July 15 birthdays and deaths:

Robert Wadlow

Robert Wadlow, known as the "Giant of Illinois," was an American giant who stood at an incredible 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 m) tall. Born on February 22, 1918, Wadlow's uncommon size made him a celebrity, with thousands flocking to see him in person.

Deathyear: 1940

Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace was a renowned Italian fashion designer, founder of the iconic fashion house Versace. Born in 1946, he revolutionized the fashion industry with his bold, daring, and innovative designs, creating a global brand that continues to inspire and influence modern fashion.

Deathyear: 1997

Christine Chubbuck

Christine Chubbuck was an American television journalist who worked for WWLH-TV in Florida. On July 15, 1974, she committed suicide on live television after abruptly ending her broadcast, shocking the nation and leaving a lasting impact on the media industry.

Deathyear: 1974

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov was a renowned Russian playwright and short story writer born in 1860. Known for his poignant, psychologically complex works, Chekhov's writings often explored the human condition, mortality, and the intricacies of the human psyche.

Deathyear: 1904

Martin Landau

Martin Landau was an American film and television actor, born on June 28, 1928. He is best known for his iconic roles in films such as "North by Northwest" and "Ed Wood," earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in the latter.

Deathyear: 2017

John J. Pershing

John J. Pershing, a highly decorated and respected American general, was born in 1860. He commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, leading troops in key battles and earning recognition for his leadership skills and strategic thinking.

Deathyear: 1948

Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, was the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa. Born in 1479, she was a member of the wealthy merchant class and became an icon of Renaissance art.

Deathyear: 1542

Vladimir the Great

Vladimir the Great, Grand Prince of Kievan Rus' (c. 958-1015), united warring factions, introduced Christianity to Russia in 988, and established the Kievan Orthodox Church. He centralized power, strengthened the state, and promoted trade and culture, earning him a revered place in Russian history.

Deathyear: 1015

Bert Convy

Bert Convy was a talented American actor, singer, and game show host, born in 1933. He appeared in numerous TV shows and films, and hosted the game show "Tattletales" and others. Known for his charming personality and smooth vocals, Convy brought joy and entertainment to audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 1991

Celeste Holm

Celeste Holm was a versatile American actress and singer, known for her Tony-award winning role in "Where's the Rest of Me" and her Oscar-winning performance in "All the King's Men". She had a long and distinguished career on stage, screen, and radio.

Deathyear: 2012

General Tom Thumb

General Tom Thumb was a renowned American circus performer born Charles Stratton on April 4, 1838. Standing at 25 inches tall, he mesmerized audiences with his comedic antics and impressive physical abilities, earning the adoration of Queen Victoria and becoming an international celebrity.

Deathyear: 1883

James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth

James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, was a renowned Dutch-English general and politician, born in 1649. He served as Governor of Kingston-upon-Hull and led the Monmouth Rebellion, a failed attempt to overthrow his uncle King James II.

Deathyear: 1685

Roberto Bolaño

Roberto Bolaño was a Chilean literary giant, known for his dense, allusive, and darkly lyrical prose. His novels, such as "2666" and "By Night in Chile", probed the human condition, history, and the power of literature, blending myth, politics, and personal narrative with searing intensity.

Deathyear: 2003

Yang Guifei

Yang Guifei (719-756) was the beautiful and influential consort of Emperor Xuan Zong, a Tang Dynasty empress who played a significant role in politics. Her popularity and proximity to the emperor contributed to her power, but also sparked resentment among courtiers and ultimately led to her tragic downfall.

Deathyear: 756

Margaret Lockwood

Margaret Lockwood was a British actress known for her glamorous film persona, starring in films like "The Lady Vanishes" (1938) and "Night Train to Munich" (1940). She was a major star during the 1940s and early 1950s, often paired with Michael Redgrave and Dirk Bogarde.

Deathyear: 1990

Bonaventure

Bonaventure was an Italian bishop and saint born in 1221. He was a prominent theologian and philosopher, known for his leadership as Minister General of the Franciscan Order and his writings on spirituality and mysticism. He was canonized in 1482.

