July 28 birthdays and deaths:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was a renowned German organist and composer of the Baroque era. Born in 1685, he was a master of counterpoint and known for his complex and intricate compositions, including his iconic fugues and chorales.

Deathyear: 1750

Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre was a French politician and leading figure of the Reign of Terror. He served as President of the Committee of Public Safety and advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI, contributing to the execution of over 2,000 people.

Deathyear: 1794

Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell, a clever and ambitious lawyer, rose to prominence during Henry VIII's reign. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, promoted the English Reformation, and played a key role in the English Reformation, earning both admiration and suspicion before meeting a tragic end in 1540.

Deathyear: 1540

Bernard Cribbins

Bernard Cribbins is a veteran British actor, born on March 29, 1928. He has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, including the Harry Potter franchise and Dennis Potter's seminal drama series, "Lipstick on Your Collar".

Deathyear: 2022

Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi, a renowned Italian violinist and Baroque composer, was born in 1678. He is best known for his iconic violin concertos, including "The Four Seasons," showcasing his mastery of melody and virtuosity on the violin.

Deathyear: 1741

Dusty Hill

Dusty Hill, founding member and bassist of the iconic American rock band ZZ Top, was born on May 19, 1949, in Lubbock, Texas. Known for his distinctive bass playing and distinctive blues-rock sound, Hill was a key contributor to the band's enduring success.

Deathyear: 2021

Cyrano de Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac, a French poet and playwright, was born in 1619. He fought for the King of France, but is most famous for his witty poetry and plays, particularly his heroic comedy "L'École des femmes".

Deathyear: 1655

Joseph Bonaparte

Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon, was a key figure in French politics. Born in 1768, he served as a diplomat and military officer, and later became King of Spain and the Indies (1808-1813). He played a significant role in Napoleon's rise to power.

Deathyear: 1844

Eileen Brennan

Eileen Brennan was a talented American actress and singer, born in 1932. She is best known for her roles in films such as "The Last Picture Show" and "Clue."

Deathyear: 2013

Francis Crick

Francis Crick, a renowned English biologist and biophysicist, co-discovered the structure of DNA with James Watson. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for his groundbreaking work. Crick, born in 1916, was a pioneer in molecular biology and made significant contributions to the field.

Deathyear: 2004

Lenny McLean

Lenny McLean, also known as "The Guv'nor," was an English boxing legend, actor, and author who rose to fame in the 1970s. Born in 1949, McLean was a skilled boxer with a notable bout against Muhammad Ali and went on to become a successful actor and writer.

Deathyear: 1998

Édouard-Henri Avril

Édouard-Henri Avril, a French painter, was born in 1849. He was known for his intricate and detailed illustrations, often featuring fantastical and whimsical elements. His work was influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and he became one of the most popular and renowned illustrators of his time.

Deathyear: 1928

Nathan Mayer Rothschild

Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836) was a German-English banker and financier. He co-founded the Rothschild bank, establishing a network of international financial institutions. His shrewd business acumen and strategic investments made him one of the wealthiest men of his time, solidifying the family's financial legacy.

Deathyear: 1836

Otto Hahn

Otto Hahn, a renowned German chemist and academic, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1944 for his discovery of nuclear fission. Born in 1879, Hahn's groundbreaking research revolutionized the field of nuclear physics and paved the way for significant advancements in nuclear energy and medicine.

Deathyear: 1968

Keith Green

Keith Green was a prominent American Christian musician, singer-songwriter, and pianist born in 1953. He rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, blending contemporary Christian music with folk and rock elements.

Deathyear: 1982

Selim III

Selim III was the Ottoman sultan from 1789 to 1807. He sought to modernize and centralize the empire, introducing Western-style reforms and limiting the power of the Janissaries, but his efforts were met with opposition and ultimately led to his deposition and exile.

Deathyear: 1808

Theodosius II

Theodosius II, also known as Theodosius the Younger, was Roman Emperor from 402 to 450 CE. He was the son of Arcadius and became the co-emperor at the age of one, eventually sole ruler at the age of 18.

Deathyear: 450

Edogawa Ranpo

Edogawa Ranpo, a pioneering Japanese author and critic, was born in 1894. Known for his innovative and influential work in the genre of Japanese modernist fiction, Ranpo was a leading figure in the development of Japanese detective fiction and horror.

