July 18 birthdays and deaths:

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was a renowned English novelist celebrated for her insightful portrayals of life in the early 19th century. Her witty, romantic novels, such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility", remain beloved classics, esteemed for their timeless themes and sophisticated characterization.

Deathyear: 1817

Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna, a pioneering Indian actor, dominated the silver screen in the 1970s. Known as the "First Superstar" of Bollywood, he starred in iconic films like "Aradhana" and "Amar Prem", captivating audiences with his charming on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 2012

Caravaggio

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian Baroque painter born in 1571. His dramatic, emotionally charged works revolutionized the art world with innovative use of chiaroscuro, influencing artists from Rembrandt to Rubens. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1610.

Deathyear: 1610

Nico

Nico, born Christina Pilocchio in 1938, was a German singer-songwriter, keyboard player, and actress. Known for her distinctive vocals and avant-garde style, she collaborated with The Velvet Underground and became a pioneer of the Berlin punk scene.

Deathyear: 1988

Rebecca Schaeffer

Rebecca Schaeffer was a talented American model and actress, born in 1967. She rose to fame in the 1980s, starring in TV shows and films, including the popular sitcom "My Sister Sam". Her life was tragically cut short in 1989, at the age of 21, after being murdered by her obsessive fan Robert Bardo.

Deathyear: 1989

Oommen Chandy

Oommen Chandy is an Indian politician, born in 1943. He served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2011 to 2016, representing the Indian National Congress party. Known for his social and economic development initiatives, he focused on healthcare, education, and infrastructure development during his term.

Deathyear: 2023

John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones, a Scottish-American admiral and diplomat, is considered the father of the American Navy. He led American ships in the French and Indian War and later commanded the USS Bonhomme Richard during the American Revolutionary War, earning his reputation as a skilled and fearless naval commander.

Deathyear: 1792

Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez, a lawyer and politician, served as Mexico's 26th President (1858-1872). He promoted liberal reforms, abolished the Catholic Church's privileges, and fought off French intervention. His democratic vision, " ¡Tierra y Libertad!" ("Land and Freedom!"), remains a powerful Mexican slogan.

Deathyear: 1872

Robert Gould Shaw

Robert Gould Shaw was a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War, best known for leading the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first formal unit of the Union Army composed entirely of African American soldiers, in the fight against slavery and racial injustice.

Deathyear: 1863

Jack Hawkins

Jack Hawkins (1910-1973) was a renowned English actor, known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence. He appeared in over 50 films, including "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) and "Sands of the Kalahari" (1965).

Deathyear: 1973

Guy of Lusignan

Guy of Lusignan, king consort of Jerusalem from 1186 to 1192, was a French nobleman who married Queen Sibylla. Despite being unpopular, he became king due to his wife's royal lineage. His military campaigns failed, leading to the disastrous Third Crusade and the loss of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187.

Deathyear: 1194

Marie of Romania

Marie of Romania, born 1875, was the daughter of King Ferdinand I of Romania and adopted Romanian citizenship at 18, marrying Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. She became Queen of Romania in 1914 and played a key role in shaping the country's history, advocating for education and women's rights.

Deathyear: 1938

Alex Rocco

Alex Rocco was a talented American actor, born February 29, 1936, known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in films and TV shows like "The Godfather," "The Super Cops," and "The Famous Teddy Z," earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

Deathyear: 2015

Mary Jo Kopechne

Mary Jo Kopechne was an American educator and secretary who became infamous in 1969 when she died in a car accident involving Sen. Edward Kennedy. Her death sparked a national scandal and remains a prominent moment in American political history.

Deathyear: 1969

Godfrey of Bouillon

Here is a 40-word summary of Godfrey of Bouillon: Godfrey of Bouillon, a Frankish knight, was born in 1016. He played a crucial role in the First Crusade, leading the Crusader Army to defeat the Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Antioch and capturing Jerusalem in 1099, becoming the first Christian ruler of the city.

Deathyear: 1100

William Westmoreland

William Westmoreland was a prominent American general during the Vietnam War, serving as Commander of US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. He is often credited with changing American military strategy to focus on body count and winning hearts and minds.

Deathyear: 2005

Muhammad ibn al-Qasim

Muhammad bin Qasim was a brilliant Umayyad general who conquered Sindh (modern-day Pakistan) in 712-713 CE. He conquered the region with minimal force, outsmarting the local rulers. His military campaigns showed tactical brilliance, securing key victories and expanding the caliphate's borders. His conquests had lasting effects.

