August 19 birthdays and deaths:

Tony Scott

Tony Scott, a British-American film director and producer, born in 1944, made an impact on the film industry through his work in action-packed movies.

Deathyear: 2012

Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx, born Julius Henry Marx in 1890, was a renowned American comedian and actor. He was best known for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and clever wordplay, starring in the Marx Brothers' classic films and making iconic appearances on TV and in film.

Deathyear: 1977

Otto Frank

Otto Frank, a German-Swiss businessman, was the father of Anne Frank, a renowned Jewish diarist. Born in 1889, Otto's family was forced into hiding for two years during WWII after the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. He was instrumental in publishing Anne's diary, sharing her story with the world.

Deathyear: 1980

Blaise Pascal

Blaise Pascal was a renowned French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher who lived from 1623 to 1662. He made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, physics, and philosophy, including the development of probability theory and the calculation of pi.

Deathyear: 1662

Sonny Chiba

Sonny Chiba is a legendary Japanese actor, martial artist, and filmmaker, born in 1939. He is renowned for his iconic roles in films like "The Street Fighter" and "Battle Royale", showcasing his impressive martial arts skills and charisma on screen.

Deathyear: 2021

Linus Pauling

Linus Pauling was a renowned American chemist and biologist who won two Nobel Prizes, one in chemistry in 1954 and one in peace in 1962. He was a leading figure in the fields of chemistry, biology, and medicine, and was known for his groundbreaking research on the structure of molecules and the causes of diseases.

Deathyear: 1994

James Foley (journalist)

Here is a 40-word summary of James Foley: James Foley (1973-2014) was an American photographer and journalist who risked his life to capture the stories of war-torn countries. Foley worked for various outlets, including Time, Agence France-Presse, and GlobalPost, before being kidnapped and executed by ISIS in 2014.

Deathyear: 2014

Federico García Lorca

Federico García Lorca was a renowned Spanish poet, playwright, and director born in 1898. He is celebrated for his poignant and provocative works, which explored themes of love, death, and political turmoil. His plays, such as "Blood Wedding" and "Yerma", are still widely performed today.

Deathyear: 1936

John Wesley Hardin

John Wesley Hardin was a notorious American outlaw and gunfighter born in 1853. He was known for his ruthless killings and was accused of at least 40 murders. He was eventually captured in 1878 and served 16 years in prison before dying in 1929.

Deathyear: 1895

Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory was a renowned American comedian, author, and activist, using his platform to speak out on civil rights and social justice issues. Known for his biting wit and sharp commentary, he challenged societal norms and inequalities throughout his career.

Deathyear: 2017

Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor

Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor (1415-1493) was the last emperor of the House of Habsburg. He was known for his inept leadership and failed military campaigns. His reign saw the decline of the empire's power and influence, marking the beginning of its decline.

Deathyear: 1493

Hermione Baddeley

Hermione Baddeley was a renowned English actress, born in 1906. She appeared in numerous stage, film, and television productions, earning a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Mrs. Sloane in "A Private Function" (1984).

Deathyear: 1986

Alastair Sim

Alastair Sim was a renowned Scottish-English actor, born in 1900. He is best known for his iconic portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1951 film "A Christmas Carol". Sim's versatility and charisma made him a beloved figure in British cinema, earning him a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 1976

Vilfredo Pareto

Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian sociologist and economist, was born in 1845. He made significant contributions to economics, sociology, and philosophy. His groundbreaking work, "Traité de mécanique statistique," introduced the concept of Pareto efficiency, which suggests that resources are optimally allocated when the maximum value is produced with the available resources.

Deathyear: 1923

Utpal Dutt

Utpal Dutt was a renowned Bangladeshi actor, director, and playwright who dominated the Bengali theatre scene for over three decades. With his iconic brooding gaze and charismatic presence, he won the hearts of millions, earning the title of "Father of Bengali Theatre" for his immense contribution to the field.

Deathyear: 1993

Mo Mowlam

Marjorie Mowlam, known as Mo Mowlam, was a British academic and politician who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1997 to 2001. She was a strong advocate for Northern Ireland peace and was nicknamed "Luvvie Mo" by the British press.

Deathyear: 2005

Andrea Palladio

Andrea Palladio, a renowned Italian architect, designed iconic landmarks in 16th-century Venice. His notable works include the majestic Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and Il Redentore, showcasing his mastery of classical proportions and elegant lines, influencing Western architecture for centuries.

