August 22 birthdays and deaths:

Richard III of England

Richard III of England, the last king of the House of York, reigned from 1483 to 1485. He was a master politician and military leader, but his reputation was marred by the murder of the Princes in the Tower and his infamous physical disabilities.

Deathyear: 1485

Michael Collins (Irish leader)

Michael Collins was a pivotal figure in Ireland's struggle for independence. A skilled rebel, tactician, and politician, Collins contributed significantly to the country's independence movement.

Deathyear: 1922

Huey P. Newton

Huey P. Newton was a pioneering American activist who co-founded the Black Panther Party with Bobby Seale in 1966. Born on February 17, 1942, Newton served as the party's central committee chairman and advocated for racial equality, civil rights, and self-defense.

Deathyear: 1989

Isabella of France

Isabella of France was the daughter of King Philip IV of France and Joanna I of Navarre. She married Edward II of England in 1308, becoming Queen of England. Her arrival at Bayonne in 1312 sparked a formal rebellion, leading to her imprisonment and eventual coronation as co-ruler alongside Edward.

Deathyear: 1358

Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk

Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, was an English nobleman and politician who married Mary Tudor, the younger sister of King Henry VIII. Despite their union being viewed scandalously by the King, Brandon remained a loyal supporter of the Tudor dynasty throughout his life.

Deathyear: 1545

Jomo Kenyatta

Jomo Kenyatta, born Kamau Kung'u, was a Kenyan politician who served as the country's first president from 1964 until his death in 1978.

Deathyear: 1978

Sebastian Cabot (actor)

Sebastian Cabot, a renowned English actor, was born in 1918. With over five decades of screen presence, he appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. From his early days with the Old Vic Company to iconic roles in "Gunsmoke" and "Family Affair", Cabot's career spanned an impressive 52 years.

Deathyear: 1977

Colleen Dewhurst

Colleen Dewhurst was a celebrated Canadian-American actress, born in 1924. She is best known for her Tony Award-winning performances on Broadway and her iconic roles in films like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Betrayal".

Deathyear: 1991

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, was an English academic and politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times from 1885 to 1902. He was a member of the Conservative Party and is known for his strong leadership and vision for the country.

Deathyear: 1903

Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings was a British lawyer and politician who served as the 1st Governor-General of Bengal from 1773 to 1785. Born in 1732, he played a significant role in shaping British India's politics and governance, leaving a lasting legacy.

Deathyear: 1818

Ed King

Ed King was a guitarist, songwriter, and singer for the American rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Southern rock band Lone Star. He also played with the Steve Miller Band and was known for his blues-influenced guitar playing and distinctive vocal style.

Deathyear: 2018

Jack Layton

Jack Layton was a renowned Canadian politician and academic, serving as leader of the New Democratic Party and Member of Parliament. He championed social justice and advocated for labour rights, healthcare, and Indigenous issues. His impassioned speeches and tireless advocacy earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Deathyear: 2011

Ashford & Simpson

Nick Ashford, a renowned singer-songwriter and producer, was born in 1942. He rose to fame as one-half of the iconic duo Ashford & Simpson, producing hits for Aretha Franklin and producing their own hits, such as "Solid" and "Found a Cure".

Deathyear: 2011

Philip VI of France

Philip VI of France reigned from 1328 to 1350, succeeding his cousin Charles IV. He was the last Capetian monarch and was known for his struggles with Edward III of England, who claimed the French throne, leading to the Hundred Years' War.

Deathyear: 1350

John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland

John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland (1504-1553) was an English admiral and politician who served as Lord President of the Council. He played a key role in the Reformation and the rise of the Tudors, earning the title "Wisest Fool in Christendom" for his cunning politics.

Deathyear: 1553

Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin was a pioneering American novelist and poet born in 1850. Her works, such as "The Awakening", explored themes of feminism, individualism, and social conventions, earning her a spot as one of the most innovative writers of her time.

Deathyear: 1904

Xianfeng Emperor

Xianfeng (1831-1861) was the 11th emperor of the Qing dynasty, known for his weak leadership and inability to reform the dynasty. He struggled with the Taiping Rebellion and the Second Opium War, leading to the loss of territory and foreign encroachment.

Deathyear: 1861

Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans, the Belgian-born, American-based jazz flutist and harmonica virtuoso, has had a remarkable career spanning over seven decades. He has played with jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Bill Evans, and has also collaborated with artists from other genres.

Deathyear: 2016

S. R. Nathan

S. R. Nathan served as Singapore's 6th President from 1999 to 2011. A biologist by training, he was a prominent politician and diplomat, known for his diplomatic skills and commitment to public service.

Deathyear: 2016

Jacob Bronowski

Jacob Bronowski, a Polish-born English mathematician, biologist, and author, is renowned for his interdisciplinary approach. He wrote extensively on science, philosophy, and literature, and was a TV personality, best known for his BBC series "The Ascent of Man".

