April 14 birthdays and deaths:

Bernie Madoff

Bernie Madoff, born in 1938, perpetrated the world's largest Ponzi scheme, swindling over $65 billion from over 15,000 investors. His scheme was exposed in 2008, resulting in a 150-year prison sentence.

Deathyear: 2021

Peter Steele

Peter Steele was the lead vocalist and bassist of the influential gothic metal band Type O Negative. Known for his distinctive growling vocals and charismatic stage presence, Steele's lyrics often explored themes of love, death, and the supernatural.

Deathyear: 2010

Simone de Beauvoir

Simone de Beauvoir was a pioneering French writer, philosopher, and feminist. Born in 1908, she wrote influential works like "The Second Sex" and "Les Mandarins". Her philosophical orientation was rooted in existentialism, and her writings tackled societal norms, morality, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1986

George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel was a renowned German-English organist and composer, known for his majestic choral works and solo compositions. Born in 1685, he was a key figure in the development of classical music, with famous works including "Messiah" and "Water Music".

Deathyear: 1759

Burl Ives

Burl Ives was a legendary American actor, folk singer, and writer, born 1909. He's best known for his iconic roles in films like 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and 'East of Eden', as well as his soothing folk melodies and charming stage presence.

Deathyear: 1995

Yakov Dzhugashvili

Yakov Dzhugashvili, born in 1907, was a Georgian-Russian lieutenant who played a crucial role in World War II. He was awarded the title "Hero of the Soviet Union" for his bravery during the Battle of Stalingrad and went on to command a regiment in the Soviet Army.

Deathyear: 1943

M. Visvesvaraya

M. Visvesvaraya, a pioneering Indian engineer and scholar, was born in 1860. He received his education in Denmark and worked as a consulting engineer. He is credited with designing the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam and implementing the Mysore State Electrical Scheme.

Deathyear: 1962

Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi was a renowned Indian guru and philosopher who emphasized the importance of self-inquiry to realize the true nature of the self. Born in 1879, he founded the Arunachala Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, where he taught spiritual seekers and wrote influential texts on Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

Deathyear: 1950

Israr Ahmed

Israr Ahmed was a renowned Pakistani theologian, scholar, and missionary who founded the Majlis-e-Tahrike-e-Islami, a movement promoting Islamic revival. Born in 1932, Ahmed wrote extensively on Islamic theology, philosophy, and politics, and is considered a leading authority on Islamic thought and practices.

Deathyear: 2010

Ellen Corby

Ellen Corby was an American actress and screenwriter, born in 1911. She is best known for her iconic roles in films like "Lilies of the Field" and "The Waltons," earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Wilhelmina "One-Eye" Hickey.

Deathyear: 1999

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was a renowned American painter known for his vivid portraits and landscapes. Born in Florence, Italy, Sargent studied art in Paris and established a studio in London, captivating elite society with his precise brushstrokes and enigmatic expressions.

Deathyear: 1925

Anthony Newley

Anthony Newley was a talented English singer-songwriter and actor, known for his distinctive voice and quirky style. With a long and successful career, he won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Deathyear: 1999

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson was a pioneering American biologist and author who sounded the alarm on environmental degradation with her seminal work "Silent Spring" (1962). Her groundbreaking activism raised awareness about the dangers of pesticide use and fought for conservation, earning her a legacy as a champion of environmental protection.

Deathyear: 1964

Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger, four-time Stanley Cup champion, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. After his playing career, he transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, providing detailed analysis as a sportscaster for the Quebec Nordiques and other teams.

Deathyear: 2022

Fredric March

Fredric March was a renowned American actor, born on March 31, 1897, in Racine, Wisconsin. With a career spanning over four decades, he won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and was recognized for his iconic performances in films like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Best Years of Our Lives".

Deathyear: 1975

Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick

Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, was a powerful English nobleman aptly nicknamed "the Kingmaker" for his significant influence over the throne during the Wars of the Roses. Born in 1428, he played a crucial role in shaping the course of English history.

Deathyear: 1471

Emmy Noether

Emmy Noether, a pioneering German-American mathematician, revolutionized abstract algebra and transformed the field with her groundbreaking work on ideals, rings, and fields. Her Noether's theorem has far-reaching implications in modern physics and mathematics.

Deathyear: 1935

James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell

James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, was a Scottish nobleman and diplomat who married Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1565. Born in 1534, he was a prominent figure in the Scottish court and played a significant role in Scottish politics during the 16th century.

Deathyear: 1578

Mark Sheehan

Mark Sheehan, born in 1976, is an Irish guitarist, songwriter, and member of the popular Irish pop-rock band The Script. He co-founded the group with Danny O'Donoghue and Glen Power, releasing their debut album in 2008, followed by numerous hits and world tours.

Deathyear: 2023

Vladimir Mayakovsky

I think there may be some confusion here! Vladimir Mayakovsky was actually a Russian poet, artist, and playwright, not an actor. Here's 40 words about him: Vladimir Mayakovsky (1893-1930) was a prominent Russian poet, playwright, and artist. His work, often surreal and revolutionary, addressed social and political issues. He was a key figure in the Russian Futurist movement, using avant-garde techniques to explore urban life and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1930

Don Ho

Don Ho, a legendary American singer and ukulele player, charmed audiences with his smooth, velvety voice and skillful ukulele playing. Known as the "Man of Aloha," Ho's music was synonymous with the laid-back, tropical vibe of Hawaii, where he spent much of his life.

