August 2 birthdays and deaths:

Warren G. Harding

Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 until his death in 1923. A Republican from Ohio, he was known for his progressive policies and charismatic leadership, leading the country through the end of World War I and into the Roaring Twenties.

Deathyear: 1923

Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-Canadian engineer, revolutionized communication by inventing the telephone in 1876. Born in 1847, Bell's groundbreaking innovation transformed global communication, connecting people across the globe and forever changing the world.

Deathyear: 1922

Paul von Hindenburg

Paul von Hindenburg was a German field marshal and politician who served as the second President of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934. He was a prominent figure in German politics and military history, known for his victories in World War I.

Deathyear: 1934

Roy Cohn

Roy Cohn was an American lawyer and politician who served as the chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950s. He is known for his controversial political beliefs and his relationship with the mafia.

Deathyear: 1986

Wild Bill Hickok

"Wild Bill" Hickok was a notorious American lawman, gunfighter, and soldier who served as a sheriff, marshal, and spy. Born in 1837, he was known for his bravery and quick draw, earning a reputation as one of the most famous gunfighters of the Wild West.

Deathyear: 1876

William S. Burroughs

William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) was a pioneering American writer known for his experimental and often controversial works, including "Naked Lunch" and "Junkie". His writing often explored themes of addiction, technology, and the human condition, earning him a cult-like following and a reputation as a rebellious literary icon.

Deathyear: 1997

William II of England

William II, also known as William Rufus, was King of England from 1087 to 1100. He was the third son of William the Conqueror and ascended to the throne after his father's death. Known for his poor relations with the Church and his brutality towards his nobles.

Deathyear: 1100

Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti was a Nigerian singer-songwriter and activist known for his Afrobeat music, which fused traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz and funk. He used his music to protest social and political injustices, and was at times imprisoned and tortured for his activism.

Deathyear: 1997

Vin Scully

Vin Scully, a legendary American sportscaster, and game show host, born in 1927, has been an iconic voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers for 67 years, captivating audiences with his poetic play-by-play commentary, and also hosted "What's My Line" and "The NFL Today", earning him 6-time Emmy Awards.

Deathyear: 2022

Henry III of France

Henry III of France (1551-1589) was a king of France from 1574 to 1589.Known for his elegant court and lavish lifestyle, he was drawn into the Wars of Religion, struggling to extend royal authority, and ultimately met his demise at the hands of Jacques Clément, a fanatical Catholic assassin.

Deathyear: 1589

Fritz Lang

Fritz Lang, a pioneering filmmaker, was born on December 5, 1890, in Vienna, Austria. He is celebrated for his visually stunning and socially conscious films, such as "Metropolis" (1927) and "M" (1931), which explored themes of technology, class, and humanity.

Deathyear: 1976

Shari Lewis

Shari Lewis was a beloved American television host and puppeteer, best known for her variety shows featuring her ventriloquism skills and beloved puppets, including beloved puppet sidekick, Lamb Chop.

Deathyear: 1998

Muhammad Ali of Egypt

Muhammad Ali, born in 1769, was an Ottoman Albanian commander who transformed Egypt into a modern state. Renowned for military prowess, he established a powerful army, fostered economic growth, and introduced reforms, leaving a lasting legacy as a visionary leader and national hero.

Deathyear: 1849

Mohamed Farrah Aidid

Mohamed Farrah Aidid was a Somalian general and politician who served as the 5th president of Somalia from 1969 to 1976. He gained notoriety for his involvement in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu during the Somali Civil War.

Deathyear: 1996

Nitin Chandrakant Desai

Nitin Chandrakant Desai is a renowned Indian art director, production designer, and producer, born in 1965. His visually stunning work has adorned numerous Bollywood films and international projects, earning him numerous accolades, including the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award.

Deathyear: 2023

Thurman Munson

Thurman Munson was a talented American baseball catcher who played 11 seasons with the New York Yankees, earning six All-Star appearances and winning three World Series championships. He was known for his strong throwing arm and team-first mentality.

Deathyear: 1979

Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso was a renowned Italian tenor and actor, born on February 25, 1873. He was one of the most celebrated vocalists of his time, known for his powerful voice, exceptional technique, and charismatic stage presence, captivating audiences across Europe and America.

Deathyear: 1921

Ahmad ibn Hanbal

Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-852 CE) was a renowned Arab theologian and jurist. He founded the Hanbali school of Islamic thought, emphasized the authority of the Quran and Hadith, and became recognized for his unwavering commitment to Sunni orthodoxy amidst the early Islamic theological debates.

Deathyear: 855

Horace Mann

Horace Mann, a renowned American educator and politician, was born in 1796. He served as the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, establishing schools and improving education.

Deathyear: 1859

David Huddleston

David Huddleston, a veteran American actor, was born on September 17, 1930. He gained fame for his roles in films like "Blazing Saddles" and "ThunderCats," as well as his starring role as King Ralph in the 1991 comedy.

