January 28 birthdays and deaths:

Henry VIII

Henry VIII (1491-1547) was the King of England from 1509 until his death. He was a complex figure known for his six marriages, aggressive military campaigns, and the English Reformation, which led to the establishment of the Church of England and the country's subsequent independence from the Roman Catholic Church.

Deathyear: 1547

Charlemagne

Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor from 800 to his death in 814, united much of Western Europe. He promoted Christianity, education, and trade, establishing a lasting legacy that shaped European culture, politics, and institutions for centuries to come.

Deathyear: 814

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson is a renowned American actress, born in 1924. With a career spanning over six decades, she has won numerous awards, including an Emmy and a Tony Award. She is known for her powerful performances on stage and screen, conveying strength and dignity in roles.

Deathyear: 2021

W. B. Yeats

W.B. Yeats was a renowned Irish poet, playwright, and Nobel laureate born in 1865. His works often explored Irish folklore and mythology, and he played a significant role in shaping modern Irish literature. His poetry is known for its lyricism, symbolism, and mysticism, reflecting his interest in occultism and spirituality.

Deathyear: 1939

Klaus Fuchs

Klaus Fuchs was a German physicist and politician born in 1911. He was a key figure in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Deathyear: 1988

Christa McAuliffe

The Space Shuttle Challenger crew consisted of seven astronauts, including Francis "Dick" Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Ronald E. McNair, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and Gregory Jarvis. They tragically lost their lives in a sudden explosion just 73 seconds into their 10th mission on January 28, 1986.

Deathyear: 1986

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston was a pioneering African American writer, known for her innovative and richly detailed portrayals of Black culture and life in the rural South. Her works, such as "Their Eyes Were Watching God," are celebrated for their lyrical prose and powerful exploration of the Black American experience.

Deathyear: 1960

Judith Resnik

The crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger, launched on January 28, 1986, included seven astronauts: Francis "Dick" Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Ronald E. McNair, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and Gregory Jarvis.

Deathyear: 1986

Ronald McNair

The Space Shuttle Challenger crew was a team of seven astronauts who tragically lost their lives on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds into their STS-51-L mission. The crew included Francis "Dick" Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, and Ronald E. McNair.

Deathyear: 1986

John Banner

John Banner, a Austrian-American character actor, was born on December 28, 1910, in Vienna, Austria. He is best known for his portrayal of Sergeant Hans Georg Schmidt in the popular 1960s TV series "Hogan's Heroes".

Deathyear: 1973

Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Lindgren was a renowned Swedish author and screenwriter, best known for creating beloved characters like Pippi Longstocking and Karlsson-on-the-Roof. Her whimsical storytelling and imaginative world-building captivated readers of all ages, making her a beloved figure in Swedish literature and beyond.

Deathyear: 2002

Paul Kantner

Paul Kantner is a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as a founding member of the iconic rock band Jefferson Airplane. With his distinctive voice and innovative guitar playing, Kantner helped shape the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s.

Deathyear: 2016

Jerry Siegel

Jerry Siegel was a pioneering American author and illustrator, best known for co-creating the iconic superhero Superman with his childhood friend Joe Shuster. Born in 1914, Siegel's creation has become an enduring symbol of truth, justice, and the American way.

Deathyear: 1996

Ellison Onizuka

The Space Shuttle Challenger crew, who tragically lost their lives on January 28, 1986, consisted of Francis "Dick" Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, and Ronald E. McNair, remembered for their bravery and contributions to space exploration.

Deathyear: 1986

Dick Scobee

The Seven Challenger Astronauts were Francis "Dick" Scobee (Cmdr), Michael Smith, Judith Resnik, Ellison Onizuka, Ronald McNair, Sharon McGee, and Christa McAuliffe. They were part of the STS-51-L mission, which tragically ended in a catastrophic explosion just 73 seconds into the flight on January 28, 1986.

Deathyear: 1986

Billy Powell

Billy Powell, American keyboard player and songwriter, was born in 1952. As the longtime keyboardist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Powell wrote or co-wrote many of the band's hits, including "Simple Man" and "free Bird."

Deathyear: 2009

Jim Capaldi

Jim Capaldi, a passionate singer-songwriter and drummer, co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood in 1967. His poetic lyrics and soaring vocals adorned hits like "Highway" and "Love Hurts". His eclectic style blended rock, pop, and world music, earning him a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 2005

Billy Fury

Billy Fury, a pioneering British singer-songwriter, dominated the 1960s UK pop scene with his distinctive vocals and swinging standards like "Wonderful World" and "Jealous Woman." His smooth, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence earned him the nickname "The Prince of Teareys."

