April 20 birthdays and deaths:

Avicii

Avicii (Tim Bergling) was a Swedish DJ, musician, and producer. Born in 1989, he rose to fame with hits like "Wake Me Up" and "Levels." His emotive and melodic soundscapes crafted a loyal fan base before his untimely passing in 2018.

Deathyear: 2018

Benny Hill

Benny Hill was a beloved English comedian, actor, and screenwriter, best known for his signature slapstick humor and catchphrases. He hosted the long-running "The Benny Hill Show" (1955-1991) and appeared in numerous films and TV specials, entertaining audiences worldwide with his playful, absurd antics.

Deathyear: 1992

Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker, a prominent Anglo-Irish writer and critic, penned the iconic novel "Dracula" (1897), introducing the world to the legendary Count Dracula. Born in 1847, Stoker's gothic masterpiece has captivated readers for over a century.

Deathyear: 1912

Rick Rude

Rick Rude, also known as "Nature Boy", was an American professional wrestler born in 1958. With a charismatic personality, Rude competed in both the WWF (now WWE) and WCW, winning multiple championships, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.

Deathyear: 1999

Victoria Wood

Victoria Wood was a pioneering British comedian, actress, and writer, known for her sharp wit and observational humor. She created and starred in the hit TV show "Dinnerladies" and wrote the classic comedy "Housewife, 49".

Deathyear: 2016

Rachel Scott

Rachel Scott, a 17-year-old American teenager, was the first victim of the Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999. Her killing sparked a national movement and her family has continued to spread her message of kindness, forgiveness, and the importance of treating others with compassion.

Deathyear: 1999

Christian X of Denmark

Christians X of Denmark (1870-1947) was the king of Denmark from 1912 until his death. Known for his resolute character, he played a crucial role in preserving Danish independence and neutrality during World War I and World War II, earning him the respect of his people.

Deathyear: 1947

Steve Marriott

Steve Marriott, born Christopher Tyler Marriott in 1947, was a legendary English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He co-founded the rock bands Harrd and Humble Pie, known for hits like "Natural Born Bugler" and "30 Days in the Hole".

Deathyear: 1991

Cantinflas

Mario Moreno, better known as Cantinflas, was a legendary Mexican actor, producer, and screenwriter. Born in 1911, he rose to fame with his iconic character, Cantinflas, a lovable fool, starring in over 50 films and becoming a beloved cultural icon in Mexico and beyond.

Deathyear: 1993

Roman Gabriel

Roman Gabriel, a Filipino-American NBA legend, was a skilled point guard. Born in Manila, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, earning two championships. Known for his exceptional ball-handling and shooting, Gabriel left a lasting legacy in basketball history. His career spanned 14 seasons, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Deathyear: 2024

Cassie Bernall

Cassie Bernall, a 17-year-old junior, was a victim of the Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999. She was shot and killed by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold after refusing to deny her faith, inspiring a legacy of faith and courage in the face of tragedy.

Deathyear: 1999

Idriss Déby

Idriss Déby, born in 1952, was a Chadian politician and military officer who served as President of Chad from 1990 until his death in 2021. He rose to power through the military and ruled Chad for over three decades.

Deathyear: 2021

Güyük Khan

Güyük Khan (c. 1206-1248) was the 3rd Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, serving from 1246 to 1248. He was a grandson of Genghis Khan and expanded Mongol territories in Asia, but his reign was marked by rebellion and turmoil.

Deathyear: 1248

Don Siegel

Don Siegel was an American film director and producer, known for his gritty, realistic style and intense dramatic scenes. He directed over 60 films, including "Dirty Harry," "The Shootist," and "Chariot of the Gods."

Deathyear: 1991

Les McKeown

Les McKeown, the talented Scottish pop singer, born in 1955, took the music world by storm as the lead vocalist of the legendary pop group, Bay City Rollers, captivating audiences with their catchy tunes and energetic performances.

Deathyear: 2021

Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon

Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, was a renowned English fashion designer and entrepreneur. Born in 1863, she founded the prestigious fashion house Lucile in London and was one of the first designers to create haute couture collections. Her gorgeous gowns were prized for their beauty and elegance.

Deathyear: 1935

Prince Henry of Prussia (1862–1929)

Prince Henry of Prussia (1862-1929) was a grandson of King Frederick William III and the youngest brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. He served as a colonel in the German Army and was appointed Inspector General of the Cavalry Corps.

Deathyear: 1929

Pope Clement V

Pope Clement V (1264-1314) was a French pope who reigned from 1305 to 1314. He was a key figure in the Avignon Papacy and was accused of contributing to the decline of the Church.

Deathyear: 1314

Archibald MacLeish

Archibald MacLeish was a renowned American poet, playwright, and lawyer. Born in 1892, he authored notable works like "Conquistador" and "Hymn to St. John". He also served as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944 and received the pulitzer Prize multiple times.