Deathyear: 2016

Ælfweard of Wessex

Ælfweard of Wessex (b. 904) was a son of King Æthelstan of England and later King of Wessex from 924-925 AD. He only ruled for a short period, as his half-brother Edmund I of England soon took the throne.

Deathyear: 924

Raymond Carver

Raymond Carver was a renowned American short story writer and poet, known for his concise and powerful storytelling. His works, often focused on everyday life and relationships, explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition, earning him a Pulitzer Prize and a devoted literary following.

Deathyear: 1988

James Jamerson

James Jamerson, renowned American bass player, rose to fame with Motown Records. Known for his innovative, melodic bass lines, he played on iconic hits like "I Want You Back" and "Dancing in the Street" with The Funk Brothers, backing legendary Motown artists.

Deathyear: 1983

Thomas Gainsborough

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) was a renowned English painter, known for his captivating portraits and landscapes. He was a dominant figure in British art, rivaling the great Jean-Honoré Fragonard. His works, often featuring gentle colors and delicate brushstrokes, continue to fascinate art lovers to this day.

Deathyear: 1788

Judith Jones

Judith Jones, a pioneering editor, discovered Julia Child and co-authored "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". Jones's own cookbook, "The Pleasures of Cooking for One", showcases her expertise in cooking for one person. Her six-decade career at Knopf publishing also features prominent food writers like Child and M.F.K. Fisher.

Deathyear: 2017

Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens was a renowned American poet and educator, born in 1879. His poetry often explored the relationship between reality and the human imagination. He taught English at various institutions, including Harvard University.

Deathyear: 1955

Norman Maclean

Norman Maclean was a celebrated American author, best known for his lyrical and poignant writing style. Born in 1902, Maclean's works often explored the human experience, nature, and the American West, showcasing his unique blend of literature and history.

Deathyear: 1990

Jean-Pierre Melville

Jean-Pierre Melville was a French New Wave pioneer, directing gritty, stylish films like " Breathless" and "Army of Shadows". He also acted in films, including his own directorial efforts.

Deathyear: 1973

Montgolfier brothers

Here is 40-word summary about Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier: Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, a French inventor, co-invented the hot air balloon with his brother Joseph-Michel. Born in 1745, Montgolfier's curiosity and experiments led to the creation of the first successful, manned hot air balloon flight on December 1, 1783, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.

Deathyear: 1799

Ahmed Zewail

Ahmed Zewail is an Egyptian-American chemist and academic who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his work on the dynamics of chemical reactions. Born in 1946, Zewail is the Michael E. DeBakey Professor of Chemistry and High-Field NMR at Rice University.

Deathyear: 2016

Paul Goodman

Paul Goodman was a groundbreaking American psychotherapist and author born in 1911. He is best known for his provocative writings on existential psychology, politics, and social commentary. His influential books, such as "Growth of Psychological Man," have had a lasting impact on modern thought.

Deathyear: 1972

John Keegan

John Keegan was a renowned English historian and journalist, born in 1934. He wrote extensively on military history and was particularly known for his detailed and insightful accounts of World War I and World War II.

Deathyear: 2012

Lazare Carnot

Lazare Carnot was a French mathematician, general, and politician who played a crucial role in the French Revolution. He was a key figure in the Committee of Public Safety, and later served as President of the National Convention, where he was instrumental in the overthrow of King Louis XVI.

Deathyear: 1823

Michel Berger

Michel Berger was a French singer-songwriter and producer, known for his elegant and poignant music. With a career spanning over three decades, he released several albums, including his iconic "Vivre est mieux à deux" (Living is Better with You) duet with France Gall.

Deathyear: 1992

Pietro Mascagni

Pietro Mascagni was a renowned Italian composer, educator, and conductor. Born in 1863, he is best known for his opera "Cavalleria Rusticana". With over 350 compositions, his works spanned from operas to symphonies, and he taught at the Naples Conservatory, inspiring generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 1945

Francesco Borromini

Francesco Borromini, a Swiss architect of the late Renaissance, designed iconic Baroque structures in Rome, including the stunning San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (1638-1652) and the ornate Sant'Agnese in Agone (1652-1670).

Deathyear: 1667

Willie Morris

Willie Morris (1934-1999) was a renowned American writer, memoirist, and literary critic. Known for his lyrical prose and poignant explorations of Southern culture, his works include the novel "North Toward Home" and his Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of essays, "The Long-Haul Driver".

Deathyear: 1999

Pope Stephen I

Pope Stephen I, born Stephen III, succeeded Pope Innocent I in 253 AD. He was martyred on August 2, 257 AD, in Rome. He is revered as a saint and is the patron saint of the city of Rome.

Deathyear: 257

Katō Kiyomasa

Katō Kiyomasa (1562-1619) was a Japanese daimyō who ruled the Kuroda clan and controlled parts of western Japan. He played a key role in the Battle of Sekigahara and was a renowned military strategist, known for his bravery and wisdom.

Deathyear: 1611