July 12 birthdays and deaths:

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father, serving as the 1st Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795). He played a key role in shaping the US government and economy, advocating for a national bank and a strong federal government.

Deathyear: 1804

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston is a talented American actress and former model, born on October 13, 1962. She gained recognition for her roles in "Mischief," "Twins," and "Jerry Maguire."

Deathyear: 2020

Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton (1947-) is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for her unique vocal range and innovative style. With her soulful voice and distinctive whistle register, she produced iconic hits like "Lovin' You" and "Inside My Love" throughout her illustrious music career.

Deathyear: 1979

Erasmus

Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) was a Dutch Catholic priest, biblical scholar, and philosopher who critiqued Catholic Church teachings. He advocated for reform and rejected indulgences, arguing that salvation came from faith and good deeds, not priestly intermediaries. His writings influenced the Protestant Reformation.

Deathyear: 1536

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was a distinguished American general and politician who served as Governor of Puerto Rico from 1899 to 1901 and led the 1st and 2nd U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the Spanish-American War and World War I.

Deathyear: 1944

Dara Singh

Dara Singh was a legendary Indian wrestler, actor, and politician. Born in 1928, he won numerous wrestling championships and acted in over 150 films. He also served as a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1989.

Deathyear: 2012

Rajendra Kumar

Rajendra Kumar was a renowned Indian film actor, known for his iconic roles in Bollywood classics like "Aar Paar" and "Ark". He was born in 1921 and had a successful career spanning over three decades, earning him the nickname "Raj Kumar" for his royal on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 1999

Lon Chaney Jr.

Lon Chaney Jr. was an American actor born in 1906, best known for his iconic role as Larry Talbot in the 1941 film "The Wolf Man". He was the son of silent film star Lon Chaney and enjoyed a long career in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films.

Deathyear: 1973

Alfred Dreyfus

Alfred Dreyfus, a French Army officer, was falsely accused of treason in 1894, sparking the Dreyfus Affair. As a Jewish-Algerian officer, he faced anti-Semitic and xenophobic prejudice. His conviction was eventually overturned in 1906, after years of evidence and public outcry.

Deathyear: 1935

Richard Cromwell

Richard Cromwell, born in 1626, was an English academic and politician. He was the son of Oliver Cromwell and later became the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland after his father's death in 1658.

Deathyear: 1712

Kenneth More

Kenneth More was a renowned English actor, born in 1914. He appeared in over 50 films, showcasing his versatility in a wide range of roles. Notably, his iconic performances in "Genevieve" and "Doctor in the House" have become a testament to his impressive acting career.

Deathyear: 1982

Gertrude Bell

Gertrude Bell, a brilliant and adventurous English archaeologist and spy, explored the Middle East, uncovering ancient ruins and documenting historical sites. She also worked as a spy during WWI, gathering intelligence and reporting back to the British government.

Deathyear: 1926

Amar Bose

Amar Bose was a pioneering American businessman, founder of the Bose Corporation. Born in 1929, he revolutionized the audio industry with innovative products, including speaker systems and headphones. His legacy continues to shape the way we listen to music today.

Deathyear: 2013

Harvey Pekar

Harvey Pekar was a pioneering American author and comic book writer known for his autobiographical graphic novel series "American Splendor" (1976-2008). He explored everyday life, social issues, and Jewish culture, winning critical acclaim and a cult following. His work is celebrated for its nuanced, witty, and poignant storytelling.

Deathyear: 2010

Sherwood Schwartz

Sherwood Schwartz is a renowned American screenwriter and producer, best known for creating the iconic sitcoms "Pristine" and "The Brady Bunch." Born in 1916, Schwartz's career spans over five decades, earning him multiple Emmy nominations and a prestigious award for his contributions to television.

Deathyear: 2011

Charles Rolls

Charles Rolls was an English engineer and businessman who co-founded Rolls-Royce Limited with Henry Royce in 1904. Born in 1877, Rolls was a wealthy playboy who joined Royce's engineering company, leading to the creation of the iconic luxury car brand that bears their names.

Deathyear: 1910

D. T. Suzuki

D.T. Suzuki was a renowned Japanese philosopher and author, born in 1870. He popularized Zen Buddhism worldwide through his writings, exploring its relation to Western philosophy. His work, such as "Introduction to Zen Buddhism," introduced Eastern thought to the Western world, shaping modern Eastern-Western comparative studies.