Deathyear: 1983

Joseph Brodsky

Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996) was a Russian-American poet, essayist, and Nobel laureate. Born in Leningrad, he fled to the US in 1972. His works, often introspective and autobiographical, explored themes of identity, exile, and the human condition. His sophisticated syntax and rich imagery earned him international acclaim.

Deathyear: 1996

Gregory Jarvis

The Space Shuttle Challenger crew consisted of seven astronauts: Francis "Dick" Scobee, Michael J. Smith, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Ronald E. McNair, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, and Gregory Jarvis. They tragically lost their lives on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds into their STS-51-L mission.

Deathyear: 1986

Signe Toly Anderson

Signe Toly Anderson is an American singer best known as the original lead vocalist of the Jefferson Airplane. Born in 1941, Anderson's soulful voice and playful stage presence helped establish the psychedelic rock band during their early years, leaving an enduring mark on the music industry.

Deathyear: 2016

Yue Fei

Yue Fei was a renowned Chinese general renowned for his bravery and strategic military skills. Born in 1103, he led the Southern Song dynasty's forces against the Jin dynasty, earning the nickname "Invincible General." His legacy has endured, symbolizing patriotism and martial prowess in Chinese history.

Deathyear: 1142

John McCrae

John McCrae was a Canadian physician, soldier, and poet who wrote the iconic poem "In Flanders Fields" during World War I. He was born in Guelph, Ontario in 1872 and went on to serve in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Deathyear: 1918

Maxime Weygand

Maxime Weygand, a successful and patriotic general, was born in 1867 in Belgium. He served in the French and later Belgian armies before rising through the French military ranks.

Deathyear: 1965

Donald Winnicott

Donald Winnicott was a pioneering English pediatrician and psychoanalyst who integrated his work with children into his psychoanalytic theory. He emphasized the importance of the "good enough" mother and the role of the external environment in shaping an individual's development and well-being.

Deathyear: 1971

Shotaro Ishinomori

Shotaro Ishinomori was a renowned Japanese author and illustrator, born in 1938. He is best known for creating popular manga series such as "Kamen Rider" and "Ginga Sengoku Gunyuuden Rai", and his work has had a lasting impact on Japanese pop culture and entertainment.

Deathyear: 1998

Choekyi Gyaltsen, 10th Panchen Lama

Choekyi Gyaltsen, the 10th Panchen Lama, was born in 1938 and enthroned as the successor to the 9th Panchen Lama in 1940. He was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader who played a key role in Chinese-Tibetan relations, advocating for minority rights and cultural preservation.

Deathyear: 1989

Roza Shanina

Roza Shanina was a Soviet sniper who served during World War II. She was born in 1924 and was part of the legendary 2nd Guards Red Banner Estonian Rifle Division. She was known for her exceptional marksmanship, earning the title of Honored sniper of the Soviet Union.

Deathyear: 1945

Pope Paul V

Pope Paul V was Pope from 1605-1621. Born Camillo Borghese in 1550, he was a nephew of Pope Pius V. He was known for his strong anti-Protestant views, excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, and his opposition to Henry IV of France.

Deathyear: 1621

Buddy Cianci

Buddy Cianci, born in 1941, was a prominent American politician and lawyer, serving as the 32nd Mayor of Providence from 1975 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 2002. He was known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to urban renewal and revitalization.

Deathyear: 2016

F. J. Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich

F. J. Robinson, 1st Viscount Goderich, was a British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1827 to 1828. Born in 1782, he was the first Duke of Argyll and is remembered for his moderate approach to politics and his efforts to reform the British government.

Deathyear: 1859

Yazid II

Yazid II, the sixth Umayyad caliph, ruled from 720 to 724 CE. He was known for his piety and generosity. Despite his short reign, he made significant administrative and military reforms, improving the lives of the people under his rule. He also expanded the empire through strategic alliances.

Deathyear: 724

Frank Forde

Frank Forde was an Australian educator and politician who served as the 15th Prime Minister of Australia from July to October 1945. Born on June 1, 1890, Forde was the first and only British-born Prime Minister of Australia, leading the country through the final months of World War II.

Deathyear: 1983

Reynaldo Hahn

Reynaldo Hahn (1875-1940) was a pioneering Venezuelan-French composer, conductor, and critic. His music blended French elegance and Venezuelan passion. He founded the Paris Opera-Comique and was a leading figure in 20th-century French music, producing over 100 works, including operas, symphonies, and chamber music.

Deathyear: 1947

Isabella of Aragon, Queen of France

Isabella of Aragon, Queen of France (1247-1271), was a noblewoman and diplomat. She married King Louis IX, strengthening ties between France and Aragon. Known for her intelligence and political acumen, she played a crucial role in shaping European alliances during her reign.

Deathyear: 1271