July 8 birthdays and deaths:

Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe, served as Japan's prime minister from 2006-2007 and again from 2012-2020, implementing economic reforms and promoting nationalistic policies. He is Japan's longest-serving prime minister since 1955.

Deathyear: 2022

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera is an American actress, model, and singer, best known for her role as Santana Lopez on the TV series "Glee." She has also appeared in various films and stage productions, showcasing her impressive vocal and acting skills.

Deathyear: 2020

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh was a British actress known for her captivating stage presence and versatility, earning her two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Deathyear: 1967

Tony Sirico

Tony Sirico is an American actor, best known for his iconic role as Paulie Gualtieri in HBO's "The Sopranos." Born in 1942, Sirico has had a distinguished career in television and film, earning critical acclaim for his nuanced performances and memorable characters.

Deathyear: 2022

Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine was a talented American actor, born January 24, 1917. He gained fame for his iconic roles in "From Here to Eternity" (1953) and "Marty" (1955), winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Marty Piletti in the latter.

Deathyear: 2012

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English poet and playwright who led a tumultuous life, marked by rebellion and romanticism. His poetry, infusing beauty and philosophical depth, explores themes of nature, love, and freedom.

Deathyear: 1822

Zachary Taylor

Octavia Taylor was the youngest child of President Zachary Taylor and Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor. Born on March 6, 1816, she grew up in Tennessee and Kentucky. Little is known about her personal life, but she inherited her father's property and remained in Kentucky throughout her life.

Deathyear: 1820

Betty Ford

Betty Ford, the 38th First Lady, was a trailblazer for women's rights. She survived breast cancer and championed reproductive rights. Her courage and candor inspired Americans, making her a beloved and influential First Lady during her husband Gerald Ford's presidency (1974-1977).

Deathyear: 2011

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter, the squeaky-clean Hollywood heartthrob, rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like "Young Love" and films like "The Blackboard Jungle." He became a cultural icon, charming audiences with his golden boy good looks and wholesome charm.

Deathyear: 2018

Kim Il Sung

Kim Il Sung was a North Korean politician and commander who led the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from 1948 to 1994. He fought in the Korean War and served as president from 1972 until his death in 1994.

Deathyear: 1994

Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent was an American actor, best known for playing Darrin Stephens on the supernatural sitcom "Bewitched" (1964-1972). Born on April 19, 1930, he replaced Elizabeth Montgomery's real-life husband, Dick York, in the iconic role and remained with the show for eight seasons.

Deathyear: 1994

Chandra Shekhar

Chandra Shekhar Azad was a renowned Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1990 to 1991. Born in 1927, he was a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his socialist and communist ideologies.

Deathyear: 2007

June Allyson

June Allyson was a beloved American actress and singer, born Eleanor Geisman in 1917. She rose to fame in the 1940s with her charming persona and iconic film roles, including "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "The Harvey Girls".

Deathyear: 2006

Roberts Blossom

Roberts Blossom was a renowned American actor and poet, born in 1924. He gained recognition for his distinctive voice and nuanced performances in films like "Sylvia" and "The Day of the Locust". A celebrated poet, Blossom's works were featured in various publications and anthologies.

Deathyear: 2011

Larry Storch

Larry Storch is a renowned American actor and comedian, born in 1923. Best known for his roles in "F Troop" and "The Twilight Zone," Storch's long-standing career spans over seven decades, with numerous film and television appearances that showcase his versatility and comedic genius.

Deathyear: 2022

Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler, a Hall of Fame quarterback, played for Oakland, Houston, and New Orleans in the NFL. After retiring, he transitioned to sports broadcasting, becoming a popular analyst and commentator, known for his enthusiasm and expertise.

Deathyear: 2015

Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge

Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (1774-1850), was a British royal and fourth son of King George III. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army and held various military and ceremonial roles.

Deathyear: 1850

James Franciscus

James Franciscus, a talented American actor, born on January 31, 1934, is best known for his roles in films like "The Longest Day" and "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef." He also starred in the 1960s TV series "Mr. Novak" and worked consistently in film and television throughout his career.

Deathyear: 1991

Edgar, King of England

Edgar the Peaceful, King of England from 959 to 975, was a just and fair ruler. He strengthened the monarchy, unified England, and promoted education. He also encouraged trade, built churches, and supported the Church.

Deathyear: 975

Christiaan Huygens

Christiaan Huygens, a prolific Dutch scientist, made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and physics. He discovered Saturn's moon Titan, developed the wave theory of light, and improved the accuracy of telescopes. His work in the 17th century laid the foundation for major scientific advancements in the centuries to come.

