April 4 birthdays and deaths:

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent American Baptist minister and civil rights activist who became a leader in the civil rights movement. He advocated for nonviolent resistance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Deathyear: 1968

William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison was a prominent American general and politician who served as the 9th President of the United States from 1841 until his death in 1841.

Deathyear: 1841

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert, the renowned American journalist, critic, and screenwriter, was born on June 18, 1942. He was a stalwart of the film world, known for his witty critiques and iconic thumbs-up/thumbs-down ratings on At the Movies with Gene Siskel and later on his own show, At the Movies.

Deathyear: 2013

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a Pakistani lawyer and politician who became the 4th President of Pakistan (1971-1973). A charismatic leader, he implemented radical reforms, nationalized key industries, and formulated the Constitution of Pakistan. He was hanged in 1979 after a controversial trial.

Deathyear: 1979

Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson was a legendary actress, singer, and producer who dominated the silent film era. Born in 1899, she starred in over 30 films, including the iconic "Queen Kelly" and "Sunset Boulevard," earning her a permanent place in Hollywood history.

Deathyear: 1983

Kenny Everett

Kenny Everett, born Mattinson, was a British radio and television host, producer, and comedian. Known for his surreal sense of humor and inventive storytelling, he hosted several BBC radio shows from 1962 until his death in 1995. His shows were renowned for their unique blend of music, laughter, and eccentricity.

Deathyear: 1995

Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was a pioneering American pastor and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1945 to 1971. A civil rights leader, he fought for racial equality and social justice, earning him the distinction of being the first African American to represent a district outside the Deep South.

Deathyear: 1972

Carl Benz

Karl Benz, a German engineer and entrepreneur, founded Mercedes-Benz in 1886. Born on November 25, 1844, Benz is credited with inventing the first practical automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. His innovative designs revolutionized the automotive industry, paving the way for modern transportation.

Deathyear: 1929

Carol II of Romania

Carol II of Romania (1893-1953) was a monarch who ruled as King of Romania from 1930 to 1940. Known for his charismatic personality and authoritarian tendencies, he increased tensions with Hungary and pursued a policy of isolationism in the early years of World War II.

Deathyear: 1953

Ambrose

Ambrose, a Roman archbishop and saint, was born in 338 AD. He was a powerful bishop who played a significant role in the development of the Catholic Church.

Deathyear: 397

Edgar Buchanan

Edgar Buchanan was a prolific American actor, born in 1903. He appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, often playing authority figures like doctors and judges. His distinctive voice and authoritative presence made him a popular character actor in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 1979

Johnny Stompanato

Johnny Stompanato was an American soldier and bodyguard who served in the US Army during World War II. After the war, he became a prominent figure in Hollywood, protecting celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.

Deathyear: 1958

Chögyam Trungpa

Chögyam Trungpa (1939-1987) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist guru, poet, and scholar. As the 11th Trungpa Tulku, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 10th Trungpa and went on to found the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, spreading Tibetan Buddhism worldwide through his teachings and writings.

Deathyear: 1987

Isidore of Seville

Isidore of Seville was a renowned Spanish archbishop and saint born around 560. He was a prolific writer, contributing to the development of the Latin language and the preservation of classical knowledge. His Encyclopedia, the Etymologies, is a groundbreaking work in medieval scholarship.

Deathyear: 636

Robert III of Scotland

Robert III, King of Scotland from 1390 to 1406, was a descendant of the House of Dunkeld. He ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, King Robert II. Due to his physical and mental disabilities, he relied heavily on his powerful and ambitious cousins.

Deathyear: 1406

John Napier

Here is 40 words about John Napier: John Napier, a renowned Scottish mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, was born in 1550. He invented logarithms, which revolutionized mathematics and astronomy. His work, "Rabdologiae" (1617), introduced the concept of calculating with logarithms. He also wrote about the importance of astronomy in understanding God's creation.