Deathyear: 2007

Percy Sledge

Percy Sledge, a legendary American soul singer, was born in 1940 in Leighton, Alabama. He rose to fame with his powerful, emotive voice, releasing the iconic hit "When a Man Loves a Woman," which topped the charts in 1966 and has remained a timeless classic.

Deathyear: 2015

Pete Farndon

Pete Farndon was a talented English bassist, best known for his work with The Pretenders. Born in 1952, he played with the iconic rock band from 1978 to 1982, contributing to hits like 'Precious' and 'Brass in Pocket' before his untimely death in 1983.

Deathyear: 1983

Bibi Andersson

Swedish actress Bibi Andersson received critical acclaim for her roles in Ingmar Bergman's films, including "The Virgin Spring" and "Persona". She was known for her versatile performances and impressive acting range, earning her the title of Sweden's most celebrated actress of her generation.

Deathyear: 2019

Jonathan Frid

Jonathan Frid was a renowned Canadian actor, best known for his iconic role as Barnabas Collins on the Gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows" (1966-1971). His distinctive voice and eerie presence captivated audiences, earning him a lasting place in horror and pop culture history.

Deathyear: 2012

L. L. Zamenhof

Ludwik Lejzer Zamenhof, a Polish physician and linguist, crafted Esperanto in 1887 to promote understanding and unity among nations. Born in 1859, Zamenhof aimed to create a neutral, simplified language for international communication.

Deathyear: 1917

R. P. Goenka

Rahul Bajaj Popularly known as R.P. Goenka is a notable Indian businessman, who co-founded the RPG Group, a multinational conglomerate, with his father in 1948. Born in 1930, he has been instrumental in expanding the group's business across various sectors, including financial services and entertainment.

Deathyear: 2013

Rahul Sankrityayan

Rahul Sankrityayan was an Indian monk and historian born in 1893. He was a pioneer in Indian historiography, working tirelessly to compile and publish Indian historical texts. His contributions to understanding Indian history and culture are significantly acknowledged and respected.

Deathyear: 1963

Piermario Morosini

Piermario Morosini was an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in 1986, he played for several clubs, including Livorno, Reggina, and Modena. He tragically died on April 7, 2011, at age 25, after collapsing during a Serie B match.

Deathyear: 2012

F. R. Leavis

F.R. Leavis (1895-1978) was a renowned English literary critic and educator, renowned for his rigorous standards and influential criticism. As a professor at Cambridge, he shaped literary studies with his iconic texts, "New Bearings in English Poetry" and "The Common Pursuit", offering insightful analyses of English literature.

Deathyear: 1978

Alice Miller (psychologist)

Alice Miller, a renowned psychologist and author, was born in Poland in 1923. She is known for her work on the effects of childhood trauma and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional pain of childhood.

Deathyear: 2010

Girolamo Riario

Girolamo Riario was a powerful Italian nobleman who ruled Imola and Forli from 1480 till 1488. He was a skilled diplomat and strategist, aligning himself with Pope Sixtus IV to gain control over the Romagna region. He died in 1488, at the age of 45.

Deathyear: 1488

Ken Holtzman

Ken Holtzman is a retired American professional baseball player who pitched for the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees from 1965 to 1979.

Deathyear: 2024

Ollie Johnston

Ollie Johnston, also known as the "old sage of Disney," was a renowned American animator and voice actor. He worked at Disney for over three decades, contributing to beloved films like Snow White and Bambi.

Deathyear: 2008

Mstislav I of Kiev

Mstislav I of Kiev, born in 1076, was a Russian prince who ruled as the Grand Prince of Kiev from 1170 to 1171. He was known for his military campaigns, diplomacy, and cultural achievements, solidifying Kiev's power and promoting Orthodox Christianity.

Deathyear: 1132

Mikhail Vrubel

Mikhail Vrubel was a renowned Russian painter and sculptor born in 1856. His emotive and expressive works, often featuring fantastical and mystical themes, are celebrated for their dramatic lighting, vibrant colors, and sense of nostalgia.

Deathyear: 1910

Jim Baxter

Jim Baxter, a Scottish footballer born in 1939, was a midfielder who played for clubs like Hibernian and Rangers. He won 34 caps for the Scotland national team and was known for his elegant style and vision on the pitch.

Deathyear: 2001

Phil Katz

Phil Katz, born in 1962, was a renowned American computer programmer who, along with his brother, co-created the widely adopted zip file format in 1989. This innovation revolutionized data compression, making file sharing and storage more efficient. Katz's work continues to have a lasting impact on the tech industry.

Deathyear: 2000

Addie Joss

Addie Joss, a pioneering American baseball player and journalist, was born in 1880. He played for various teams from 1902 to 1910, earning a .221 batting average. Joss also worked as a sports writer, covering games for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Deathyear: 1911

Hiroshi Teshigahara

Hiroshi Teshigahara was a renowned Japanese filmmaker, known for his unique and unorthodox style. He directed numerous films, including "The Woman in the Dunes" and "Yellow Spring in August". He passed away in 2001.

Deathyear: 2001

Avvakum

Avvakum, a 17th-century Russian priest and saint, was a fierce defender of Orthodox Christianity against the Tsar's reforms. He was arrested, beaten, and exiled for his opposition, but continued to preach against the reforms until his eventual death in 1700. He was canonized as a saint in 1897.

Deathyear: 1682