Deathyear: 1965

Louis Antoine de Saint-Just

Louis Antoine de Saint-Just was a French military strategist, politician, and close ally of Maximilien Robespierre. He played a key role in the Reign of Terror and was known for his radical ideas and vigorous anti-monarchist sentiment.

Deathyear: 1794

Mahasweta Devi

Mahasweta Devi is a renowned Indian Bengali fiction writer and socio-political activist, born in 1926. Known for her powerful and poignant storytelling, her work often explores themes of social justice, feminist issues, and the struggles of marginalized communities in India.

Deathyear: 2016

Charles Albert of Sardinia

Charles Albert, King of Sardinia (1798-1849), led his country in the Risorgimento, driving for Italian unification. He allied with France and fought against Austria in the First Italian War of Independence. Though defeated, his efforts inspired later Italian unification movements.

Deathyear: 1849

Marie Dressler

Marie Dressler was a celebrated actress and singer born in Canada in 1868. Known for her soprano voice and comedic timing, she performed in vaudeville and on Broadway before becoming a Hollywood film star, earning an Oscar nomination for her iconic role in "Min and Bill" (1931).

Deathyear: 1934

Jill Esmond

Jill Esmond was a renowned English actress of the mid-20th century. Born in 1908, she began her career on stage and screen in the 1920s, starring in films like "The Divorcee" (1930) and "Holiday" (1938) opposite Katharine Hepburn.

Deathyear: 1990

Karl Gotch

Karl Gotch, a Belgian-American wrestler and trainer, was born in 1924. He was a renowned professional wrestler who won the European Wrestling Championships three times and was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002.

Deathyear: 2007

Frank Loesser

Frank Loesser was a renowned American composer, lyricist, and actor, best known for his iconic musicals, including "Guys and Dolls" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". He won three Tony Awards for his work.

Deathyear: 1969

Flinders Petrie

Flinders Petrie, a pioneer of modern archaeology, excavated and recorded ancient sites across Egypt and the Middle East. With meticulous attention to detail, he developed the first comprehensive chronology for ancient Egypt, revolutionizing our understanding of the region's history and culture.

Deathyear: 1942

David Gemmell

David Gemmell, a renowned English author, was best known for his fantasy and historical fiction novels. With a distinctive writing style, he crafted memorable characters and epic stories that captivated readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 2006

Moses Montefiore

Moses Montefiore was a British philanthropist, sheriff, and banker, born in 1784. He was a prominent figure in the Jewish community, dedicating his life to improving the lives of others.

Deathyear: 1885

Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception

Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu was an Indian nun of the Syro-Malabar Church who was canonized a saint in 2018. Born in 1910 in Kerala, India, Alphonsa led a life of prayer, austerity, and charity, eventually becoming the first woman of Indian origin to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church.

Deathyear: 1946

Stanley Rother

Stanley Rother was a courageous American priest and missionary, born in 1935. He served in Guatemala, where he was gunned down in his parish church by masked assailants in 1983. Rother's martyrdom became a powerful witness to his faith and dedication to serving the people of Guatemala.

Deathyear: 1981

Mustafa Adrisi

Mustafa Adrisi was a Ugandan general and politician who served as the 3rd Vice President of Uganda from 1976 to 1985, under President Idi Amin. Born in 1922, Adrisi was a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and military during the tumultuous period following independence.

Deathyear: 2013

William Clito

William Clito, born 1102, was the son of Sybilla of Conversano and Roger of Montgomery, a Norman noble. He was a claimant to the English throne and Duke of Normandy from 1127 until his death in 1128.

Deathyear: 1128

Rosalie Crutchley

Rosalie Crutchley was a renowned English actress, born in 1920. She appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, including the iconic 1960 British horror film "Peeping Tom". Her distinguished career spanned over five decades, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 1997

William Scranton

William Scranton is a former American captain, politician, and diplomat. He served as the 13th United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1989 to 1992. Born in 1917, Scranton is a distinctive figure in American politics, known for his illustrious career in public service.

Deathyear: 2013

Gaspard Monge

Gaspard Monge was a French mathematician and engineer who made significant contributions to the development of descriptive geometry. He is considered one of the founders of modern geometry and his work laid the foundation for modern engineering and architecture.

Deathyear: 1818