Deathyear: 1580

Sérgio Vieira de Mello

Sérgio Vieira de Mello was a renowned Brazilian diplomat, born in 1948. He served as a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights. He was also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq, where he tragically lost his life in a bombing in 2003.

Deathyear: 2003

Alcide De Gasperi

Alcide De Gasperi was a pioneering Italian journalist and politician who served as the 30th Prime Minister of Italy from 1945 to 1953. He played a key role in shaping Italy's post-war reconstruction and was instrumental in drafting the country's post-war constitution.

Deathyear: 1954

Jack Riley (actor)

Here is a 40-word biography about Jack Riley: American actor and voice artist Jack Riley (born 1935) is best known for his iconic roles in TV and film, including his 14-year stint as Officer Carl Switzer on "Laverne & Shirley" and his distinctive voice work in numerous cartoons, anime, and video games.

Deathyear: 2016

Sergei Diaghilev

Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian critic and producer, founded the iconic Ballets Russes in 1907. Born in 1872, Diaghilev nurtured innovative collaborations between Russian ballet dancers, composers, and artists, revolutionizing the art form and leaving a lasting impact on the world of ballet and modern art.

Deathyear: 1929

Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany

Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany (1158-1186), was a powerful Breton nobleman. He inherited the duchy at age 12, reigning alongside his mother Constance, then ruled independently from 1170. He married Constance of Toulouse and expanded Breton territories, strengthening alliances with the Plantagenets.

Deathyear: 1186

George Gamow

George Gamow, a Ukrainian-American physicist and cosmologist, was born in 1904. He made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, including his theory of the Big Bang and the suggestion that the universe is still expanding.

Deathyear: 1968

Hugo Gernsback

Hugo Gernsback, Luxembourg-born author and publisher, founded Modern Electrics magazine in 1908, introducing science fiction to a wider audience. His publications, such as Amazing Stories, popularized the genre, inspiring many famous authors and shaping the science fiction industry.

Deathyear: 1967

Mark Donohue

Mark Donohue was an American racing driver and engineer, born in 1937. He won the 1972 Can-Am Championship and the 1975 Trans-Am Championship.

Deathyear: 1975

Jessie Matthews

Jessie Matthews was a talented English actress, singer, and dancer, born in 1907. She rose to fame in the 1930s with her energetic performances in films like "Oh, Mr. Porter!" and "Thark". Her charming stage presence earned her the nickname "The Girl of the Moment".

Deathyear: 1981

Alphonso, Earl of Chester

Alphonso, Earl of Chester, was an English nobleman born in 1273 as the illegitimate son of King Edward I. He was granted the earldom of Chester and served as a military commander, distinguishing himself in battles against the Scots and French.

Deathyear: 1284

Pierre Schaeffer

Pierre Schaeffer, a renowned French composer and musicologist, was born in 1910. He is credited with introducing aleatoric and graphic scores, and his innovative approach to electroacoustics and musique concrète transformed the music world, paving the way for modern avant-garde music.

Deathyear: 1995

Donald Woods

Donald Woods was a South African-born journalist, lawyer, and author, best known for his association with Steve Biko and his exposé of apartheid in the 1970s.

Deathyear: 2001

Levy Mwanawasa

Levy Mwanawasa was a Zambian lawyer and politician who served as the 3rd President of Zambia from 2002 until his death in 2008. He was a skilled diplomat and leader who implemented various economic and infrastructure projects during his tenure.

Deathyear: 2008

Musa'id bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Musa'id bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was a Saudi Arabian prince born in 1923. He was the 10th son of King Abdulaziz and served as a military officer and diplomat. He was also a prominent businessman and held various leadership positions in the Saudi government.

Deathyear: 2013

Don Hewitt

Don Hewitt was a pioneering TV producer who revolutionized news programming with his creation of 60 Minutes. Born in 1922, Hewitt's innovative storytelling skills and journalistic expertise brought groundbreaking reporting to the masses, carving a lasting impact on American broadcasting.

Deathyear: 2009

Henry Wood

Henry Wood was a renowned English conductor, born in 1869. He founded the promoter society, helping orchestras tour abroad. He also founded the Proms concerts, a popular annual classical music festival in London.

Deathyear: 1944