April 16 birthdays and deaths:

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory, born in 1968, is a talented British actress known for her captivating performances on stage and screen. She has stood out in notable roles in TV shows including 'Harry Potter' and 'Peaky Blinders.' Her remarkable talent and versatility have earned her widespread acclaim.

Deathyear: 2021

Rudolf Höss

Rudolf Höss was a senior German SS officer who served as the commander of Auschwitz concentration camp from May 1940 to November 1943. He was responsible for the murder of an estimated 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, who were killed during his tenure at the camp.

Deathyear: 1947

Harry Anderson

Harry Anderson is a talented American actor and magician, born in 1952. He's best known for his roles in the TV shows "Night Court" and "Dave's World," as well as his skills as a magician and illusionist, showcasing his talents on various TV specials and performances.

Deathyear: 2018

Robert Urich

Robert Urich (1946-2002) was an American actor, best known for his starring roles in TV series "Vega$," "Vega$" and "Stephen J. Cannell's" "Holmes on Homes."

Deathyear: 2002

Francisco Goya

Francisco Goya was a renowned Spanish-French painter and illustrator, born in 1746. He is famous for his bold and expressive works, which often depicted the human struggle and darkness. His most notable works include "The Third of May 1808" and "The Disasters of War".

Deathyear: 1828

Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin was a pioneering British biophysicist and X-ray crystallographer who made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure of DNA. Her data played a crucial role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.

Deathyear: 1958

Bernadette Soubirous

Bernadette Soubirous, a French nun, was born on January 7, 1844. She was a mystic and healer who experienced several visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, leading to the shrine's rise as a popular pilgrimage site.

Deathyear: 1879

David Lean

David Lean was a renowned English film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his sweeping epics and nuanced characterizations. His notable works include "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Bridge on the River Kwai," and "Doctor Zhivago," showcasing his mastery of storytelling and visual grandeur.

Deathyear: 1991

Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville was a renowned French historian and philosopher who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Born in 1805, he is best known for his insightful writings on American democracy and society, particularly in his seminal work "Democracy in America."

Deathyear: 1859

Pat Summerall

Pat Summerall was a legendary American football player and sportscaster, born in 1930. As a tight end for the New York Giants and Chicago Cardinals, he won two NFL championships. He went on to become a renowned sportscaster, teaming with John Madden on CBS Sports' top NFL broadcasts.

Deathyear: 2013

Neville Brand

Neville Brand was an American actor, born in 1920, known for his rugged and tough-guy roles in over 190 films and TV shows, including "The Wild Bunch," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Hogan's Heroes."

Deathyear: 1992

Marie Tussaud

Marie Tussaud, a French-English sculptor, founded the world-renowned Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Born in 1761, she revolutionized wax sculpting, crafting lifelike figures of royals and celebrities.

Deathyear: 1850

Ralph Ellison

Ralph Ellison was a renowned American novelist and critic, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Invisible Man" (1952). He explored the experiences of African Americans in the United States, addressing themes of identity, racism, and social justice.

Deathyear: 1994

Emilio Jacinto

Emilio Jacinto was a Filipino journalist, teacher, and nationalist who served as the editor of La Solidaridad, a newspaper advocating for Philippine independence from Spain. He also co-founded the Katipunan, a secret society that aimed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

Deathyear: 1899

Bob Graham

Bob Graham, born in 1936, served as the 38th Governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987. He later represented Florida in the US Senate from 1987 to 2005. Graham, an American lawyer, author, and politician, is a lifelong democrat.

Deathyear: 2024

Daryl Gates

Daryl Gates, a pioneering American police officer, pioneered the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to combat drug use in schools. Born in 1926, he served as Los Angeles Police Chief from 1979 to 1992 and remains prominent in law enforcement circles.

Deathyear: 2010

Yasunari Kawabata

Yasunari Kawabata, a celebrated Japanese novelist and short story writer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968. Born in 1899, Kawabata's works, such as "Snow on the Tigris" and "The Old Capital", are known for their delicate prose and poignant portrayals of traditional Japanese life.

