February 29 birthdays and deaths:

Davy Jones (musician)

Davy Jones was a British singer, guitarist, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist of the Monkees. Born in Manchester in 1945, Jones rose to fame in the 1960s with his signature pop-rock sound and iconic songs like "I'm a Believer" and "Last Train to Clarksville".

Deathyear: 2012

Brian Mulroney

Brian Mulroney served as the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993, leading the Progressive Conservative Party. He is known for his leadership during a time of significant economic change and his efforts to strengthen Canada-US relations.

Deathyear: 2024

Pat Garrett

Pat Garrett was a legendary American sheriff, born in 1850. He gained fame for being one of the few lawmen to bring down the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid, becoming a symbol of justice in the Wild West and earning a place in the annals of American history.

Deathyear: 1908

Melvin Purvis

Melvin Purvis was a renowned American law enforcement officer and FBI agent, known for leading the hunt and eventual killing of infamous gangsters such as John Dillinger and Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd in the 1930s. His exploits were often dramatized in film and literature.

Deathyear: 1960

Elpidio Quirino

Elpidio Quirino, a renowned Filipino lawyer and politician, served as the 6th President of the Philippines from 1946 to 1953. He helped drafting the country's constitution and played a significant role in the country's post-war reconstruction.

Deathyear: 1956

Gil Hill

Gil Hill was a remarkable individual, serving as a police officer, actor, and politician. Born in 1931, he made significant contributions as an officer in Detroit and eventually transitioned to politics, serving as a Michigan state senator from 1996 until 2010.

Deathyear: 2016

Ludwig I of Bavaria

Ludwig I of Bavaria was a German king who ruled from 1825 to 1848. He was a patron of the arts and architecture, and oversaw the construction of numerous monuments, including the Munich Residenz and the Walhalla temple.

Deathyear: 1868

Dieter Laser

Dieter Laser is a renowned German actor, born in 1942. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning multiple award nominations for his captivating performances, including his portrayal of Doctor Ness in the TV series "SOKO Leipzig".

Deathyear: 2020

Yigal Allon

Yigal Allon was an Israeli general and politician who served as Prime Minister of Israel from 1974 to 1977. He was born on December 10, 1918, and was a key figure in Israel's defense and politics.

Deathyear: 1980

Ali Hassan Mwinyi

Ali Hassan Mwinyi served as the 2nd President of Tanzania (1985-1995) and 3rd President of Zanzibar (1984-1995). A member of the African National Congress, he played a key role in Tanzania's transition to multi-party democracy and promoted economic growth and reconciliation.

Deathyear: 2024

Mumtaz Qadri

Mumtaz Qadri was a Pakistani police constable convicted of assassinating Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer in 2011. He was executed in 2016 for his crime.

Deathyear: 2016

Frank Albertson

Frank Albertson was an American actor and singer born in 1909. He appeared in numerous film and television shows, including "Pitfall," "Woman on the Run," and "The Twilight Zone." His smooth baritone voice and charismatic stage presence made him a sought-after star of the 1940s and 1950s.

Deathyear: 1964

Wes Farrell

Wes Farrell was a renowned American singer-songwriter and producer, born in 1939. He founded the Kasuals and later co-founded Folksway Records, signing notable acts like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the Youngbloods. Farrell's own music often incorporated elements of folk, rock, and country.

Deathyear: 1996

E. F. Benson

Edward Frederic Benson was a British author and archaeologist born in 1867. He is known for his Mapp and Lucia novels, which describe the lives of the upper class in the fictional town of Tilling.

Deathyear: 1940

Pope Hilarius

Pope Hilarius (461-468 AD) was a Bishop of Rome and the 48th Pope. He was a friend and confidant of Emperor Leo the Great, who played a crucial role in his papacy. His papacy saw the reconciliation between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.

Deathyear: 468

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud was a Finnish lawyer, judge, and politician who served as the 3rd President of Finland from 1931 to 1937. Born in 1861, he played a key role in Finland's path to independence and was a prominent figure in Finnish politics during the early 20th century.

Deathyear: 1944

Ina Coolbrith

Ina Coolbrith (Florence Crane Jones) was an American poet and librarian, born in 1841. She is considered the first poet laureate of California and wrote poetry that reflected her life experiences, including her family and the beauty of the American West.

Deathyear: 1928