April 21 birthdays and deaths:

Prince (musician)

Prince (Paisley Park founder) revolutionized music with his genre-bending sound, electrifying performances, and androgynous persona. With 100 million records sold, he won numerous Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.

Deathyear: 2016

Henry VII of England

Henry VII of England was the first Tudor king, born in 1457. He defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, ending the Plantagenet dynasty and establishing the Tudor dynasty, ruling England from 1485 to 1509.

Deathyear: 1509

Mark Twain

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, was a renowned American author and humorist. He is best known for his novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", which have become classics of American literature.

Deathyear: 1910

Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a legendary American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist, known for her powerful, soulful voice and genre-bending music that spanned jazz, blues, and classical. Her life was marked by struggle and activism, as she used her platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Deathyear: 2003

Muhammad Iqbal

Allama Muhammad Iqbal was a renowned Pakistani philosopher, poet, and politician. Born in 1877, he advocated for Muslim unity and self-governance. His poetry and philosophies continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and collective action.

Deathyear: 1938

Manfred von Richthofen

Manfred von Richthofen, or the "Red Baron," was a German First World War flying ace credited with 80 air combat victories. A highly skilled pilot and captain, he was renowned for his bravery and tactical genius in the skies.

Deathyear: 1918

John Maynard Keynes

John Maynard Keynes, a renowned English economist and philosopher, revolutionized modern economics with his groundbreaking book "The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money" (1936). His theories on government intervention in economics and the circular flow of income had a significant impact on economic policy.

Deathyear: 1946

Shakuntala Devi

Shakuntala Devi, the human computer, was an Indian mathematician and astrologer born in 1929. She gained international recognition for her incredible mental calculation abilities, solving complex arithmetic and algebra problems at lightning speed, earning her the title "The Magic Brain".

Deathyear: 2013

François Duvalier

François Duvalier, a Haitian physician and politician, served as the 40th President of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. He was known for his authoritarian rule and terrorizing of opponents, earning the nickname "Papa Doc".

Deathyear: 1971

Sandy Denny

Sandy Denny (1947-1977) was a talented English singer-songwriter known for her powerful, emotive voice and poetic lyrics. As a solo artist and member of Fairport Convention, Steely Rain, and Fotheringay, she left an enduring legacy in British folk and rock music.

Deathyear: 1978

Walter Model

Walter Model was a prominent German field marshal during World War II, known for his tactical genius and flair for counter-attack. Born in 1891, he played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Berlin.

Deathyear: 1945

Prince Eugene of Savoy

Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736) was a renowned military leader who fought alongside Emperor Leopold I and Charles VI of Austria. He won several key battles, including the Battle of Zenta, and is considered one of the most important military commanders of the 18th century.

Deathyear: 1736

Anselm of Canterbury

Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) was a Bishop of Rochester and Archbishop of Canterbury, a renowned scholar, and a key figure in the Investiture Controversy. Known for his intellectual contributions to theology and philosophy, he was canonized a saint 800 years after his death.

Deathyear: 1109

Gummo Marx

Gummo Marx, born Milton Marx in 1892, was an American vaudevillian and talent agent. He was part of the famous Marx Brothers comedy troupe, but unlike his brothers, he didn't pursue a career in show business. He instead focused on managing his siblings' careers, becoming a successful talent agent.

Deathyear: 1977

Peter Abelard

Peter Abelard, a renowned French philosopher and theologian, was born in 1079. He was a scholar of Cicero and Aristotle, and his teachings emphasized the importance of reason and dialectics.

Deathyear: 1142

List of Japanese supercentenarians

Nabi Tajima, a Japanese supercentenarian, was born on August 4, 1900, and passed away on April 21, 2018, at the age of 117. She was last living Japanese person born in the 19th century and one of the few documented people to have lived to 116 years old.

Deathyear: 2018

Jimmy Snyder (sports commentator)

Jimmy Snyder, aka "The Voice of the UCLA Bruins", was a renowned American sportscaster born on June 6, 1919. He received 11 Associated Press Award nominations and 3 Emmy Awards for his iconic broadcasts, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UCLA Athletics Department.

Deathyear: 1996

Marjorie Eaton

Marjorie Eaton (1901-1986) was an American painter and actress, known for her striking features and versatile performances in films and television. She also had a successful career as a painter, exhibiting her work in various galleries and museums.

Deathyear: 1986

Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was a renowned American ecologist, author, and conservationist. Born in 1887, he is best known for his book "A Sand County Almanac," which explores the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.

Deathyear: 1948

Ugo Ehiogu

Ugo Ehiogu was a highly acclaimed English footballer born on November 3, 1972. A talented center-back, he played for Aston Villa FC and Middlesbrough FC, earning 51 caps for the England national team, including representing the country in the 2002 World Cup and 2004 European Championship.

