, with no survivors in the wreckage.

Deathyear: 2010

Linda Creed

Linda Creed was a talented American singer-songwriter, born 1948. She co-wrote iconic songs like "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago and "Going In and Out the Gym" with Barry Mann. Creed's contributions to music were significant, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Deathyear: 1986

Harley Earl

Harley Earl was an American businessman who revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing the concept of automotive styling and design. He founded the GM Design Center and became the first Chief Design Officer at General Motors, leading the industry with innovative designs and influencing the global automotive industry.

Deathyear: 1969

Gabrielle d'Estrées

Gabrielle d'Estrées, a beautiful and cunning courtesan, was the mistress of Henry IV of France. Born in 1571, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and powerful women in France, known for her intelligence, wit, and politics.

Deathyear: 1599

Ahmad Fanakati

Ahmad Fanakati, a Persian statesman, served as chief minister under Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor. He played a crucial role in the administration of the Yuan Dynasty, implementing policies and fostering cultural exchange between the Mongols and the Chinese. Fanakati's diplomatic skills and administrative acumen significantly contributed to the stability and prosperity of the empire.

Deathyear: 1282

Michael Dorris

Michael Dorris (1945-1997) was an American author and academic. He was a member of the Mandan-Hidatsa-Arikara Nation and wrote extensively about Native American identity and culture. His notable works include the novel "Ceremony" and the book "The Survival of American Indians."

Deathyear: 1997

Kay Medford

Kay Medford was an American actress and singer, born on February 14, 1919. She is best known for her iconic role as Wililma Baker in the 1961 film "A Hole Lot of Trouble," opposite Frank Sinatra.

Deathyear: 1980