April 27 birthdays and deaths:

Jerry Springer

Jerry Springer, born on February 13, 1944, is an American politician, actor, and television host. He served as the Mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978 and is best known for hosting the popular tabloid talk show "The Jerry Springer Show" from 1991 to 2018.

Deathyear: 2023

Ruth Handler

Ruth Handler was a pioneering American inventor and businesswoman who revolutionized the toy industry with the creation of Barbie, the iconic fashion doll. Born in 1916, Handler's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive brought joy to millions of children worldwide.

Deathyear: 2002

Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese sailor and explorer, led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe in 1519. He discovered a strait at the tip of South America, which he named the Strait of Magellan, and was killed in the Philippines in 1521.

Deathyear: 1521

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American poet and philosopher, was born in 1803. He is best known for his essay "Self-Reliance" and his quote "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and I will find it."

Deathyear: 1882

Vinod Khanna

Vinod Khanna was a renowned Indian actor, producer, and politician. He made his acting debut in the 1960s and went on to appear in over 150 films. Khanna was also a member of the Parliament of India and held ministerial positions in the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Deathyear: 2017

Feroz Khan (actor)

Feroz Khan, a versatile actor, director, and producer, dominated Indian cinema from the 1950s to the 1980s. Known for his striking appearance and captivating screen presence, he starred in numerous iconic films, earning him the nickname "The Hyderabadi Hercules."

Deathyear: 2009

Kwame Nkrumah

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, was a key figure in the country's independence movement. He was born in 1909 in Nkroful, Ghana, and served as president from 1957 until his overthrow in 1966.

Deathyear: 1972

Antonio Gramsci

Antonio Gramsci was an Italian sociologist, linguist, and politician who was born in 1891. He was a key figure in the Italian Resistance during World War II and is widely regarded as one of the most important Marxist theorists of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1937

Carlos Castaneda

Carlos Castaneda is a renowned Peruvian-American anthropologist and author, best known for his autobiographical accounts of his apprenticeship with the Yaqui Indian sorcerer Don Juan Matus. His influential books, such as "The Teachings of Don Juan," offer insights into Mesoamerican shamanism and the intersection of indigenous cultures and modern society.

Deathyear: 1998

Edmund Husserl

Edmund Husserl (1859-1938) was an Austrian philosopher who developed phenomenology, a philosophical movement that focuses on conscious experience. His work, "Ideas pertaining to a Pure Phenomenology and to a Phenomenological Philosophy," laid the foundation for existentialism and hermeneutics.

Deathyear: 1938

Edward R. Murrow

Edward R. Murrow was a pioneering American journalist and war correspondent who anchored CBS News' radio broadcasts during World War II. He is known for his iconic reports from the front lines and his leadership in shaping the broadcast journalism industry.

Deathyear: 1965

Verne Gagne

Verne Gagne was a pioneering American athlete, competing in football, wrestling, and ice hockey. A talented halfback, he played pro football for the Green Bay Packers and later founded the American Wrestling Association (AWA).

Deathyear: 2015

Alexander Scriabin

Alexander Scriabin was a Russian pianist and composer known for his avant-garde and innovative style. He was a prolific composer, writing over 100 works, including symphonies, piano sonatas, and chamber music. His music is characterized by its intense emotional power and complex harmonies.

Deathyear: 1915

William Colby

William Colby, a distinguished diplomat, served as the 10th Director of Central Intelligence from 1973 to 1976. Throughout his career, he held various positions, including CIA Director, and was a key figure in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War era.

Deathyear: 1996

Olivier Messiaen

Olivier Messiaen was a renowned French organist and composer, known for his innovative and intricate musical style. He was deeply influenced by his faith and the beauty of nature, which are reflected in his harmonically rich and technically demanding works.

Deathyear: 1992

C. J. Sansom

C. J. Sansom is a British author born in 1952. He is best known for his Shardlake series, which is set in the 16th century and follows the adventures of lawyer Matthew Shardlake.

Deathyear: 2024

Karl Pearson

Karl Pearson, a renowned English mathematician and statistician, was born in 1857. He made significant contributions to biometrics, statistics, and eugenics. As the founder of the Biometric and Eugenic Laboratories, he pioneered the field of statistical inference and analysis.

Deathyear: 1936

A. K. Fazlul Huq

A. K. Fazlul Huq, a prominent politician, served as the Pakistani Minister of the Interior from 1951-1954. As the founder of the Krishak Sramik Party, Huq was a key figure in Pakistan's independence movement and played a significant role in shaping the country's early politics.

Deathyear: 1962

Zebulon Pike

Zebulon Pike was a pioneering American general and explorer who led several expeditions, including the 1806-1807 expedition to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the discovery of Pike's Peak.

Deathyear: 1813

Mstislav Rostropovich

Mstislav Rostropovich was a renowned Russian cellist and conductor, known for his passionate performances and advocacy for human rights. He conducted major orchestras worldwide and collaborated with esteemed musicians, including Dvorak, Brahms, and Stravinsky.

