August 31 birthdays and deaths:

Diana, Princess of Wales

Diana, Princess of Wales, was a beloved member of the British royal family. Born in 1961 to John Spencer and Frances Shand Kydd, she married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981. Known for her charity work and fashion sense, she became a global icon until her untimely death in 1997.

Deathyear: 1997

Dodi Fayed

Dodi Fayed is an Egyptian film producer, businessman, and member of the wealthy Fayed family. Born in 1955, he is best known for his association with Princess Diana, with whom he died in a car accident in Paris in 1997.

Deathyear: 1997

Henry V of England

Henry V of England, the second son of King Henry IV, proved to be a capable and ambitious leader. He defeated the French at Agincourt, earning the nickname "the Lion of England." He died at the age of 35, leaving no male heir, in 1422.

Deathyear: 1422

Rocky Marciano

Rocky Marciano was a formidable American boxer born in 1923. He had a professional boxing career spanning from 1947 to 1956, winning 49 of 49 fights, including 43 knockouts, and becoming the World Heavyweight Champion from 1952 to 1956.

Deathyear: 1969

John Ford

John Ford (1894-1973) was a pioneering filmmaker who directed over 140 films, including classics like "Stagecoach" and "The Searchers." Known for his westerns, he won four Academy Awards and was named the greatest director of all time by the American Film Institute.

Deathyear: 1973

Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of India, served from 2012 to 2017. A seasoned politician, he was a key figure in the Indian National Congress. Despite his passing in 2020, his legacy as a statesman and economist continues to inspire.

Deathyear: 2020

Anthoine Hubert

Anthoine Hubert was a French racing driver, born in 1996. He made his Formula Two debut in 2018 and won the Formula Renault championship in 2015. Tragically, he was killed in a crash at the Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session in 2019 at the age of 22.

Deathyear: 2019

Michael Constantine

Michael Constantine, a renowned Greek-American actor, was born in 1927. He is best known for his iconic role as the lovable, loud-mouthed Angellero in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002) and its sequel.

Deathyear: 2021

David Frost

David Frost was a renowned English journalist and game show host, born in 1939. He was known for his wit and impressive interviewing skills, hosting the popular TV program "Frost on Saturday" and interviewing politicians such as Richard Nixon and Margaret Thatcher.

Deathyear: 2013

Charles Baudelaire

Charles Baudelaire was a renowned French poet and critic, born in 1821. He is best known for his collection of poems, "Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil), which explores themes of beauty, morality, and the struggles of modern life.

Deathyear: 1867

Tom Seaver

Tom Seaver, known as "Tom Terrific," was a Hall of Fame pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox from 1967 to 1986. He won 311 games and was a three-time Cy Young Award winner.

Deathyear: 2020

Stefan Banach

Stefan Banach was a Polish mathematician born in 1892. He is recognized for his work in functional analysis and contributed to the development of modern mathematics. Banach's space is named in his honor and is a fundamental concept in functional analysis.

Deathyear: 1945

Wilhelm Wundt

Wilhelm Wundt, a pioneering psychologist, founded the first formal laboratory of psychology in Leipzig, Germany in 1879, establishing psychology as a separate discipline. He also made significant contributions to philosophy, physiology, and medicine, remains a crucial figure in the history of psychology.

Deathyear: 1920

John Bunyan

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an English preacher, theologian, and author best known for his allegorical novel "The Pilgrim's Progress". As a Baptist minister, he was persecuted for his nonconformist beliefs, and his writings remain iconic in English literature and Christian devotionalism.

Deathyear: 1688

Henry Moore

Henry Moore (1898-1986) was an English sculptor and illustrator. Known for his abstract forms and biomorphic shapes, Moore's work explored themes of nature, human experience, and spirituality. He experimented with various materials and techniques, producing iconic pieces like "Reclining Figure" and "Mother and Child".

Deathyear: 1986

Georges Braque

Georges Braque, a French artist, revolutionized modern art by co-founding Cubism with Pablo Picasso. His distinctive style merged Cubist fragmented forms with lyrical colors, exploring themes of industrialization, urban life, and the natural world, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century art.

