August 26 birthdays and deaths:

Bob Barker

Bob Barker, born December 12, 1923, is a renowned American television game show host, best known for hosting "The Price is Right" from 1972 to 2007. He is known for his iconic catchphrase "Come on down!"

Deathyear: 2023

Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh, a pioneering aviator, made history on May 20, 1927, by flying solo across the Atlantic, landing in Paris after 33.5 hours. His Spirit of St. Louis aircraft pioneered long-distance flight, cementing Lindbergh as a legendary figure in aviation.

Deathyear: 1974

Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan was a talented American singer-songwriter and actress born in 1952. She rose to fame in the 1980s with her powerful vocals and iconic hits like "Gloria" and "Self Control". Her music career spanned over two decades, captivating audiences with her emotive voice and captivating performances.

Deathyear: 2004

Louis Philippe I

Louis Philippe I, King of France (1773-1850), ruled from 1830 to 1848. A former Duke of Orléans, he took the throne after the July Revolution, promising constitutional monarchy. Known for his liberal reforms and judicial decisions, he was deposed in the February Revolution of 1848.

Deathyear: 1850

William James

William James was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, born in 1842. He wrote extensively on consciousness, spirituality, and the human experience, and is credited with developing the concept of stream of consciousness and the notion that the human mind is capable of shaping its own reality.

Deathyear: 1910

Ted Knight

Ted Knight, born in Akron, Ohio in 1923, was an American actor best known for his iconic role as Ted Baxter on the popular TV sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and its spin-off series.

Deathyear: 1986

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch tradesman, is considered the "Father of Microbiology" for his groundbreaking discoveries under the microscope. He was the first to observe and describe microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protists, revolutionizing our understanding of the microscopic world.

Deathyear: 1723

Lon Chaney

Lon Chaney was a pioneering American actor, director, and screenwriter, known for his versatility and mastery of makeup. With over 700 film credits, he was dubbed "The Man of a Thousand Faces" for his iconic roles in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera."

Deathyear: 1930

Neil Simon

Neil Simon, a renowned American playwright and author, was born on July 4, 1927. He wrote iconic plays like "The Odd Couple" and "Barefoot in the Park," earning him three Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay.

Deathyear: 2018

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was a renowned English composer and educator, known for his contributions to British music. He led the quest to revitalize English folk music, writing iconic choral works like "Serenade to Music" and "Dona Nobis Pacem".

Deathyear: 1958

Tobe Hooper

Tobe Hooper is a renowned American film director, writer, and producer, known for his iconic horror films, including "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" (1974) and "Poltergeist" (1982), which was co-written with Steven Spielberg.

Deathyear: 2017

Dominick Dunne

Dominick Dunne was a renowned American journalist and novelist, known for his investigative reporting and celebrity profiles. He wrote provocative and introspective books, including "The Mansions of God" and "Fatal Charms".

Deathyear: 2009

Matthias Erzberger

Matthias Erzberger (1875-1921) was a German publicist and politician, serving as Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance from 1919-1920. A key figure in the Weimar Republic, he advocated for democracy and social reform, earning the enmity of extremist groups that ultimately led to his assassination in 1921.

Deathyear: 1921

Tex Avery

Tex Avery, a legendary American animator and director, was born in 1908. Known for his zany cartoons and humorous characters, he brought joy to generations with his iconic creations like Droopy and Screwy Squirrel. His work at MGM Studios defined the golden age of animation.

Deathyear: 1980

Charles Boyer

Charles Boyer, a French-American actor, singer, and producer, was born in 1899. He is known for his dashing on-screen presence and romantic leads in films like "Casablanca" and "Gaslight".

Deathyear: 1978

Kay Francis

Kay Francis was a glamorous American actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her striking beauty and expressive voice. Starring in over 40 films, she was a major box office draw, often playing sophisticated, independent women in films like "The Penguin Pool Murder" and "One in a Million".

Deathyear: 1968

John McAleese

John McAleese, born 1949, is a Scottish Army sergeant. He was part of the British SAS Regiment, serving in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Deathyear: 2011

Frans Hals

Frans Hals (1582-1666) was a renowned Dutch painter and educator. He pioneered the genre of portrait painting, capturing candid moments and subtle expressions. His brushstrokes were bold, expressive, and impressionistic, influencing generations of artists.

Deathyear: 1666

John of Bohemia

John of Bohemia (1296-1346) was a King of Bohemia and Roman King from 1310 to 1346. He fought in the Hundred Years' War and the Great Interregnum. A skilled military leader, he was also a patron of the arts and architecture.

Deathyear: 1346

Joe Ruby

Joe Ruby, born in 1933, is a renowned American animator and creator of popular cartoons, including Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and Yogi Bear.

Deathyear: 2020

Ottokar II of Bohemia

Ottokar II of Bohemia (1233-1278) was a powerful king of Bohemia from 1253 until his death. Known as the Iron and the Great, he expanded Bohemia's borders, established trade agreements, and promoted Christianity. His legacy shaped the country's medieval history.

Deathyear: 1278

Franz Werfel

Franz Werfel was a renowned Austrian author and playwright born in 1890. He was known for his poetic and symbolist prose, often exploring themes of love, identity, and mortality. His works, such as "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh", showcased his unique literary voice.

Deathyear: 1945

H. A. Rey

Hans Augusto Rey, aka H.A. Rey, was a renowned German-American author and illustrator, best known for creating the beloved Curious George series featuring the mischievous monkey and his human friend, the Man in the Yellow Hat. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898, Rey's stories have delighted readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1977

Adam von Trott zu Solz

Adam von Trott zu Solz was a German lawyer and diplomat born in 1909. He was a key figure in the German resistance against the Nazi regime, involved in several assassination plots and advocating for a negotiated peace. He was executed in 1944 for his anti-Nazi activities.

Deathyear: 1944

Ernest, Elector of Saxony

Ernest of Saxony was the Elector of Saxony from 1482 until his death in 1486. He was the fourth Elector of the Ernestine line and is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the position of Saxony within the Holy Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 1486

António, Prior of Crato

António, Prior of Crato, was the last pretender to the Portuguese throne in the 17th century. Born in 1531, he was a member of the House of Aviz and claimed the throne after the death of KingHenry, but was ultimately defeated by King Philip II of Spain.

Deathyear: 1595

Amelia Boynton Robinson

Amelia Boynton Robinson was a pioneering African American activist, born in 1911. She played a key role in the Selma to Montgomery Marches during the Civil Rights Movement.

Deathyear: 2015

Francis Chichester

Francis Chichester, a pioneering English pilot and sailor, born in 1901, was the first person to sail single-handedly around the world in 1960-61. He also flew over 400 planes and was a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot during World War II.

Deathyear: 1972

Irving Stone

Irving Stone was a renowned American author, born in 1903, known for his historical and romanticized novels. He wrote extensively on historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Vincent van Gogh, and Abraham Lincoln, often blending fact and fiction.

Deathyear: 1989