April 6 birthdays and deaths:

Tammy Wynette

Tammy Wynette was a renowned American country music singer-songwriter known for her powerful, emotive voice and classic hits like "Stand by Your Man" and "Til I Can Make It on My Own." Born on May 5, 1942, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

Deathyear: 1998

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov was a renowned American science fiction writer, authoring over 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. He pioneered the combination of science and fiction, exploring themes of humanity, technology, and ethics in his legendary works.

Deathyear: 1992

Richard I of England

Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was the King of England from 1189 to 1199. He was born in 1157 and was known for his bravery and military prowess. He led the Third Crusade, reclaiming Jerusalem, and was crowned King of England in 1189.

Deathyear: 1199

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney, the beloved American actor, dancer, and singer, was born on September 23, 1920. He was a talented and prolific entertainer, appearing in over 300 films and television shows, and was awarded a Juvenile Academy Award and two Golden Globes.

Deathyear: 2014

Don Rickles

Don Rickles, the "Merchant of Venom," was a beloved American comedian and actor, known for his insults and sarcastic wit. Born in 1926, Rickles' iconic career spanned over 60 years, with notable roles in film and television, including "The Dean Martin Show" and "Mr. Blue Sky."

Deathyear: 2017

Raphael

Raphael (Raffaello Santi) was a renowned Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. Born in 1483, he created iconic works such as "The School of Athens" and the Sistine Madonna. His harmonious and elegant style has inspired countless artists and architects.

Deathyear: 1520

Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard, the "Okie from Muskogee," was a country music icon. With his unique voice and poignant songwriting, he penned classic hits like "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried." His legacy as a singer-songwriter and guitarist remains enduring.

Deathyear: 2016

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, ruled from 1949 until his death in 2005. Known for modernizing Monaco's economy and infrastructure, he also protected the principality's sovereignty and cultural heritage. He married actress Grace Kelly in 1956 and had two children, Albert and Caroline.

Deathyear: 2005

Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky was a Russian-born American composer, pianist, and conductor, widely considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. He is best known for his ballets, such as "The Rite of Spring" and "The Firebird," which revolutionized classical music with their avant-garde style.

Deathyear: 1971

Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a Russian politician, was born in 1946. He served as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, advocating for radical policies and making inflammatory remarks. His views often sparked controversy, yet he remained a prominent figure in Russian politics.

Deathyear: 2022

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer was a renowned German artist, born in 1471. He was a skilled painter, engraver, and mathematician. His iconic prints, such as "Melencolia I," showcased his mastery of detail and precision.

Deathyear: 1528

James Best

James Best, a prolific actor, director, and screenwriter, is best known for his iconic role as Rosco P. Coltrane on the TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979-1985). With a career spanning over six decades, Best has worked in film and television, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Deathyear: 2015

Greer Garson

Born Doris Mary Anne Gibbons in England in 1904, Greer Garson was a virtuosic actress who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, starring in iconic films like "Mrs. Miniver" and "Queen Christina", earning two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.

Deathyear: 1996

Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light," was an American artist and illustrator born in 1958. Known for his warm and whimsical paintings, he brought joy and comfort to millions through his works, including his iconic Christmas village scenes.

Deathyear: 2012

Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller, a Cherokee Nation citizen, served as the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1985-1995. She focused on improving education, healthcare, and economic development for the Cherokee people, earning her a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

Deathyear: 2010

Matthias Corvinus

Matthias Corvinus was a Hungarian and Croatian king who reigned from 1458 to 1490. A skilled strategist, he conquered significant territories and transformed Buda into a cultural and artistic center. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences.

Deathyear: 1490

Corin Redgrave

Corin Redgrave was a renowned English actor, born in 1939. He was part of a renowned acting dynasty, son of Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson. He appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, captivating audiences with his versatility and talent, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 2010

Juvénal Habyarimana

Juvénal Habyarimana was a Rwandan banker and politician who served as Rwanda's 3rd President from 1975 to his assassination in 1994. Habyarimana, born in 1937, was a key figure in Rwanda's modern history, known for his authoritarian rule and responsibility for the Rwandan genocide.

Deathyear: 1994

Francis Walsingham

Francis Walsingham was a prominent English politician and diplomat who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Born in 1532, he was a key advisor to Queen Elizabeth I and played a crucial role in her reign, famously overseeing the interception of Mary, Queen of Scots' letters.

