April 2 birthdays and deaths:

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Poland in 1920, served as the Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was known for his tireless evangelism, charismatic leadership, and strong stance against communism, earning him the nickname "The Pilgrim Pope."

Deathyear: 2005

Rob Pilatus

Rob Pilatus, a talented American-German singer-songwriter, born in 1965, rose to fame as half of the iconic boyband Milli Vanilli. With his captivating voice and energetic stage presence, Pilatus brought joy to millions of music lovers worldwide, cementing his place in pop culture history.

Deathyear: 1998

Hasan ibn Ali

Hasan ibn Ali, the second Shia Imam, was born in 624 CE. He was the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatimah, and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was known for his wisdom, bravery, and devotion to Islam.

Deathyear: 670

Estelle Harris

Estelle Harris is an American actress and comedian, best known for her roles in TV shows "Coach" and "Seinfeld" as Edna Krabappel. Born in 1928, Harris continues to act and perform, with a career spanning over six decades.

Deathyear: 2022

Arthur, Prince of Wales

Arthur, Prince of Wales, born on September 20, 1486, was the eldest son of King Henry VII of England and his wife, Elizabeth of York. He was destined to inherit the throne, but his promise was cut short when he died on February 2, 1502, at the age of 15.

Deathyear: 1502

Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich, a virtuosic drummer, songwriter, and bandleader, revolutionized jazz drumming with his incredible technique and powerful playing. Born in Brooklyn in 1917, Rich worked with the likes of Artie Shaw and Harry James before leading his own band and recording numerous albums.

Deathyear: 1987

Samuel Morse

Samuel Morse was a renowned American painter, academic, and inventor. Born in 1791, he developed Morse code, a system of transmitting messages using dots and dashes, which revolutionized communication. His contributions to art, academia, and innovation left a lasting impact on American culture.

Deathyear: 1872

Albert Pike

Albert Pike, a prominent American lawyer, journalist, and Confederate brigadier general, played a significant role in the American Civil War. Born in 1809, Pike was also a member of the Order of the Odd Fellows and penned the iconic book, "Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry".

Deathyear: 1891

Georges Pompidou

Georges Pompidou was a French banker and politician who served as the 19th President of France from 1969 to 1974.

Deathyear: 1974

Chris Kanyon

Chris Kanyon, born Chris Evans in 1970, was an American professional wrestler who competed in WCW, WWE, and ECW. He was a tag team specialist and held several championships throughout his career, retiring in 2004 due to health issues.

Deathyear: 2010

Juan Vicente Pérez

Juan Vicente Pérez, a Venezuelan, holds the record for being the oldest living person in the country. He was born in 1909 and as of 2022, he is 113 years old, achieving supercentenarian status, his age is verified by various organizations.

Deathyear: 2024

Franz Halder

Franz Halder was a German general and Chief of General Staff during World War II. Born in 1884, he played a crucial role in planning the attack on Poland and was a key figure in the German military's high command until his resignation in 1942.

Deathyear: 1972

Baldwin I of Jerusalem

Baldwin I, also known as Baldwin of Boulogne, was the first King of Jerusalem from 1100 to 1118. A Crusader leader, he conquered the holy city and became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, shaping the region's history and Christianity's presence in the region.

Deathyear: 1118

Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor

Ferdinand III (1608-1657) was Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary and Bohemia. He strengthened Habsburg power, defeating Sweden in the Thirty Years' War and acquiring Silesia from the Swedes. His wife, Maria Anna of Austria, bore him 15 children.

Deathyear: 1657

Edwin Starr

Edwin Starr, born Charles Edwin Hatcher in 1942, was an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his hit song "(What's Going On) War," which topped the charts in 1970.

Deathyear: 2003

Levi Celerio

Levi Celerio is a renowned Filipino composer and songwriter, born in 1910. He is known for his iconic love songs and patriotic compositions that celebrate Philippine culture. Through his music, Celerio has left a lasting legacy in Philippine music and has inspired generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 2002

C. S. Forester

Cecil Scott Forester, a renowned English novelist, is best known for his naval fiction and historical novels. Born in 1899, Forester drew from his naval experiences during World War I to create iconic characters like Horatio Hornblower, whose bravery and wit captivated readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1966

A. P. Hill

Ambrose Powell Hill, a Confederate general, played a crucial role in the American Civil War. Born in 1825, Hill was a highly respected officer known for his bravery and tactical brilliance, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Deathyear: 1865

Hugo Sperrle

Hugo Sperrle was a German Field Marshal born in 1885. A career officer, Sperrle served on the Western and Eastern Fronts during World War I. He later commanded the German Luftwaffe's bomber units during World War II, earning a reputation as a skilled airpower strategist.

Deathyear: 1953

Ranjitsinhji

Ranjitsinhji, a brilliant Indian cricketer, made his debut in 1887. Known for his elegant batting style, he scored 2,261 runs in 15 Tests for England and was the first Indian to play international cricket. His achievements paved the way for Indian cricketers in the international arena.

Deathyear: 1933

Zewditu

Zewditu I of Ethiopia was the Empress of Ethiopia from 1916 to 1930. Born in 1876, she was a niece of Emperor Menelik II. She played a crucial role in Ethiopian politics and national defense, earning respect and admiration from the Ethiopian people and international leaders alike.

