April 19 birthdays and deaths:

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was a British naturalist and biologist who revolutionized the field of biology with his theory of evolution through natural selection. Born in 1809, Darwin's groundbreaking work "On the Origin of Species" (1859) introduced the concept of evolution by natural selection, fundamentally changing the understanding of life on Earth.

Deathyear: 1882

David Koresh

David Koresh, born Vernon Howell, was the leader of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect in Waco, Texas. He claimed to be the messiah and predicted the apocalypse. In 1993, a 51-day standoff with federal agents ended in a deadly fire that killed 86 people, including Koresh.

Deathyear: 1993

Lord Byron

Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) was a renowned English-Scottish poet, playwright, and politician. Born in 1788, he is known for his passionate and expressive works, including "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" and "Don Juan".

Deathyear: 1824

Moonbin

Moonbin is a South Korean singer, actor, and member of the K-pop group Astro. Born on November 11, 1998, he debuted in 2016 and has since appeared in various TV dramas and musicals.

Deathyear: 2023

Walter Mondale

Walter Mondale, a diligent and devoted public servant, served as Vice President under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Known for his integrity and dedication to public service, Mondale continued to serve in politics and champion progressive causes throughout his life.

Deathyear: 2021

Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli, a influential figure in British politics, served as Prime Minister from 1868-1874 and again from 1874-1880. A skilled orator and statesman, he championed Conservative policies and strengthened the British Empire, leaving a lasting impact on the country's history.

Deathyear: 1881

Kane Tanaka

Kane Tanaka, born January 2, 1903, is a Japanese supercentenarian who holds the record for the oldest living person in Japan. She was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2018. She has lived through two world wars, the surrender of Japan, and many notable historical events.

Deathyear: 2022

Levon Helm

Levon Helm, the charismatic drummer and singer of The Band, was a musical icon. With his distinctive voice and rhythms, he brought a unique narrative quality to songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek".

Deathyear: 2012

Daphne du Maurier

Daphne du Maurier was a celebrated English novelist and playwright, known for her Gothic and suspenseful stories. Born in 1907, she wrote iconic works like "Rebecca", "Jamaica Inn", and "My Cousin Rachel", captivating readers worldwide with her masterful storytelling and descriptive prose.

Deathyear: 1989

Jim Steinman

Jim Steinman is a renowned American composer and lyricist known for his dramatic and theatrical style. Born in 1947, Steinman is celebrated for his work on iconic hits like Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell" and Celine Dion's "Titanic" soundtrack, as well as his Broadway productions.

Deathyear: 2021

Konrad Adenauer

Konrad Adenauer was a German politician who served as the 1st Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. Born on January 5, 1876, he played a crucial role in post-WWII Germany's reconstruction and integration into the Western world.

Deathyear: 1967

Pierre Curie

Pierre Curie was a French physicist and chemist who discovered the elements polonium and radium with his wife Marie Curie. He was a renowned academic and Nobel laureate in Physics (1903) for his work on X-rays and radioactivity.

Deathyear: 1906

Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett was a British-Indian colonel, hunter, and author, born in 1875. He is renowned for his hunting exploits in India's Himalayas and his iconic book "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon", which chronicles his hunts and observations of man-eating tigers.

Deathyear: 1955

Daniel Dennett

Daniel Dennett is a renowned American philosopher and author, born in 1942. He is known for his work in the philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and ethics. His books, such as "Consciousness Explained," have been highly acclaimed for their accessibility and insight into complex philosophical concepts.

Deathyear: 2024

J. G. Ballard

J.G. Ballard was a boldly innovative and provocative writer, exploring the boundaries of science fiction and realism. His works, such as "Crash" and "Empire of the Sun", probed the darker aspects of human nature, technology, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 2009

Christina, Queen of Sweden

Christina, Queen of Sweden from 1632 to 1654, was a strong-willed and intelligent leader who ruled during a tumultuous period in Swedish history. Known for her unorthodox behavior and intellectual pursuits, she abdicated the throne at 33 to devote herself to scientific and philosophical studies.

Deathyear: 1689

Robert II of Scotland

Robert II, King of Scotland, was born in 1316 and reigned from 1371 to 1390. He was a member of the House of Stewart and known for his wisdom and diplomacy, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Scotland during his reign.

Deathyear: 1390

Elisabeth Sladen

Elisabeth Sladen is a talented English actress, born in 1946. She is best known for her iconic role as Sarah-Jane Smith in the popular British sci-fi series "Doctor Who," earning her a devoted fan base worldwide.

Deathyear: 2011

Charles Sanders Peirce

Here is a 40-word summary of Charles Sanders Peirce: Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) was a pioneering American mathematician and philosopher who made significant contributions to the development of mathematics, logic, and philosophy. His work in logic, algebra, and geometry influenced the development of modern mathematics and philosophy.

