April 11 birthdays and deaths:

Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut was a renowned American author, best known for his satirical and philosophical novels like "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle". His writing often depicted the absurdity and dark humor of human nature, tackling themes like war, science, and technology.

Deathyear: 2007

Joseph Merrick

Joseph Merrick, born in 1862, was an Englishman with severe deformities, including a severely deformed skull, missing ribs, and facial features. He was known as the "Elephant Man" due to his extreme physical deformities, which made him an object of fascination and revulsion in Victorian England.

Deathyear: 1890

Proof (rapper)

DeShaun Holton, professionally known as Evidence, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. Born in 1973, he is a founding member of the hip-hop group Dilated Peoples and has released several successful albums.

Deathyear: 2006

Ronald Speirs

Ronald C. Speirs was a Scottish-American colonel who served in the US Army during World War II. Born in 1920, he earned the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Germany. He went on to have a successful military career, rising to the rank of brigadier general.

Deathyear: 2007

Enver Hoxha

Enver Hoxha was an Albanian educator and politician who served as the 21st Prime Minister of Albania from 1944 to 1954. He led Albania through nationalist and socialist reforms, implementing a strict communist regime.

Deathyear: 1985

Jonathan Winters

Jonathan Winters was a beloved American comedian, actor, and screenwriter, known for his rapid-fire delivery, impeccable timing, and unforgettable characters. Born in 1925, he delighted audiences with his unique brand of humor and wit, earning multiple Emmy Awards and a place in comedy history.

Deathyear: 2013

Dolores del Río

Dolores del Río was a renowned Mexican actress, born María de los Dolores Asúnsolo y Bécquer in 1904. She rose to fame in the 1930s, starring in films such as "Ramona" and "Madame Du Barry," earning the nickname "The Greta Garbo of Mexico."

Deathyear: 1983

Park Bo-ram

Park Bo-ram is a South Korean singer-songwriter born in 1994. She gained fame after winning the reality TV show "K-pop Star" in 2012. With her powerful vocals and emotive performances, she has released several successful albums and singles, earning her a devoted fan base in Korea and internationally.

Deathyear: 2024

Roscoe Lee Browne

Roscoe Lee Browne was an American actor and director, known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "One Life to Live" and "Roots," and also directed and wrote several plays and musicals.

Deathyear: 2007

Primo Levi

Primo Levi was a renowned Italian chemist and author who survived Auschwitz and Bavaria. He wrote extensively about his Holocaust experiences, chronicling his life story in "If This Is a Man" and "The Truce". His writing shed light on the human condition amidst tragedy.

Deathyear: 1987

June Pointer

June Pointer, American singer and member of the iconic sibling group the Pointer Sisters, was born in 1953. With her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, she brought joy and harmony to millions through hits like "Yes We Can Can" and "I'm So Sorry".

Deathyear: 2006

Jesse Winchester

Jesse Winchester was a renowned American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, known for his gentle, soothing voice and poignant, storytelling lyrics. With a distinctive country-folk style, Winchester released several critically acclaimed albums, earning him a devoted fan base and industry recognition.

Deathyear: 2014

Cathy O'Donnell

Cathy O'Donnell was a talented American actress, born in 1923. She began her career in the 1940s, starring in films like "The Corn is Green" and "The War of the Worlds". Her unique voice and captivating on-screen presence earned her a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 1970

Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief, the first American prima ballerina, revolutionized the world of ballet with her breathtaking performances. Born in 1925, she danced with the American Ballet Theatre and was known for her exceptional technique, captivating stage presence, and iconic roles in works like "The Firebird" and "Giselle".

Deathyear: 2013

Gemma Galgani

Gemma Galgani was an Italian mystic and saint born in 1878. She was known for her devotion to prayer and suffering, experiencing visions and ecstasies. After her death in 1903, she was declared blessed and later canonized a saint for her unwavering dedication to God.

Deathyear: 1903

John Horton Conway

John Horton Conway is a renowned English mathematician, born in 1937. He is known for his contributions to combinatorial game theory, particularly in the development of the Game of Life, a Turing machine-based cellular automaton.

Deathyear: 2020

Harry Secombe

Sir Harry Secombe was a charismatic Welsh-English actor, singer, and broadcaster. He played Phoebe Raskin in the Carry On series and starred in the title role of Tom Jones. A loyal BBC stalwart, he hosted many shows, including the iconic music program Top of the Pops.

Deathyear: 2001

J. Geils

J. Geils, born Peter Wolf, is a renowned American singer and guitarist. As the founder of the J. Geils Band, he delivered hits like "Centerfold" and "Freeze-Frame". Known for his energetic stage presence and soulful vocals, Geils' music spans genres from blues to rock to pop.

Deathyear: 2017

James Anthony Bailey

James Anthony Bailey co-founded the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1919, revolutionizing the world of entertainment. Born in 1847, Bailey's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive helped shape the circus into the iconic institution it remains today.