Deathyear: 1930

Robert Schuller

Robert H. Schuller was a renowned American pastor, author, and TV preacher. As founder of Crystal Cathedral, he preached to millions on TV and radio. Known for his optimistic and inclusive message, he wrote bestselling books on Christian faith and living.

Deathyear: 2015

Thomas Gage

Thomas Gage was a British general and politician who served as Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay from 1774 to 1775. Born in 1719, he played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, leading British forces in several key battles, including the Battle of Long Island.

Deathyear: 1787

Pedro Calungsod

Pedro Calungsod was a Filipino martyr and missionary who was beatified in 2000. Born in 1654, he accompanied Jesuit priests on missionary trips, converting many to Christianity. He was martyred in 1672 at the age of 17, and was canonized as the Philippines' second saint in 2016.

Deathyear: 1672

Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau

Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, was a French journalist and politician born in 1749. He was a key figure in the French Revolution, serving as President of the National Assembly and playing a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

Deathyear: 1791

Jesús Franco

Jesús Franco, a pioneering Spanish filmmaker, delved into the realms of horror, eroticism, and mystery through his prolific work as director, screenwriter, producer, and occasional actor. Born in 1930, Franco's eclectic output has left an indelible mark on world cinema.

Deathyear: 2013

Jerry Abbott

Jerry Abbott, born in 1942, is a renowned American country music songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his work with country music artists like Miranda Lambert, Chris LeDoux, and Aaron Watson.

Deathyear: 2024

John Barth

John Barth, an American writer born in 1930, is known for his innovative and experimental fiction. His works often blend elements of mythology, fantasy, and satire, exemplified in novels such as "The Sot-Weed Factor" and "Giles Goat-Boy", showcasing his unique literary style.

Deathyear: 2024

John Sinclair (poet)

John Sinclair is an American poet, musician, and activist born in 1941. He founded the White Panther Party and was a key figure in the 1960s counterculture movement. His poetry collections, including "Music: A Sensual Koan," reflect his pacifist and anti-authoritarian views.

Deathyear: 2024

Milo O'Shea

Milo O'Shea was an Irish-American actor known for his distinctive voice and versatility on stage and screen. Born in 1926, he appeared in numerous films, including "Barry Lyndon" and "Murphy," as well as plays like "A Clockwork Orange" on Broadway.

Deathyear: 2013

Larry Lucchino

Larry Lucchino is a renowned American attorney and baseball executive, born in 1945. He's served as the President/CEO of the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2013, leading the team to two World Series titles.

Deathyear: 2024

Richard of Cornwall

Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, was a powerful English nobleman who married Sanchia of Provence, a sister of Queen Beatrice of England. He was a significant figure in 13th-century English politics and played a key role in the First Baron's War.

Deathyear: 1272

Ferdinand I of Aragon

Ferdinand I, King of Aragon, born in 1379, ruled from 1412 until 1416. He was a minor during his reign and his mother, Queen Leonor, acted as regent. He married Eleanor of Alburquerque and had six children with her.

Deathyear: 1416

Hoyt Vandenberg

Hoyt S. Vandenberg was a highly decorated US Air Force general during World War II and the Cold War. Born in 1899, he served as Air Force Chief of Staff (1948-1953) and oversaw the Air Force's expansion during the early years of the Cold War.

Deathyear: 1954

Maryse Condé

Maryse Condé is a renowned Guadeloupean writer, born in 1934. She is a novelist, critic, and playwright who explores themes of identity, colonialism, and social justice. Her works, such as "Ségou," are celebrated for their lyrical prose and nuanced portrayals of Caribbean experiences.

Deathyear: 2024

Christopher Durang

Christopher Durang, born in 1949, is an American playwright known for his darkly comedic and irreverent plays that often explore themes of family, identity, and the human condition. His works include "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You" and "The Beauty Queen of Leenane".

Deathyear: 2024

Elizabeth Catlett

Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012) was a pioneering American-Mexican sculptor and illustrator known for her powerful, symbolic works exploring themes of social justice, equality, and female empowerment. Her bold, expressive style and activism inspired generations of artists and activists.

Deathyear: 2012

Manoel de Oliveira

Manoel de Oliveira is a revered Portuguese filmmaker, actor, and writer, known for his meticulous storytelling and distinctive style. He has directed over 40 films, often exploring Portuguese culture and history, earning him recognition as a national treasure and a pioneer of Portuguese cinema.

Deathyear: 2015

Hannes Alfvén

Hannes Alfvén was a Swedish physicist and engineer who made significant contributions to magnetohydrodynamics, plasma physics, and astrophysics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for his work on the discovery of magnetic storms around the Earth.

Deathyear: 1995

Tomoyuki Tanaka

Tomoyuki Tanaka was a renowned Japanese director and producer, best known for producing the iconic Godzilla franchise. Born in 1910, Tanaka's illustrious career spanned over four decades, with a focus on sci-fi and fantasy films, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Japanese cinema.

Deathyear: 1997

Francis of Paola

Francis of Paola was an Italian friar and saint who founded the Order of the Minims in 1476. Born in 1416, he dedicated his life to prayer, penance, and humility. He was noted for his austerities and was canonized in 1519.

Deathyear: 1507

Juanito (footballer, born 1954)

Juanito, a Spanish association football player and manager, was born in 1954. He played for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, winning the European Championship in 1964. He later managed various clubs, including Real Madrid, before retiring from football.

Deathyear: 1992