Deathyear: 1963

Urho Kekkonen

Urho Kekkonen was a Finnish statesman who served as the 8th President of Finland from 1956 to 1982. A journalist, lawyer, and politician, he played a significant role in Finland's independence and international relations, known for his strong diplomacy and leadership during the Cold War era.

Deathyear: 1986

Arthur Phillip

Arthur Phillip was an English admiral and politician who led the First Fleet to Australia, establishing the colony of New South Wales in 1788. He served as the 1st Governor of NSW, introducing laws and establishing the colony's administration, until 1792.

Deathyear: 1814

Joe Lewis (martial artist)

Joe Lewis, a renowned American martial artist and actor, was born in 1944. A 10th degree black belt in Okinawan karate, Lewis is a legendary figure in the martial arts world, known for his impressive skills and memorable roles in film and television.

Deathyear: 2012

Alec Holowka

Alec Holowka is a Canadian game developer, born in 1983. He's best known for creating the cult-classic indie games "Au Revoir, Simón" and "Aquaria". His pixel art style and immersive soundtracks have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the indie game scene.

Deathyear: 2019

Nat Clifton

Nathaniel Clifton, nicknamed "Nebo," was a pioneering American basketball player and coach. Born in 1922, he played professionally in the NBL and NBA, earning a spot in the 1950 NBA All-Star Game. After his playing career, he coached at the collegiate and high school levels.

Deathyear: 1990

Lionel Hampton

Lionel Hampton was a renowned American jazz musician, renowned for his virtuosic vibraphone playing, cool and smooth vocals, and innovative arrangements. A key figure in the swing era, he collaborated with influential musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman, and led his own successful orchestras from the 1930s to 2002.

Deathyear: 2002

Max Bygraves

Max Bygraves was a renowned English comedian, actor, and singer born in 1922. He rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of comedy and music. Bygraves gained international recognition for his performances in films, television, and theatre, entertaining audiences worldwide with his humor and charisma.

Deathyear: 2012

Andrei Zhdanov

Andrei Zhdanov was a Soviet politician and civil servant who served as a member of the Politburo and First Secretary of the Leningrad City Committee. He was a prominent figure in the Soviet government during the 1940s and 1950s, playing a key role in Stalin's government.

Deathyear: 1948

Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu

Born in 1926, Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, is a British politician and renowned automotive enthusiast. He founded the National Motor Museum, showcasing his vast car collection, and served as a Conservative MP, representing Newton boroughs between 1974 and 1997.

Deathyear: 2015

Sally Rand

Sally Rand was a renowned American actress and dancer, born in 1904. She gained fame in the 1930s for her distinctive fan dance, earning her the nickname "The Queen of Burlesque." Her career spanned decades, including Hollywood roles and sold-out stage shows.

Deathyear: 1979

Ken Campbell

Ken Campbell was an English actor and screenwriter, born in 1941. He was known for his unique performances and innovative storytelling. Campbell wrote and starred in his own plays, often incorporating experimental and absurdist styles. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 2008.

Deathyear: 2008

Carole Shelley

Carole Shelley is a British-American actress born in 1939. She is best known for playing Miss Hannigan in the Broadway production of Annie and the original Broadway production of Young Frankenstein.

Deathyear: 2018

Laurent Fignon

Laurent Fignon, a French cycling legend, won two Tour de France titles (1983 and 1984) and numerous classic races, earning the nickname "Le Finois". His iconic yellow jersey and impressive palmares secure his place in the pantheon of French cycling greats.

Deathyear: 2010

Ferdinand Lassalle

Ferdinand Lassalle (1825-1864) was a Prussian-German jurist and philosopher, known for his role in the revolutions of 1848. He co-founded the Social Democratic Workers' Party, influencing Marxist thought, and remained a prominent figure in German intellectual and radical circles until his tragically early death.

Deathyear: 1864

Bapu (director)

Bapu is a renowned Indian film director and screenwriter, born in 1933. Known for his innovative storytelling and visually stunning films, Bapu has made significant contributions to Indian cinema, entertaining audiences for decades with his diverse range of genres and cinematic styles.

