January 30 birthdays and deaths:

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, a visionary leader, fought for Indian independence against British rule. Born in 1869, he employed non-violent resistance, satyagraha, and civil disobedience to free India. His philosophies of non-violence and peaceful protest continue to inspire movements worldwide.

Deathyear: 1948

Charles I of England

Charles I (1600-1649) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in 1649. Known for his strong faith and commitment to the absolute monarch, his conflicts with Parliament led to the English Civil War, ultimately resulting in his downfall.

Deathyear: 1649

Wright brothers

Orville Wright was a pioneering American pilot and engineer who, along with his brother Wilbur, designed, built, and flew the world's first successful airplane. He founded the Wright Company, which became a leading manufacturer of aircraft. Born in 1871, Orville was a key figure in the development of aviation.

Deathyear: 1948

Cheslie Kryst

Cheslie Kryst is a stunning American television presenter and model born in 1991. Known for her beautiful features and charismatic on-screen presence, she has made a name for herself hosting various events and appearing on TV shows.

Deathyear: 2022

Mark Salling

Mark Salling was an American actor and musician, best known for his role as Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the Fox television series "Glee". He also released an indie rock album and was a talented musician.

Deathyear: 2018

Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King was a renowned author and activist, best known for her activism with her husband Martin Luther King Jr. She was a powerful voice for civil rights and women's rights, advocating for justice through music, literature, and public service.

Deathyear: 2006

Sophie (musician)

Sophie, born 1986, is a Scottish musician, producer, and DJ. Known for her eclectic and experimental sound, Sophie's music combines elements of electronic, pop, and indie rock. She gained recognition for her debut album "Product" and has collaborated with artists like Charli XCX and Madonna.

Deathyear: 2021

Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria

Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria, born in 1858, was the eldest son of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. As heir apparent, he was next in line to the throne of Austria-Hungary, but his life was cut short in a tragic accident on January 30, 1889, at Mayerling.

Deathyear: 1889

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera is a legendary American actress, singer, and dancer, born December 23, 1933. With a career spanning over six decades, she has won two Tony Awards and a Kennedy Center Honoree, captivating audiences with her iconic roles in West Side Story, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Deathyear: 2024

Ferdinand Porsche

Ferdinand Porsche, a visionary Austrian-German engineer and businessman, founded Porsche in 1931. Born in 1875, he was renowned for his innovative automotive designs, including the iconic Porsche 911. His legacy continues to shape the automotive industry, empowering passion-driven innovation.

Deathyear: 1951

John Barry (composer)

John Barry (1933-present) is a renowned English composer and conductor, best known for his iconic film scores, including those for James Bond films, "Out of Africa," and "The Lion in Winter." His sweeping, emotive music has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 2011

Bobby Hull

Bobby Hull, known as "the Golden Jet," was a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the NHL and WHA. He is one of the greatest players in NHL history, holding multiple records and winning two Stanley Cups.

Deathyear: 2023

The Andrews Sisters

Patty Andrews was an American singer and eldest member of the Andrews Sisters, known for their close harmonies and lively performances. She entertained soldiers during World War II and performed for presidents, earning the nickname "The Voice of Victory" for her energetic and emotive singing.

Deathyear: 2013

Peter II of Russia

Peter II of Russia, born in 1715, reigned from 1727-1730 as a minor. Despite efforts to strengthen the government, his reign was marked by royal favoritism, corruption, and instability. He died in 1730 at the age of 15, succeeded by Anne of Russia.

Deathyear: 1730

Geraldine McEwan

Geraldine McEwan was a renowned English actress, best known for her iconic roles in Agatha Christie's adaptations, including Miss Marple and Midsomer Murders.

Deathyear: 2015

Betsy Ross

Betsy Ross (1752-1836) was an American seamstress and flag maker credited with designing the first American flag. According to legend, in 1776, she sewed the first Stars and Stripes flag using a sketch from George Washington and his colleagues, creating an iconic symbol of American independence and freedom.

Deathyear: 1836

Sidney Sheldon

Sidney Sheldon was a renowned American author and screenwriter, born in 1917. He is known for his bestselling thriller novels, including "The Naked Face" and "Ritual", as well as his work on TV shows such as "I Dream of Jeannie".

Deathyear: 2007

Emperor Kōmei

Emperor Kōmei was the 121st Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1852 until his death in 1867. He was the son of Emperor Ninkō and ascended to the throne at just 15 years old. Kōmei oversaw Japan's late Edo period, witnessing the country's gradual opening to the world.

Deathyear: 1867

John Bardeen

John Bardeen was a pioneering American physicist and engineer, known for his groundbreaking work on semiconductors and transistors. He won two Nobel Prizes, in 1956 and 1972, for his contributions to the development of the transistor and other electronic devices, revolutionizing modern technology.