Deathyear: 2017

Jean-François Lyotard

Jean-François Lyotard, a prominent French sociologist and philosopher, is best known for his concept of "postmodernism" and its implications on human knowledge and society. He believed that grand narratives have lost credibility, and that we are now living in a "post-narrative" era.

Deathyear: 1998

Jean Racine

Jean Racine (1639-1699) was a renowned French playwright and poet, known for his tragic dramas that explored the human condition. His works, such as "Andromède" and "Phèdre," are still studied and performed globally, showcasing his mastery of language and dramatic storytelling.

Deathyear: 1699

Emperor Xian of Han

Emperor Xian of Han, born Zhongquan, was the last emperor of the Han dynasty, ruling from 189 to 220 AD. He was the grandson of Emperor Ling and ascended to the throne at the age of 8 after his father's assassination.

Deathyear: 234

Charles "Buddy" Rogers

Buddy Rogers was an American actor, singer, and dancer who starred in several films during the 1920s and 1930s. Born Thomas Duggan in 1904, Rogers was known for his handsome looks and charming on-screen presence, appearing in movies such as "Wings" and "Paramount on Parade".

Deathyear: 1999

Terry A. Anderson

Terry A. Anderson is an American journalist and author, born in 1947. He is best known for being kidnapped and held captive in Lebanon for nearly seven years, during which he wrote letters and messages that were smuggled out to the outside world.

Deathyear: 2024

Walter Slezak

Walter Slezak was a talented Austrian-American actor and singer, born in 1902. With a distinctive voice and versatile range, he appeared in numerous films, stage productions, and television shows, leaving a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1983

Charles MacArthur

Charles MacArthur was a renowned American playwright and screenwriter, born in 1895. He wrote many successful plays, including "The Front Page" and "Twentieth Century", and collaborated with Ben Hecht on several films, including the Academy Award-winning "Nothing Sacred".

Deathyear: 1956

Erté

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) was a renowned Russian-French illustrator, born in 1892. Known for his Art Deco style, he designed ballet costumes, created beautiful illustrations, and contributed to the iconic magazine Harper's Bazaar. His elegant, ornate style has made him a legend in the world of art.

Deathyear: 1990

Sen no Rikyū

Sen no Rikyū (1522-1591) was a legendary Japanese tea master who perfected the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu, Sado or Ocha. He introduced innovative designs and strict aesthetic standards, elevating the ceremony from a mere beverage service to a profound spiritual experience.

Deathyear: 1591

Pope Alexander II

Pope Alexander II (1061-1073) was a French clergyman and the 156th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was known for his efforts to resolve the investiture controversy, which pitted the Church against the Holy Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 1073

Eleonora Duse

Eleonora Duse was an Italian actress known for her striking beauty and unparalleled talent. She pioneered a naturalistic acting style, captivating audiences in Europe and the United States. Her partnership with Antoine Bibesco formed a legendary theatrical duo.

Deathyear: 1924

Juan Antonio Samaranch

Juan Antonio Samaranch, a Spanish businessman and sports administrator, served as the IOC President from 1980 to 2001. He played a key role in the modernization and internationalization of the Olympic Games, expanding their global reach and popularity.

Deathyear: 2010

Tancredo Neves

Tancredo Neves was a Brazilian banker and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Brazil from 1985 to 1986. He was born on April 4, 1910, and is remembered for his efforts to consolidate democracy in Brazil and promote economic growth.

Deathyear: 1985

Leslie Banks

Leslie Banks was a pioneering American actor, director, and producer, born in 1890. He made a significant impact in the early days of cinema, starring in over 100 films, directing 40, and producing several others. He was known for his versatility and unique acting style.

Deathyear: 1952

Zhang Chunqiao

Zhang Chunqiao was a Chinese writer and politician who rose to prominence during the Cultural Revolution. As a member of the Gang of Four, he wielded significant influence alongside Mao Zedong. Despite his political notoriety, Zhang's literary legacy remains largely unexplored, focusing on his contributions to Chinese literature.

Deathyear: 2005

Cosimo I de' Medici

Cosimo I de' Medici, born in 1519, was the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, ruling from 1537 to 1569. He united Florence and Siena under his rule, expanded the city's military, and initiated the construction of many architectural projects, including the Palazzo Pitti.

Deathyear: 1574

Abdul Hafeez Kardar

Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Pakistan's first Test captain, played 26 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1952-1961. He scored 718 runs at 17.45 and took 24 wickets at 25.16. He was a top-order batsman and left-arm bowler.

Deathyear: 1996

Arthur Fadden

Arthur Fadden was an Australian accountant and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1941. Born in 1894, he was a member of the Country Party and held various cabinet positions before ascending to the prime ministership.

Deathyear: 1973

Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi

Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi was a Japanese samurai who served as a high-ranking retainer to the Tokugawa shoguns. Born in 1607, he was a prominent figure in Japanese history, serving as the chief sword master to the shogun and participating in many historic battles.

Deathyear: 1650