July 11 birthdays and deaths:

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier was a legendary English actor, director, and producer. Born in 1907, Olivier was known for his commanding stage presence and towering film presence, starring in iconic films like "Hamlet" and "Sleuth", and directing classics like "Hamlet" and "Richard III".

Deathyear: 1989

George Gershwin

George Gershwin, a pioneering American pianist, songwriter, and composer, was born in 1898. Known for blending jazz and classical music, his iconic works include "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris," showcasing his unique American voice in music.

Deathyear: 1937

Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson, a passionate environmental advocate, beautified America during her husband Lyndon's presidency. As the 43rd First Lady, she spearheaded the Highway Beautification Act, promoting landscape conservation and flower power. Her efforts inspired a national commitment to beauty and conservation.

Deathyear: 2007

Olga of Kiev

Olga of Kiev (c. 890-969 CE) was a regent and princess of Kievan Rus', who played a significant role in establishing trade and diplomatic relationships with European powers. She is known for her determination and intelligence, earning her the title "Grand Princess of Kiev".

Deathyear: 969

Milan Kundera

Milan Kundera is a renowned Czech-French writer, born in 1929. He's known for his philosophical and poetic novels, often exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. His works include "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting".

Deathyear: 2023

Arturo Gatti

Arturo Gatti was a legendary Italian-Canadian professional boxer, born in 1972. He won the IBO and WBC super featherweight titles, known for his aggressive fighting style and epic battles, including his trilogy against Oscar de la Hoya.

Deathyear: 2009

Satoru Iwata

Satoru Iwata was a renowned Japanese game programmer and businessman who served as the President and CEO of Nintendo from 2002 to 2015. He was a pioneer in game development and implemented innovative technologies, including the Nintendo DS and Wii consoles.

Deathyear: 2015

Charlie Robinson (actor)

Charlie Robinson is an American actor, born in 1945, best known for his recurring role as Judge Claude Frollo in the TV series "Hooperman" and his work in numerous films and TV shows, including "M*A*S*H" and "L.A. Law".

Deathyear: 2021

Tommy Ramone

Tommy Ramone, born Erdelyi Tamas in Budapest, Hungary, was a Hungarian-American drummer, songwriter, and producer. As one of the founding members of the Ramones, he co-founded the punk rock band and was responsible for producing their debut album.

Deathyear: 2014

Charlie Haden

Charlie Haden was an American jazz bassist and composer born in 1937. He was a fundamental figure in modal jazz, collaborating with Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, and numerous other jazz legends. He won multiple Grammy Awards and was a member of the influential Quartet West.

Deathyear: 2014

Barnard Hughes

Barnard Hughes was a renowned American actor, born in 1915. With an illustrious career spanning over 60 years, he appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, earning him an Emmy Award and a Tony Award.

Deathyear: 2006

Amalric of Jerusalem

Amalric I of Jerusalem, born in 1136, was the King of Jerusalem from 1163 until his death in 1174. As a skilled military leader, he successfully defended the kingdom against the Muslim forces, strengthening Jerusalem's position in the region and expanding its borders.

Deathyear: 1174

Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Giuseppe Arcimboldo was an Italian Mannerist painter known for his fantastical and surreal portraits, blending human faces with objects and flowers. Born in 1527, he became a court painter to the Habsburgs, creating innovative and intriguing works that defy traditional portraiture. His artistry continues to inspire modern artists.

Deathyear: 1593

Michael DeBakey

Michael E. DeBakey was a pioneering American surgeon and educator born in 1908. He made significant contributions to cardiac surgery and developed the first artificial heart and ventricular assist devices, revolutionizing the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Deathyear: 2008

Mokhtar Dahari

Mokhtar Dahari was a renowned Malaysian footballer and coach, born in 1953. Nicknamed "The Golden Player", he played for Selangor FA and the Malaysian national team, scoring 181 goals in 112 appearances. He later coached the national team and was inducted into the Malaysian Football Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 1991

Laurance Rockefeller

Laurance Rockefeller, a member of the prominent Rockefeller family, was a financier, philanthropist, and businessman. Born in 1910, he was a descendant of John D. Rockefeller and a great-uncle of Nelson Rockefeller, the 41st Vice President of the United States.

Deathyear: 2004

Gary Kildall

Gary Kildall, a pioneering American computer scientist, founded Digital Research in 1976. Born in 1942, he developed the CP/M operating system and played a key role in the development of the personal computer industry.