Deathyear: 715

Bartolomé de las Casas

Bartolomé de las Casas was a Spanish bishop, historian, and settler in the Caribbean. Born around 1484, he was a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples and a critic of Spanish colonization. He wrote extensively on the subject, including his influential work "A Short Account of the Devastation of the Indies".

Deathyear: 1566

Adrian Cronauer

Adrian Cronauer is a renowned American radio personality born in 1938. He is best known for his iconic radio show "Love Thy Neighbor" and his roles in the films "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Air America."

Deathyear: 2018

Machine Gun Kelly (gangster)

Ambrose "Machine Gun" Kelly, an Irish-American gangster, robbed banks and trains during the Prohibition era. His 1933 kidnapping of wealthy oilman Charles Urschel for a ransom led to his capture and 50-year prison sentence.

Deathyear: 1954

Vaali (poet)

Vaali was a renowned Indian poet, songwriter, and actor born in 1931. He penned thousands of songs, primarily in Tamil, and also acted in numerous films. His poetic prowess earned him the title "Kavignar" (Poet Laureate) and numerous awards, including the Government of India's highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan.

Deathyear: 2013

Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook, the pioneering traveler and entrepreneur, founded the Thomas Cook Group in 1841, revolutionizing the travel industry. Born in 1808, Cook pioneered the concept of scheduled tours, offering affordable and organized travel options to the masses, changing the face of travel forever.

Deathyear: 1892

Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger Jr. was a renowned American novelist and journalist, born in 1832. He wrote over 130 novels and numerous short stories, primarily for young readers, focusing on moral lessons and rags-to-riches tales of plucky youth overcoming adversity. His works continue to inspire with themes of perseverance and self-improvement.

Deathyear: 1899

Jill Balcon

Jill Balcon was a esteemed English actress born on August 22, 1925. She began her career on stage and screen, gaining recognition for her versatility in over 100 films and TV shows, including "Dunkirk" (1958) and "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" (1960).

Deathyear: 2009

Bobby Fuller

Bobby Fuller was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born on October 22, 1942. Known for his distinctive voice and catchy melodies, he rose to fame with hits like "I Fought the Law" and "Love Got Lost". His music blended rock, folk, and Tex-Mex styles, captivating audiences in the 1960s.

Deathyear: 1966

Roman Jakobson

Roman Jakobson was a renowned Russian-American linguist and theorist, known for his work on phonology, syntax, and poetic language. His theories on the nature of language and culture continue to influence fields such as linguistics, literature, and anthropology.

Deathyear: 1982

Mimi Fariña

Mimi Farina was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1945. She was part of the folk music scene in the 1960s and 1970s, known for her poetic lyrics and soothing vocals.

Deathyear: 2001

Antoine Watteau

Jean-Antoine Watteau, a renowned French painter (1684-1721), is celebrated for his lush rococo style, characterized by delicate colors, loose brushstrokes, and wistful scenarios. His captivating works often depicted idyllic landscapes, mythological scenes, and everyday life, captivating 18th-century Parisian society.

Deathyear: 1721

Tom O'Connor (comedian)

Tom O'Connor is a renowned English comedian, born in 1939. With a career spanning over five decades, he's made appearances on numerous TV shows, including "The Two of Us" and "3-2-1". His quick wit and charming stage presence have endeared him to audiences.

Deathyear: 2021

Jonathan Gold

Jonathan Gold, celebrated American food critic (b. 1960), was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Los Angeles Times food critic from 1990 to 2018. He championed underappreciated ethnic cuisines and introduced Angelenos to the city's diverse culinary landscape.

Deathyear: 2018

Henry Allingham

Henry Allingham was a British soldier who served in World War I. Born in 1896, he joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915 and fought in several battles, including the Battle of Jutland. After the war, he became a veteran's rights activist and advocate for military personnel.

Deathyear: 2009

Assef Shawkat

Assef Shawkat is a Syrian general and politician born in 1950. He served as the General Commander of the Syrian Army and held various high-ranking positions, including Vice President of Syria from 2008 until his death in 2012.

Deathyear: 2012

Donnie Moore

Donnie Moore was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from 1979-1988. Born on January 19, 1954, Moore pitched for the California Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves, earning 74 saves and a 3.07 ERA over his 11-year career.

Deathyear: 1989