April 12 birthdays and deaths:

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. A champion of the New Deal, he led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing sweeping reforms and advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Deathyear: 1945

Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Gottfried is a renowned American comedian, actor, and singer known for his distinctive voice and irreverent humor. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in various films, TV shows, and stand-up performances, earning a reputation as a master of comedic controversy.

Deathyear: 2022

Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson, widely considered one of the greatest boxers in history, was born on May 3, 1921. Holding the world welterweight and middleweight titles at various points, he notched 173 wins in a remarkable 174-bout career, earning 108 knockout victories.

Deathyear: 1989

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was a legendary actress, activist, and humanitarian, born in St. Louis, 1906. She rose to fame as a French cabaret performer, then became an Allied spy and Resistance worker during WWII. Her iconic song "J'ai Deux Amours" still echoes with French pride.

Deathyear: 1975

Joe Louis

Joe Louis, known as the "Brown Bomber," was a legendary American boxer and wrestler, born in 1914. He won the heavyweight title in 1937 and held it until 1949, earning fame for his powerful punches and intense fighting style, which earned him the respect of his peers and the public.

Deathyear: 1981

Charlie Murphy (actor)

Charlie Murphy, a comedian, and actor, was born in 1959. He rose to fame as a cast member on the TV show "Saturday Night Live" and as the biological father of Eddie Murphy, the famous actor and comedian.

Deathyear: 2017

Abbie Hoffman

Abbie Hoffman, a renowned American activist, co-founded the Youth International Party (YIP) in 1967. With his rebellious spirit and charismatic leadership, Hoffman became a prominent voice of the counterculture movement, advocating for social and political change through nonviolent means.

Deathyear: 1989

Joanna of Castile

Joanna I, Queen of Castile and Aragon, was born in 1479 and ruled from 1516 to 1555. Known for her intelligence and determination, she became the first woman to reign over Spain and oversaw significant reforms, including the creation of a new law code and establishment of the Spanish Inquisition.

Deathyear: 1555

Clara Barton

Clara Barton, a pioneering nurse and humanitarian, founded the American Red Cross in 1881. Born in 1821, Barton's compassion and dedication to helping others led her to establish the organization, revolutionizing disaster relief and humanitarian aid in the United States.

Deathyear: 1912

Eleanor Coppola

Eleanor Coppola, born in 1936, is an American filmmaker, painter, and philanthropist. She rose to fame with her documentary "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" (1991) about her husband Francis Ford Coppola's experiences on the set of "Apocalypse Now" (1979).

Deathyear: 2024

Lionel Logue

Lionel Logue (1880-1953) was a pioneering Australian actor and speech therapist who co-developed the Logue method of speech and language therapy. He also treated King George VI, helping to overcome a stammer, depicted in the award-winning film 'The King's Speech' (2010).

Deathyear: 1953

William M. Tweed

William M. Tweed, a dominant figure in 19th-century New York City politics, was a lawyer and Democratic Party leader. He dominated Tammany Hall, a powerful patronage machine, and was accused of corruption, leading to his downfall and infamous conviction in 1873.

Deathyear: 1878

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli is an Italian fashion designer and inventor born in 1940. Known for his bold, eclectic designs, he founded his eponymous fashion house in 1978. Cavalli's clothing and accessories often feature animal prints, including his iconic snake and leopard motifs.

Deathyear: 2024

Anne Jackson

Anne Jackson was a renowned American actress, born on September 26, 1925. She was a founding member of the Actors Studio and appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, earning three Tony Award nominations for her work.

Deathyear: 2016

Prince Yasuhiko Asaka

Prince Yasuhiko Asaka was a Japanese nobleman and military officer who served as the Commanding Officer of the Japanese 16th Division during World War II. He was the second son of Emperor Meiji and was born in 1887.

Deathyear: 1981

Tarvaris Jackson

Tarvaris Jackson is a former American football quarterback who played in the NFL from 2006 to 2012. He played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills, finishing his career with a 14-23-1 record as a starter.

Deathyear: 2020

Arthur Freed

Arthur Freed, a pioneering American songwriter and producer, was born in 1894. He partnered with Nacio Herb Brown to create iconic movie musicals, including the classic score for "Singin' in the Rain."

Deathyear: 1973

William Tolbert

William R. Tolbert, Jr. was the 20th President of Liberia, serving from 1971 until his assassination in 1980. A descendant of American colonizers, he was a lawyer and politician who implemented economic reforms and improved relations with neighboring countries during his presidency.

Deathyear: 1980

Edwin T. Layton

Edwin T. Layton was a U.S. Navy admiral and cryptanalyst who played a crucial role in breaking Japanese codes during World War II. Born in 1903, he served as the chief cryptanalyst at OP-20-G, the Navy's codebreaking unit, and was responsible for deciphering Japanese diplomatic and military communications.