Deathyear: 1994

John W. Campbell

John W. Campbell, a pioneering science fiction editor and author, was born in 1910. He edited pulp magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction, fostering the careers of grandmasters like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, and coined the term "hard science fiction".

Deathyear: 1971

Frances Langford

Frances Langford was a renowned American actress and singer, born in 1913. She gained popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, performing in stage shows, films, and radio programs. Known for her sweet vocals and charming on-screen presence, Langford earned the nickname "Sweet Sixteen" for her sassy stage persona.

Deathyear: 2005

Muhammad Abduh

Muhammad Abduh was a prominent Egyptian jurist and scholar who reformed Islamic education and thought. Born in 1849, he emphasized rational thinking and tolerance in Islam, inspiring Egyptian nationalism and independence from Ottoman rule.

Deathyear: 1905

Anthemius

Anthemius, son of a Western Roman general, was crowned Roman emperor in 467 CE. Born around 420 CE, he served alongside Emperor Leo I and then ascended to the throne. His reign was marked by instability and conflict, leading to his eventual overthrow and execution in 472 CE.

Deathyear: 472

John Spencer (snooker player)

John Spencer is a renowned English snooker player and sportscaster, born in 1935. He won the World Snooker Championship in 1969 and has presented various sports programs, including the BBC's coverage of the World Snooker Championship.

Deathyear: 2006

Robert Runcie

Robert Runcie, a Bishop of St. Alban and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1980 to 1991, was known for his strong leadership, his commitment to ecumenism, and his opposition to the British government's decision to force the church to sell its properties in the City of London.

Deathyear: 2000

Pedro Rodríguez (racing driver)

Pedro Rodríguez was a Mexican racing driver born in 1940. He competed in various racing categories, including Formula One, and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1969.

Deathyear: 1971

Ross Macdonald

Ross Macdonald was a renowned author of crime fiction, known for his Lew Archer series. He was born on December 13, 1915, in California.

Deathyear: 1983

Sloot Digital Coding System

Jan Sloot is a renowned Dutch computer scientist and electronics technician, born in 1945. He made significant contributions to the field of computer science, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, earning him international recognition and numerous awards.

Deathyear: 1999

Delmore Schwartz

Delmore Schwartz (1913-1966) was an American poet and short story writer, known for his modernist and surrealist style. His poetry collections, including "Schwartz: Portraits" (1963), explored themes of American identity, alienation, and the fragmented self.

Deathyear: 1966

Gretchen Franklin

Gretchen Franklin was a talented English actress and dancer, born in 1911. She gained fame for her role as Ethel Parks in the British sitcom "EastEnders", showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Deathyear: 2005

Herman Brood

Herman Brood (1946-2001) was a Dutch musician, singer-songwriter, and painter. He was known for his raw, emotional vocals and energetic live performances. As a painter, he created expressive and colorful works that reflected his blues-infused music style.

Deathyear: 2001

Nicole Oresme

Nicole Oresme, a French philosopher, mathematician, and bishop, lived from 1325 to 1382. He wrote extensively on Aristotelian philosophy and critiqued the feudal system. He was a prominent figure in the University of Paris and served as Bishop of Lisieux from 1377 until his death.

Deathyear: 1382

Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet

Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet, was a British general and loyalist commander during the French and Indian War. Born in 1715 in Ireland, he was of Irish-English descent and played a key role in the war, particularly in the Battle of Lake George.

Deathyear: 1774

Narai

Narai, a Thai king who ruled from 1656 to 1688, expanded Buddhism, trade, and culture. He welcomed French missionaries and traders, introducing European ideas. Known for his wisdom and diplomacy, he strengthened Siam's economy and international connections.

Deathyear: 1688

Helen Forrest

Helen Forrest was an American singer known for her smooth, velvety tone and effortless phrasing. With a career spanning over three decades, she recorded with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and became one of the most popular vocalists of the Big Band Era.

Deathyear: 1999

Simon Newcomb

Simon Newcomb, a renowned Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician, made significant contributions to celestial mechanics and astronomy. Born in 1835, he computed celestial tables and predicted the existence of Neptune, later confirmed in 1846. He also pioneered photometry, measuring the brightness of celestial objects. His work remains influential in the field.

Deathyear: 1909