July 27 birthdays and deaths:

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a renowned Indian engineer, academic, and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was known for his simplicity, humility, and dedication to the country.

Deathyear: 2015

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the last Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979. He was a modernist reformer who sought to modernize and Westernize Iran, but his policies were met with opposition from the Islamic clergy, leading to the Iranian Revolution and his eventual exile.

Deathyear: 1980

Sam Shepard

Sam Shepard was a renowned American playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director, known for his distinctive voice and intuitive storytelling. He penned iconic plays like "Buried Child" and "True West," earning numerous accolades and cementing his place as a master of American theater.

Deathyear: 2017

Tony Dow

Tony Dow is a renowned American actor, film producer, director, and sculptor, born in 1945. He is best known for his iconic role as Wally Cleaver on the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver" and has continued to work in the entertainment industry as a director and artist.

Deathyear: 2022

Bob Hope

Here is a 40-word summary about Bob Hope: Bob Hope (1903-2003) was a legendary English-American comedian, actor, and entertainer. Known for his quick wit and charming stage presence, Hope hosted numerous USO tours and over 80 Bob Hope Specials, bringing laughter and joy to millions during his 60-year career.

Deathyear: 2003

James Mason

James Mason was a renowned English actor, known for his distinctive voice and captivating screen presence. Born in 1909, he starred in numerous iconic films, including "Lolita," "North by Northwest," and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." His impressive career spanned over six decades.

Deathyear: 1984

António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar was a Portuguese economist and politician who served as the 100th Prime Minister of Portugal (1932-1968). He implemented authoritarian and repressive policies, perpetuating the Estado Novo regime, marked by censorship, repression, and an anti-communist stance.

Deathyear: 1970

Kevin Carter

Kevin Carter, a South African photographer and journalist, captured international attention with his powerful images of the Sudanese famine and its victims. His work highlighted the humanitarian crisis, and his own struggles with the aftermath of witnessing such tragedy.

Deathyear: 1994

Gertrude Stein

Gertrude Stein was a pioneering American writer, born in 1874. She was a leading figure in the development of modernist literature, known for her innovative and experimental works, such as "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" and her play "Four Saints in Three Acts".

Deathyear: 1946

Geoffrey Hughes (actor)

Geoffrey Hughes is a renowned English actor, best known for his iconic roles in British TV dramas, including On the Buses, Coronation Street, and Heartbeat. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions, showcasing his versatility as a talented actor.

Deathyear: 2012

John Dalton

John Dalton, a pioneer in chemistry and physics, formulated the atomic theory and discovered the concept of atomic weights. He also developed a weather forecasting system and made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and botany, earning him the title of "Father of Modern Atomic Theory".

Deathyear: 1844

Reggie Lewis

Reggie Lewis was an American basketball player born in 1965. He played professionally for the Boston Celtics from 1987 to 1993. Despite a promising career cut short by a fibrosarcoma diagnosis, Lewis left a lasting impact on the team and is still revered as a Celtics legend.

Deathyear: 1993

William Wyler

William Wyler was a renowned American director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1902. He is best known for directing classic films such as "Roman Holiday," "Ben-Hur," and "The Best Years of Our Lives," earning him multiple Academy Awards and cementing his legacy as a Hollywood icon.

Deathyear: 1981

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan, American inventor, was born on July 4, 1877. He developed several groundbreaking inventions, including the traffic light and the gas mask. His innovations improved safety and efficiency in various industries, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering inventor of the early 20th century.

Deathyear: 1963

Maury Chaykin

Maury Chaykin was a prolific American-Canadian actor, born in 1949. With a career spanning over four decades, he appeared in films like "Monsignor" and "Dances with Wolves," as well as TV shows like "Hustle" and "Battlestar Galactica." His distinctive voice and charismatic on-screen presence earned him a loyal fan base.

Deathyear: 2010

Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum, a legendary American football safety, was born in 1948. During his career with the Oakland Raiders, he was named All-Pro four times and played in two Super Bowls. His intense tackles were feared by opponents, earning him the nickname "Dr. Death."

Deathyear: 2010

Tony Martin (American singer)

Tony Martin, the glamourous American actor and singer, was born on January 25, 1913. Known for his velvety smooth voice and debonair charm, Martin performed in films, television, and stage productions, entertaining audiences with his renditions of classic standards and jazz standards.

Deathyear: 2012

Mikhail Lermontov

Mikhail Lermontov, a prominent Russian poet and painter, born in 1814, was a prominent figure in Russian literature. He is known for his poetic works, particularly his poem "Princess Mary", showcasing his talent in capturing the beauty and spirit of his homeland.

Deathyear: 1841

Leon Wilkeson

Leon Wilkeson, the bassist and songwriter for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born in 1952. His powerful and melodic bass lines were a hallmark of the band's distinctive sound, and he played with them from 1974 until his tragic death in 2001.

Deathyear: 2001

R. G. Armstrong

R.G. Armstrong was an American actor and playwright, born in 1917. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the "Burn Notice" series, and wrote over 20 plays, including the off-Broadway hit "The Fabulous Forties."

Deathyear: 2012

Tom Crean (explorer)

Tom Crean (1877-1938) was a Irish seaman and explorer who joined the Royal Navy and took part in three expeditions to the Antarctic with Robert Falcon Scott. He is known for his heroic acts, including saving the lives of his comrades during Scott's tragic Terra Nova Expedition.