Deathyear: 1617

Francisco and Jacinta Marto

Francisco Marto was a Portuguese shepherd who, at age 10, reported seeing the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima to his cousin Lucia and another young shepherd, Jacinta. This event led to the Lady of Fátima's message to the world.

Deathyear: 1919

Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith was a renowned Irish novelist, playwright, and poet, born in 1728. He is best known for his novel "The Vicar of Wakefield" and his play "She Stoops to Conquer". His works are known for their humor, satire, and poignant storytelling.

Deathyear: 1774

Arthur Russell (musician)

Arthur Russell was an American singer-songwriter and cellist, known for his eclectic and innovative music style, blending folk, rock, and classical elements. His soulful voice and virtuosic cello playing earned him cult status, influencing generations of musicians, from indie rock to electronic artists.

Deathyear: 1992

Bob Clark

Bob Clark is a renowned American filmmaker, born in 1941. He directed cult classics like "Porky's" and "A Christmas Story", as well as producing and writing numerous films and TV shows. Clark's versatile talent has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2007

John Heinz

H. John Heinz III was an American soldier and politician. Born in 1938, he served as a Marine in Vietnam and later served in the US Senate from 1977 until his death in 1991.

Deathyear: 1991

Elizabeth Bacon Custer

Elizabeth Bacon Custer, wife of General George Armstrong Custer, was a prolific author and educator. Born in 1842, she wrote numerous books on her life with Custer, including "Tenting Tonight" and "Boots and Saddles." A dedicated educator, she also taught at Howard University.

Deathyear: 1933

Frederick II of Denmark

Frederick II, King of Denmark and Norway (1534-1588), was a Danish-Norwegian monarch who ruled 1559-1588. He expanded Denmark's trade and influence in Europe, created new administrative districts, and supported the Protestant Reformation, earning him the nickname "Frederick the Wise".

Deathyear: 1588

Alfonso X of Castile

Alfonso X, also known as Alfonso the Wise, ruled Castile and León from 1252 to 1284. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and his court became a center of Arabic learning and translation.

Deathyear: 1284

Peter Cooper

Peter Cooper, a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1859. Born in 1791, Cooper's legacy continues to inspire innovation and education, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community.

Deathyear: 1883

Priscilla Lane

Priscilla Lane was a American actress born on November 12, 1915. She began her acting career in the 1930s, gaining attention for her roles in films such as "The Roaring Twenties" and "Sahara", eventually becoming a Hollywood star during the 1940s.

Deathyear: 1995

André Masséna

André Masséna, French general, was a brilliant tactician who played a crucial role in Napoleon's conquest of Europe. Born in 1758, Masséna's military career spanned over three decades, earning him the nickname "The Little General" for his impressive victories.

Deathyear: 1817

Ed Roth

Ed "Big Daddy" Roth (b. 1932) is an American illustrator and engineer, known for his custom cars and kustom kulture artwork. He popularized the hot rod and chopper styles, which inspired a counterculture movement in the 1950s and 60s.

Deathyear: 2001

Pope Formosus

Pope Formosus, born in 816, was a French pope of the Catholic Church who reigned from 891 to 896. He played a significant role in the ravaging wars between the Carolingian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 896

John Venn

John Venn, a British mathematician and philosopher, was born in 1834. He is renowned for developing the Venn diagram, a visual representation of sets and logic, which revolutionized mathematical and philosophical thinking. His work has had a lasting impact on various disciplines.

Deathyear: 1923

Alparslan Türkeş

Alparslan Türkeş was a Turkish colonel and politician who served as the 39th Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey. Born in 1917, he was a prominent figure in the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MHP).

Deathyear: 1997

Richard M. Brewer

Richard M. Brewer was a notorious American outlaw, born in 1850. He was known for his brutal crimes, including murder and robbery. He was eventually hanged in 1881 for the murder of a California sheriff.

Deathyear: 1878

Anthony Caruso (actor)

Anthony Caruso was an American actor born in 1916. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, often playing villains, including roles in "The Ten Commandments," "The Searchers," and "Have Gun – Will Travel."

