April 18 birthdays and deaths:

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was a renowned German-American physicist, engineer, and academic, known for his groundbreaking theories on relativity and the famous equation E=mc². His work revolutionized modern physics, and he is considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1955

Isoroku Yamamoto

Isoroku Yamamoto was a Japanese admiral who planned the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Known for his strategic thinking and innovative tactics, he is considered one of the most important figures in Japanese naval history, serving as chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II.

Deathyear: 1943

Mandisa

Mandisa Hundley, born in 1976, is a renowned American gospel singer-songwriter. With a powerful voice and passionate delivery, she has released multiple Grammy-nominated albums, has collaborated with notable artists, and has won numerous awards for her inspirational music.

Deathyear: 2024

Dick Clark

Dick Clark was a legendary American television host and producer, best known for hosting the Grammy Awards and American Bandstand. He founded Dick Clark Productions, and his charismatic on-air presence made him a beloved figure on American television for over four decades.

Deathyear: 2012

Dickey Betts

Dickey Betts is a legendary American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer, best known as a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. His virtuosic guitar playing and soulful vocals have influenced generations of musicians, earning him a place in rock music history.

Deathyear: 2024

Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian ethnographer and explorer who is best known for his theories about South American cultural diffusion and navigation.

Deathyear: 2002

Anne Williams (activist)

Anne Williams was a British activist who campaigned for justice for Hillsborough families. Her son, Adrian, died in the 1989 disaster. She worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and secure justice for the 96 victims, earning her the nickname "Angel of the Arena".

Deathyear: 2013

Tatya Tope

Tatya Tope was a key lieutenant of Indian rebellion leader Nana Saheb during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was a skilled military tactician and strategist, known for his bravery and loyalty. Despite facing insurmountable odds, Tope remained devoted to the cause of Indian independence until his death in 1859.

Deathyear: 1859

Jozef Tiso

Jozef Tiso was a Slovak Roman Catholic priest and politician who served as the President of Slovakia from 1939 to 1945. He was a key figure in the Slovak State during World War II and was known for his collaboration with the Nazi regime.

Deathyear: 1947

Ernie Pyle

Ernie Pyle was an American journalist and soldier who reported on World War II, offering a human perspective on the war through his column "My Story Is True." He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1945 for his coverage of the conflict.

Deathyear: 1945

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was a philanthropist and patron of the arts. Born in 1875, she founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1931, driven by her passion for American art and her desire to share it with the public.

Deathyear: 1942

Ben Hecht

Ben Hecht, a renowned filmmaker, excelled in writing and direction. Born in 1894, he enjoyed a long, illustrious career with notable works like "Scarface" and "Notorious". Hecht's versatile talent in comedy and drama earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.

Deathyear: 1964

Gustave Moreau

Gustave Moreau, a renowned French painter and academic, was born in 1826. He is known for his Symbolist and Orientalist styles, which often featured dreamlike and fantastical scenes. His works often blended mythology, literature, and art history, showcasing his vast knowledge and artistic skill.

Deathyear: 1898

Erasmus Darwin

Erasmus Darwin was a renowned English physician and botanist born in 1731. He was a pioneer in the study of botany and made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

Deathyear: 1802

Lyra McKee

Lyra McKee, a talented Irish journalist, was tragically killed on April 18, 2019, while reporting on riots in Derry, Northern Ireland. She was just 29 years old at the time of her death. McKee's fearless reporting and dedication to her craft inspired many, and her legacy continues to inspire.

Deathyear: 2019

Ottorino Respighi

Ottorino Respighi was a renowned Italian composer and conductor, born in 1879. He is best known for his Romantic symphonic poems, such as "The Pines of Rome" and "The Fountains of Rome," which showcase his mastery of orchestration and harmony.

Deathyear: 1936

Maurice Gamelin

Maurice Gamelin was a Belgian-French general born in 1872. He played a crucial role in World War I and the interwar period, serving as Chief of the French General Staff from 1939 to 1940, before being dismissed following the French defeat in the Battle of France.

Deathyear: 1958

Justus von Liebig

Justus von Liebig was a renowned German chemist and academic born in 1803. He made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, including the discovery of albumose and the development of agriculture-related applications.

Deathyear: 1873

Guillermo González Camarena

Guillermo González Camarena was a Mexican engineer who developed the first practical television system using a single beam of light to transmit both images and sound. He founded Mexican Radio Television, the first television station in Mexico City in 1951.

Deathyear: 1965

Marcel Pagnol

Marcel Pagnol was a French polymath, born in 1895. A author, playwright, and director, he's best known for his nostalgic works set in Provence, such as "Marius" and "Fanny". His writings often explored themes of love, family, and the human condition, earning him a timeless reputation.

Deathyear: 1974

George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys

George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys, was a Welsh judge and politician who served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Born in 1648, Jeffreys is infamous for his role in the Bloody Assizes, a notorious series of trials in 1685 following Monmouth's Rebellion.

Deathyear: 1689

Harrison Birtwistle

Harrison Birtwistle is a renowned British composer known for his complex, abstract music. Born in 1934, he has written numerous operas, orchestral works, and chamber music. His innovative style often combines intense energy with delicate lyricism, earning him widespread critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 2022

John Foxe

John Foxe (1516-1587) was a prominent English historian and author. He is best known for his book "Actes and Monuments" (1563), which detailed the persecution of Christians during the Reformation era. Foxe's work remains a seminal text on the history of the Tudor period.

Deathyear: 1587

John Ambrose Fleming

John Ambrose Fleming, a British physicist and engineer, invented the vacuum tube in 1904. Born in 1849, Fleming's pioneering work on thermionic emission led to the development of the first electronic amplification technology, revolutionizing radio communication and paving the way for modern electronics.

Deathyear: 1945

Marie-Josephte Corriveau

Marie-Josephte Corriveau, a Metis woman, was convicted of murdering her husband, Jean Coutu, in 1752. She was sentenced to death and hanged in Quebec City. Her infamous case became a notorious example of rural violence in 18th-century Canada.

Deathyear: 1763

Óscar Carmona

Óscar Carmona was a Portuguese field marshal and politician, who served as the 11th President of Portugal from 1928 to 1951. Born in 1869, he played a key role in the country's military and politics, holding various positions, including Minister of War and Navy.

Deathyear: 1951