August 21 birthdays and deaths:

Leon Trotsky

Leon Trotsky was a Russian Marxist theorist and politician who played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution. He founded the Red Army and served as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, but was eventually exiled and assassinated in Mexico in 1940.

Deathyear: 1940

Elizabeth Báthory

Elizabeth Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer, was accused of torturing and murdering up to 650 young girls and women in the 17th century. She was imprisoned and died under mysterious circumstances in 1614.

Deathyear: 1614

Buford Pusser

Buford Pusser was a renowned American police officer, born in 1937. Served as a sheriff in McNairy County, Tennessee, and became a hero for his bravery and honesty.

Deathyear: 1974

Stefán Karl Stefánsson

Stefán Karl Stefánsson was an Icelandic actor and singer, best known for his portrayal of the unforgettable character Robbie Rotten in the children's television series "LazyTown". His energetic performances and infectious smile won the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 2018

Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan was a renowned Indian musician and shehnai maestro, known for his iconic instrumentals and traditional performances. A Bharat Ratna recipient, he was born in 1916 in Afghanistan and spent his life enriching Indian classical music with his soulful melodies.

Deathyear: 2006

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was a renowned Indian-American astrophysicist and mathematician, known for his groundbreaking work on stellar evolution and black holes. His Nobel Prize in Physics (1983) recognized his prediction of the existence of black holes, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.

Deathyear: 1995

Ninoy Aquino

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. was a Filipino journalist and politician who played a key role in the country's struggle for democracy. He served as a senator and was a vocal critic of the Marcos regime. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually assassinated in 1983.

Deathyear: 1983

Charles and Ray Eames

Charles Eames, a pioneering American architect, designed the iconic Eames House in 1949. Alongside his wife Ray, he created innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Born in 1912, Eames' work continues to influence modern design, architecture, and furniture.

Deathyear: 1988

Charles and Ray Eames

Charles Eames (1907-1978) was a renowned American architect and designer who co-designed the iconic Eames House, a pioneering work of mid-century modern architecture. His innovative and stylish approach to design has had a lasting impact on architecture and design.

Deathyear: 1978

Ettore Bugatti

Ettore Bugatti, a visionary Italian-French engineer and entrepreneur, founded Bugatti in 1909. Born in 1881, he combined art and technology to create iconic automobiles that exuded elegance and power. His passion for innovation and design led to the creation of over 7,900 cars bearing his name.

Deathyear: 1947

Giuseppe Meazza

Giuseppe Meazza was a prolific Italian footballer and manager, born in 1910. He played for Inter Milan and the Italy national team, scoring 34 goals in 35 appearances. After retiring, Meazza managed several teams, including Internazionale, and is considered one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time.

Deathyear: 1979

George Jackson (activist)

George Jackson, a renowned American activist and author, co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family in 1970. Born in 1941, he became a symbol of the Black Panther Party's militant wing, advocating for civil rights and prison reform through his writing and radical actions.

Deathyear: 1971

Baldwin II of Jerusalem

King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, a member of the House of Flanders, ruled from 1118 to 1131. He was a capable leader who expanded the kingdom's borders through military campaigns and formed alliances with European monarchs, strengthening Jerusalem's position in the Holy Land.

Deathyear: 1131

Zahir al-Umar

Zahir al-Umar was a Bedouin Arab ruler who held significant influence in the Galilee region. Born in 1690, he established an autonomous state, resisting Ottoman rule and incorporating various tribes under his control. His legacy spanned several decades, shaping the political landscape in the 18th century.

Deathyear: 1775

Robert Moog

Robert Moog, an American inventor and businessman, founded Moog Music in 1954. He pioneered electronic music instruments, creating unique sounds with his synthesizers. Born in 1934, Moog's innovations revolutionized music production, inspiring generations of musicians and composers.

Deathyear: 2005

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an 18th-century English writer, is renowned for her correspondence and poetry. Born in 1689, she was known for her beauty and her scandalous love affair with the poet Alexander Pope.

Deathyear: 1762

Jerry Finn

Jerry Finn, a renowned American engineer and producer, has worked with notable bands such as Rancid, Green Day, and Morrissey. With over three decades of experience, he's been credited with shaping the sound of rock and punk music.

Deathyear: 2008

Palmiro Togliatti

Palmiro Togliatti was a influential Italian journalist and politician. Born in 1893, he served as the Italian Minister of Justice in the post-war period. As the leader of the Communist Party of Italy, he played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape.

Deathyear: 1964

Alfonso VII of León and Castile

Alfonso VII of León and Castile, born in 1105, was the King of León and Castile from 1126 until his death in 1157. He was a strong and able ruler, expanding the kingdom and initiating military campaigns against the Moors in southern Spain.

Deathyear: 1157

Benjamin Thompson

Benjamin Thompson, a Scottish-born American physicist and military officer, made significant contributions to thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. As Colonel of the 1st American Regiment during the American Revolutionary War, he served with distinction.

Deathyear: 1814

Jean Parisot de Valette

Jean Parisot de Valette was the 49th Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller from 1552 to 1565. Born in 1495, he led the Knights to victory in the Great Siege of Malta, showcasing his courage and strategic leadership against the Ottoman Empire.

Deathyear: 1568

Mahboob Ali Khan

Mahboob Ali Khan was the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad State, reigning from 1911 to 1922. Born in 1866, he was a patron of arts and architecture, overseeing the construction of iconic landmarks like the Purani Haveli and the iconic Taj-ul-Masjid.

Deathyear: 1911

Albert Reynolds

Albert Reynolds served as the Taoiseach of Ireland from 1992 to 1994, known for his efforts to normalize relations with the UK and Northern Ireland. He was a charismatic politician and businessman who played a significant role in shaping Ireland's modern history.

Deathyear: 2014

William Thurston

William P. Thurston was a renowned American mathematician and academic, known for his groundbreaking contributions to topology, geometry, and dynamics. He was a professor at Cornell University and made significant advances in the fields of geometric topology and low-dimensional topology.

Deathyear: 2012

Raul Seixas

Raul Seixas, known as the "King of Rock Brasiliero", was a Brazilian singer-songwriter and producer. With his unique blend of rock, folk, and Brazilian rhythms, he revolutionized Brazilian music, earning him legendary status and a place in the hearts of Brazilians and international audiences alike.

Deathyear: 1989