Deathyear: 1972

Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn, a pioneer in English literature, was the first female novelist and playwright. Born in 1640, she defied societal norms by pursuing a writing career. Her works, such as "Oroonoko," explored themes of love, power, and identity, showcasing her innovative storytelling and feminist perspectives.

Deathyear: 1689

Scott Brady

Scott Brady was an American actor born on April 5, 1924, known for his rugged good looks and tough-guy persona. He starred in numerous Westerns, cop shows, and TV dramas, earning a reputation as a versatile and reliable performer in Hollywood from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Deathyear: 1985

George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham

George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, was an English poet and politician who served as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. Born in 1628, he was known for his literary talents and held influential positions throughout his life.

Deathyear: 1687

Sydney Chaplin

Sydney Chaplin, the younger brother of Charlie Chaplin, was an English actor and comedian who followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry. Born in 1885, he began his career in the 1920s, performing in various stage and screen productions.

Deathyear: 1965

Edna Ferber

Edna Ferber, a pioneering American author, penned novels like "Show Boat" and "Cimarron", as well as plays and short stories. Her works often explored the American West and women's experiences. Known for her accessible writing style and vivid characters, Ferber won numerous awards and was a literary icon of her time.

Deathyear: 1968

Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra, a renowned Austrian-American architect, designed the iconic Los Angeles County Hall of Records, blending modernist and organic styles. Born in 1892, he left a lasting legacy in Los Angeles' architectural landscape.

Deathyear: 1970

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, was a renowned French mathematician, cosmologist, and author. Born in 1707, he made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and biology. His most notable work is "Histoire Naturelle," a comprehensive 44-volume treatise on natural history.

Deathyear: 1788

Fred Davis (snooker player)

Fred Davis, born in 1913, was a renowned English professional snooker player. He won the World Snooker Championship five times and held the record for most frames won in the tournament.

Deathyear: 1998

Carl Erskine

Carl Erskine was a right-handed pitcher who played for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948 to 1959. Known for his blazing fastball and distinctive mustache, Erskine won 122 games and threw two no-hitters, including one in 1952, earning him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 2024

Skip Spence

Skip Spence, the enigmatic Canadian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist, rose to fame as the drummer for Moby Grape before launching a solo career. His unique, introspective style blended elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia, captivating audiences with his poetic lyrics and soaring melodies.

Deathyear: 1999

Kay Walsh

Kay Walsh was a vivacious English actress, singer, and dancer, born in 1911. She made her stage debut at 12 and went on to become a popular star of West End musicals, films, and television.

Deathyear: 2005

Edward Norton Lorenz

Edwin Lorin Lorenz, not Edward, was a renowned American mathematician and meteorologist, born in 1917. His work on chaos theory and the butterfly effect revolutionized the field of meteorology, and his 1963 paper "Deterministic Non-Periodic Flow" is considered a landmark in the study of nonlinear dynamics.

Deathyear: 2008

Khalil al-Wazir

Khalil al-Wazir, also known as Abu Jihad, was a Palestinian commander and co-founder of Fatah, the Palestinian National Liberation Movement. Born in 1935, he played a key role in the Palestinian struggle for independence and was responsible for several notable military operations.

Deathyear: 1988

Fay Bainter

Fay Bainter was a renowned American actress born on February 7, 1893. She gained recognition for her stage and film appearances, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "White Trash" (1938) and later winning an Emmy Award for her work on "Peyton Place" (1965).

Deathyear: 1968

Lucille Bremer

Lucille Bremer was an American actress and dancer born in 1917. She gained fame as a "Judy" in the 1930s, starring in films like "Katharine Cheatham's Millions" and "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man" with W.C. Fields.

Deathyear: 1996

Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1878-1952) was a German princess and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She married Ernst August, Duke of Brunswick, in 1900 and was known for her fashion sense and philanthropic work.

Deathyear: 1942

Lucius D. Clay

Lucius D. Clay was a four-star general and military governor of the U.S. Zone in occupied Germany from 1949 to 1952. He played a crucial role in post-WWII reconstruction, overseeing the de-Nazification process and guiding the country's transition to democracy. His leadership earned him the nickname "The Architect of Modern Germany".

