April 24 birthdays and deaths:

Wallis Simpson

Wallis Simpson, born Bessie Wallis Warfield, was a charismatic American socialite who captured the heart of King Edward VIII, leading him to abdicate the British throne in 1936. She became the Duchess of Windsor, defying convention and earning a lifelong legacy as the Duke's devoted companion.

Deathyear: 1986

Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba was a Indian guru and philanthropist born in 1926. He founded the Sathya Sai Organisation and inspired millions through his teachings and humanitarian work. His philosophy emphasized the importance of devotion, selfless service, and character building.

Deathyear: 2011

Vladimir Komarov

Vladimir Komarov was a renowned Russian cosmonaut, engineer, and pilot, born in 1927. He was the first and only person to fly on three spacecraft: Vostok 1, Voskhod 2, and Soyuz 1. He tragically died in a Soyuz 1 crash during landing in 1967.

Deathyear: 1967

Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe, a polymath of 17th-century England, was born in 1660. He penned influential works, including "Robinson Crusoe" and "The Shortest-Way with the Dissenters". He also worked as a journalist, spy, and politician, weaving a complex, remarkable life.

Deathyear: 1731

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery, born in 1874, is a renowned Canadian author, best known for her children's novel "Anne of Green Gables". Her stories often feature strong female protagonists, wholesome settings, and poignant personal struggles, captivating readers of all ages.

Deathyear: 1942

Fernando Amorsolo

Fernando Amorsolo, a renowned Filipino painter, was born in 1892. Considered the "National Artist of the Philippines," he is known for his realistic style, depicting everyday Filipino life and the aristocracy, with works like "The Arrival of the Spanish in the Philippines" showcasing his expertise.

Deathyear: 1972

Bud Abbott

Bud Abbott, born William Alexander Abbott in 1895, was a renowned American comedian and producer. He is best known for his work with Lou Costello in the iconic comedy duo Abbott and Costello, entertaining generations with their wacky humor and slapstick routines.

Deathyear: 1974

Estée Lauder (businesswoman)

Estée Lauder, a pioneering businesswoman, co-founded the Estée Lauder Companies in 1946 with her husband Joseph. Born Estee Mentzer in 1906, she revolutionized the cosmetics industry with her innovative approach to marketing and product development, building a global beauty empire.

Deathyear: 2004

Willa Cather

Willa Cather was a renowned American novelist, short story writer, and poet born in 1873. She's best known for her novels set in the American Midwest and West, such as "My Antonía" and "Death Comes for the Archbishop," which explored themes of identity, community, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1947

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke, the Elder, was a German field marshal and strategist born in 1800. He served as the Chief of the Prussian General Staff from 1857 to 1888 and is considered one of the most influential and successful military leaders in Prussian and German history.

Deathyear: 1891

Oliver Tambo

Oliver Tambo was a prominent South African lawyer and anti-apartheid activist. Born in 1917, he played a key role in the African National Congress, advocating for equality and human rights. He served as the organization's president from 1967 until his exile in 1990.

Deathyear: 1993

Mike Pinder

Mike Pinder is a British musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of the Moody Blues. With his signature soaring vocals and hauntingly beautiful piano work, Pinder's contributions to the band's iconic albums have left an indelible mark on the music world.

Deathyear: 2024

Eugene Stoner

Eugene Stoner, a renowned American engineer, designed the iconic AR-15 rifle in the 1950s, revolutionizing the firearms industry. Born in 1922, Stoner's innovative design combined lightweight materials and semi-automatic functionality, making the AR-15 a popular choice among military and civilian shooters alike.

Deathyear: 1997

Robert M. Pirsig

Robert Pirsig, a renowned American author and philosopher, was born in 1928. Best known for his philosophical novels, including "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", he explored spirituality, consciousness, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on modern thought and inquiry.

Deathyear: 2017

Johnny Valentine

Johnny Valentine was an American professional wrestler born on March 22, 1928. He is best known for his strongman-like performances in the ring and his intense feuds, earning him the nickname "Nature Boy."

Deathyear: 2001

Ezer Weizman

Ezer Weizman was an Israeli general and politician who served as the 7th President of Israel from 1993 to 2000. Born in 1924, he was a decorated officer in the Israeli Air Force and later entered politics, becoming a key figure in Israel's security and foreign policy decisions.

Deathyear: 2005

Donald Payne Jr.

Donald Payne Jr. is an American politician and the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 10th congressional district since 2012. He is a member of the Democratic Party and succeeded his father, Donald M. Payne, who held the seat for 25 years.

Deathyear: 2024

Bob Cole (sportscaster)

Bob Cole, born in 1933, is a legendary Canadian sports announcer, known for his iconic voice and passionate calls. With a career spanning over four decades, he has called numerous historic NHL games, including Stanley Cup Finals and Olympic hockey tournaments.

Deathyear: 2024

Ernst-Robert Grawitz

Ernst-Robert Grawitz was a German physician and Nazi Party member who served as the Chief Physician of the German Armed Forces from 1934 to 1945. He was responsible for the medical care of wounded soldiers and developed new medical techniques during World War II.

Deathyear: 1945

Pat Paulsen

Pat Paulsen, a renowned American comedian, and activist, was born in 1927. He gained fame as a satirist and comedian, known for his witty commentary on politics and social issues. His hilarious impressions and remarkable wit left audiences in awe.

Deathyear: 1997

Shobha Nagi Reddy

Shobha Nagi Reddy is an Indian politician from Andhra Pradesh, born in 1968. She served as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for various terms, focusing on women's empowerment and social welfare. She was also the first-ever woman Minister for Prohibition and Excise.

Deathyear: 2014

G. Stanley Hall

G. Stanley Hall was a renowned American psychologist and academic, born in 1844. He founded the American Journal of Psychology, pioneered child study, and introduced the concept of "adolescence." His work emphasized the importance of education, social reform, and the psychological development of children.

Deathyear: 1924

Terry Hill

Terry Hill is a former Australian professional rugby league footballer who played for the St. George Dragons, Wests Tigers, and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Born in 1972, Hill played in the 1990s and early 2000s and earned 20 caps for the Australian national team.

Deathyear: 2024

Max von Laue

Max von Laue, a renowned German physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of X-ray diffraction and crystallography. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physics (1914) for his work on X-ray diffraction and was a respected academic, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.

Deathyear: 1960

Andrew Woolfolk

Andrew Woolfolk (born 1950) is an American saxophonist, best known for his work with the R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire. He has also performed with other notable artists, including George Benson and Patti LaBelle.

Deathyear: 2022

Alejo Carpentier

Alejo Carpentier was a Swiss-Cuban musicologist and author, born in 1904. He was a pioneer of the literary movement known as "Magical Realism."

Deathyear: 1980