February 5 birthdays and deaths:

Toby Keith

Toby Keith is a renowned American country singer-songwriter, born July 8, 1961. With a distinctive voice and patriotic lyrics, he's had numerous hits like "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." His music often reflects his conservative values and Southern roots.

Deathyear: 2024

Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas, a legendary American actor, has had a storied career spanning over seven decades. Born on December 9, 1916, he has appeared in over 90 films, earning dozens of awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his iconic performance in "Champion" (1949).

Deathyear: 2020

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer, a legendary Canadian actor, born in 1929, is known for his iconic roles in films like "The Sound of Music" and "A Christmas Carol". He's won numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Deathyear: 2021

Pervez Musharraf

Pervez Musharraf was a Pakistan Air Force officer and politician who served as the 10th President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. He seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999 and ruled the country for nearly a decade, implementing economic and social reforms.

Deathyear: 2023

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a renowned Indian guru who founded the Transcendental Meditation technique in the 1950s. Born in 1918, he introduced the practice to the West, teaching it to celebrities including The Beatles and Donovan. His philosophical teachings emphasized the importance of mindfulness and meditation for inner peace.

Deathyear: 2008

Doug McClure

Doug McClure, a stalwart American actor, is best known for his rugged leads in B-movies and television shows. Born in 1935, McClure appeared in over 300 films and TV series, including "The Beast Must Die" and "Mackenzie's Raiders", showcasing his distinctive machismo and acting prowess.

Deathyear: 1995

Thomas Carlyle

Thomas Carlyle was a prominent Scottish philosopher, historian, and academic born in 1795. He was a leading figure in the Victorian era, known for his influential works on history, politics, and literature.

Deathyear: 1881

Dean Jagger

Dean Jagger (1903-1991) was a renowned American actor of stage, screen, and radio. Known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Sr. in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942).

Deathyear: 1991

Thelma Ritter

Thelma Ritter was a renowned American actress, born in 1902, known for her distinctive voice and memorable performances in classic films like "All About Eve" (1950), "Pillow Talk" (1959), and "Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962).

Deathyear: 1969

Pamela Harriman

Pamela Harriman was a renowned diplomat and socialite, serving as the 58th United States Ambassador to France from 1993 to 1997. Born in 1920, she was a trailblazing figure in international relations, known for her wit, charm, and dedication to public service.

Deathyear: 1997

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Joseph L. Mankiewicz was a renowned American filmmaker, known for his sophisticated direction and witty dialogue. With a prolific career spanning over five decades, he wrote, produced, and directed films like "All About Eve", "The Barefoot Contessa", and "Sleuth", leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Deathyear: 1993

Lou Andreas-Salomé

Lou Andreas-Salomé was a pioneering Russian-German psychoanalyst and author, born in 1861. She was one of the first women to study psychoanalysis with Sigmund Freud and later became a prominent figure in the psychoanalytic movement, writing extensively on psychology, sociology, and feminism.

Deathyear: 1937

Shunzhi Emperor

Shunzhi (1638-1661) was the fifth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, succeeding his father Hong Taiji. He successfully expanded China's borders and stabilized the empire, establishing a strong foundation for the Qing's 250-year reign.

Deathyear: 1661

Charles XIII

Charles XIII, King of Sweden (1748-1818), ruled from 1809 to 1818. He was the last king of the House of Holstein-Gottorp. Weak-willed and indecisive, he struggled to cope with the Napoleonic Wars, leading to the loss of Finland and the reduction of Sweden's influence.

Deathyear: 1818

Peggy Rea

Peggy Rea was an American actress and casting director, born in 1921. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Waltons." Rea was also a respected casting director, working on projects like "High Plains Drifter" and "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Deathyear: 2011

Banjo Paterson

Banjo Paterson, born Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson in 1864, was an Australian journalist, author, and poet. He is best known for his poetry, including "Waltzing Matilda," which is considered Australia's unofficial national anthem.

Deathyear: 1941

Johannes Blaskowitz

Johannes Blaskowitz was a German general born in 1883. He served in World War I and rose to prominence in World War II, including commanding Army Group B and Army Group H. Blaskowitz was captured by the Allies in 1945 and convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials.