Deathyear: 1978

Andrew Peacock

Andrew Peacock was a prominent Australian politician, serving as Leader of the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader from 1983-1985. A federal MP from 1969-1994, he was also Attorney-General and Foreign Minister in the Fraser government.

Deathyear: 2021

George Beverly Shea

George Beverly Shea was a renowned singer-songwriter born on February 1, 1909, in Nova Scotia, Canada. He gained international fame for his powerful baritone voice, singing with Billy Graham in evangelistic crusades, and recording over 70 gospel albums, earning him the title "America's Gospel Singer."

Deathyear: 2013

Marie-Louise Meilleur

Marie-Louise Meilleur, a Canadian super-centenarian, was born in 1880 and passed away in 1998 at the age of 117. She was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person ever recorded in Canada and was celebrated for her remarkable longevity and resilient spirit.

Deathyear: 1998

Graham Jarvis

Graham Jarvis is a Canadian actor, born in 1930. He has appeared in numerous film and television roles, including the hit TV series "The Great Detective" and "The Beachcombers". Jarvis has had a thriving career, earning praise for his versatility and wide range of acting abilities.

Deathyear: 2003

Nelson W. Aldrich

Nelson W. Aldrich, a wealthy businessman and congressman from Rhode Island (1841-1915), was a powerful influence in American politics. He served in the US Senate for over 27 years, advocating for protective tariffs and defending the interests of big business.

Deathyear: 1915

Kaoru Ishikawa

Kaoru Ishikawa was a Japanese author and educator born in 1915. He is renowned for his works, particularly "Story of Fu-u-Chan", which became a children's literature classic in Japan.

Deathyear: 1989

Anne Seymour, Duchess of Somerset

Anne Seymour, Duchess of Somerset, was born in 1497. She married Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, a powerful English nobleman. She became the Duchess of Somerset when her husband was elevated to the dukedom. Anne was known for her courage and strong character during her husband's troubles.

Deathyear: 1587

Arthur Chevrolet

Arthur Chevrolet, a Swiss-American racing driver and engineer, was born in 1884. He co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Company with his brother Louis and was a talented driver, winning numerous races.

Deathyear: 1946

Steve Bloomer

Steve Bloomer was a prolific English striker and manager. Born in 1874, he scored over 200 goals in his career, earning 23 caps for England. As a manager, he led the United States national team in the 1916 Torneo Internacional de Copa.

Deathyear: 1938

John Hastings, 2nd Earl of Pembroke

John Hastings, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, a prominent English nobleman and soldier, was born in 1347. He served in the Hundred Years' War, fought in the Battle of Auray, and was a devoted supporter of his cousin, King Richard II.

Deathyear: 1375

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller was a Danish businessman and magnate. He founded A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global logistics and shipping company, and served as its CEO from 1965 to 1993. He was knighted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in 1993.

Deathyear: 2012

Samuel Smiles

Samuel Smiles was a Scottish-English author, born in 1812. He wrote the influential self-help book "Self-Help" (1859), which emphasized personal responsibility and moral character.

Deathyear: 1904

José Carlos Mariátegui

José Carlos Mariátegui was a pioneering Peruvian journalist, philosopher, and activist who advocated for social justice and indigenous rights. His groundbreaking work, "Seven Interpretaciones de la Realidad," critiqued imperialism and promoted a unique blend of Marxism and indigenous culture.

Deathyear: 1930

Gyude Bryant

Gyude Bryant is a Liberian businessman and politician born in 1949. He served as the Chair of the National Transitional Government of Liberia from 2003 to 2006, playing a crucial role in rebuilding the country after the devastating civil war.

Deathyear: 2014

Roland Topor

Roland Topor, a versatile French artist, is known for his work in film, television, and theater. Born in 1938, Topor has made a name for himself as a talented actor, director, and painter, showcasing his skills in various creative outlets.

Deathyear: 1997