Deathyear: 1906

Ahmed Ben Bella

Ahmed Ben Bella, a heroic figure in Algerian independence, was a soldier and politician who served as the country's first president from 1962 to 1965. Born in 1916, he fought for Algeria's freedom from French colonial rule and became a symbol of national liberation.

Deathyear: 2012

Jessica Dubroff

Jessica Dubroff was an American pilot known for her early achievements in aviation. Born in 1988, she flew solo at age 12, becoming one of the youngest pilots in the world. Her exceptional flying skills and determination inspired many, making her a celebrated figure in the aviation community.

Deathyear: 1996

Luther Burbank

Luther Burbank, a renowned American botanist, discovered and cultivated over 800 new plant species, improving crop yields and disease resistance. He pioneered agricultural innovation, revolutionizing horticulture and earning recognition for his groundbreaking work in botany and genetics.

Deathyear: 1926

Wade Hampton III

Wade Hampton III was a Confederate general and 77th Governor of South Carolina, serving from 1876 to 1879. Born in 1818, he fought in the Mexican-American War and later in the American Civil War, where he earned the moniker "Warhorse" for his bravery.

Deathyear: 1902

Harold Ballard

Harold Ballard was a Canadian businessman and sporting executive, best known for purchasing the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971 and owning the team until 1990. He was a key figure in the development of professional hockey in Canada.

Deathyear: 1990

Emperor Yang of Sui

Yang Guang (569-618 CE) was the second emperor of the Sui Dynasty, ruling from 604-617 CE. A grandson of Emperor Wen, he took the throne after the death of his brother, but his reign was marked by instability, rebellion, and ultimately, his own overthrow.

Deathyear: 618

John O'Hara

John O'Hara (1905-1970) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his insightful portrayals of urban life, politics, and social class. His works often focused on the struggles of the American underclass and the corrupting influence of power.

Deathyear: 1970

Jacques Prévert

Jacques Prévert was a French poet, screenwriter, and playwright, known for his poignant and accessible poetry, as well as his work on iconic French films like 'Les Enfants du Paradis' and 'Rive Gauche'. His unique style blended surrealist and realistic themes, captivating audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 1977

Romanos III Argyros

Romanos III Argyros ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1028-1034. A successful military leader, he expanded territories and defeated the Pechenegs. He married first cousin Sophia Phokaina, but was murdered in 1034, allegedly by his wife's brother, Constantine, who then seized the throne.

Deathyear: 1034

James Brown (actor)

James Brown, born in 1920, was an iconic American singer and actor. Known as the "Godfather of Soul," his powerful voice and dynamic performances revolutionized R&B and funk music. Brown\'s charismatic stage presence and distinctive style influenced countless artists and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1992

Otto Wagner

Otto Wagner (1841-1918) was a pioneering Austrian architect and urban planner. He revolutionized modernist architecture with his innovative designs, emphasizing functional simplicity and structural clarity. His work influenced the development of modern architecture and urban planning.

Deathyear: 1918

Henry Beaufort

Henry Beaufort, Cardinal and Lord Chancellor of England, was born in 1377. He was a key advisor to King Henry VI, serving as Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury.

Deathyear: 1447

Erskine Caldwell

Erskine Caldwell was a renowned American author, known for his vivid portrayals of rural poverty and working-class life. His works, such as "Tobacco Road" and "God's Little Acre," are considered Southern Gothic masterpieces, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. His writing often explored themes of poverty, hardship, and morality.

Deathyear: 1987

Stanislaus of Szczepanów

Stanislaus of Szczepanów, born in 1030, was the bishop of Kraków from 1072 to 1079. He was a prominent figure in Poland during the reign of King Bolesław II. He wrote the oldest known Polish book, the "Catechism of Stanisław."

Deathyear: 1079

Lou Hudson

Louis "Lou" Hudson was an American basketball player who played in the NBA and ABA. He then transitioned to a successful sportscasting career, providing color commentary for TV and radio broadcasts. Born in 1944, Hudson is a Hall of Fame inductee and a beloved sports personality.

Deathyear: 2014

Anawrahta

Anawrahta, also known as Alanpaya, was the first emperor of the Pagan Empire in Myanmar. Born in 1014, he unified the warring tribes and cities, creating the Pagan Empire. He also implemented Theravada Buddhism and introduced the Burmese script.

Deathyear: 1077

Thomas Wyatt the Younger

Thomas Wyatt the Younger, a member of the influential Wyatt family, led the Rising of the North in 1554, an attempt to overthrow Queen Mary I of England. Born in 1521, Wyatt was the grandson of the famous poet Thomas Wyatt, and his rebellion was unsuccessful.

Deathyear: 1554

Lothar Meyer

Julius Lothar Meyer was a German chemist who made significant contributions to the development of organic chemistry. He formulated the Periodic Law and created the first periodic table of elements in 1864, paving the way for later scientists.

Deathyear: 1895

Phanishwar Nath Renu

Phanishwar Nath "Renu" is a pioneering Indian author and activist born in 1921. His works, often set in rural Bihar, explore themes of social justice and folk culture. Renu's writing career spans over seven decades, earning him numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian literature.

Deathyear: 1977