April 5 birthdays and deaths:

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was a visionary musician and singer-songwriter who founded Nirvana, a grunge band that revolutionized music in the 1990s. His introspective lyrics and distinctive vocal style captivated audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on music and popular culture.

Deathyear: 1994

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes was a pioneering aviator, inventor, and filmmaker who soared to fame in the 1920s. He set multiple aviation records, designed innovative aircraft, and produced acclaimed films like "The Outlaw" and "The Heiress" before his eccentric and reclusive lifestyle captivated the public's attention.

Deathyear: 1976

Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur was a renowned American general who played a significant role in World War II and the Korean War. He led the Allied forces in the Pacific and was appointed Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan.

Deathyear: 1964

Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai-shek was a Chinese general and politician who led the Nationalist Party to victory in the Chinese Civil War. He served as the 1st President of the Republic of China and led the country from 1928 to 1949.

Deathyear: 1975

Layne Staley

Layne Staley was an American singer-songwriter and musician best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the grunge band Alice in Chains. His unique, powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with fans, earning him critical acclaim and a lasting impact on the music world.

Deathyear: 2002

Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston, a renowned American actor, starred in iconic films like "Ben-Hur," "The Ten Commandments," and "Planet of the Apes." He was also a vocal conservative and president of the National Rifle Association, advocating for gun rights and civil liberties.

Deathyear: 2008

Divya Bharti

Divya Bharti was an Indian film actress who gained immense popularity in the 1990s. Born in 1974, she appeared in over 40 films, mostly in Telugu and Tamil cinema, before her tragic death at the age of 19 in 1993.

Deathyear: 1993

Allen Ginsberg

Here is a 40-word biography about Allen Ginsberg: Allen Ginsberg, a leading figure of the Beat Generation, was born in 1926 in New York City. He authored iconic poetry, including "Howl," which lamented social injustices and protested conformity. His work remains a hallmark of American literary counterculture.

Deathyear: 1997

Sam Walton

Sam Walton, born in 1918, revolutionized retail with Walmart and Sam's Club. A shrewd entrepreneur, he pioneered discount retailing, leveraging logistics and low prices to please customers. His relentless focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction empowered Walmart's growth into a global retail giant.

Deathyear: 1992

Paul Ritter

Paul Ritter is a talented English actor, born in 1966. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Harry Potter" and "Chernobyl". With a distinctive voice and expressive face, Ritter brings his characters to life with memorable performances.

Deathyear: 2021

John Pinette

John Pinette (1964-2014) was an American comedian and actor known for his bold, loud, and often irreverent humor. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he got his start in comedy in the 1990s, starring in TV shows and films, including "The Aristocrats" and "Groundhog Day".

Deathyear: 2014

Cozy Powell

Cozy Powell was a renowned English drummer, born on December 29, 1947. He was a member of several notable rock bands, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Whitesnake. Throughout his career, Powell's unique drumming style and distinct sound earned him a reputation as one of the greatest drummers of all time.

Deathyear: 1998

Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney, American singer-songwriter, was born on February 17, 1940. He was known for his soaring tenor voice and hit songs like "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa" and "It Hurts to Be in Love." Pitney's music blended pop, rock, and country to create a unique sound.

Deathyear: 2006

Princess Märtha of Sweden

Princess Märtha of Sweden, born in 1901, was the youngest child of King Gustaf V. She married Prince Axel of Wales and became a passionate supporter of the Swedish Red Cross, dedicating her life to humanitarian work and serving as a Red Cross delegate during several international conflicts.

Deathyear: 1954

Isao Takahata

Isao Takahata, a renowned Japanese film director, produced emotive and thought-provoking works. Born in 1935, he co-founded Studio Ghibli and directed acclaimed films like "Grave of the Fireflies" and "Pom Poko," showcasing his mastery of storytelling and emotional depth.

Deathyear: 2018

Saul Bellow

Saul Bellow was a celebrated Canadian-American author, Nobel laureate, and literary icon. Born in 1915, he penned renowned novels, essays, and stories, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. His works, such as "The Adventures of Augie March", showcased his masterful storytelling and philosophical insight.

Deathyear: 2005

Nehemiah Persoff

Nehemiah Persoff is an Israeli-American actor, born in 1919, who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he has played notable roles, earning him critical acclaim and a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2022

Georges Danton

Georges Danton was a French lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice from 1792-1793. A leading figure in the French Revolution, he founded the Cordeliers Club, advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI, and played a key role in the fall of Queen Marie Antoinette.

Deathyear: 1794

George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon

George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, was an English aristocrat, financier, and amateur Egyptologist. He is notable for his discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, funded by his own resources. Carnarvon was a pioneer in Egyptology and the Valley of the Kings excavations.

Deathyear: 1923

Abe Fortas

Abe Fortas was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court from 1965 to 1969. He was known for his liberal opinions on issues like civil rights and campaign finance reform.

