July 4 birthdays and deaths:

Marie Curie

Marie Curie, a pioneering French-Polish physicist and chemist, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields - physics in 1903 and chemistry in 1911.

Deathyear: 1934

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was a polymath who excelled as an architect, lawyer, and statesman. He drafted the Declaration of Independence and designed iconic buildings, including the University of Virginia, showcasing his passion for innovation and democracy.

Deathyear: 1826

Bob Ross

Bob Ross was a celebrated American painter and TV host known for his calming, gentle demeanor and soothing voice. He created vibrant landscape paintings on public television's 'The Joy of Painting' (1983-1994), encouraging millions to pick up brushes and explore their creativity.

Deathyear: 1995

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was a renowned Indian monk, philosopher, and spiritual leader who emphasized the importance of self-discipline, meditation, and service to humanity. He advocated for the modernization and westernization of India, while endorsing tradition and spirituality.

Deathyear: 1902

John Adams

John Adams, a brilliant and principled leader, served as the 2nd President of the United States from 1797 to 1801.

Deathyear: 1826

Victor Chang

Victor Chang, a Chinese-Australian surgeon and physician, pioneered heart transplantation in Australia. Born in 1936 in China, he became a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon in Australia, performing the country's first successful heart transplant in 1978, paving the way for modern cardiac surgery in the country.

Deathyear: 1991

Barry White

Barry White was a legendary American singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer, renowned for his smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like "You're the First, My Last, My Everything" and "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe." His music defined the sound of 1970s disco and R&B.

Deathyear: 2003

Eva Gabor

Eva Gabor was a Hungarian-born actress and singer who achieved success in Hollywood films and television. She starred in the popular sitcom "Green Acres" and appeared in films like "My Man Godfrey" and "Gigot" before her retirement in the 1980s.

Deathyear: 1995

James Monroe

James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States, was a soldier, lawyer, and statesman. He served as Secretary of State and War Minister under President Madison and later became President himself, famously issuing the Monroe Doctrine in 1823.

Deathyear: 1831

Steve McNair

Steve McNair was a talented American football player who played in the NFL for 13 seasons. A two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, he led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV and won the NFL MVP award in 2003. He tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 36.

Deathyear: 2009

Yonatan Netanyahu

Yonatan Netanyahu (1946-1976) was an Israeli colonel and the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's former Prime Minister. He was killed on Entebbe, Uganda, during the 1976 Entebbe rescue mission, leading a team of commandos to free hijacked Israeli passengers.

Deathyear: 1976

Kazuki Takahashi

Kazuki Takahashi is a renowned Japanese manga artist, born in 1961. He is best known for creating the popular series "Yu-Gi-Oh!", which has been adapted into various forms of media, including anime, video games, and trading card games.

Deathyear: 2022

Hayreddin Barbarossa

Hayreddin Barbarossa was an Ottoman admiral born in 1478 in Lesbos. He rose through the ranks, becoming the Kapudan-i Derya, the head of the Ottoman fleet. He played a key role in Ottoman naval victories, including the Battle of Preveza in 1538.

Deathyear: 1546

Raynald of Châtillon

Raynald of Châtillon was a French knight born in 1125. He was a fierce warrior who fought in various Crusades and was known for his bravery and cunning. He was also a fierce opponent of the Muslim forces he encountered during his conquests.

Deathyear: 1187

Pingali Venkayya

" Pingali Venkayya, a Gandhian activist, designed the flag of India in 1921. Born in 1876, he combined symbols of nationalism, such as the chakra, with the white background to represent the unity of the Indian people.

Deathyear: 1963

Hannibal Hamlin

Hannibal Hamlin was a notable American lawyer and politician, serving as the 15th Vice President of the United States under Abraham Lincoln from 1861 to 1865. Born in 1809, Hamlin was a strong supporter of the Union and played a key role in the early years of the Civil War.

Deathyear: 1891

Jesse Helms

Jesse Helms was a conservative American politician who served as a United States Senator from North Carolina from 1973 to 2003. He was known for his strong anti-communist stance and social conservative views.

Deathyear: 2008

Allen Klein

Allen Klein was a shrewd businessman and talent agent who founded ABKCO Records in 1968. With a keen eye for opportunity, he acquired the rights to the Beatles' music and litigated for unpaid royalties, securing a significant settlement for the band.