Deathyear: 2003

William Crookes

William Crookes was a renowned English chemist and physicist, born in 1832. He made significant contributions to the fields of plasma physics and radioactivity, discovering the element thallium and inventing the radiometer, a device that demonstrated the power of light through radiation.

Deathyear: 1919

Oleg Antonov (aircraft designer)

Oleg Antonov was a renowned Russian-Ukrainian engineer and businessman. He founded the Antonov Design Bureau in 1946. Born in 1906, Antonov designed numerous iconic aircraft, including the An-2 biplane and An-124 Ruslan cargo plane. His contributions revolutionized aviation, shaping the industry for generations to come.

Deathyear: 1984

Carmine Infantino

Carmine Infantino was a renowned American illustrator and comic book artist, renowned for his work on iconic titles like "The Flash" and "Captain Atom". Born in 1925, he was a key figure in shaping the looks of DC Comics, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of comic book art.

Deathyear: 2013

Red Sovine

Red Sovine was a pioneering American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist born on July 17, 1917. Known for his smooth baritone voice and storytelling lyrics, he recorded numerous hits, including "Giddyup Go" and "Old 97," earning him a place in country music history.

Deathyear: 1980

Max Frisch

Max Frisch, a celebrated Swiss playwright and novelist, was born in 1911. His works often explored the human condition, identity, and morality, as seen in his notable novel "Andorra" (1961) and plays like "Biedermann and the Fire Raisers" (1958).

Deathyear: 1991

Harry Nyquist

Harry Nyquist, a Swedish engineer and mathematician, made significant contributions to the field of communication theory. Born in 1889, he developed the Nyquist theorem, which established the maximum rate at which a signal can be transmitted through a communication channel without errors. His work laid the foundation for modern communication systems.

Deathyear: 1976

Wilhelm Ostwald

Wilhelm Ostwald, a pioneering German chemist of Latvian descent, was born in 1853. He discovered the concept of catalysis and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909 for his pioneering work on reactions rates and the equation of state.

Deathyear: 1932

Agyeya

Sachchidananda Vatsyayan, a renowned Indian journalist and author, was born in 1911. He was the editor of popular publications and penned several books on history, literature, and society. His works showcased his profound knowledge and insightful perspectives on Indian culture and politics.

Deathyear: 1987

Early Wynn

Early Wynn, a legendary pitcher and sportscaster, was born in 1920. He played 23 seasons in the major leagues, winning 244 games and earning 300 wins. After retirement, Wynn went on to become a respected sportscaster, sharing his expertise and stories of the game he loved.

Deathyear: 1999

George Albert Smith

George Albert Smith was the 8th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving from 1943 to 1945. Born in 1870, he was a devoted leader and advocated for world peace, human rights, and social welfare. He was a humble and kind man, loved by many.

Deathyear: 1951

John McLean

John McLean was a notable American jurist and politician, serving as the 6th United States Postmaster General from 1823 to 1828. Born in 1785, McLean was a prominent figure in his time, rising through the ranks of the federal government.

Deathyear: 1861

Pope Nicholas IV

Nicholas IV (1227-1292) was Pope from 1288 to 1292. A Franciscan friar, he was notorious for his nepotism and financial corruption. He founded the Vatican Library and the College of Cardinals, but his pontificate was marked by scandals and controversy.

Deathyear: 1292

Elena Glinskaya

Elena Glinskaya was a Grand Princess of Russia and regent of Moscow from 1534 to 1542. As a member of the Glinsky family, she was married to Basil III and played a significant role in Russian politics during the 16th century.

Deathyear: 1538

Lynne Reid Banks

Lynne Reid Banks is a British author born in 1929, known for her children's and young adult books. Her works often explore themes of faith, spirituality, and the human experience. Her most famous novel is "The L-Shaped Room," published in 1960.

Deathyear: 2024