Deathyear: 2007

Katherine DeMille

Katherine DeMille, born 1911, was a pioneering Canadian-American actress. She appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "The Golden Girl" and "Lassie." DeMille's long career spanned over five decades.

Deathyear: 1995

Philip the Bold

Philip II, Duke of Burgundy, born in 1342, was a prominent figure in 14th-century European politics. He expanded the Duchy of Burgundy through strategic marriages and military conquests, establishing a powerful dynasty that played a significant role in shaping European history.

Deathyear: 1404

Hart Crane

Hart Crane (1899-1932) was a prominent American poet known for his modernist style and exploration of themes such as American identity, love, and the human condition. His poems are characterized by rich imagery, symbolism, and experimental forms.

Deathyear: 1932

Al Hirt

Al Hirt was a renowned American trumpeter and bandleader, known for his distinctive "jalapeno popper" solos. Born in New Orleans in 1922, Hirt's charismatic stage presence and virtuosic playing style made him a beloved fixture of the Big Easy's music scene.

Deathyear: 1999

Stanley Adams (actor)

Stanley Adams, a talented American actor and screenwriter, was born in 1915. He wrote scripts for the iconic TV show "The Andy Griffith Show" and appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility as a performer and creative talent.

Deathyear: 1977

Henry Parkes

Henry Parkes was a prominent English-Australian businessman and politician who served as the 7th Premier of New South Wales from 1875 to 1877. A prominent voice in Australian politics, he was instrumental in shaping the country's early development and advocating for transportation infrastructure and public education.

Deathyear: 1896

Pope Leo XI

Pope Leo XI was born Alessandro de' Medici in 1535.lected pope in 1605, he reigned for only 27 days before dying. Despite his brief papacy, he remains notable for his papal bull suppressing the Spanish Inquisition, a decision that would be reversed by his successor.

Deathyear: 1605

Arthur Shields

Arthur Shields, an Irish rebel turned actor, was born in 1896. Having fought in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, he later found success on stage and screen, appearing in films like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Longest Day".

Deathyear: 1970

Kōnosuke Matsushita

Konosuke Matsushita, a pioneering Japanese entrepreneur, founded Panasonic in 1918. Born in 1894, he started a light bulb repair shop and eventually created the first all-Japanese radio in 1925. His innovative spirit and perseverance led to the growth of Panasonic into a global electronics giant.

Deathyear: 1989

Fred Bear

Fred Bear, born in 1902, was a renowned American hunter and author. Founder of Bear Archery, he popularized traditional archery and wrote extensively on hunting and archery. His passion for the outdoors and expertise in hunting techniques have made him a legendary figure in American hunting circles.

Deathyear: 1988

Zita

Zita of Lucca, born in 1212, was a young Italian saint who led a humble life as a servant. Known for her kindness, generosity, and devotion to prayer, Zita's extraordinary virtues earned her sainthood, celebrated on April 5th.

Deathyear: 1272

Marian Mercer

Marian Mercer is an American actress and singer, born in 1935. With a long and distinguished career, she has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, films, and television productions, showcasing her impressive range and versatility as a performer.

Deathyear: 2011

Julia Thorne

Julia Phillips Thorne is a renowned American author, best known for writing the bestselling novel "If There Be Thorns" and "Petals on Their Wings". Born in 1944, she has written numerous thriller and suspense novels, captivating readers worldwide with her intricate plots and gripping stories.

Deathyear: 2006

Maeda Toshiie

Maeda Toshiie was a Japanese general who lived during the 16th century. He was a prominent military leader who served under Tokugawa Ieyasu and played a key role in the Battle of Sekigahara, which led to the unification of Japan.

Deathyear: 1599

Manoj Das

Manoj Das is a renowned Indian writer, born in 1934. A pioneer of modern Indian literature, he has written numerous novels, short stories, and essays. His works are celebrated for their vivid descriptions of Indian culture and his unique narrative style, earning him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993.

Deathyear: 2021

René Barrientos

René Barrientos was a Bolivian soldier, pilot, and politician who served as the 55th President of Bolivia from 1964 to 1969. A career officer, he rose through the ranks to become a brigadier general and eventually assumed the presidency through a military coup.

Deathyear: 1969

Vujadin Boškov

Vujadin Boškov was a Serbian footballer and manager who played for Dinamo Zagreb and Partizan Belgrade. As a coach, he led Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and the Serbian national team to success, earning the respect of fans and players alike.

Deathyear: 2014

Gene Fullmer

Gene Fullmer, a renowned American boxer, was born in 1931. He held the world middleweight title from 1957-1962 and won the championship on three occasions. Fullmer was known for his rugged determination and relentless punching style, earning him the nickname "Cyclone" Gene.

Deathyear: 2015

Anne Desclos

Anne Desclos (1907-1998) was a French journalist and author, best known for her erotic novel "L'Histoire d'O" (Story of O), published under her pseudonym Pauline Réage. Her masterpiece combines literature and eroticism, exploring themes of power and desires.

Deathyear: 1998