August 14 birthdays and deaths:

Enzo Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari, a pioneering Italian entrepreneur, revolutionized the automotive world by founding Ferrari in 1947. With a passion for racing, he won numerous competitions as a driver, then turned his focus to building iconic sports cars, creating a legacy that continues to thrill enthusiasts globally.

Deathyear: 1988

Dorothy Stratten

Dorothy Stratten was a stunning Canadian-American model and actress best known for her Playboy Playmate of the Month award in 1980. Her life was tragically cut short in a violent crime in 1980, just months before her 21st birthday.

Deathyear: 1980

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst, a prominent American publisher and politician, founded the Hearst Corporation in 1887. Born on April 29, 1863, he built a media empire through his newspapers, radio stations, and magazines, shaping public opinion and influencing politics throughout his long career.

Deathyear: 1951

Bruno Kirby

Bruno Kirby is an American actor born in 1949. He's known for his roles in iconic films like "City Slickers," "When Harry Met Sally," and "Bobby" as supporting actor. His distinctive voice and memorable performances have earned him a dedicated fan base in the film industry.

Deathyear: 2006

Vilasrao Deshmukh

Vilasrao Deshmukh was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. Known for his progressive policies, he focused on healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth. Born in 1945, Deshmukh passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer.

Deathyear: 2012

Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht, a pioneering German playwright and poet, revolutionized theater with his Epic Theatre movement, blending music, declamation, and socially conscious themes to create engaging, thought-provoking productions that exposed class struggles and societal issues.

Deathyear: 1956

Maximilian Kolbe

Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar, was a true martyr. Imprisoned by the Nazis in Auschwitz, he sacrificed his life to spare a fellow prisoner's in 1941. Canonized a saint in 2016, his heroic virtues shine as an inspiration to humanity.

Deathyear: 1941

Oscar Levant

Oscar Levant was a talented American actor, pianist, and composer, born in 1906. Known for his wit and satire, he appeared in films, TV shows, and radio programs, often playing complex, eccentric characters. As a pianist, he performed with major orchestras, showcasing his classical music skills.

Deathyear: 1972

J. B. Priestley

John Boynton Priestley was a renowned English novelist, playwright, and essayist. Born in 1894, he is best known for his novels, plays, and journalistic works that explored themes of social justice, politics, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1984

Pee Wee Reese

Pee Wee Reese was a legendary shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers, earning 7 All-Star Game selections and a batting title. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting, calling Dodgers games alongside Vin Scully for over 25 years.

Deathyear: 1999

Roy Buchanan

Roy Buchanan (1939-1988) was a versatile American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his soulful, emotive voice and intricate, fingerstyle guitar playing. His diverse musical styles included blues, rock, folk, and country.

Deathyear: 1988

Delwar Hossain Sayeedi

Delwar Hossain Sayeedi is a Bangladeshi Islamic scholar and politician born in 1940. He was a leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party and served as the Secretary General. He was convicted of war crimes during the Bangladesh Liberation War and is currently serving a life sentence.

Deathyear: 2023

David Farragut

David Farragut was a renowned American admiral who commanded the Union Navy during the American Civil War. He was born in 1801 in Campbellsport, Tennessee, and is known for his courageous leadership and victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.

Deathyear: 1870

John I of Portugal

John I of Portugal, also known as John the Bastard, was born in 1357 and became the first Duke of Coimbra in 1383. He went on to become King of Portugal in 1385, playing a key role in the Crown's independence from Castile.

Deathyear: 1433

Phyllis Thaxter

Phyllis Thaxter was an American actress born on June 18, 1919, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She made her stage debut at 10 and went on to appear in over 60 films, including "Hannibal" (1959) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962), earning Academy Award nominations for her performances.

Deathyear: 2012

Konstantin von Neurath

Konstantin von Neurath was a German lawyer and politician who served as Reich Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1922 to 1932. He played a key role in shaping Germany's foreign policy during the Weimar Republic era and was a close associate of Chancellor Gustav Stresemann.

Deathyear: 1956

Frédéric Joliot-Curie

Frédéric Joliot-Curie, French physicist and chemist, renowned for his pioneering work on radioactivity and nuclear physics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1935) and Peace Prize (1952) along with his wife Irène Joliot-Curie, marking the family's third consecutive Nobel Prize.

Deathyear: 1958

Duncan I of Scotland

Duncan I, King of Scotland from 1034 to 1040, was a rebellious Norman Earl who seized the throne. His brief reign was marked by conflicts with Macbeth and the Scottish nobility. He was assassinated in 1040, and his body was flung into the River Dee.

Deathyear: 1040

Gale Sondergaard

Gale Sondergaard was a renowned American actress, born in 1899. She began her career on stage, transitioning to film in the 1930s. Known for her distinctive voice and versatile acting skills, she appeared in over 140 films, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Anna and the King of Siam".