Deathyear: 2014

Marina Tsvetaeva

Marina Tsvetaeva was a Russian poet and author, born in 1892. Her unique and expressive writing style, often infused with elements of surrealism, tackled themes of love, loss, and identity.

Deathyear: 1941

Aidan of Lindisfarne

Aidan of Lindisfarne was an Irish bishop and saint who introduced Christianity to England in the 7th century. Born in Ireland, he traveled to England and became bishop of Lindisfarne, converting many Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. He is revered as a patron saint in England and Ireland.

Deathyear: 651

Ilya Ehrenburg

Ilya Ehrenburg was a renowned Russian journalist and author, born in 1891. He was a prominent figure in Soviet literature, known for his poetic and lyrical writing style. He also reported from the front lines during World War II.

Deathyear: 1967

Theodora Porphyrogenita

Theodora (981-1056) was the Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire, wife of Emperor Constantine VIII, and stepmother to Empress Zoë. She played a crucial role in the Imperial Court, using her influence to promote the Orthodox Church and maintain imperial power.

Deathyear: 1056

Joseph Rotblat

Joseph Rotblat was a Polish-English physicist and academic who developed radar technology during WWII. He advocated for nuclear disarmament and founded the Pugwash Conferences. In 1995, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to ban nuclear weapons.

Deathyear: 2005

Wade Belak

Wade Belak was a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the NHL from 1998 to 2010. He played for the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Colorado Avalanche, scoring 24 goals and 35 points in 543 games.

Deathyear: 2011

Mahal (actress)

Eugene "Mahal" Domingo is a renowned Filipino comedienne and actress known for her versatility, wit, and expressiveness. She has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and plays, earning widespread recognition and praise for her talent.

Deathyear: 2021

Matthias Grünewald

Matthias Grünewald, a renowned German artist, was born in 1470. He was a master of Renaissance art, known for his intricate and expressive works, which often featured vivid colors and emotional depth.

Deathyear: 1528

Louis Antoine de Bougainville

Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, a French admiral and explorer, was born in 1729. He commanded the Lapérouse expedition to the Pacific and discovered several islands, including Hawaii. He also played a key role in the French Revolution.

Deathyear: 1811

E. E. Smith

E. E. Smith was a pioneering engineer and author, born in 1890. He wrote 71 science fiction novels and numerous short stories, introducing literary concepts like the Lensman and Skylark series, revolutionizing the science fiction genre with his imaginative and plot-driven works.

Deathyear: 1965

Andranik

Andranik Ozanian, also known as "The Lion of Sebastia", was an Armenian general who led the Armenian Volunteer Units during World War I and the Armenian Genocide. Born in 1865, he fought against the Ottoman Empire and was a key figure in the Armenian national liberation movement.

Deathyear: 1927

Mary Ward (scientist)

Mary Ward was a trailblazing Irish astronomer and entomologist, born in 1827. A pioneer for women in STEM fields, she contributed to astronomy and entomology, authoring papers on asteroids and butterflies, and was one of the first women to present papers to the Royal Irish Academy.

Deathyear: 1869

Norman Kirk

Norman Kirk, a prominent New Zealand engineer and politician, served as the 29th Prime Minister from 1972 until his death in 1974. Known for his strong anti-apartheid stance and commitment to social welfare, Kirk played a significant role in shaping New Zealand's domestic and international policies.

Deathyear: 1974

François-André Danican Philidor

François-André Danican Philidor, a French-English chess master, is renowned for his exceptional skill and contributions to the game. Born in 1726, he authored a pioneering treatise on chess improvement, "Analyse du Jeu des Échecs," solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest players in history.

Deathyear: 1795

Sergei Sokolov (marshal)

Sergey Sokolov was a Russian commander and politician who served as the 6th Minister of Defence for the Soviet Union from 1984 to 1988. Born in 1911, Sokolov played a key role in the Soviet military during World War II and later oversaw significant reforms in the Soviet military.

Deathyear: 2012