August 12 birthdays and deaths:

Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII, daughter of Ptolemy XII, ruled Egypt from 51 BC until her death in 30 BC. She was the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, known for her beauty, intelligence, and cunning, as well as her alliances with Mark Antony and Julius Caesar.

Deathyear: -30

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a visionary American painter known for his raw, emotive, and often explosive art. Born in 1960, he blended graffiti, abstract expressionism, and figurative elements, creating a distinctive style that expressed his experiences as an African American artist in the 1980s.

Deathyear: 1988

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall, a sultry and iconic Hollywood legend, shone on screen with her husky voice and smoky eyes. Born Betty Joan Perske in 1924, she was a actress, model, and singer, known for her sultry style and unforgettable roles in films such as "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep".

Deathyear: 2014

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda was a renowned American actor, born in 1905, with a career spanning over 60 years. He appeared in iconic films like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "12 Angry Men," earning an Academy Award and winning hearts with his commanding presence and versatility on screen.

Deathyear: 1982

Ian Fleming

Ian Fleming, noted for his exceptional writing skills and fascination with espionage, served as a British intelligence officer before becoming a renowned author of spy novels, including the famous James Bond series.

Deathyear: 1964

William Blake

William Blake was an English poet, painter, and mystic born in 1757. His iconic works, such as "The Tyger" and "The Divine Comedy," blend mysticism and symbolism. His unique illuminated etchings showcased his artistic prowess, solidifying his status as a Romantic-era luminary.

Deathyear: 1827

Loretta Young

Loretta Young was a renowned American actress known for her versatility and elegance. With a career spanning over six decades, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "The Farmer's Daughter" (1947) and was a multiple Golden Globe winner.

Deathyear: 2000

Thomas Mann

Thomas Mann, a renowned German author and critic, was born in 1875. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929 for his contributions. He wrote novels, short stories, and essays, and was known for his complex and profound works, such as "Death in Venice" and "Magic Mountain".

Deathyear: 1955

Merv Griffin

Merv Griffin was a legendary American entertainer, born in 1925. He created the iconic game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, forever changing the face of television. A singer, actor, and producer, Griffin's talents knew no bounds, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2007

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was an American lieutenant and pilot who flew bombing missions in World War II. He was the eldest son of Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy and paternal grandfather of President John F. Kennedy.

Deathyear: 1944

John Cage

John Cage, a pioneering American composer and theorist, was born in 1912. He is known for his experimental and avant-garde music, which incorporates chance and indeterminacy.

Deathyear: 1992

Aimo Koivunen

Here is a 40-word biographical summary about Aimo Koivunen, a Finnish soldier and corporal: Aimo Koivunen (b. 1917) was a Finnish soldier who served as a corporal in the Winter War and the Continuation War. He received the Finnish Virtue Medal for his bravery and became an honorary member of the Finnish Military Forces.

Deathyear: 1989

Les Paul

Les Paul, a pioneering American guitarist and songwriter, was born in 1915. He innovated the solid-body electric guitar and developed multi-track recording. Paul's eclectic style spanned jazz, country, and rock 'n' roll, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and a place in music history.

Deathyear: 2009

Una Stubbs

Una Stubbs is a renowned English actress, TV personality, and dancer, born in 1937. She's best known for her iconic roles in EastEnders and Citizen Smith, as well as her judging stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Her charming stage presence has captivated audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2021

Yongle Emperor

Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, reigned from 1402-1424. Born in 1360, Yongle is remembered for his impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of the Forbidden City and the development of the Ming navy.

Deathyear: 1424

William Shockley

William Shockley, a renowned American physicist and academic, was a pioneer in semiconductor research. He was the inventor of the first working transistor and a Nobel laureate in 1956.

Deathyear: 1989

Salvador Sánchez

Salvador Sánchez, a Mexican professional boxer, was born in 1959. He won the WBC lightweight title in 1980 and successfully defended it 11 times. Known for his aggressive fighting style and devastating punching power, Sánchez is considered one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time.

Deathyear: 1982

Kyu Sakamoto

Japanese singer-songwriter Kyu Sakamoto (1941-1985) was a beloved icon of Japanese popular music, known for his soothing voice and sentimental lyrics. His hits, such as "Ue o Muite Arukō" ("Sukiyaki"), brought international fame, captivating audiences worldwide with their warm, nostalgic charm.

Deathyear: 1985

George Stephenson

George Stephenson, a pioneering English engineer and academic, designed and built the first public steam locomotive, the Locomotion No. 1, in 1825. He played a crucial role in developing the railways, revolutionizing transportation, and contributing to the Industrial Revolution.

Deathyear: 1848

Stephen Lewis (actor)

Stephen Lewis is a renowned English actor and screenwriter, born in 1926. With a career spanning over six decades, he has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, earning him multiple awards and nominations, including a BAFTA Award for Best Male Television Performance.

Deathyear: 2015

Pope Sixtus IV

Sixtus IV, born Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici, was Pope of the Catholic Church from 1471 to 1484. He was a member of the powerful Medici family and played a significant role in the affairs of Florence, promoting politics and art in Rome.

Deathyear: 1484

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, was a prominent Irish-English politician who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1812 to 1822. Born in 1769, he was known for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars and his role in drafting the Congress of Vienna.

