February 6 birthdays and deaths:

George VI

George VI, the second son of King George V, unexpectedly ascended to the throne in 1936 following his older brother Edward VIII's abdication. He reigned throughout World War II and was widely respected for his dedication and resilience, earning the nickname "The Uncrowned King."

Deathyear: 1952

Charles II of England

Charles II was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 until his death in 1685. He was restored to the throne after the Commonwealth period and reigned during the Restoration era, known for its cultural and artistic flourishing.

Deathyear: 1685

Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar is a legendary Indian singer and music composer, born in 1929. Revered as the 'Nightingale of India,' she has enchanted audiences with her captivating voice, having recorded over 30,000 songs in various languages, garnering numerous awards and accolades, including India's third-highest civilian honor, Padma Bhushan.

Deathyear: 2022

Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was a pioneering American tennis player and sportscaster. He won three Grand Slam titles and was the first Black player to win a Grand Slam singles title. As a sportscaster, he broadcast tennis matches and advocated for tennis accessibility for underserved communities.

Deathyear: 1993

Jack Kirby

Jack Kirby, a pioneering comic book author and illustrator, created iconic characters like Captain America and the Fantastic Four. With his vibrant artwork and imaginative storytelling, Kirby transformed the medium and inspired generations of comic book creators.

Deathyear: 1994

Danny Thomas

Danny Thomas, the beloved American entertainer, was a talented actor, producer, and philanthropist. Born Amos Muñoz in 1914, he rose to fame as the charming and endearing host of "The Danny Thomas Show."

Deathyear: 1991

Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt was a prominent Austrian painter and illustrator known for his ornate, symbolic, and often erotic works. Born in 1862, he was a leading figure in the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by their use of bold colors and geometric forms.

Deathyear: 1918

George Shultz

George Shultz (b. 1920) is a renowned American politician and economist who served as Secretary of State (1982-1989), Secretary of the Treasury (1972-1974), and Secretary of Labor (1969-1970). He played a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War era.

Deathyear: 2021

Gary Moore

Gary Moore was a legendary Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his raw, emotive voice and scorching fretwork. As a key figure in the development of blues-rock, his iconic albums include "Back on the Streets" and "Still Got the Blues".

Deathyear: 2011

Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo was a Filipino general and politician who played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from Spanish and American colonial rule. He served as the First President of the Philippines from 1899 to 1901, leading the revolution against the United States.

Deathyear: 1964

James Whitmore

James Whitmore was an American actor with a long and distinguished career, appearing in over 200 films and TV shows. He won critical acclaim for his roles in "The Asphalt Jungle" and "Give 'Em Hell, Harry!", showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

Deathyear: 2009

Motilal Nehru

Motilal Nehru was a renowned Indian lawyer and politician who served as President of the Indian National Congress from 1916 to 1920. He was a strong advocate for national independence and was a key figure in the Indian independence movement.

Deathyear: 1931

Vince Guaraldi

Vince Guaraldi was a renowned American singer-songwriter and pianist, best known for his iconic soundtrack work on the Peanuts animated specials. His smooth, jazzy sound and heartfelt melodies have become synonymous with Charlie Brown and the gang, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.

Deathyear: 1976

Falco (musician)

Falco was a renowned Austrian pop-rock musician born in 1957. He rose to fame with hits like "Der Komissar" and "Rock Me Amadeus". Blending pop and rock, Falco's unique vocals and energetic performances earned him international acclaim and a legendary status in the music industry.

Deathyear: 1998

Joseph Cotten

Joseph Cotten was an American actor born in 1905. He gained fame for starring in Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane" (1941) and continued to appear in numerous films, including "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "The Third Man", showcasing his versatile acting skills.

Deathyear: 1994

Jhon Jairo Velásquez

Jhon Jairo Velásquez, known as "Popeye," was a notorious Colombian hitman and drug dealer born in 1962. He was a key member of the Medellín cartel and carried out numerous assassinations for Pablo Escobar and the cartel's leaders.

Deathyear: 2020

Sebastián Piñera

Sebastian Piñera, born in 1949, served as Chile's President from 2018-2022 and previously from 2010-2014. A businessman and politician, he is a member of the National Renewal Party and has been praised for his economic policies and efforts to promote competition and innovation in Chile.

Deathyear: 2024

Joseph Priestley

Joseph Priestley was a renowned English chemist and theologian born in 1733. He discovered oxygen and made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and theology. His groundbreaking work earned him recognition as a prominent figure in the history of science and spirituality.

Deathyear: 1804

Minoru Yamasaki

Minoru Yamasaki was a renowned American architect, best known for designing the original World Trade Center in New York City. Born in 1912, Yamasaki's modernist and Brutalist style is reflected in the twin towers' distinctive design. His iconic work has had a lasting impact on urban architecture.

