August 18 birthdays and deaths:

Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose was an Indian nationalist who fought for independence from British colonial rule. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and led the Azad Hind Dal, an Indian nationalist organization.

Deathyear: 1945

Pope Alexander VI

Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, was a Spanish noble and Pope from 1492 to 1503. Known for his corrupt and scandalous papacy, he was accused of nepotism, simony, and even murder.

Deathyear: 1503

B. F. Skinner

B.F. Skinner, a renowned American psychologist and philosopher, invented the iconic Skinner box, a device that reveals operant conditioning. Born in 1904, Skinner's work revolutionized the study of behaviorism and learning, shaping modern psychology's understanding of human behavior.

Deathyear: 1990

Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat, led the UN from 1997 to 2006, promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. A laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize (2001), he advocated for global cooperation, climate action, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on international relations.

Deathyear: 2018

Honoré de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac was a renowned French novelist and playwright born in 1799. He is best known for his insightful and detailed portrayals of French society in the 19th century, as seen in his vast magnum opus, "La Comédie humaine".

Deathyear: 1850

Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, was born on December 8, 1708. He was the son of Emperor Leopold I and became the Holy Roman Emperor in 1745. He was known for his diplomatic efforts to avoid war and his support of the arts and sciences.

Deathyear: 1765

Ben Cross

Ben Cross, born Harry Weinberg in 1947, is a renowned English stage and film actor. He's appeared in notable roles such as "Chariots of Fire" and "Apollo 13." His distinctive voice and versatility have earned him acclaim in both Britain and Hollywood.

Deathyear: 2020

Bruce Forsyth

Bruce Forsyth was a veteran English entertainer, best known for hosting the popular game show "The Generation Game" and "Strictly Come Dancing". With a career spanning over 70 years, he was a beloved figure in British television, entertaining audiences with his wit and charm.

Deathyear: 2017

Ibrahim of the Ottoman Empire

Ibrahim I (1615-1648) was the 14th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known for his military conquests in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. He strengthened the navy, expanded trade, and codified laws, earning him the nickname "the Mad" due to his eccentric and extravagant Behavior.

Deathyear: 1648

Kim Dae-jung

Kim Dae-jung, born in 1925, was a South Korean politician and human rights activist who served as the 15th President of South Korea from 1998 to 2003. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts to promote democratization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Deathyear: 2009

Persis Khambatta

Persis Khambatta, a Indian model and actress, was crowned Femina Miss India 1965. Born in 1948, she went on to become the first Indian woman to win the Femina Miss India title.

Deathyear: 1998

Scott McKenzie

Scott McKenzie was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his 1967 hit single "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" from the album "The Mamas & the Papas."

Deathyear: 2012

Elmer Bernstein

Elmer Bernstein was a renowned American composer and conductor, best known for his iconic film scores, including "The Magnificent Seven," "The Ten Commandments," and "Ghostbusters." His contributions to classical music are celebrated, with a career spanning over six decades.

Deathyear: 2004

Lolita (orca)

Lolita, also known as Toki, is a 57-year-old orca held in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970. Born around 1966, she is one of the oldest orcas in captivity, and her capture and captivity have sparked international controversy and calls for her release.

Deathyear: 2023

Ernst Thälmann

I think there may be a mistake! Ernst Thälmann (1886-1944) was a German communist politician, not a soldier. He served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Germany and was a prominent figure in the German left-wing movement until his assassination in 1944.

Deathyear: 1944

Jesse Robredo

Jesse Robredo was a Filipino public servant and politician who served as the 23rd Secretary of the Interior and Local Government from 2010 to 2012. Born in 1958, he was known for his integrity, dedication, and service-oriented leadership, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

Deathyear: 2012

Walter Chrysler

Walter Chrysler was a pioneering American businessman who founded the Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Born in 1875, he revolutionized the automotive industry with his innovative designs and commitment to quality, establishing a legacy as one of the most prominent figures in American business.

Deathyear: 1940

Wanli Emperor

The Wanli Emperor (1563-1600) was the seventh emperor of the Ming dynasty in China. He reigned from 1572 to 1600 and is known for his poor judgment and extravagance, causing the decline of the Ming dynasty.

Deathyear: 1620

Learned Hand

Learned Hand, a renowned American lawyer, jurist, and philosopher, was born in 1872. He served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1905 to 1961, earning a reputation for his astute legal analysis and brilliant written judgments.

Deathyear: 1961

Don Pardo

Don Pardo (1918-) is a legendary American radio and television announcer, best known for his distinctive voice and long-time work on Saturday Night Live. With a career spanning over 70 years, he has been dubbed the "Voice of NBC" and has narrated numerous documentaries and commercials.

Deathyear: 2014

Robert Novak

Robert Novak was a renowned American journalist and author, born in 1931. He was a prominent political reporter and columnist, known for his conservative views and fiery personality. He wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for his reporting.

