April 30 birthdays and deaths:

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the Nazi Party. He became the dictator of Germany in 1934 and implemented policies aimed at dominating Europe and destroying minority groups, resulting in the deaths of millions of people during World War II.

Deathyear: 1945

Naomi Judd

Naomi Judd, the talented American singer-songwriter and actress, born in 1946, is best known as the fiery-voiced lead vocalist of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds, alongside her daughter Wynonna.

Deathyear: 2022

Eva Braun

Eva Braun was a German photographer and office assistant who married Adolf Hitler in 1945. Born in 1912, she became Hitler's mistress in the 1930s and eventually became his wife, eventually committing suicide alongside him in their Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945.

Deathyear: 1945

Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor is a legendary Indian actor, director, and producer, born in 1952. He's known for his charming on-screen presence in iconic films like "Bobby" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". With a career spanning over five decades, he's a prominent figure in Indian cinema.

Deathyear: 2020

Jock Zonfrillo

Jock Zonfrillo is a Scottish television presenter and chef, born in 1976. He is best known for hosting the BBC cooking show "Brunch" and co-presenting "Jimmy's Food Factory" with Jimmy Doherty.

Deathyear: 2023

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was a blues legend who combined rural Mississippi Delta sounds with urban Chicago blues, creating a distinct style. He was a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader, known for hits like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Mannish Boy" and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Deathyear: 1983

Agnes Moorehead

Agnes Moorehead was a renowned American actress, born in 1900. She won numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, for her versatility in films like "All That Heaven Allows" and "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte", showcasing her exceptional talent and lasting legacy in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 1974

Sergio Leone

Sergio Leone was a renowned Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1929. He is best known for directing iconic spaghetti westerns such as "A Fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". His distinctive style and films have become immortalized in cinema history.

Deathyear: 1989

Mahmud of Ghazni

Mahmud of Ghazni was a Ghaznavid emir who ruled from 998 to 1030. He was a great warrior and conqueror, conquering much of India, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia. He was a patron of scholars and architecture, and his empire was known for its cultural and intellectual achievements.

Deathyear: 1030

Inger Stevens

Inger Stevens was a talented Swedish-American actress known for her striking features and captivating screen presence. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1934, she gained fame for her roles in films like "The Poseidon Adventure" and TV series "Peyton Place".

Deathyear: 1970

Mino Raiola

Mino Raiola is a renowned Italian football agent, born in 1967. Known for his exceptional negotiation skills and ability to secure lucrative deals, he has represented top players like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Mario Balotelli, and Paul Pogba, among others.

Deathyear: 2022

Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman, an American aviator, broke racial and gender barriers. Born in Tennessee in 1892, she became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. She founded the Double C Flying School and advocated for aviation access for people of color and women.

Deathyear: 1926

Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet, a pioneering French painter, bridged the gap between Realism and Impressionism. Born in 1832, Manet's innovative works, such as "Olympia" and "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère", challenged societal norms and aesthetic traditions, paving the way for future avant-garde movements.

Deathyear: 1883

Tom Poston

Tom Poston was an American actor, comedian, and game show panelist, best known for his roles on The Steve Allen Show and The Bob Crane Show.

Deathyear: 2007

Paul Auster

Paul Auster is a celebrated American writer and film director, known for his experimental and often surreal fiction, exploring themes of identity, memory, and human existence.

Deathyear: 2024

Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew played the iconic role of Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, using his 7'3" frame and height to transform into the beloved Wookiee. Born in 1944, Mayhew worked as a hospital copyroom supervisor before finding fame in the film industry.

Deathyear: 2019

Ben E. King

Ben E. King was a legendary American singer-songwriter and producer, best known for his iconic hit "Stand by Me" (1961). With a smooth, soulful voice and a knack for crafting timeless classics, King left an enduring mark on the world of music throughout his illustrious career.

Deathyear: 2015

Roland Ratzenberger

Roland Ratzenberger was an Austrian Formula One driver who competed in the 1990s. Born on July 4, 1960, he survived a severe accident in qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix before tragically losing his life in the subsequent crash.

Deathyear: 1994

Benzion Netanyahu

Benzion Netanyahu, born in 1910, was a renowned Russian-Israeli historian and academic. He's best known for his groundbreaking work on the history of the Jewish people, particularly the Second Temple period. He was also the father of Israel's current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Deathyear: 2012

Casey Jones

Casey Jones was a legendary American railroad engineer born on March 31, 1864. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and gained fame for his bravery and skill on the railroad.

Deathyear: 1900

Gia Scala

Gia Scala was a stunning English-American model and actress born in 1934. She appeared in 14 films and TV shows, showcasing her beauty and talent. However, her promising career was cut short due to a brain tumor diagnosis, leading to her premature death at the age of 35 in 1972.

Deathyear: 1972

John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich

John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, was a British politician and inventor of the sandwich, born in 1718. He served as Secretary of State for the Northern Department and introduced the concept of placing meat between two slices of bread, giving his name to the popular snack.

Deathyear: 1792

Alben W. Barkley

Alben W. Barkley was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States from 1949 to 1953 under President Harry S. Truman. Born in February 1877, Barkley was a key figure in Democratic Party politics of his era.

Deathyear: 1956

George Balanchine

George Balanchine was a renowned Russian-American dancer and choreographer. Born in Ukraine in 1904, he founded the New York City Ballet and created over 400 ballets, merging Russian tradition with American verve and style, earning a distinctive place in 20th-century dance history.