Deathyear: 1986

Frankie Laine

Frankie Laine was a renowned American singer-songwriter and actor, born in 1913. Known for his powerful baritone voice, he sang hits like "That's My Desire" and "Jezebel". With over 80 films to his credit, Laine's versatility and charm captivated audiences in both music and movies.

Deathyear: 2007

Capability Brown

Lancelot "Capability" Brown, England's most renowned gardener and architect, transformed estates into breathtaking landscapes. Born in 1716, Brown's innovative designs and naturalistic approaches revolutionized garden design, leaving a lasting legacy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Deathyear: 1783

Ahmed II

Ahmed II was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617. He was a young and inexperienced ruler who struggled to maintain control over the empire. He was eventually overthrown and murdered by his brother Osman II.

Deathyear: 1695

Ralph Kiner

Ralph Kiner, a charismatic slugger, played 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. A four-time All-Star and four-time home run champion, Kiner's 369 home runs left him fourth on the Pirates' all-time list.

Deathyear: 2014

Maria Christina of Austria

Maria Christina of Austria was the daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand of Austria and Princess Sophie of Bavaria. She married King Alfonso XII of Spain in 1864 and became the Queen of Spain. She died in 1929 and was known for her beauty and charitable work.

Deathyear: 1929

Philip Carey

Philip Carey was an American actor born on May 19, 1925. He is best known for his roles in the TV shows "One Life to Live" and "The Edge of Night". He earned numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, showcasing his talents in both TV and film.

Deathyear: 2009

Ritwik Ghatak

Ritwik Ghatak, a pioneer of Bengali cinema, explored the human condition through poignant and austere films. Born in India in 1925, Ghatak's work often tackled the struggles of refugees, partition, and social reform, earning him a revered place in Indian and global cinematic history.

Deathyear: 1976

Barbara W. Tuchman

Barbara W. Tuchman was a renowned American historian and author, born in 1912. She is best known for her epic historical narratives, such as "The Guns of August" and "A Distant Mirror." Her works are celebrated for their engaging storytelling and meticulous research.

Deathyear: 1989

Rosamunde Pilcher

Rosamunde Pilcher was a celebrated British author, born in 1924. Known for her emotional and evocative writing style, she penned numerous bestselling novels, particularly her Cornwall-based stories, which captured readers' hearts with their rich characterization and poignant portrayals of human relationships.

Deathyear: 2019

Joost van der Westhuizen

Joost van der Westhuizen is a legendary South African rugby union footballer, born in 1971. Known for his exceptional scrum-half skills, he played international rugby from 1993 to 2003, earning 89 caps and winning the Rugby World Cup with South Africa (Springboks) in 1995.

Deathyear: 2017

Dandy Nichols

Dandy Nichols was a renowned English actress, born in 1907. She is best known for her role as Dolores in the BBC sitcom "Till Death Us Do Part" alongside Warren Mitchell.

Deathyear: 1986

Don Dunstan

Don Dunstan was a pioneering Australian politician and lawyer who served as Premier of South Australia from 1968 to 1979. He championed social reform, founded the South Australian Institute of Technology, and promoted arts and culture.

Deathyear: 1999

Leo von Caprivi

Leo von Caprivi, German general and politician, was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1890. He served until his death in 1899. Despite his military success, his Chancellorship was marked by controversy and financial troubles.

Deathyear: 1899

Alec McCowen

Alec McCowen is a veteran English actor, born in 1925. He has appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, including the acclaimed BBC series "I, Claudius" and the film "Fiedler on the Roof".

Deathyear: 2017

Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik

Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, the 10th Umayyad caliph, ruled from 724 to 743. He was known for his administrative and military reforms, particularly in the Eastern provinces, and is credited with maintaining stability during a tumultuous period in Islamic history.

Deathyear: 743

Tommy Taylor

On February 6, 1958, the Munich air disaster claimed 23 lives, including 8 Manchester United players, the entire backroom staff, and 15others. The tragedy occurred when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on takeoff from Munich-Riem Airport, killing everyone on board except one passenger.

Deathyear: 1958

Rubén Darío

Rubén Darío (1867-1916) was a renowned Nicaraguan poet, journalist, and diplomat. His innovative and modernist poetry style, known as Modernismo, introduced a new literary movement in Latin America. He was a prominent figure in Nicaraguan culture and politics, serving as diplomat and editor.

Deathyear: 1916

James Hadley Chase

James Hadley Chase, a British author and former soldier, was born in 1906 in London. He wrote numerous novels, mostly thrillers and mysteries.

Deathyear: 1985

Jimmy Van Heusen

Jimmy Van Heusen, a renowned American pianist and composer, was born in 1913. He was known for his work in various genres, including jazz, swing, and pop music. He was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits like "Swinging on a Star" and "Doin' What Comes Naturally".

Deathyear: 1990

Photios I of Constantinople

Photios I of Constantinople (810-893) was a Byzantine Patriarch and scholar. He advocated for the unity of the Eastern and Western churches, and was a patron of learning and art. Despite controversy surrounding his patriarchate, Photios I is remembered as a major figure in Byzantine intellectual and cultural history.