Deathyear: 2009

Khaled al-Asaad

Khaled al-Asaad was a renowned Syrian archaeologist and author, born in 1932. He made groundbreaking discoveries in Palmyra, including the famous Statue of Laoqee, and wrote extensively on Middle Eastern archaeology. His work has greatly contributed to our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Deathyear: 2015

Ricimer

Here is 40 words about Ricimer, Roman general and politician: Ricimer (c. 405-472 AD) was a Roman general and politician who played a crucial role in the Western Roman Empire's decline. Born in Gaul, he rose to prominence through his military prowess and became the de facto ruler of Italy and the Western Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 472

Vasantrao Naik

Vasantrao Naik was an Indian politician, serving as the 1st Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1960 to 1962. He was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and played a key role in shaping the state's politics.

Deathyear: 1979

Guido Reni

Guido Reni was a renowned Italian painter and educator, born in 1575 in Bologna. He was a leading figure in the Baroque style, known for his dramatic and emotionally charged works, which blended classicism and sensuality.

Deathyear: 1642

Jim Jeffords

Jim Jeffords was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Vermont from 1989 to 2007. He was a Republican, but chose to caucus with the Democrats in the Senate. His decision to switch parties in 2001 allowed Al Gore to win the presidential election.

Deathyear: 2014

Pope Paul IV

Pope Paul IV (1476-1559) was a prominent Italian priest, elected as the Pope from 1555 until his death in 1559. He was a member of the Borgia family and is infamous for his brutal persecution of Jews, Roman Catholics, and Protestants during the Inquisition.

Deathyear: 1559

Urbain Grandier

Urbain Grandier, a French priest, was born in 1590. He was known for his charismatic preaching and was appointed to the parish of Saint-Eloi in Loudun.

Deathyear: 1634

Anita Loos

American author and screenwriter Anita Loos was born in 1889. She is best known for her bestselling novel "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1925), a comedy which was adapted into a classic film starring Marilyn Monroe.

Deathyear: 1981

Theodore II Laskaris

Theodore II Laskaris (1221-1258) was a Byzantine emperor, ruler of Nicea from 1254 to 1258. After his brother John III's death, Theodore seized the throne, establishing a rival capital at Nicea, while also maintaining diplomatic ties with the Latin Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 1258

Bud Yorkin

Bud Yorkin was a pioneering filmmaker and entrepreneur. As a director, producer, and screenwriter, he helmed the groundbreaking sitcom "The Untouchables" (1959-1963) and co-founded Tandem Productions with wife and actress, Sandy Dennis.

Deathyear: 2015

Saint Fiacre

Saint Fiaché, an Irish hermit, lived on the rock off the coast of Ireland. He renounced worldly possessions and devoted himself to prayer and contemplation. Despite his isolation, he was renowned for his wisdom and kindness, attracting many visitors seeking spiritual guidance.

Deathyear: 670

Hiram Fong

Hiram Fong, a Chinese-American military officer, politician, and lawyer, was born in 1906. He served as the first Asian-American to be elected to the United States Senate in 1959, representing Hawaii from 1963 to 1977.

Deathyear: 2004

Nikolaus Pevsner

Nikolaus Pevsner was a renowned German-English historian and scholar, born in 1902. He wrote extensively on art, architecture, and cultural history, including his celebrated series "Buildings of England". His insightful writings shed light on the country's rich architectural heritage.

Deathyear: 1983

Ernst Nolte

Ernst Nolte is a German historian born in 1923. He is known for his far-right affiliations and controversial historical analyses on Nazism and its relationship to communism. His works have been criticized for revisionist tendencies and anti-Semitic undertones.

Deathyear: 2016

Al Quie

Al Quie served as the 35th Governor of Minnesota from 1976 to 1979. Born in 1923, he was a Republican politician who focused on education, transportation, and environmental issues during his term in office.

Deathyear: 2023

Étienne de La Boétie

Étienne de La Boétie was a French judge and philosopher born in 1530. He is best known for his famous treatise, "The Discourse on Voluntary Servitude," in which he critiques the concept of absolute power and argues that individual liberty is essential for a just society.

Deathyear: 1563

Rose Friedman

Here is 40-word write-up about Rose Friedman: Rose Friedman, a renowned Ukrainian-American economist and author, was born in 1910 in Kishinev, Romania. She co-authored "Free to Choose" with her husband Milton Friedman, a seminal work on economic policy and individual freedom.

Deathyear: 2009

Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)

Alfonso of Aragon (1481-1528) was a Spanish prince and member of the House of Trastámara. Son of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Eleanor of Castile, he was created Prince of Asturias, a title traditionally given to the heir apparent.

Deathyear: 1500

Suvra Mukherjee

Suvra Mukherjee was the wife of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and passed away on August 28, 2015, at the age of 74. She was known for her elegant demeanor and was often spotted accompanying her husband at official events.

Deathyear: 2015