April 7 birthdays and deaths:

Henry Ford

Henry Ford, a renowned American engineer and businessman, founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903. Born in 1863, he revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the assembly line, making cars more affordable and accessible to the masses.

Deathyear: 1947

P. T. Barnum

P.T. Barnum, a renowned American businessman and politician, co-founded the iconic Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1871. Born in 1810, Barnum was a charismatic entrepreneur who revolutionized entertainment with his innovative ideas and shows, captivating audiences for generations.

Deathyear: 1891

Joe Gallo

Joseph Gallo, born in 1929, was a notorious American gangster and leader of the Colombos and Gallo crime family. His criminal career was marked by violent feuds, illegal gambling operations, and notorious murders, earning him the nicknames "Crazy Joe" and "Joe the Barber." He was slain in 1972.

Deathyear: 1972

John Prine

John Prine, a legendary American country folk singer-songwriter, celebrated his unique blend of humor, pathos, and storytelling in his songs. His folksy, wry sense of humor and poignant lyrics have made him a beloved figure in the music world.

Deathyear: 2020

Geoffrey Lewis (actor)

Geoffrey Lewis was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and versatility. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "High Plains Drifter," "Urban Cowboy," and "Gunsmoke."

Deathyear: 2015

Toussaint Louverture

Toussaint Louverture was a Haitian general and revolutionary leader who fought for Haiti's independence from France. Born in 1743, Louverture was a former slave who became a prominent figure in the Haitian Revolution, known for his strategic mind and leadership skills that helped secure Haitian independence.

Deathyear: 1804

Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace was a pioneer American television journalist who co-anchored the CBS program "60 Minutes" from 1968 to 2006. With his distinctive voice and inquiring style, he interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers, earning numerous awards for his investigative reporting and documentary pieces.

Deathyear: 2012

Dick Turpin

Dick Turpin, a notorious English highwayman, was born in 1705. He terrorized the countryside, robbing coaches and nobles, earning notoriety as "The Gentleman Thief." His daring escapades culminated in his capture, trial, and execution in 1739.

Deathyear: 1739

Blackjack Mulligan

Blackjack Mulligan, a Hall of Fame wrestler, excelled in the WWF (Wrestling Federation) from 1972-1988. Known for his wrestling prowess and rugged persona, Mulligan won multiple championships, including the WWF World Tag Team Championship and WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015.

Deathyear: 2016

El Greco

"El Greco" (Doménikos Theotokópoulos) was a Greek-Spanish painter and sculptor, born in 1541 in Crete. He fled to Venice, then Spain, where he developed his unique, expressive style, emphasizing dramatic lighting and fervent emotion, as seen in works like "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz".

Deathyear: 1614

David Graf

David Graf was an American actor, born in 1950, best known for his roles in the Police Academy film series as Eugene Tackleberry and in TV shows like "Hot in Cleveland" and "Days of Our Lives".

Deathyear: 2001

Jim Clark

Jim Clark was a Scottish racing driver who dominated the 1960s Formula One circuit, winning 25 Grands Prix and two World Drivers' Championships. Known for his smooth driving style and incredible consistency, he remains one of the sport's all-time greats.

Deathyear: 1968

John Agar

John Agar was an American actor, born on June 31, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Naked Spur" (1953), "Tarzan the Magnificent" (1960), and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997), showcasing his versatility as a character actor.

Deathyear: 2002

Carl Schmitt

Carl Schmitt, a prominent German philosopher and jurist, (1888-1985) was a key figure in 20th-century thought. He is known for his theories on politics, law, and the relationship between the state and individual.

Deathyear: 1985

Charles VIII of France

Charles VIII, King of France from 1483 until 1498, was the grandson of Louis XI. He embarked on an unsuccessful Italian campaign in 1494, capturing Naples but ultimately withdrawing due to illness and rebellion. He was the son of King Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Joan of France.

Deathyear: 1498

Walter Huston

Walter Huston was a celebrated Canadian-American actor and singer, born in 1883. He appeared in numerous films, including "The Good Bad Man" and "The Virginian," and was renowned for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence.

Deathyear: 1950

Ben Ferencz

Ben Ferencz is a renowned American lawyer, born in 1920. He is best known for serving as Chief Prosecutor for the United States Army at the Nuremberg trials, where he played a pivotal role in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.

Deathyear: 2023

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Begum Hazrat Mahal was the second wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, born in 1820. She played a crucial role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, supporting the independence movement and serving as the Emperor of India for a brief period before British reoccupation.

Deathyear: 1879

Theda Bara

Theda Bara was a pioneering American actress, often referred to as the "Vamp" due to her risqué roles on film and stage. Born Frieda Goodman in 1885, Bara's sultry performances captivated audiences in the early 20th century, earning her a place in Hollywood's silent film era history.