Deathyear: 1982

Charlene Holt

Charlene Holt was an American actress, born in 1928. She began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing in films and television shows. Known for her striking looks and charming on-screen presence, Holt worked steadily throughout the 1960s and 1970s before retiring from acting in the 1980s.

Deathyear: 1996

C. J. Snare

C.J. Snare is an American musician and songwriter born in 1959. As a multi-instrumentalist, he's collaborated with notable artists, crafting hits for various genres. His eclectic style blends rock, pop, and R&B, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer.

Deathyear: 2024

Charles XI of Sweden

Charles XI, King of Sweden from 1660 to 1697, reigned during the Great Northern War. He strengthened the Swedish Empire through military victories and treaties, establishing a strong centralized government and improving national infrastructure.

Deathyear: 1697

Mark St. John

Mark St. John was an American guitarist, best known as the original lead guitarist of KISS from 1984 to 1986. Born in Los Angeles in 1956, he played on the album "Animalize" before leaving the band due to health issues.

Deathyear: 2007

Karl-Otto Koch

Karl-Otto Koch was a German SS officer and commandant of the Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen concentration camps. Born in 1897, he executed thousands of prisoners and was responsible for extreme brutality and mistreatment of inmates. He was executed in 1945 for war crimes.

Deathyear: 1945

Bob Hite

Bob Hite (1945-1981) was an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and bluesy sound. As a member of the legendary group Canned Heat, Hite's powerful vocals and harmonica playing helped shape the band's unique blues-rock style.

Deathyear: 1981

Isabella I of Jerusalem

Isabella I of Jerusalem (1172-1205) was the queen regnant of Jerusalem from 1190 to 1192 and again from 1192 to 1205. She was the daughter of Amaury I of Jerusalem and Maria of Montferrat, and her marriage to Conrad of Montferrat led to a brief period of peace in the Crusader Kingdom.

Deathyear: 1205

Frederick I of Sweden

Frederick I was Prince Consort to Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden and King of Sweden from 1720-1751. Born in 1676, he was a member of the Hesse-Kassel family and known for his military campaigns and support for the arts and sciences during his reign.

Deathyear: 1751

Vincent Ferrer

Vincent Ferrer, a Spanish missionary and saint, was born in 1350. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, preaching and converting people to Christianity. He was known for his charismatic speaking and miraculous healings.

Deathyear: 1419

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a pioneering American socialite and philanthropist, born in 1874, was renowned for her elegance, intelligence, and generosity. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and philanthropist, actively supporting various causes and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on her community.

Deathyear: 1948

Jimmy Wang Yu

Jimmy Wang Yu is a renowned Taiwanese actor, born in 1943. He is considered one of the pioneers of Hong Kong cinema, starring in martial arts films and becoming a legendary figure in the industry. He's also a skilled martial artist and stuntman.

Deathyear: 2022

John Tower

John Tower was a distinguished American politician, serving as US Senator from Texas (1961-1987) and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was also a Major in the US Army Reserve and an academic, having received a PhD in history from the University of Kentucky.

Deathyear: 1991

Camille Desmoulins

Camille Desmoulins was a prominent French journalist, lawyer, and politician born in 1760. He was a pioneer of the French Revolution, participating in the Storming of the Bastille and serving as a deputy to the National Convention.

Deathyear: 1794

Lee Petty

Here are the 40 words about Lee Petty: Lee Petty, nicknamed "The King," was an American race car driver, born in 1914. He won 54 NASCAR victories, including three Daytona 500s, and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying his legacy in the world of racing.

Deathyear: 2000

Sławomir Rawicz

Sławomir Rawicz, a Polish Army lieutenant, escaped from a Soviet prisoner-of-war camp in 1941 and embarked on a harrowing 4,000-mile journey to India on foot, via the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas, his ordeal later immortalized in the book "The Long Walk".

Deathyear: 2004

Carlos Prío Socarrás

Carlos Prío Socarrás (1903-1977) was the President of Cuba from 1948 to 1952. A member of the Partido Revolucionario Auténtico, he promoted economic development and social reforms. He fled to the United States after the 1952 coup that brought Fulgencio Batista to power.

Deathyear: 1977

Nigel Gresley

Nigel Gresley, a Scottish-English engineer, was born in 1876. He designed steam locomotives for the London and North Eastern Railway and is best known for his iconic Pacific locomotives, including the Flying Scotsman and Mallard.

Deathyear: 1941

Paul O'Neill (producer)

Paul O'Neill was an American rock composer and producer, best known for his work with the classical metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He co-founded the band and produced many of their albums, blending rock, classical, and folk music.

Deathyear: 2017

Peter Matthiessen

Peter Matthiessen was a renowned American novelist, short story writer, and editor, known for his lyrical and philosophical prose. He co-founded The Paris Review and wrote critically acclaimed novels like "Far Tortuga" and "At Play in the Fields of the Lord", blending spirituality and activism.