Deathyear: 891

Pope Clement XII

Pope Clement XII (1652-1740) was a Camaldolese friar who ascended to the papacy in 1730. He established the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and rebuilt several churches in Rome.

Deathyear: 1740

Roger Byrne

"The Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, including 21 young footballers, on February 6, 1958. The tragedy occurred when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed during takeoff at Munich-Riem Airport, claiming the lives of innocent victims and Their Families.

Deathyear: 1958

Isabella Beeton

Isabella Beeton was an English author and editor who wrote the iconic book "Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management" in 1861. Born on January 12, 1836, she is credited with shaping British culinary culture and providing a comprehensive guide to household management and etiquette for over a century.

Deathyear: 1865

Aldus Manutius

Aldus Manutius, a renowned Italian publisher, founded the renowned Aldine Press in 1494. Known for his innovative typography and elegant layouts, Manutius revolutionized book production. Born in 1449, he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of printing and publishing.

Deathyear: 1515

Geoff Bent

On August 6, 1958, the Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players, coaches, and journalists. The tragedy occurred when a British European Airways plane crashed on takeoff, resulting in devastating loss for the world of football and beyond.

Deathyear: 1958

Ben Nicholson

Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) was a British abstract painter known for his geometric and biomorphic forms. A pioneer of abstraction in the UK, Nicholson's work was influenced by Cubism and Constructivism, and he was a key figure in the development of modern British art.

Deathyear: 1982

Irwin Corey

Irwin Corey, American comedian and actor, was born in 1914. Known for his unique comedic style, Corey delighted audiences with his irreverent wit and energetic performances. He remains a beloved figure in the world of comedy.

Deathyear: 2017

Emperor Ōgimachi

Ōgimachi was the 106th and last Shōgun of the Ming Dynasty's Ashikaga clan. Born in 1517, he ruled Japan from 1568 to 1584, implementing fiscal reforms and promoting Confucian education. His reign marked a brief period of stability before the Sengoku period of civil war.

Deathyear: 1593

Eddie Colman

On February 6, 1958, 23 people were killed in the Munich air disaster, including eight Manchester United football players, three officials, and 10 relatives. The tragedy occurred when a British European Airways plane crashed on takeoff en route to Belgrade for a European Cup tie.

Deathyear: 1958

Pierre André Latreille

Pierre André Latreille, a renowned French zoologist and entomologist, was born in 1762. He made significant contributions to the field of entomology, providing detailed descriptions of various insect species.

Deathyear: 1833

David Pegg

On February 6, 1958, the British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on the runway, killing 23 people, including eight young Manchester United footballers, their manager, and numerous fans, leaving a lasting impact on the world of football and the families of the tragic event's victims.

Deathyear: 1958

Mark Jones (footballer, born 1933)

On February 6, 1958, the British European Airways plane, Air Disaster, crashed at Munich-Riem Airport, killing 23 of the 44 people on board, including eight young Manchester United football players, known as the Busby Babes, and several club officials, leaving a lasting impact on the world of football.

Deathyear: 1958

John III, Duke of Cleves

John III, Duke of Cleves (1491-1539) was a German nobleman. He became Duke of Cleves in 1521 and sought to strengthen his territories through strategic marriages and alliances. His daughter Marie married King James V of Scotland.

Deathyear: 1539

Dan Hicks (singer)

Dan Hicks, a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist, was born in 1941. Known for his unique blend of folk, blues, and country music, Hicks' soothing vocals and masterful guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2016

Carlo Goldoni

Carlo Goldoni was a renowned Italian-French playwright born in 1707. He revolutionized the Italian theatre with his 276 comedies, probing the lives of the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy. His works, blending satire and social commentary, remain a cornerstone of Italian theatre and a testament to his mastery of drama.

Deathyear: 1793

James Merrill

James Merrill (1926-1995) was an American poet and playwright known for his lyric and reflective verse. His work explores themes of love, identity, and the human condition, often infused with wit and humor.

Deathyear: 1995

Piero Manzoni

Piero Manzoni (1933-1963) was a pioneering Italian artist known for his conceptual and performative works. He experimented with unconventional materials, such as tar, uric acid, and human waste, blurring the lines between art and life. His most famous work is "Artist's Shit" (1961), a series of 90 cans of his own feces.

Deathyear: 1963

Frank Swift

On February 6, 1958, the Munich air disaster struck, claiming the lives of 23 people, including 8 Manchester United players. The tragedy occurred when a British European Airways de Havilland Comet took off from Munich-Riem Airport, carrying the team back to Manchester after a European Cup match.

Deathyear: 1958

Hugo Montenegro

Hugo Montenegro was an American composer and conductor, best known for his work on film and television scores. Born in 1925, he collaborated with notable actors and directors, including John Wayne and Vincent Price.

Deathyear: 1981