Deathyear: 2009

Adrian Adonis

Adrian Adonis was an American professional wrestler born on April 12, 1954. He competed in the WWF (now WWE) and AWA, known for his charismatic personality, distinctive mullet hairstyle, and memorable feuds, particularly against "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

Deathyear: 1988

Abbas Kiarostami

Abbas Kiarostami (1940-2016) was a renowned Iranian filmmaker, artist, and poet. His innovative cinema often explored reality and perception. Kiarostami directed films like "Close-Up" and "Taste of Cherry" that blended drama, documentary, and fiction, showcasing his masterful storytelling, subtle direction, and nuanced portrayal of everyday life.

Deathyear: 2016

Eric Sykes

Eric Sykes was a renowned English actor, director, and screenwriter, known for his witty humor and versatility. With a career spanning over six decades, Sykes starred in numerous TV shows and films, including the classic comedy series "Sykes" and "Notts Weekend".

Deathyear: 2012

Evelyn Keyes

Evelyn Keyes was an American actress, best known for her roles in classic Frank Capra comedies, including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Meet John Doe." She was also a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock, starring in "The Underneath" and "The Farm of the Fleeing Women."

Deathyear: 2008

Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla was a renowned Argentinian bandoneón player and composer, known for his innovative and provocative tango music. His eclectic style blended traditional Argentine folk with elements of jazz, classical, and rock, revolutionizing the genre.

Deathyear: 1992

Gwangjong of Goryeo

Gwangjong of Goryeo (925-975) was the third king of the Goryeo dynasty. He reigned from 949 to 975 and is known for promoting Buddhism, establishing the Goryeo alphabet, and developing the country's administrative system.

Deathyear: 975

Bernie Nolan

Bernie Nolan, Irish singer and actress, was born on October 17, 1960. Best known as a member of the Irish pop group The Nolans, she sang hits like "Who's Gonna Rock You" and "Chemistry".

Deathyear: 2013

William Byrd

William Byrd (c. 1540-1623) was a renowned English composer of the Renaissance. He was a master of vocal music, known for his intricate harmonies and innovative use of counterpoint. He served as a choirmaster at Lincoln Cathedral and wrote sacred and secular works, including the popular song "Ave Verum Corpus".

Deathyear: 1623

Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. (1912-2002) was a renowned American general and airborne infantry commander. He was the first African American to reach the rank of general in the US Army, serving with distinction during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Deathyear: 2002

Charles Kuralt

Charles Kuralt was a renowned American journalist and television personality, best known for hosting "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" and reporting for CBS News. He was celebrated for his warm storytelling and insightful interviews, touching the hearts of millions with his journalistic endeavors. (191 words)

Deathyear: 1997

François-René de Chateaubriand

François-René de Chateaubriand was a French historian and politician, born in 1768. He was a key figure in the French Revolution, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as a senator. He was also a prominent author, writing influential works including "The Genius of Christianity" and "Atala".

Deathyear: 1848

Hank Stram

Hank Stram was an American football player and coach, best known for his 25-year tenure as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach, leading the team to two AFL championships and four Super Bowl appearances.

Deathyear: 2005

Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell

Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell (1514-1552), an English politician, was a prominent advisor to King Henry VIII. He served as Comptroller of the Royal Nursery and as a Lord of the Treasury.

Deathyear: 1551

Taejo of Goryeo

Taejo of Goryeo, also known as Wang Geon, was the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty in Korea. Born in 877, he was a military general who seized power in 918 and established the kingdom, naming it Goryeo after the ancient kingdom that flourished from 37 BC to 57 AD.

Deathyear: 943

Władysław Sikorski

Władysław Sikorski was a Polish general and politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of the Second Republic of Poland from 1939 to 1943. He was born in 1881 and played a key role in organizing the Polish Armed Forces in exile during World War II.

Deathyear: 1943

Suzanne Lenglen

Suzanne Lenglen, a French tennis legend, dominated the 1920s. Known for her athleticism and innovative style, she won 31 Grand Slam titles, including six French Open singles championships, and is considered one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.

Deathyear: 1938

Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer was a renowned English author, particularly renowned for her historical romances. She wrote over 50 novels, primarily set in 19th-century England and the Age of Napoleon.

Deathyear: 1974

Pedro de Alvarado

Pedro de Alvarado was a Spanish general and explorer born in 1495. He played a key role in the conquest of Mexico and Central America for the Spanish Empire, leading expeditions and battling indigenous peoples.