Deathyear: 1590

Cyril and Methodius

Saint Methodius (815-885 CE) was a Byzantine missionary and saint who played a key role in spreading Christianity to the Slavs. Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, he was a nephew of Cyril and joined him on missions to the Moravian Court, earning martyrdom for his efforts to evangelize the Slavs.

Deathyear: 885

Charles & Eddie

Charlie Puth (not Charles Pettigrew) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer born on December 2, 1991, not 1963.

Deathyear: 2001

Albert Sidney Johnston

Albert Sidney Johnston was a renowned American general during the American Civil War. He served as a top commander for the Confederate States Army and played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Shiloh, where he was fatally wounded in 1863.

Deathyear: 1862

Habib Bourguiba

Habib Bourguiba was a Tunisian politician who served as the 1st President of Tunisia from 1957 to 1987. He played a key role in Tunisia's struggle for independence from France and implemented significant reforms to modernize the country's economy and women's rights.

Deathyear: 2000

Al Kaline

Al Kaline, also known as "Mr. Tiger," was a legendary American baseball player, broadcaster, and executive. He played 22 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, earning 18 All-Star selections and winning the 1955 American League MVP award.

Deathyear: 2020

Niels Henrik Abel

Niels Henrik Abel was a Norwegian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. He was born on August 5, 1802, and passed away on April 6, 1829.

Deathyear: 1829

David Bloom

David Bloom (1963-2003) was an American journalist for NBC News, known for his coverage of the Gulf War and the Iraq War. He became famous for his reports from the frontlines, earning the nickname "Embedded Journalist."

Deathyear: 2003

Maurice Stokes

Maurice Stokes, a legendary American basketball player, born in 1933, dominated the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals (now New Orleans Pelicans) from 1955-1958. His incredible career was tragically cut short due to a 1958 head injury that left him paralyzed.

Deathyear: 1970

Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford

Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford, was the illegitimate son of King Edward VI and was created Earl of Hertford in 1538. He served as Lord Protector of the Realm and Governor of the Duke of York from 1547 to 1551.

Deathyear: 1621

Babatunde Olatunji

Babatunde Olatunji was a renowned Nigerian drummer, educator, and activist. Born in 1927, he popularized African rhythms globally, teaching and performing with musicians worldwide. As an activist, he advocated for music education and cultural exchange between Africa and the West.

Deathyear: 2003

Hans Küng

Hans Küng, a renowned Swiss Catholic priest, theologian, and author, has been a prominent voice in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. He is a prolific writer and has published numerous books on Christian theology and ecumenism.

Deathyear: 2021

Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri

Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri was an Indian Army general who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1962 to 1966. Prior to that, he was the Military Governor of Hyderabad State from 1948 to 1949. He was born in 1908 and is remembered for his military leadership and commitment to the nation.

Deathyear: 1983

Cyprien Ntaryamira

Cyprien Ntaryamira, a Burundian politician, served as the 5th President of Burundi from October 1993 until his assassination in 1994. Born in 1955, he was a leader in the Hutu ethnic group and played a key role in Burundi's political landscape before his tragic death.

Deathyear: 1994

Herbert Backe

Herbert Backe was a German agronomist and politician born in 1896. He served as Minister of Food and Agriculture from 1933 to 1945, playing a crucial role in implementing policies under the Nazi regime, including the "Hunger Plan" to starve Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.

Deathyear: 1947

Mary Anderson (actress, born 1918)

Mary Anderson (April 3, 1918 - April 6, 2014) was an American actress. She was best known for her roles in Westerns, particularly her character, Willow in "The Killer that Stalked New York" (1952).

Deathyear: 2014

Louis IX, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt

Louis IX, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt (1719-1790), was a German noble and military leader. Known for his dedication to his people, he played a significant role in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. His reign marked a period of stability and prosperity in Hesse-Darmstadt.

Deathyear: 1790

Rose O'Neill

Rose O'Neill was a pioneering American cartoonist, illustrator, artist, and writer. Born in 1874, she created the iconic Kewpie character, trademarked in 1909. She wrote several books, including poetry and fiction, and was one of the first women to earn a living solely from her artwork.

Deathyear: 1944

Kōichi Kido

Kōichi Kido was a Japanese politician who served as the 13th Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal from 1946 to 1947. Born in 1889, Kido was a prominent figure in Japan's post-WWII government, playing a key role in the country's reconstruction and democratization efforts.

Deathyear: 1977