August 11 birthdays and deaths:

Anne Heche

Anne Heche was a talented American actress, born in 1969. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Donnie Brasco," "Volcano," and "The Juror." She was also a long-time partner of Ellen DeGeneres.

Deathyear: 2022

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was a brilliant and beloved American actor and comedian, known for his rapid-fire wit, impressive improvisational skills, and iconic roles in films like "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Aladdin," and "Mrs. Doubtfire."

Deathyear: 2014

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist born in 1835. He founded the Carnegie Steel Company and Carnegie Hall. With a keen business mind, he built an empire and later shifted his focus to philanthropy, giving away over $350 million during his lifetime, mostly to education and world peace.

Deathyear: 1919

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock, a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism, splattered and dripped paint onto a canvas laid flat on the floor. His dynamic, intricate patterns conveyed the turmoil of his emotions, creating a new language of art that continues to influence contemporary artists and art lovers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1956

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a pioneering American activist, founded the Special Olympics in 1968. As a sister of President John F. Kennedy, she championed inclusive sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, revolutionizing the way society perceived and supported people with intellectual disabilities.

Deathyear: 2009

Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing was a renowned English actor, born in 1913, widely known for his iconic roles in Hammer horror films, particularly as Van Helsing in the Dracula series.

Deathyear: 1994

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton was a renowned American novelist and short story writer, born in 1862. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, in 1921, for her novel "The Age of Innocence".

Deathyear: 1937

Anne Ramsey

Anne Ramsey was a renowned American actress, born in 1929. She gained recognition for her supporting roles in film and television, including "Grease," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," and "Pee-wee's Big Adventure."

Deathyear: 1988

Phil Harris

Phil Harris, a talented American singer-songwriter and actor, was born in 1904. He was a pioneer of country music, with hits like "The Thing" and "When You Wish Upon a Star." He also acted in movies and TV shows, including starring in his own sitcom from 1966-1970.

Deathyear: 1995

Sumner Redstone

Sumner Redstone is a renowned American businessman, born in 1923. He built his career as the CEO of Viacom and CBS, guiding companies to immense success. With an impressive net worth of over $7 billion, Redstone's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2020

John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman, a renowned English cardinal and theologian, was born in 1801. He was a leader in the Oxford Movement, emphasizing the importance of tradition and ritual in the Church of England.

Deathyear: 1890

Möngke Khan

Möngke Khan was the fourth Khan of the Mongol Empire, reigning from 1208 to 1241. He was known for his military campaigns, expansion of the empire, and introduction of a uniform system of administration. He was the first Khan to appoint a vizier, a Chinese official, to help govern the empire.

Deathyear: 1259

Hamnet Shakespeare

Hamnet Shakespeare, son of William Shakespeare, was born in 1585. He grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon, surrounded by his family's theatrical endeavors. Little is known about Hamnet's life, but his existence has been verified through historical records and his parents' wills.

Deathyear: 1596

V. S. Naipaul

Sir Vidia Naipaul, a British writer of Indian descent, is a Nobel laureate known for his novels and non-fiction works that often explore themes of identity, culture, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 2018

Clare of Assisi

Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio, was a follower of Francis of Assisi and a prominent figure in the Franciscan movement. Renouncing her wealth and status, she founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) in 1212 with Francis' approval.

Deathyear: 1253

John Hunyadi

John Hunyadi was a Hungarian general and politician, born in 1387. He played a key role in defending Hungary against the Ottoman Empire and was a prominent figure in Hungarian politics during the 15th century.

Deathyear: 1456

Khudiram Bose

Khudiram Bose was a young Bengali revolutionary who fought against British colonial rule in India. Born in 1889, he was influenced by Indian freedom movement and joined the armed rebellion against the British. He died in 1908 at the age of 18, but his sacrifice is still remembered and celebrated in India.

Deathyear: 1908

Herb Brooks

Herb Brooks was a renowned American ice hockey player and coach, born in 1937. As a player, he won gold medallist at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics. As a coach, he led the 1980 US "Miracle on Ice" team to a historic gold medal victory at the Lake Placid Olympics.