Deathyear: 1974

Stilicho

Stilicho was a Roman general and governor who served under Emperor Theodosius I. Born in 359, he rose through the ranks to become the Western Roman Emperor's most trusted advisor and commander, playing a crucial role in the decline and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 408

Delano family

Philippe Delano, a Dutchman born in 1602, was a settler in the Plymouth Colony. He arrived in Plymouth in 1621 and was one of the first Dutch colonists to settle in the area. He became a successful farmer, trading goods, and a respected member of the community.

Deathyear: 1681

Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Jean-Honoré Fragonard was a prominent French painter and illustrator born in 1732. He was known for his romantic and sensual works, often depicting scenes of everyday life and the aristocracy in a Rococo style.

Deathyear: 1806

Juscelino Kubitschek

Juscelino Kubitschek, a pioneering physician and politician, served as Brazil's 21st president from 1956 to 1961. Known for his significant economic development efforts, he oversaw massive infrastructure projects, quadrupling the country's industrial production, and becoming a revered leader in Brazilian history.

Deathyear: 1976

Celâl Bayar

Celâl Bayar was a Turkish lawyer and politician who served as the 3rd President of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. Born in 1883, he was a prominent figure in Turkish politics, playing a key role in the country's modernization and democratization efforts.

Deathyear: 1986

Vicente Manansala

Vicente Manansala, a renowned Filipino painter, was born in 1910. Known for his bold and expressive brushstrokes, Manansala's works often depicted scenes of everyday life, showcasing the beauty of Filipino culture and tradition.

Deathyear: 1981

Allan Houser

Allan Houser (1914-1994) was a renowned American sculptor and painter of Apache and Irish descent. His work often depicted Native American figures and themes, showcasing his cultural heritage and artistic mastery. Houser's art captures the essence of Indigenous American culture, promoting understanding and appreciation.

Deathyear: 1994

Pope Gregory IX

Pope Gregory IX (1143-1241) was a prominent Catholic leader who reigned from 1227 to 1241. He was known for his strong stance against heresy and his efforts to reform the Catholic Church.

Deathyear: 1241

Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp, a renowned Russian philologist and scholar, was born in 1895. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on morphology and syntax, particularly in regards to Russian folklore and fairy tales, which earned him a place in the annals of literary theory.

Deathyear: 1970

John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk

John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk (1430-1485), was an English nobleman and soldier. He served as Lord Admiral of Ireland and Marshal of Calais. He was also a trusted advisor to King Edward IV during the Wars of the Roses.

Deathyear: 1485

U. R. Ananthamurthy

Here is a 40-word tribute to U.R. Ananthamurthy: U.R. Ananthamurthy, a renowned Indian author, poet, and playwright, was born in 1932. His works, including the novel 'Samskara', are revered for their nuanced portrayal of Indian society and culture. His writing continues to inspire generations, reflecting his dedication to storytelling and literary excellence.

Deathyear: 2014

Anders Zorn

Anders Zorn (1860-1920) was a renowned Swedish painter and sculptor. Known for his captivating portraits and landscapes, Zorn's works often featured serene, everyday scenes from his native Sweden. His brushstrokes were bold and expressive, imbuing his art with rugged elegance.

Deathyear: 1920

Abulfaz Elchibey

Abulfaz Elchibey was the 2nd President of Azerbaijan from 1992-1993. Born in 1938, he was a renowned politician, writer, and historian. He led the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan and fought for the country's independence from Soviet rule.

Deathyear: 2000

Vladislav II of Wallachia

Vladislav II (1436-1476) was the prince of Wallachia from 1448 to 1476. He was a skilled military leader and diplomat, known for his alliances with the Ottoman Empire and his efforts to maintain Wallachian independence.

Deathyear: 1456

Boris Pugo

Boris Pugo, a Soviet politician and military officer, served as Minister of Internal Affairs from 1988 to 1990. He was born in 1937 in Latvia. Pugo played a key role in suppressing the January 1991 riots in Vilnius and was a prominent figure in Soviet politics.

Deathyear: 1991

Pope Nicholas III

Pope Nicholas III (1225-1280) was a Roman pope from 1277 to 1280. He was a member of the Orsini family and played a key role in the Italian politics of the time. He was known for his diplomatic and military efforts.

Deathyear: 1280

William Morris, 1st Viscount Nuffield

William Morris, 1st Viscount Nuffield, was a British entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded Morris Motors in 1912. Born in 1877, he revolutionized the automotive industry and philanthropically supported various causes, earning him a prestigious title and lasting legacy.

Deathyear: 1963

Rod Gilbert

Rod Gilbert, a Canadian ice hockey player, played 18 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. He gained recognition for his speed, scoring ability, and 1,021 points in 1,270 games. Gilbert was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.

Deathyear: 2021

Grace Paley

Here is a 40-word bio about Grace Paley: American writer and poet James Rupert Paley was born on December 26, 1922. She is the author of many successful novels like, among others.

Deathyear: 2007

Charles William Eliot

Charles William Eliot was a renowned American academic and educator, serving as Harvard University's president from 1869 to 1909. He implemented significant reforms, including the introduction of the elective system, which emphasized student choice and flexibility in their course selection.

Deathyear: 1926