Deathyear: 1938

James I of Aragon

James I of Aragon, also known as the Conqueror, was the King of Aragon from 1213 to 1276. He conquered the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and Murcia, expanding Aragon's territory significantly. He also promoted culture and trade, establishing universities and trade routes.

Deathyear: 1276

Samuel Pisar

Samuel Pisar was a prominent Polish-born American lawyer and author, best known for his work as a prosecutor in the Nuremberg Trials. He also wrote several books, including his memoir, "Of Blood and Hope."

Deathyear: 2015

Claire Lee Chennault

Claire Lee Chennault was a renowned American general and pilot, born in 1893. He founded the Flying Tigers, a volunteer squadron that fought against the Japanese in China during WWII. Chennault's bravery and strategic thinking earned him recognition as a pioneer in modern airpower.

Deathyear: 1958

Jerry Doyle

Jerry Doyle was an American actor and radio host born in 1956. He is best known for his role as Johnny "Trash" Cooper on the NBC drama "Emeril". He also hosted his own talk show, "The Jerry Doyle Show", from 2000 to 2004.

Deathyear: 2016

Miklós Rózsa

Miklós Rózsa was a renowned Hungarian-American composer and conductor, born in 1907. He is best known for his sweeping, melodious film scores, including "Ben-Hur" and "El Cid," earning him two Academy Awards and cementing his place as a master of cinematic music.

Deathyear: 1995

Ferruccio Busoni

Ferruccio Busoni was a renowned Italian pianist, composer, and conductor, renowned for his virtuosic technique and innovative compositions. Born in 1866, he was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century musical scene, blending traditional and avant-garde styles in his work.

Deathyear: 1924

Norman Alden

Norman Alden is a veteran American actor, born in 1924, known for his versatility in film, television, and theater. With over 300 credits, he has played memorable roles in classics like "The Rockford Files," "Sons of Anarchy," and "The 'Burbs," showcasing his range and dedication to his craft.

Deathyear: 2012

Rhonda Sing

Rhonda Sing is a Canadian professional wrestler born in 1961. Known for her feisty ring presence and blonde hair, Sing competed in the WWF (now WWE) and other promotions, often playing the role of a vixen or villain.

Deathyear: 2001

Joanna I of Naples

Joanna I of Naples, born in 1326, was the last queen regnant of the Kingdom of Naples. She ruled from 1380 to 1382, marrying André of Hungary and later marrying Otonello del Balzo. Despite her short reign, she was known for her beauty and strong will.

Deathyear: 1382

Gordon Solie

Gordon Solie is an American sportscaster born in 1929. He is best known for announcing professional wrestling events, particularly for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Deathyear: 2000

Binnie Barnes

Binnie Barnes was a talented English-American actress, born on June 25, 1903. She appeared in over 120 films, including "Roman Scandals" and "Son of Paleface." With her charming wit and endearing presence, she became a beloved figure in Hollywood's Golden Age of Cinema.

Deathyear: 1998

Bobby Day

Bobby Day, a pioneer of doo-wop and early rock and roll, was a talented singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer. Born in 1928, his hits include "Rockin' Robin" and "Mabelline," showcasing his unique vocal style and enduring musical legacy.

Deathyear: 1990

Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne

Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne, a French general, was born in 1611 and distinguished himself in the Thirty Years' War. He won numerous battles and was acclaimed for his military genius, bravery, and humanitarian actions before his death in 1675.

Deathyear: 1675

Frank Zamboni

Frank Zamboni was an American inventor and businessman who founded the Zamboni Company in 1940. Born in 1901, Zamboni revolutionized the ice rink maintenance industry with his innovative designs for ice resurfacers, earning him a permanent spot in ice rink history.

Deathyear: 1988

Kidd Kraddick

Kidd Kraddick, born Thomas Ross Craddick in 1959, was a popular American radio host and comedian. Known for his outrageous humor and insightful interviews, he hosted the nationally syndicated "Kidd Kraddick Morning Show" from 1984 until his passing in 2017.

Deathyear: 2013

Ilya Segalovich

Ilya Segalovich, a Russian businessman, co-founded Yandex, a leading Russian internet company. He was born in 1964. Segalovich played a crucial role in Yandex's success, making him a respected figure in the Russian tech industry.

Deathyear: 2013

Youssef Chahine

Youssef Chahine was a pioneering Egyptian filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter, known for his thought-provoking and visually stunning films that explored Egyptian culture and identity. Throughout his 60-year career, he made over 30 films, including "Cairo Railway Station" (1958) and "Alexandria... Why?" (1979).

Deathyear: 2008

Lindy Boggs

Lindy Boggs was a pioneering American politician and diplomat who served as the 5th United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 1997 to 2001. Born in 1916, she was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to represent Louisiana in Congress and a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice.

Deathyear: 2013

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Einojuhani Rautavaara is a renowned Finnish composer, born in 1928. His music often combines folk and classical elements, exploring themes of spirituality and nature. Notable works include the violin concertos and cello concerto, showcasing his unique blend of lyricism and innovation.

Deathyear: 2016

Pope Nicholas II

I think there may be a mistake here! Nicholas II was actually the last Emperor of Russia from 1894 to 1917, not the Pope of the Catholic Church. He was the husband of Alexandra Feodorovna and had a family of four daughters and one son.

Deathyear: 1061

Bud Day

Bud Day is a legendary American colonel and pilot who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Born in 1925, he was a POW from 1967 to 1973 and was a flight commander in the 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Deathyear: 2013