Deathyear: 1966

Douglas Hyde

Douglas Hyde, born 1860, was an Irish scholar, linguist, and politician. He was a pioneer in preserving Irish language and culture. He became the first President of Ireland in 1938, serving until his death in 1949. Hyde was a champion of Irish heritage and a unifying force for the nation.

Deathyear: 1949

Wolfram von Richthofen

Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, a German Field Marshal, was born in 1895. He served in World War II, rising through the ranks and playing a crucial role in the Battle of the Bulge.

Deathyear: 1945

Tony Snow

Tony Snow, a renowned American journalist, served as the 26th White House Press Secretary from 2003-2005 under President George W. Bush. Known for his wit and humor, Snow previously worked as a renowned journalist and author, winning several awards for his work. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 53.

Deathyear: 2008

Bobby Murcer

Bobby Murcer was a talented American baseball player, coach, and sportscaster. A six-time Gold Glove winner, he played for the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants before becoming a renowned analyst for Yankees broadcast team, offering insightful commentary and memorable impressions.

Deathyear: 2008

Chris Wood (rock musician)

Chris Wood is a renowned English saxophonist born in 1944. With a versatile career spanning over four decades, he has played with numerous jazz greats, including Michael Garrick, John Surman, and Norma Winstone, and has released several critically acclaimed albums.

Deathyear: 1983

Alan Whicker

Alan Whicker was a renowned English journalist and broadcaster, best known for presenting the popular BBC series "Whicker's World" from 1962 to 1990. He was born in Egypt in 1921 to British parents and spent much of his life abroad, reporting on international affairs and cultures.

Deathyear: 2013

Olive Morris

Olive Morris was a Jamaican-English civil rights activist, artist, and squatter. Born in 1952, she played a crucial role in the London squatting movement and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Morris championed the rights of Black people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, inspiring a generation of activists in the UK.

Deathyear: 1979

Bertrada of Laon

Bertrada of Laon was a Frankish queen born around 720 AD. She was the wife of Charles Martel, the legendary Frankish military leader, and their union produced three children, including the future King Pepin the Short. Bertrada was known for her piety and her close relationship with her husband.

Deathyear: 783

Bahlul Khan Lodi

Bahadur al-Din Nasir Mirza, popularly known as Bahlul Lodi, was a renowned Sultan of Delhi from 1489 to 1517. He strengthened the Lodi dynasty and expanded its borders, building numerous mosques and landmarks in Delhi, establishing himself as a just and wise ruler.

Deathyear: 1489

Robert Henri

Robert Henri (1865-1929) was a pioneering American painter and educator who championed a more expressive and emotional approach to art. As a teacher at the Art Students League, he influenced many artists, including George Luks, John Sloan, and Maurice Prendergast.

Deathyear: 1929

John Chancellor

John Chancellor was a renowned American journalist who served as NBC News' anchorman from 1961 to 1982. He covered some of the most significant events in history, including the Kennedy assassination, Vietnam War, and Cold War. He was known for his calm and authoritative reporting style.

Deathyear: 1996

Elsie de Wolfe

Elsie de Wolfe was a pioneering American actress, author, and interior decorator, born in 1865. She was one of the first women to work in the male-dominated theater industry, and went on to design elaborate stage sets and interior spaces that showcased her artistic flair.

Deathyear: 1950

Benny Carter

Benny Carter was a renowned American musician who excelled as a trumpeter, saxophonist, and composer. He was a pioneer of the cool jazz movement and collaborated with numerous legendary artists. Throughout his 75-year career, Carter's unique style and innovative approach earned him the nickname "The King of Swing."

Deathyear: 2003

Valeriya Novodvorskaya

Valeriya Novodvorskaya was a Russian journalist and politician, known for her outspoken criticism of the Soviet and Russian governments. Born in 1950, she was a prominent figure in Russia's opposition movement and founded the Democratic Choice party.

Deathyear: 2014

Pavel Nakhimov

Pavel Nakhimov (1802-1855) was a renowned Russian admiral who played a key role in the Crimean War. He led the Russian naval forces during the Siege of Sevastopol and was wounded in the defense of the city, dying soon after.

Deathyear: 1855