Deathyear: 1982

Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke

Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, was a prominent English-Irish politician who served as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland (1175-1188). Born in 1130, he was a key figure in the Anglo-Norman occupation of Ireland and played a crucial role in shaping the country's early history.

Deathyear: 1176

Dorothy Height

Dorothy Height was a pioneering American educator and activist who dedicated her life to promoting civil rights and social justice for all Americans. She co-founded the National Council of Negro Women and fought for women's suffrage and equal opportunities.

Deathyear: 2010

Zhengde Emperor

Here is a 40-word write-up about Zhengde, Chinese emperor: Zhengde (1491-1521) was the 12th Ming dynasty emperor of China, ruling from 1506 to 1521. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and indifference to state affairs, Zhengde's reign was marked by corruption and economic decline, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Ming dynasty.

Deathyear: 1521

Elizabeth Barton

Elizabeth Barton, a Flemish nun, rose to prominence in 16th-century England after claiming mystical visions from God, warning King Henry VIII of impending doom if he divorced his wife. Despite warnings from the Pope, Henry imprisoned and executed Elizabeth for treason in 1534, solidifying his power over the Church of England.

Deathyear: 1534

Ivanoe Bonomi

Ivanoe Bonomi was an Italian politician who served as Italy's 25th Prime Minister from 1943 to 1944. Born in 1873, Bonomi was a key figure in post-WWII Italy, promoting democratic reforms and reorganizing the government after Benito Mussolini's regime.

Deathyear: 1951

Cosmo Duff-Gordon

Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, 5th Baronet, was a Scottish-English businessman and fencer. Born in 1862, he was the master of the Scottish Fencing Club and served as the President of the British Fencers' Union. He also founded the British Fencing Championship.

Deathyear: 1931

Andrew Davis (conductor)

Andrew Davis is a renowned English conductor, born in 1944. He is particularly recognized for his work with the London Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as his numerous recordings of British and Romantic music.

Deathyear: 2024

Karl Ferdinand Braun

Karl Ferdinand Braun, a German-American physicist and academic, was born in 1850. He is the Nobel Prize winner in Physics in 1909 for his work on the development of the cathode ray tube and the invention of the cathode ray oscilloscope.

Deathyear: 1918

Vjekoslav Luburić

Vjekoslav Luburić was a Croatian Ustaše official and concentration camp administrator, known for his brutal role in the atrocities committed during World War II. Born in 1914, he is infamous for his involvement in the deaths of thousands of people in camps such as Jasenovac and Krapje.

Deathyear: 1969

Hōjō Tokimune

Hōjō Tokimune was the 7th Shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate, serving from 1246 to 1267. Despite facing conflicts with the Imperial Court and the Hojo clan, he reestablished the shogunate's authority and reinforced the Buddhist establishment, securing the Kamakura period's peak of prosperity and cultural growth.

Deathyear: 1284

Giuseppe Peano

Giuseppe Peano was an Italian mathematician and philosopher born in 1858. He made significant contributions to algebraic geometry, number theory, and the foundations of mathematics. His work, such as "Arithmetices principia, nova methodo exposita" (1889), set the stage for modern mathematical rigor and influenced logic-based philosophy.

Deathyear: 1932

William Burges

William Burges was a renowned English architect and designer, known for his Gothic Revival and Orientalist styles. With over 300 designs, he created lavish interiors, furniture, and jewelry, earning him a place among the greatest English architects and designers of the Victorian era.

Deathyear: 1881

Monte Hellman

Monte Hellman is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1929. He is known for directing cult classic films, particularly in the Western and crime genres, including "The Shooting" (1966), "Two-Lane Blacktop" (1971), and "Cockfighter" (1974).

Deathyear: 2021

Trần Văn Trà

Trần Văn Trà (1918-2013) was a Vietnamese general and politician who played a significant role in the Vietnam War as the Chief of the General Staff of the North Vietnamese Army. He was also a prominent figure in the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Deathyear: 1996

Milovan Djilas

Milovan Đilas, a prominent Yugoslav communist, politician, and author, was born in 1911. He served as Vice President of Yugoslavia from 1953 to 1962 and was a key figure in the country's socialist revolution.

Deathyear: 1995

Mae Busch

Mae Busch was an Australian actress born in 1891. She began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1910s. Busch appeared in numerous silent films, often playing strong and independent characters.

Deathyear: 1946

Tim Hetherington

Tim Hetherington was a renowned English photographer and journalist known for his powerful and poignant war reporting. He shot extensively in Liberia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, and his photographs captured the humanity and horror of conflict.

Deathyear: 2011

Neville Wran

Neville Wran was the 35th Premier of New South Wales, serving from 1976 to 1988. A Labor politician, he implemented significant social and economic reforms, including the establishment of the New South Wales Institute of Technology and the redevelopment of Sydney's Inner City.

Deathyear: 2014