Deathyear: 1955

Seymour Cassel

Seymour Cassel was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and versatility, appearing in over 150 films and TV shows, including "Elia Kazan's Splendor in the Grass", "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" by John Cassavetes, and the TV series "Gimme a Break!".

Deathyear: 2019

William Godwin

William Godwin (1756-1836) was an English journalist and philosopher. He founded the radical journal The Morning Chronicle and wrote influential works on politics and morality. His novel "Caleb Williams" (1794) is considered a foundational text of fiction, exploring themes of crime, punishment, and social justice.

Deathyear: 1836

Abdul Hamid I

Abdul Hamid I (1725-1789) was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1774 to 1789. He implemented various reforms, strengthened the Ottoman navy, and secured the empire's boundaries. He also patronized the arts and architecture, leaving a lasting impact on Ottoman culture and politics.

Deathyear: 1789

Beatrice Straight

Beatrice Straight was a renowned American actress, born on August 18, 1914, in Frankfurt, Germany. She gained fame for her Oscar-winning performance in the 1976 film "Network", playing the role of Eileen Shanahan, a wife of Howard Beale's news anchor, William McCord.

Deathyear: 2001

Joe Kinnear

Here is a 40-word biography of Joe Kinnear: Joe Kinnear is a retired Irish footballer and manager, born in 1946. A defender, Kinnear played for clubs like Newcastle United and St. Mirren. He managed Fulham, Wimbledon, and Coventry City, then became Director of Football at Newcastle United.

Deathyear: 2024

Dave Arneson

Dave Arneson was an American game designer who co-created Dungeons & Dragons with Gary Gygax. Born in 1947, he worked as a lecturer, game designer, and publisher, and is credited with developing the Blackmoor setting, which served as the inspiration for early D&D adventures.

Deathyear: 2009

Thomas Bayes

Thomas Bayes was an English minister and mathematician born in 1701. He is renowned for his groundbreaking work on probability theory, particularly his famous theorem which describes the conditional probability of an event given another event.

Deathyear: 1761

Frank Church

Frank Church, a decorated World War II veteran, served as an Idaho Senator (1957-1991) and chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee. He also served as a lawyer and professor, known for his strong advocacy against US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Deathyear: 1984

Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer was an American fashion designer known for her colorful, tropical prints and feminine designs. Born in 1931, she founded Lilly Pulitzer, Inc. in 1959, creating iconic resort wear and resort-to-street clothing. Her dresses are still sought after for their bright colors and joyful charm.

Deathyear: 2013

Suzanne Valadon

Suzanne Valadon, a pioneering French painter, born in 1865, was known for her bold and expressive works. As a woman in a male-dominated art world, she faced challenges, but her unique style and determination earned her critical acclaim and a place among the École de Paris artists.

Deathyear: 1938

Stan Freberg

Stan Freberg was a pioneering American comedian, actor, and writer, known for his sharp wit and satire. He created iconic puppets like Spok, and voiced characters in cartoons, films, and TV shows, earning him a place in the Comedy Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 2015

Taksin

Taksin (1734-1782) was the founder of the Thonburi Kingdom in Siam (now Thailand). After defeating Ayutthaya, he established Thonburi as the new capital and ruled wisely, promoting commerce and the arts. He was also a skilled military leader and expanded Siam's borders through conquest.

Deathyear: 1782

Alexander Bogdanov

Here is 40 words about Alexander Bogdanov: Alexander Bogdanov, a Russian physician, philosopher, and author, was born in 1873. He was a key figure in the Russian revolutionary movement, introducing the concept of "blood transfusion" and advocating for the abolition of private property. His radical ideas had significant influence on the Russian Revolution.

Deathyear: 1928

Barry Nelson

Barry Nelson (1917-2007) was an American actor, best known for his roles as Quentin McHale in the CBS television series "McHale's Navy" (1962-1966) and Richard Henry Harrington in the movie "The Bridge at Remagen" (1969). He appeared in over 40 films and TV shows during his career.

Deathyear: 2007

Jean-Baptiste de La Salle

Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, a French priest and saint, founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1680. Born in 1651, he dedicated his life to educating children, advocating for the poor and marginalized, and establishing schools throughout Europe and the Americas.

Deathyear: 1719

Alexandre Millerand

Alexandre Millerand was a French lawyer and politician who served as the 12th President of France from 1920 until 1924. A Democrat-Chicane, he was the first Socialist President and was known for his strong leadership during World War I.