Deathyear: 2003

Trini Lopez

Trini Lopez, a Texas-born guitar virtuoso, burst onto the music scene in the 1960s with his unique blend of folk, rock, and mariachi styles. With hits like "If a Man Answers" and "Louna", he charmed audiences worldwide with his warm vocals and impressive guitar work.

Deathyear: 2020

Mike Douglas

Mike Douglas was a renowned American singer and television host, best known for his eponymous daytime talk show, "The Mike Douglas Show." Born on August 11, 1920, he entertained millions with his music and conversations with celebrities.

Deathyear: 2006

John Meillon

John Meillon was a renowned Australian actor, born in 1934. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic Aussie series "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" and the classic film "The Man from Snowy River". His rich, commanding voice added gravitas to his many roles.

Deathyear: 1989

Nicholas of Cusa

Nicholas of Cusa, a 15th-century German cardinal and mystic, was a renowned philosopher and theologian.

Deathyear: 1464

Tom Drake

Tom Drake was an American actor and singer, born in 1918. He was best known for his roles in films like "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "Green Grass of Wyoming". He also performed as a singer on radio and television programs.

Deathyear: 1982

Michael Dokes

Michael Dokes was a professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 1997. Born in Akron, Ohio, Dokes was a formidable fighter known for his aggressive style and power. He held the WBA cruiserweight title and had a notable fight against Thomas Hearns.

Deathyear: 2012

George Furth

George Furth was an American playwright and actor born in 1932. He is best known for his work on the musicals Company and Merrily We Roll Along.

Deathyear: 2008

Jean Bugatti

Jean Bugatti (1909-1939) was a talented German-Italian engineer, the youngest son of Ettore Bugatti. He worked alongside his father at Bugatti Automobiles, contributing to the Bugatti Royale and designing innovative solutions.

Deathyear: 1939

Tazio Nuvolari

Tazio Nuvolari, a talented Italian racing driver and motorcycle rider, competitions began in the 1913 Grand Prix motorcycle race with Motosacoche. Later, in 1921, he began his racing car career with Isotta Fraschini, and became a legendary figure in Italian racing history.

Deathyear: 1953

J. D. McDuffie

J.D. McDuffie was an American stock car racing driver who competed in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) from 1955 to 2001. Born in 1938, McDuffie won 46 races and finished in the top 10 in the series rankings six times during his 36-year career.

Deathyear: 1991

Hans Memling

Hans Memling, a renowned German-Belgian painter, was born circa 1430. He is known for his intricate and ornate depictions of Christian iconography and mythology.

Deathyear: 1494

Johann Tetzel

Johann Tetzel was a German Catholic priest and preacher who sold indulgences to raise funds for the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His practices, including the sale of indulgences, sparked widespread criticism and controversy, leading to his involvement in the Protestant Reformation.

Deathyear: 1519

Magnentius

Magnentius, Roman usurper, was born in 303 AD. He seized power in 350 AD, defeating Constantius II and proclaiming himself Emperor. He fought against Constantius and his generals, but was defeated and executed in 353 AD.

Deathyear: 353

Lavinia Fontana

Lavinia Fontana was a renowned Italian painter, born in Bologna in 1552. She was one of the most successful female artists of her time, known for her detailed and emotive portraits, altarpieces, and mythological scenes. Fontana's artistic talent was celebrated by both the Papal and Medici courts.

Deathyear: 1614

Hanae Mori

Hanae Mori is a renowned Japanese fashion designer, born in 1926. She is known for her elegant and sophisticated designs, often blending Western and Japanese styles. Mori's designs have been worn by numerous high-profile celebrities and royalty, including the Japanese Imperial Family.

Deathyear: 2022

Yisrael Kristal

Yisrael Kristal, a Polish-Israeli supercentenarian, holds the distinction of being the oldest living Holocaust survivor and one of the ten oldest men ever. Born in 1903, Kristal lived an extraordinary 114 years, defying mortality, and recounting his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust.

Deathyear: 2017