Deathyear: 1914

Frankie Howerd

Frankie Howerd, a renowned English actor and screenwriter, was born in 1917. He is best known for his comedic performances, starring in iconic British sitcoms and films, such as "Up the Chastity Belt" and "Up the Front".

Deathyear: 1992

Jagat Gosain

Jagat Gosain (1573-1613) was a Mughal empress and wife of Emperor Jahangir. Born Kam Ali Khan, she converted to Islam and became a favored concubine, eventually marrying Jahangir in 1611. She was a strong influence in his life and a skilled politician.

Deathyear: 1619

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush, a renowned American physician and educator, was born in 1745. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and played a significant role in the American Revolution.

Deathyear: 1813

Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578) was a legendary Japanese samurai and warlord who ruled Echigo Province. He was known for his exceptional martial arts skills, diplomatic prowess, and unwavering commitment to justice, earning him the nickname "The Dragon of Echigo".

Deathyear: 1578

Jean-Pierre Cassel

Jean-Pierre Cassel was a talented French actor, born in 1932. He appeared in numerous films, including "The 400 Blows" and "Boum", and collaborated with legendary directors like Truffaut and Godard. Cassel's dynamic performances earned him a reputation as one of French cinema's most beloved actors.

Deathyear: 2007

Octavio Paz

Octavio Paz was a renowned Mexican poet, philosopher, and laureate. He is celebrated for his highly symbolic and nuanced poetry, as well as his philosophical and literary essays. Paz's work explores themes of Mexican identity, politics, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1998

Canaletto

Canaletto, Venetian painter and etcher, (1697-1768) is renowned for his breathtaking views of Venice, exploring the city's architecture, light, and atmosphere. His masterful use of color and perspective created serene and captivating scenes that continue to inspire art lovers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1768

Percy Lavon Julian

Percy Lavon Julian was a pioneering American chemist and academic who discovered synthetic procedures for several medicinal compounds, including cortisone and ergomar. Born in 1899, he became the first African American to receive a medical degree from Howard University and earned degrees from DePauw University and the University of Chicago.

Deathyear: 1975

Philip Melanchthon

Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) was a renowned German theologian and reformer. He was a collaborative partner with Martin Luther in shaping the Protestant Reformation. He emphasized biblical studies and the importance of reason in theology, earning the nickname " Doctor Paulinus" for his scholarly contributions.

Deathyear: 1560

Paolo Veronese

Paolo Veronese was a renowned Italian painter born in 1528. Working in the Mannerist and Late Renaissance styles, he was known for his grandiose and ornate frescoes, often depicting biblical scenes and mythological themes in elaborate and vibrant colors.

Deathyear: 1588

Hermine Braunsteiner

Hermine Braunsteiner was an Austrian-German SS officer born in 1919. She was known as the "Hitler's Baby" due to her youthful appearance. Braunsteiner was involved in several atrocities during WWII, including the killing of hundreds of Jewish women and children at Auschwitz. After the war, she immigrated to the US.

Deathyear: 1999

Norris McWhirter

Norris McWhirter, a British author and activist, co-founded the renowned Guinness World Records with his brother Ross in 1955. Born in 1925, McWhirter was instrumental in compiling the iconic book series, which celebrates human achievements and records.

Deathyear: 2004

Patricio Aylwin

Patricio Aylwin Azócar, a Chilean politician, served as President of Chile from 1990 to 1994. A key figure in the country's transition to democracy, he played a crucial role in ending Augusto Pinochet's military regime and restoring democratic institutions.

Deathyear: 2016

Pope Leo IX

Leo IX, born in 1002, was Pope from 1049-1054. He was a German noble and previously Archbishop of Trier. Known for his strong leadership and efforts to reform the Church, Leo IX convened the Council of Sardica in 1049 to address Church abuses and promote unity.

Deathyear: 1054

Reginald Rose

Reginald Rose, American playwright and screenwriter, was born in 1920. He is best known for writing the screenplay for "12 Angry Men" (1957), a highly acclaimed film about a jury deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder.

Deathyear: 2002

Richard Price

Richard Price, a Welsh-English preacher and philosopher, was born in 1723. He was a prominent figure in the Enlightenment era, advocating for civil rights, women's education, and social reform.

Deathyear: 1791

John Maynard Smith

John Maynard Smith was a renowned English biologist and geneticist born in 1920. He made significant contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology, game theory, and genetics.

Deathyear: 2004

Ælfheah of Canterbury

Ælfheah of Canterbury was an English archbishop and saint, born around 954 AD. He served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 984 to 1012, known for his piety and humility. He was martyred by Viking invaders in 1012, and was later canonized as a saint.

Deathyear: 1012