Deathyear: 1948

Brian Jacques

Brian Jacques was a beloved English author, radio host, and educator, best known for his epic fantasy series, "Redwall". He wrote over 18 novels, captivating readers with his vivid storytelling and memorable characters. Jacques' work has been praised for its whimsical charm and warm, nostalgic appeal.

Deathyear: 2011

Gnassingbé Eyadéma

Gnassingbé Eyadéma was a Togolese general and politician who ruled Togo from 1967 to 2005. He seized power in a military coup and became President, using authoritarian means to maintain his grip on power.

Deathyear: 2005

Inayat Khan

Inayat Khan, a Indian Sufi mystic, became a musician and educator, establishing the Sufi Order in the West. He emphasized the importance of love, spiritual growth, and peaceful coexistence, spreading his teachings through music, talks, and international travel.

Deathyear: 1927

Pasquale Paoli

Pasquale Paoli, a Corsican national hero, led the Corsican resistance against Genoese and French rule in the mid-18th century. A skilled commander and politician, he unified Corsica, liberated it from foreign occupation, and established a constitutional government.

Deathyear: 1807

Robert Dahl

Robert Dahl is a renowned American political scientist and academic born in 1915. He is known for his work on democracy, political participation, and pluralism, making significant contributions to the field of political science. His book "Who Governs?" is a seminal work in the field.

Deathyear: 2014

Hans Litten

Hans Litten, a German lawyer and jurist, was born in 1903. He is known for his courageous defense of political opponents of the Nazi regime, including Ernst Thälmann, and his critical stance on the injustice of the German justice system during World War II.

Deathyear: 1938

Joe Raposo

Joe Raposo was a renowned American pianist and composer, best known for creating the theme songs for the beloved children's show "Sesame Street." His iconic compositions, such as "Sunny Day" and "Bein' Green," have become synonymous with childhood nostalgia.

Deathyear: 1989

Wassily Leontief

Wassily Leontief was a renowned Russian-American economist, born in 1906, who pioneered input-output analysis. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1973, he made significant contributions to economics, including his work on the structure of the economy, and was a prominent figure in the field of economics.

Deathyear: 1999

George Arliss

George Arliss was a renowned English actor and playwright, known for his dashing good looks and impeccable stage presence. He made his West End debut in 1891 and went on to star in numerous productions, earning a reputation for his versatility and charisma.

Deathyear: 1946

Marianne Moore

Marianne Moore, a pioneering American poet, was known for her innovative and precise language. Born in 1887, she authored 15 collections, translating numerous works and receiving the Pulitzer Prize in 1951. Her unique style, blending nature, mythology, and everyday life, crafted timeless poems.

Deathyear: 1972

Brendan Burke

Brendan Burke is a Canadian former ice hockey goalie turned advocate. Born in 1988, he played professionally in the US and Canada before tragically passing away in 2013. He founded the You Can Play Project, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

Deathyear: 2010

Victor Houteff

Victor Houteff, a Bulgarian-born Christian reformer, founded the Shepherd's Rod movement in 1930. With roots in the Balkans and Texas, his teachings emphasized biblical prophecy and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Deathyear: 1955

Ella Grasso

Ella Grasso, a pioneering American politician, served as the 83rd Governor of Connecticut from 1975 to 1981. Born in 1919, she was the first and only woman to serve as Connecticut's Governor. She championed women's rights, education, and economic development during her tenure.

Deathyear: 1981

Leon Leonwood Bean

Leon Leonwood Bean, a successful American businessman, founded L.L.Bean in 1912 in Maine. Born in 1872, he began by selling high-quality outdoors gear and developed a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, paving the way for the iconic outdoor retailer's enduring success.

Deathyear: 1967

William Cullen

William Cullen (1710-1790) was a prominent Scottish physician and chemist. He wrote extensively on chemistry and pharmacology, and his work "Treatise on Materia Medica" was a seminal textbook in its field.

Deathyear: 1790