Deathyear: 1991

Frank Finlay

Frank Finlay OBE was a renowned English actor, born in 1926. He had a distinguished career in film, television, and theatre, with notable roles in "James Bond" and "Jason and the Argonauts". Finlay received an OBE in 1988 for his services to drama.

Deathyear: 2016

Dick Miller

Dick Miller was a prolific American actor, born in 1928, with a career spanning over six decades. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including classics like "The Burbs," "Gremlins," and "The 'Burbs," showcasing his versatility and iconic everyman persona.

Deathyear: 2019

Francis Poulenc

Francis Poulenc was a renowned French pianist and composer, born in 1899. He was a key figure in the Six, a group of young composers who sought to revive French music. Poulenc's works include symphonies, piano concertos, and operas, showcasing his unique blend of elegance and wit.

Deathyear: 1963

Osceola

Osceola, a Seminole war leader, was born in 1804 in Alabama. Fighting for his people's rights and land, he led the Seminoles against the United States, earning international recognition and becoming a symbol of resistance against cultural extinction and forced relocation.

Deathyear: 1838

Huntz Hall

Huntz Hall was an American actor, best known for his role as "Squares" Uppman in the 1940s-1950s film series "The Bowery Boys." With his distinctive Brooklyn accent and comedic timing, Hall became a beloved figure in American cinema and television for over five decades.

Deathyear: 1999

Alexandra of Yugoslavia

Alexandra of Yugoslavia (born 1921) was the last Queen of Yugoslavia and the wife of King Peter II. She was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and married King Peter in 1944. She was a strong advocate for her husband's claim to the throne, but was forced to flee Yugoslavia in 1953.

Deathyear: 1993

Lightnin' Hopkins

Lightnin' Hopkins was a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1912. Known for his unique blend of blues, country, and country blues, Hopkins' powerful voice and fingerpicking style captivated audiences, earning him the nickname "Last of the Great Gulf Coast Bluesmen."

Deathyear: 1982

Pierre Boulle

Pierre Boulle was a French soldier, writer, and Nobel laureate (born 1912). He served in the French Resistance and wrote innovative, often unconventional novels like "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" (1952) and "Monkey Planet" (1963), showcasing his unique perspective and satire.

Deathyear: 1994

Barbara La Marr

Barbara La Marr was a talented American actress, known as the "Girl Who Was Too Beautiful" for her stunning looks. Born in 1896, she appeared in over 40 films, including Westerns and comedies, before her untimely death at 26 due to tuberculosis.

Deathyear: 1926

Marcial Maciel

Marcial Maciel, a Mexican-American priest, founded the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi in 1941. Born in 1920, Maciel's charismatic leadership and mysterious past drew thousands of followers. However, scandals and allegations of sexual abuse led to his downfall.

Deathyear: 2008

Jean-Pierre Aumont

Jean-Pierre Aumont, a French aristocrat, served as a soldier in the Resistance during World War II. After the war, he transitioned to a successful acting career, known for his suave, charming on-screen presence in over 40 films, including the classic "Sahara" (1953) opposite Humphrey Bogart.

Deathyear: 2001

Professor Longhair

Professor Longhair was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and pianist born in 1918 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He was a key figure in the development of New Orleans R&B and rock 'n' roll, serving as an influence to artists like Elvis Presley and Fats Domino.

Deathyear: 1980

Bobby Beathard

Bobby Beathard is a legendary NFL executive, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. With a 40-year career, he played a crucial role in building the Miami Dolphins' perfect season (1984) and shaping the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders' dynasty.

Deathyear: 2023

Johnnie Johnson (RAF officer)

Johnnie Johnson, a distinguished English air marshal and pilot, was born in 1915. He flew over 60 sorties during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and being honored as one of the top Allied aces, with 27 confirmed kills.

Deathyear: 2001

Martyn Bennett

Martyn Bennett, a Canadian-Scottish violinist, was born in 1971. He was known for his unique blend of traditional Scottish and folk music styles with modern electronic elements.

Deathyear: 2005

Wendy Wasserstein

Wendy Wasserstein was a pioneering American playwright and academic, known for her witty and insightful portrayals of Jewish life. Her plays, such as "The Sisters Rosensweig" and "An American Daughter", explored themes of identity, family, and womanhood, resonating with audiences and earning her numerous awards and accolades.

Deathyear: 2006

Makhanlal Chaturvedi

Makhanlal Chaturvedi was a renowned Indian poet, playwright, and journalist born in 1889. He was known for his powerful and emotive writing style, which often explored themes of love, nature, and social justice.

Deathyear: 1968

H. Guy Hunt

H. Guy Hunt was a decorated American soldier, pastor, and politician who served as the 49th Governor of Alabama from 1987 to 1993. Born in 1933, Hunt was a veteran of the Vietnam War and later pursued a career in politics, prioritizing conservative ideals and social values.

Deathyear: 2009