Deathyear: 1274

Laurie Cunningham

Laurie Cunningham was an English footballer who played for Fulham and the England national team. A prolific winger, he was known for his pace, skill, and entertaining style of play. He tragically died in a car accident in Spain in 1989 at just 33 years old.

Deathyear: 1989

Rudolf I of Germany

Rudolf I of Germany, also known as Rudolf of Habsburg, was the Duke of Swabia and King of the Romans from 1273 to 1291. He was a key figure in the rise of the Habsburg dynasty and played a crucial role in the Holy Roman Empire's governance.

Deathyear: 1291

James M. Cox

James M. Cox was a renowned American publisher and politician. He served as the 46th Governor of Ohio from 1913 to 1915. Prior to his gubernatorial tenure, Cox was a successful publisher and newspaperman.

Deathyear: 1957

Googie Withers

Googie Withers was a talented British-Australian actress, born June 25, 1917. She appeared in over 40 films, showcasing her versatility in genres like drama, comedy, and romance. Withers was praised for her charming on-screen presence and won the Australian Film Institute's Best Actress award in 1967.

Deathyear: 2011

Paul Gallico

Paul Gallico was an American journalist and author born in 1897. He wrote novels, biographies, and memoirs, often focusing on American history and culture. His most famous work is "The Snow Goose", a poignant and powerful novella about love, sacrifice, and the human spirit.

Deathyear: 1976

Gustavo Díaz Ordaz

Gustavo Díaz Ordaz was a prominent Mexican politician, serving as the 29th President of Mexico from 1964 to 1970. A lawyer and academic, he devoted himself to public service, implementing reforms and advancing Mexico's international cooperation during his presidency.

Deathyear: 1979

Peter R. de Vries

Peter R. de Vries is a renowned Dutch investigative journalist and crime reporter, born in 1956. Known for his courageous work on high-profile cases, he has exposed corruption and ensured justice for victims and their families, earning him widespread respect and admiration in the Netherlands.

Deathyear: 2021

Carl Czerny

Carl Czerny, a renowned Austrian pianist and composer, was born in 1791. Known for his incredible improvisational skills, he was considered one of the greatest pianists of his time. He composed many études and sonatas, and was a pupil of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Deathyear: 1857

John Ball (priest)

John Ball, a prominent English Lollard priest, was born around 1338 and executed in 1414. He was a follower of John Wycliffe and a vocal critic of the Catholic Church, advocating for the reform of the clergy and the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages.

Deathyear: 1381

Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots

Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scotland, was the wife of James I and Queen consort of Scotland from 1424 until his death in 1437. She was a daughter of Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and played an influential role in Scottish politics during her husband's reign.

Deathyear: 1445

Eugen Bleuler

Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist and physician, was born in 1857. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of psychiatry. He is known for introducing the term "schizophrenia" and making significant contributions to the field of psychiatry.

Deathyear: 1940

Annibale Carracci

Annibale Carracci (1560-1609) was a renowned Italian painter and illustrator from Bologna. He was known for his elegant and harmonious style, which blended classicism with Mannerism. His works, such as "The Loves of the Gods," showcased his mastery of color, composition, and storytelling.

Deathyear: 1609

Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Hugo von Hofmannsthal was an Austrian author, poet, and playwright born in 1874. He is regarded as one of the most important figures of modern Austrian literature. His works often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1929

Ernest Bloch

Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was a Swiss-American composer and academic. Best known for his concertos and scores for ballet and opera, his music often incorporates Hebrew and folk influences. He taught at several institutions, including the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

Deathyear: 1959

Aubrey Morris

Aubrey Morris is a British actor, born in 1926. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Fanny and Alexander, Red Planet Mars, and The Tomorrow Show with Jackie Martling.

Deathyear: 2015

Eric II of Norway

Here is a 40-word description of King Erik II Magnusson of Norway: Erik II Magnusson (born circa 1268) was the King of Norway from 1280 to 1290. He was the son of King Magnus V and succeeded his father as king at a young age. Erik was known for his tumultuous reign marked by wars and conflicts with the Hanseatic League.

Deathyear: 1299