Deathyear: 1822

Wilhelm Steinitz

Wilhelm Steinitz, an Austrian chess prodigy, was born in 1836. He dominated the chess scene in the late 19th century, winning the World Chess Championship in 1886. An influential theorist, he published "The Modern Chess Instructor" and made significant contributions to openings and endgames.

Deathyear: 1900

Arthur Griffith

Arthur Griffith (1871-1922) was an Irish journalist and politician who served as the 3rd President of Dáil Éireann from 1919 to 1922. He was a founding member of Sinn Féin and played a key role in the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations.

Deathyear: 1922

Albert Gallatin

Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American statesman and scholar who served as the 4th United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1801 to 1814. He was a prominent figure in the Democratic-Republican Party and played a key role in shaping the country's financial system.

Deathyear: 1849

Leoš Janáček

Leóš Janáček (1854-1928) was a renowned Czech composer and educator, known for his distinctive, expressive, and emotive works that drew from Czech folk music and liturgical traditions. His compositions, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, are celebrated for their lyricism and introspection.

Deathyear: 1928

Louis II of Italy

Louis II, Holy Roman Emperor, born in 825, was a powerful ruler who expanded Frankish and Holy Roman Empire territories. He was crowned co-emperor with his father Lothair I and went on to rule alone from 850 until his death in 875.

Deathyear: 875

Enos Slaughter

Enos Slaughter, nicknamed "The Squire," was a legendary American baseball player and manager. He played 19 seasons in the majors, earning 2,383 hits and a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1942. He managed the Cardinals from 1947 to 1958.

Deathyear: 2002

James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was a prominent American poet, critic, and editor. His poetry explored themes of love, nature, and social justice. As a critic, he championed American writers, particularly the Transcendentalists, and advocated for literary and artistic independence.

Deathyear: 1891

Pope Innocent XI

Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689) was a Polish noblesman who became Pope in 1676. He was known for his simplicity and modesty, and his papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Catholic Church and reduce the power of European monarchs.

Deathyear: 1689

Tom Driberg

Tom Driberg was a British journalist and politician who served as Labour MP for Maldon from 1947 to 1976. Known for his investigative journalism, he was also a longtime member of the British Communist Party.

Deathyear: 1976

John Philip Holland

John Philip Holland, an Irish engineer, designed the HMS Holland 1, the world's first submarine, in 1900. Born in 1840, Holland's innovative design paved the way for modern submarines, revolutionizing naval warfare.

Deathyear: 1914

Dorothy Mackaill

Dorothy Mackaill was a celebrated English-American actress, born in 1903. She began her career on the British stage, transitioning to Hollywood in the 1920s. Known for her striking features and alluring on-screen presence, Mackaill enjoyed a successful career, starring in over 70 films.

Deathyear: 1990

Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon

Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon, was a British soldier and politician who served as the 56th Governor General of Canada from 1926 to 1931. He was born in 1866 and was also the Governor-General of India from 1931 to 1936.

Deathyear: 1941

Ladi Kwali

Ladi Kwali, the renowned Nigerian potter, was born in 1925. She learned Potter-making traditions from her ancestors, specializing in black-ware pottery. Her incredible work is showcased at the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, recognizing her contributions to Nigeria's arts heritage.

Deathyear: 1984

Mikhail Kamensky

Mikhail Kamensky was a Russian field marshal who served during the Napoleonic Wars. Born in 1738, he played a key role in the Patriotic War of 1812, leading the Russian army to victory against Napoleon's forces.

Deathyear: 1809

Godfrey Hounsfield

Here is a 40-word write-up about Godfrey Hounsfield: Godfrey Hounsfield, a pioneering biophysicist, engineered the first CAT scans, revolutionizing medical imaging. His Nobel Prize (1979) recognized his contributions to computed tomography, which has saved countless lives and transformed diagnostic medicine. Born in 1919, Hounsfield's legacy endures in medical technology.

Deathyear: 2004

Richie Hayward

Richie Hayward was a renowned American drummer and songwriter, best known for his work with the rock band Little Feat. Born in 1946, Hayward's unique percussion style and songwriting skills helped shape the band's distinctive sound, earning him widespread recognition within the music industry.

Deathyear: 2010

Giovanni Gabrieli

Giovanni Gabrieli, a renowned Italian organist and composer, was born in 1557. He became a prominent figure in Venice's musical scene, serving as organist at the Basilica di San Marco. His compositions, blending Baroque and Renaissance styles, showcased his mastery of polyphony and counterpoint.

Deathyear: 1612

Francisco de Vitoria

Francisco de Vitoria was a Spanish theologian and Dominican friar born in 1492. He was a prominent figure in the Scholastic movement and is considered one of the founders of modern international law.

Deathyear: 1546

Philippe de Champaigne

Philippe de Champaigne was a renowned Belgian-French painter and educator born in 1602. A pupil of François du Quesnoy, he was known for his portraits, mythological scenes, and decorative paintings. He also taught at the Académie de France in Rome.

Deathyear: 1674

Mark Gruenwald

Mark Gruenwald is a renowned American author and illustrator, best known for his work on the Marvel Comics universe. Born in 1953, he has written and illustrated numerous comic books, including Captain America, Iron Man, and Marvel Comics Presents.

Deathyear: 1996