Deathyear: 1985

Johnny Burnette

Johnny Burnette was an American singer-songwriter, born in 1934, best known for his hits "You've Got Good Lovin'" and "Mama." He formed the Rock and Roll Trio with his brothers, starring in the TV show "Rock and Roll Trio" and releasing numerous singles and albums throughout his career.

Deathyear: 1964

Czesław Miłosz

Czesław Miłosz was a renowned Polish-born American writer, known for his poetic and philosophical works. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1980, he was celebrated for his vivid descriptions of life under Soviet rule and his exploration of the human condition.

Deathyear: 2004

Clifford Odets

Clifford Odets was a pioneering American playwright, director, and screenwriter, known for his nuanced portrayals of working-class Americans. Born in 1906, Odets' plays, such as "Waiting for Lefty" and "The Big Knife," captivated audiences with their realistic and socially conscious themes.

Deathyear: 1963

Pope Pius II

Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini, was a renowned humanist and diplomat who became Pope in 1458. During his papacy, he promoted art and literature, and launched a crusade against the Ottoman Empire. He was a prolific writer and poet, known for his love of classical learning.

Deathyear: 1464

Tiberius II Constantine

Tiberius II Constantine, also known as Tiberius Constantine, was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 574 to 582. He was a military commander before his accession, and implemented reforms to preserve the empire's territorial integrity and strengthen the military.

Deathyear: 582

Elias Canetti

Elias Canetti (1905-1994) was a Bulgarian-Swiss author and Nobel laureate. Born in Ruse, Bulgaria to a Sephardic Jewish family, Canetti wrote extensively on philosophy, literature, and politics. His novel "Autumn Journal" is a personal account of his exile in Britain during WWII.

Deathyear: 1994

Jill Janus

Jill Janus was an American singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the metal band Huntress. Born in 1975, Janus' powerful voice and energetic stage presence earned her a loyal following in the metal community.

Deathyear: 2018

Sarah Childress Polk

Sarah Childress Polk, wife of President James K. Polk, was First Lady from 1845-1849. Known for her strong faith and simple taste, she hosted many state dinners during her husband's presidency, earning a reputation as a gracious and frugal hostess.

Deathyear: 1891

Fyvush Finkel

Fyvush Finkel, born February 9, 1922, was an American actor, comedian, and singer of Jewish descent. He is best known for his roles in TV shows "Picket Fences" and "Suddenly Susan", earning an Emmy nomination for his performance in the former.

Deathyear: 2016

Sergiu Celibidache

Sergiu Celibidache was a renowned Romanian conductor and composer, known for his precise and expressive interpretations. Born in 1912, he led various orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. His artistic vision emphasized the originality and nuance of the composer's intent.

Deathyear: 1996

Julian Bream

Julian Bream is a renowned English classical guitarist and lutenist, born in 1933. A pioneer of his instrument, he has performed globally, recording extensively, and composed several works. His technical mastery and expressiveness have made him a beloved figure in classical music.

Deathyear: 2020

Michael J. McGivney

Michael J. McGivney, a Connecticut-born priest, founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 as a fraternal organization for Catholic men. He aimed to provide financial support to widows and orphans of deceased members and promote Catholic values. His legacy has endured, with the Knights of Columbus now boasting over 2 million members.

Deathyear: 1890

Margaret Taylor

Margaret Taylor, wife of President Zachary Taylor, was First Lady from 1849 until his death in 1850. A strong-willed and devoted partner, she managed the White House with elegance and poise, hosting numerous state dinners and events during her husband's presidency.

Deathyear: 1852

John Sirica

John Sirica, a distinguished American lawyer and judge, was born in 1904. Sirica served as a US District Judge in Washington, D.C. from 1965 to 1985, earning recognition for his role in the Watergate scandal, famously sentencing Richard Nixon's aides for their roles in the scandal.

Deathyear: 1992

James R. Thompson

James R. Thompson served as the 43rd Governor of Illinois from 1977 to 1991, a record 14-year term. A member of the Republican Party, he focused on economic development and job creation, earning him the nickname "Big Jim."

Deathyear: 2020

Helmut Rahn

Helmut Rahn was a German footballer who played for Hercules Munich and 1. FC Saarbrücken. He is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1954 World Cup Final against Hungary, earning Germany their first World Cup title.

Deathyear: 2003

Karl Böhm

Karl Böhm was a renowned Austrian conductor and director, born in 1894. He was a leading figure in opera and classical music, serving as general music director of the Vienna State Opera from 1921 to 1935.

Deathyear: 1981

Robert Calvert

Robert Calvert, a pioneering South African-English singer-songwriter and playwright, was known for his eclectic style, blending rock, electronic, and avant-garde elements. His distinctive voice and poetic lyrics captivated audiences in bands like Hawklords and SFX, influencing British post-punk and new wave music.

Deathyear: 1988