Deathyear: 1983

Sigismund III Vasa

Sigismund III Vasa was a Swedish-Polish monarch, born in 1566 to John III of Sweden and Catherine of Sweden. He became King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1587, uniting the two crowns under his rule.

Deathyear: 1632

Richard Scarry

Richard Scarry, a renowned American author and illustrator, brought joy to countless children's lives through his whimsical and colorful depictions of furry friends, tiny towns, and colorful critters. Blending storytelling with humor, Scarry's tales are timeless, teaching lessons on friendship, kindness, and community building.

Deathyear: 1994

Lester Bangs

Lester Bangs was a renowned American journalist and author, known for his irreverent and poignant writing style. Born in 1949, he was a prominent music critic and author, celebrated for his work in Rolling Stone and Creem magazines, and later, his novels and memoirs.

Deathyear: 1982

Emma Smith

Emma Smith Bidaman Hale (1804-1879) was an American spiritual leader and wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. She played a significant role in the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as the first president of the Relief Society.

Deathyear: 1879

Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen

Archduke Charles of Austria (1771-1847) was a distinguished military commander who led the Austrian army to several victories, particularly at Aspern and Wagram. He later became Duke of Teschen and a prominent figure in Austrian politics and society.

Deathyear: 1847

A. E. Housman

A.E. Housman (1859-1936) was a renowned English poet and scholar, best known for his poetry collection, "A Shropshire Lad". He was a classical scholar at Cambridge University and served as Professor of Latin at University College London. His poetry is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and nostalgic themes.

Deathyear: 1936

Robert FitzRoy

Robert FitzRoy, a British admiral and meteorologist, played a key role in the HMS Beagle's voyage with Charles Darwin, collecting geological and biological specimens. He later served as the 2nd Governor of New Zealand, from 1843 to 1845, implementing liberal policies and reforms.

Deathyear: 1865

Nizar Qabbani

Nizar Qabbani, a renowned poet, publisher, and diplomat, was born in 1926. He was known for his witty and provocative poetry, which often addressed politics, love, and Arabic culture. His work was widely translated and praised for its lyrical beauty and powerful commentary on Middle Eastern issues.

Deathyear: 1998

Tony Allen (musician)

Tony Allen, a Nigerian drummer and composer, has had a profound impact on Afrobeat music. Born in 1940, Allen's work with Fela Kuti and subsequent solo efforts have blended African rhythms with jazz and funk elements, making him a highly respected figure in world music.

Deathyear: 2020

Gordon Scott

Gordon Scott, a ruggedly handsome American actor, was born on December 3, 1926. He gained fame for his roles in sword-and-sandals films, particularly those produced by Samson Productions, where he played the title character in the 1958 film "Samson and the Mighty Hero."

Deathyear: 2007

Beatrice Webb

Beatrice Webb was a pioneering English sociologist and economist, born in 1858. Co-author of "Fabian Essays", she advocated for socialist reforms and women's rights. Her work, "My Apprenticeship", chronicles her journey from aristocratic upbringing to socialist activism.

Deathyear: 1943

Daniel Berrigan

Daniel Berrigan, a renowned American priest and activist, was born in 1921. Known for his anti-war activism and commitment to social justice, he became a symbol of Catholic dissent, leading protests against the Vietnam War and advocating for civil rights and pacifism.

Deathyear: 2016

Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly

Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly, was a renowned Bavarian general born in 1559. He played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War, battling Swedish forces and defeating the Protestant Union at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620.

Deathyear: 1632

Pierre Terrail, seigneur de Bayard

Pierre Terrail, Seigneur de Bayard, was a renowned French soldier and chevalier, born in 1473. He fought in various battles, including the Italian Wars and the French Wars of Religion, earning a reputation as a brave and skilled warrior.

Deathyear: 1524

Luis Muñoz Marín

Luis Muñoz Marín was a pioneering journalist and politician who became the first Governor of Puerto Rico (1949-1965). A strong advocate for Puerto Rican independence, he promoted economic development and cultural preservation, modernizing the island's infrastructure and institutions while fostering a sense of national identity.

Deathyear: 1980

Emperor Renzong of Song

Ren Zong (1010-1063) was the third emperor of the Song Dynasty, ruling from 1022 to 1063. He was known for his frugal and simple lifestyle, unlike other Song emperors. He also implemented several agricultural and economic reforms to strengthen the country's economy.

Deathyear: 1063

Amalasuintha

Amalasuntha, the Ostrogothic queen and regent, ruled in Italy from 534 to 548. She maintained peace with the Byzantines and governed efficiently, but her son Athalaric's death sparked a conflict with her cousin Theodahad, leading to her assassination in 548.

Deathyear: 535

Ernesto Sabato

Ernesto Sabato was a renowned Argentinian physicist, author, and painter. Born in 1911, he made significant contributions to quantum mechanics. He was also a prolific writer, winning the Cervantes Prize in 1969, and a skilled painter, exhibiting his work internationally.

Deathyear: 2011

Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Pramoedya Ananta Toer was a renowned Indonesian author and academic, born in 1925. He is best known for his novels that explore Indonesia's history and culture, particularly his Buru Quartet, a powerful and poignant portrayal of the country's struggle for independence.

Deathyear: 2006