Deathyear: 1541

Samuel Richardson

Samuel Richardson was a renowned English author and painter, born in 1689. He is best known for his epistolary novels, particularly "Pamela" (1740) and "Clarissa" (1747-1748), which revolutionized the novel genre with their innovative storytelling and moral themes.

Deathyear: 1761

Jimmie Spheeris

Jimmie Spheeris was an American singer-songwriter born in 1949. He gained recognition with his poetic and introspective songs, blending elements of folk, rock, and pop. His music often explored themes of love, social commentary, and personal growth, earning him a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 1984

Melville Fuller

Melville Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States (1888-1910), was a skilled lawyer and jurist. Born in 1833, Fuller served on the Illinois and U.S. Supreme Courts before becoming the 8th Chief Justice, known for his diplomatic and decisive leadership during a tumultuous era in American history.

Deathyear: 1910

Joey Marella

Joey Marella was a renowned American professional wrestling referee, born in 1964. With a career spanning over two decades, he worked for prominent promotions like WWE, WCW, and ECW, earning a reputation for his expertise and impartiality.

Deathyear: 1994

Barnett Newman

Barnett Newman, a prominent American artist, was known for his distinctive style which often featured large, colorful fields of paint and simple, geometric shapes.

Deathyear: 1970

August Derleth

August Derleth was an American anthologist and author, born in 1909. He is best known for his contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos, a concept created by H.P. Lovecraft. Derleth also wrote horror, fantasy, and science fiction stories, and edited numerous anthologies.

Deathyear: 1971

Pier Giorgio Frassati

Pier Giorgio Frassati was an Italian activist and saint who died in 1925 at age 24. He was a passionate advocate for social justice, labor rights, and the poor, inspiring many with his selfless love and courage in the face of adversity.

Deathyear: 1926

Matīss Kivlenieks

Matīss Kivlenieks is a Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender born in 1996. He represents Latvia in international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and World Championships. Kivlenieks has played in the Kontinental Hockey League and is known for his quick reflexes and solid goaltending skills.

Deathyear: 2021

Thomas M. Disch

Thomas M. Disch, a renowned American author and poet, was born in 1940. He is best known for his science fiction and horror novels, such as "Camp Concentration" and "The Godwhale".

Deathyear: 2008

Poundmaker

Poundmaker, a renowned Canadian tribal chief, was born in 1797. He was a member of the Cree Nation and played a significant role in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.

Deathyear: 1886

Lothar von Richthofen

Lothar von Richthofen was a German lieutenant and pilot born in 1894. He flew for the Imperial German Air Service during World War I.

Deathyear: 1922

Harold Stirling Vanderbilt

Harold Stirling Vanderbilt was an American sailor and businessman born in 1884. He was part of the wealthy Vanderbilt family and went on to become a renowned sailor, competing in several America's Cup competitions.

Deathyear: 1970

Bernard Freyberg, 1st Baron Freyberg

Bernard Freyberg, 1st Baron Freyberg, was a renowned New Zealand general and politician. He served as the 7th Governor-General of New Zealand from 1952 to 1967. Freyberg was born in 1889 and played a key role in World War I and World War II.

Deathyear: 1963

Alan Seeger

Alan Seeger, a American soldier and poet, was born in 1888. Despite being an American citizen, he enlisted in the French Foreign Legion to fight alongside the French Army. He died in action on July 4, 1916, during the Battle of Verdun.

Deathyear: 1916

Elizabeth of Portugal

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336) was a daughter of King Alfonso III and Queen Beatriz of Portugal. Known for her piety and compassion, she mediated in the conflicts between her husband, King Denis, and his brothers, and founded the Order of the Star.

Deathyear: 1336

Robby Müller

Robby Müller is a renowned Dutch cinematographer, known for his work on iconic films like "Paris, Texas," "Down by Law," and "Dead Man." He collaborates extensively with Jim Jarmusch and Wim Wenders, earning him recognition in the film industry.

Deathyear: 2018

Charles Wheeler (journalist)

Charles Wheeler was a British journalist and soldier who served in World War II and the Korean War. He was born in 1923 in Germany to a British father and a German mother. Wheeler reported for the BBC and ITN for over 40 years.

Deathyear: 2008

Pope Benedict V

Benedict V was Pope of the Catholic Church from 964 to 965. He was a compromise candidate elected to resolve a dispute between the Roman aristocracy and the Holy Roman Emperor, but was quickly deposed by John XIII, who was favored by the Emperor.

Deathyear: 965