Deathyear: 2014

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, designed the iconic 911 sports car. With a passion for innovative design, he led the design team at Porsche AG, creating vehicles that combines functionality with style.

Deathyear: 2012

Wilder Penfield

Wilder Penfield, a renowned American-Canadian surgeon and academic, made groundbreaking contributions to epilepsy research. He developed the Penfield procedure, a surgical technique for treating temporal lobe epilepsy, and wrote extensively on the subject, revolutionizing the field of neurosurgery.

Deathyear: 1976

Molly Picon

Meet Molly Picon, a talented American actress born in 1898. Known as the "Queen of the Yiddish Stage", Picon was a beloved performer in Yiddish theater, films, and radio. Her iconic roles showcased her wit, charm, and remarkable vocal range, captivating audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 1992

Charles Freer Andrews

Charles Freer Andrews was a pioneering English-Indian priest, missionary, and educator who dedicated his life to promoting Christian values and fostering Indian independence. He worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, aiding the Indian independence movement and earning the affectionate title "father of Indian Christians."

Deathyear: 1940

Sydney Brenner

Sydney Brenner was a South African biologist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the genetic code. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2002 for his work on the C. elegans worm, which has provided valuable insights into human biology.

Deathyear: 2019

Bingu wa Mutharika

Bingu wa Mutharika, a renowned economist and latterly the 3rd President of Malawi, ruled from 2004 until his death in 2012. A longtime academic, he was awarded the African Union's Kwame Nkrumah Award for Outstanding Leadership in African Development before ascending to the presidency.

Deathyear: 2012

Thomas Stoltz Harvey

Thomas Stoltz Harvey, a renowned American pathologist, was born in 1912. He made significant contributions to the field of pathology, and his work on the brain preservation of Albert Einstein is particularly notable. Known for his meticulous and innovative approaches, Harvey's work has had a lasting impact on medical research.

Deathyear: 2007

Shah Shujah Durrani

Shah Shujah Durrani was the 5th Emir of Afghanistan, ruling from 1803 to 1809. Born in 1785, he was a grandson of Ahmad Shah Durrani and played a key role in the third Afghan-Durrani War, attempting to restore the Durrani Empire to its former glory.

Deathyear: 1842

Jim Marshall (businessman)

Jim Marshall, a British entrepreneur, founded Marshall Amplification in 1962, revolutionizing the music industry with his iconic amplifiers. Born in 1923, Marshall's innovative designs enabled musicians like The Who and Led Zeppelin to produce iconic sounds, cementing his legacy in rock 'n' roll history.

Deathyear: 2012

Osman Nuri Pasha

Osman Nuri Pasha was an Ottoman field marshal who led the defense of Plevna during the Russo-Turkish War. He heroically repelled repeated Russian attacks, making him a legendary figure in Ottoman history. Born in 1832, he was known for his bravery and strategic thinking.

Deathyear: 1900

I. J. Good

I. J. Good, the renowned British mathematician, was born in 1916. He made significant contributions to cryptography, probability theory, and statistics, and was a key figure in the development of Bayesian analysis.

Deathyear: 2009

Barney McKenna

Barney McKenna, a renowned Irish musician, was born in 1939. He was a talented mandolin player, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of the legendary Irish folk group, The Dubliners. His energetic stage presence and authentic Irish traditional music made him a beloved figure in the music world.

Deathyear: 2012

Isabel Jewell

Isabel Jewell was an American actress and singer born in 1907. She began her career in vaudeville and later transitioned to films, appearing in over 100 movies, including "The Public Enemy" (1931), "Freaks" (1932), and "Another Face" (1935).

Deathyear: 1972

Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier

Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier, was a French noblewoman born in 1627. She was the dashing and charismatic Princess Palatine, known for her lavish lifestyle and illegitimate children with her many lovers, earning her the nickname "Mademoiselle de Montpensier".

Deathyear: 1693

Hermann Joseph Muller

Hermann Joseph Muller was an American geneticist and academic who made groundbreaking discoveries on the effects of radiation on chromosomes, earning him the 1946 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His work revolutionized the understanding of genetics and mutation, paving the way for significant advancements in the field.

Deathyear: 1967

Hiroshi Yoshida

Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) was a renowned Japanese painter and printmaker, blending traditional and modern styles. He merged East Asian and Western influences, creating colorful, elegant works that showcased Japanese landscapes, mythology, and daily life. His masterful use of color and composition earned international recognition and accolades.

Deathyear: 1950

Al-Mu'tadid

Al-Mu'tadid, the 15th Abbasid caliph, ruled from 892 to 902 CE. He was known for his military campaigns against the Qarmatians and the Fatimids, and his efforts to counterbalance the growing power of the Turkish slaves in his administration.

Deathyear: 902