Deathyear: 1984

Harvey Ball

Harvey Ball, a renowned American illustrator, designed the iconic smiley face in 1963. Born in 1921, Ball's creation has become a universal symbol of joy and happiness, spreading smiles across the globe.

Deathyear: 2001

Joseph Siravo

Joseph Siravo is a renowned American actor and producer, born in 1955. He is best known for his iconic roles in TV shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Banshee," as well as a successful career in film and theater production.

Deathyear: 2021

Boxcar Willie

Boxcar Willie, born Jr., was an American country music singer-songwriter and musician.

Deathyear: 1999

Adoniram Judson

Adoniram Judson was a pioneering American lexicographer and missionary who served in Burma from 1813 until his death in 1850. He was one of the first American missionaries and founded the Burmese Calvinistic Baptist Church.

Deathyear: 1850

Robert MacNeil

Robert MacNeil is a renowned Canadian-American journalist and author born in 1931. He is best known for his work as a television journalist, hosting "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report" and "MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour" alongside fellow journalist Jim Lehrer.

Deathyear: 2024

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a renowned French bishop and theologian born in 1627. He was a prominent figure in the Gallican Church and a leading apologist for Catholicism during the Enlightenment. His writings emphasized the authority of Scripture and the Church, earning him the title "Father of French Eloquence".

Deathyear: 1704

Pope Julius I

Julius I, Pope from 337 to 352 AD, was a prominent figure in early Christianity. He was a friend and advisor to Emperor Constantine, working to reconcile the Church and the State.

Deathyear: 352

Charles Messier

Charles Messier was a French astronomer and academic born in 1730. He was the first to systematically catalog deep-sky objects, publishing his famous "Catalogue des Nébuleuses et des Amas d'Étoiles Nouveaux" in 1784, which includes 103 celestial bodies now known as the Messier objects.

Deathyear: 1817

Adelbert Ames

Adelbert Ames was a prominent American general and politician. He served as a general in the American Civil War and later as the 30th Governor of Mississippi from 1868 to 1870, playing a crucial role in the Reconstruction Era.

Deathyear: 1933

Richard Taylor (Confederate general)

Richard Taylor was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Born in 1826, he was the son of President Zachary Taylor and led the Department of East Florida and Southern Georgia, participating in several battles, including the Battle of Mansfield and the Siege of Vicksburg.

Deathyear: 1879

Alan Paton

Alan Paton was a South African author, teacher, and politician, born in 1903. Best known for his novels, particularly 'Cry, the Beloved Country', which explores themes of apartheid and social justice, he remains a prominent figure in South African literary and historical circles.

Deathyear: 1988

Philip K. Wrigley

Philip K. Wrigley, born 1894, was an American businessman who co-founded the Lincoln Park Gun Club. He later became famous for his association with Wrigley's Spearmint Gum.

Deathyear: 1977

Feodor Chaliapin

Feodor Chaliapin was a legendary Russian opera singer, renowned for his powerful, rich bass voice and charismatic stage presence. Born in 1873, he performed at the Bolshoi and Imperial Theaters, becoming a darling of the Moscow opera scene and a pioneer of Russian opera singing.

Deathyear: 1938

Jørgen Juve

Jørgen Juve, a Norwegian football legend, played for Lyn and the national team, scoring 11 goals in 20 appearances. After retiring, he became a renowned journalist, known for his insightful commentary and critiques, earning him the nickname "The Master of Football Journalism."

Deathyear: 1983

Patrick Hillery

Patrick Hillery, an esteemed physician and politician, served as Ireland's 6th President from 1990 to 1997. Born in 1923, Hillery was a respected figure in Irish politics, known for his dedication to public service and commitment to his country.

Deathyear: 2008

Claude, Duke of Guise

Claude, Duke of Guise, was a prominent French nobleman born in 1496. He was a skilled military strategist and politician, serving as Governor of Picardy and Lieutenant-General of the King's armies. He played a significant role in the Italian Wars and was a strong supporter of the French monarchy.

Deathyear: 1550

Brennan Manning

Brennan Manning, a renegade priest, author, and convert, shared his spiritual journey in numerous books, including "The Ragamuffin Gospel". Drawing from his experiences as an addict and a priest, Manning's writings emphasized God's relentless love and acceptance.

Deathyear: 2013

William Kent

William Kent (1685-1748) was a renowned English architect who designed iconic buildings like Holkham Hall and Chiswick House. A pioneer of the Rococo style, Kent blended Italianate elegance with English patriotism, shaping the nation's architectural identity.

Deathyear: 1748

Joanna la Beltraneja

Joanna La Beltraneja, Princess of Castile, was born in 1462 to King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Castile. She was the daughter of the famous monarchs who united Spain, but her life was marked by controversy and tragedy, including a disputed succession to the throne.

Deathyear: 1530