Deathyear: 1943

Berengar I of Italy

Berengar I (845-924) was the King of Italy from 950 to 961. He was a Frankish nobleman who seized the throne by overthrowing the Lombard King Louis II. His reign was marked by conflicts with the Holy Roman Empire and struggles for power within Italy.

Deathyear: 924

Victor Argo

Victor Argo is an American actor, born in 1934, with a distinguished career spanning decades. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing eccentric characters, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Deathyear: 2004

Lee Brilleaux

Lee Brilleaux was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Dr. Feelgood. He was known for his distinctive vocals and energetic stage presence.

Deathyear: 1994

Joseph Lyons

Joseph Lyons, a devoted educator and politician, served as Australia's 10th Prime Minister from 1932 to 1939. Born in 1879, he prioritized social welfare, education, and reform. His leadership during a tumultuous period in Australia's history earned him a notable place in the country's political landscape.

Deathyear: 1939

Ronald Evans (astronaut)

Ronald Evans, NASA astronaut and Air Force pilot, was born in 1933. He commanded the last Apollo mission, Apollo 17, and logged over 100 hours of space travel. As a military pilot, engineer, and commander, Evans embodied duty, honor, and country.

Deathyear: 1990

Agathe Uwilingiyimana

Agathe Habyarimana, also known as Agathe Uwilingiyimana, was a Rwandan chemist, academic, and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Rwanda from 1993 to 1994. Born in 1953, she was a key figure in the country's transition to democracy.

Deathyear: 1994

Carl Williams (boxer)

Carl Williams was an American professional boxer, born in 1959, known for his impressive career, holding multiple titles in the super lightweight and welterweight divisions. He boxed from 1985 to 2000, with notable matches against notable opponents like Pernell Whitaker and Oscar De La Hoya.

Deathyear: 2013

Golo Mann

Goebbels-born German historian Golo Mann (1909-1994) was a renowned author and professor. His seminal work, "The History of Germany Since 1789", showcased his expertise and influenced academic thought. He was also the son of Thomas Mann, a celebrated German novelist.

Deathyear: 1994

Leonid Kantorovich

Leonid Vitaliyevich Kantorovich was a Russian mathematician and economist, born in 1912. He made significant contributions to mathematical economics, particularly in the fields of linear programming and optimal planning. He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1975 and the USSR State Prize in 1963.

Deathyear: 1986

Jacques Charles

Jacques Charles was a French physicist and mathematician who, along with Jean-Antoine Hérault, discovered the principle of buoyancy. He also laid the foundation for the concept of controlled flight with his work on aerodynamics. Charles is often credited with describing the relationship between air and volume in gases.

Deathyear: 1823

Steven Kanumba

Steven Kanumba was a renowned Tanzanian actor and director, known for his versatility and impressive performances in various films and TV shows. Born in 1984, he gained widespread recognition and accolades for his work, becoming one of the most respected figures in the Tanzanian entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2012

Abeid Karume

Abeid Karume was a Tanzanian politician who served as the first President of Zanzibar from 1964 to 1972. Born in 1905, he played a key role in Zanzibar's independence and unified Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Deathyear: 1972

Herb Stempel

Herb Stempel was a beloved American television personality, born in 1926. He was a popular radio and television personality, known for his charming wit and delightful storytelling.

Deathyear: 2020

Jerry Grote

Jerry Grote played 16 seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the New York Mets, as a catcher and manager. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 1967. Grote is remembered for his strong defense and leadership behind the plate.

Deathyear: 2024

Kit Lambert

Kit Lambert, a British music legend, was a record producer and manager who played a significant role in shaping the careers of influential artists. Born in 1935, Lambert was known for his work with Pete Townshend and The Who, creating iconic albums such as "My Generation" and "Tommy".

Deathyear: 1981

Andy Johns

Andy Johns is an English-American record producer, born 1950. Known for his work with Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Roxy Music, Johns has won numerous awards. His producing credits include albums like "Physical Graffiti" and "Waxing Poetic".

Deathyear: 2013

Thomas D'Arcy McGee

Thomas D'Arcy McGee was a prominent Irish-Canadian journalist, activist, and politician. Born in Ireland in 1825, he emigrated to Canada in 1848 and played a key role in shaping Canadian politics, serving as a cabinet minister and advocating for Canadian Confederation.

Deathyear: 1868

Walt Hansgen

Walt Hansgen was an American racing driver who won the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring and placed second at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans. He competed in Formula One, Can-Am, and Trans-Am series, earning 13 national championships across multiple disciplines.

Deathyear: 1966

Ace Bailey

Ace Bailey, a pioneering Canadian ice hockey player and coach, was born in 1903. He played for the Toronto St. Patricks and coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading them to a Stanley Cup in 1932.

Deathyear: 1992