Deathyear: 1695

Michael Wilding

Michael Wilding was an English actor born in 1912. He appeared in numerous films and stage productions, often playing authority figures. His notable roles include Lieutenant Commander Jenkyns in "The Cruel Sea" and Mr. Toad in the 1951 film adaptation of "The Wind in the Willows".

Deathyear: 1979

Oscar I of Sweden

Oscar I of Sweden was born in 1799 and reigned from 1844 to 1859. He was a member of the House of Bernadotte and was known for his artistic and cultural interests, commissioning many architectural and artistic projects during his reign.

Deathyear: 1859

Abdul Sattar Edhi

Abdul Sattar Edhi, a renowned Pakistani philanthropist, dedicated his life to helping the disadvantaged. Founder of the Edhi Foundation, he established orphanages, hospices, and ambulances, providing aid to millions. His selfless efforts earned him international recognition and the Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Deathyear: 2016

Ghassan Kanafani

Ghassan Kanafani was a prominent Palestinian writer and politician. He co-founded the Palestine PLO's cultural department and served as its first spokesperson. His famous novel "Men in the Sun" explores the struggles and sacrifices of the Palestinian people.

Deathyear: 1972

Howard Duff

Here is 40-word write-up about Howard Duff: Howard Duff (1913-1999) was an American actor, best known for his roles on Broadway and in films, including "The Naked Spur" (1953) and "Splainin' (1965). He was also the husband of actress Loretta Young.

Deathyear: 1990

Pete Conrad

Pete Conrad, astronaut and captain, was born in 1930. He was the pilot of the Gemini 5 mission and commander of the Apollo 12 mission, becoming the third person to walk on the Moon.

Deathyear: 1999

Jean Moulin

Jean Moulin, a French resistance leader, was born in 1899. He joined the French Army in 1918 and later became a prominent figure in the French Resistance, playing a key role in coordinating the liberation of Provence and the free zone.

Deathyear: 1943

Luis Echeverría

Luis Echeverría Álvarez is a Mexican lawyer and politician who served as President of Mexico from 1970 to 1976. He is known for his populist policies and his administration's highly controversy-filled 1971 Tlatelolco massacre.

Deathyear: 2022

Elihu Yale

Elihu Yale, a British-American merchant and philanthropist, was born in 1649. He founded the Connecticut Land Company and served as Deputy Governor of Connecticut. Yale College was named after him in 1718 in recognition of his contributions to the institution.

Deathyear: 1721

Tom Thomson

Tom Thomson, a renowned Canadian painter, was born in 1877. He captured the beauty of the Canadian wilderness through his bold and expressive brushstrokes. Despite his tragic death in 1917, Thomson's legacy as a modernist artist and his influence on Canadian art continue to endure.

Deathyear: 1917

Havelock Ellis

Havelock Ellis, a renowned English psychologist and author, was born in 1859. He was a pioneer in the field of psychology, and his works included "Studies in the Psychology of Sex" and "The Philosophy of Conflict."

Deathyear: 1939

John Templeton

John Templeton was a renowned American-born British businessman and philanthropist born in 1912. He was the founder of the Templeton Funds and the Templeton Foundation, and is known for his philanthropic efforts and his research on spirituality and the nature of God.

Deathyear: 2008

Phil Foster

Phil Foster was a talented American actor and screenwriter, born in 1913. With a career spanning over four decades, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the popular sitcom "All in the Family," showcasing his versatility and comedic timing.

Deathyear: 1985

Pepin of Italy

Pepin the Younger, son of Charlemagne, was born in 773. He was the king of the Lombards and co-emperor with his father. He played a significant role in his father's campaigns and succeeded him as king of the Franks and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 810

Alex Pullin

Alex Pullin was a talented Australian snowboarder born in 1987. He was a speed snowboarder who competed in multiple World Cups and FIS World Championships. Tragically, he passed away in 2021 at the age of 33.

Deathyear: 2020

Franz Xaver Winterhalter

Franz Xaver Winterhalter was a renowned German painter and lithographer, born in 1805. He was court painter to Queen Victoria and his portraiture and scenes of royal life are iconic, depicting the elegance and opulence of 19th-century European aristocracy.

Deathyear: 1873

Pope Gregory XV

Pope Gregory XV (b. 1554) was a Spanish pope from 1621 to 1623. Known for his reformational decrees, he established the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and worked to strengthen the Jesuit Order. He died at the age of 67.

Deathyear: 1623

Ward Kimball

Ward Kimball was a renowned American animator and musician. Born in 1914, Kimball was a key figure in Disney's Golden Age of Animation, co-directing films like "Cinderella" and "Peter Pan." When not animating, Kimball delighted audiences with his trombone skills at Disney's Composers' Club Four.

Deathyear: 2002

Robert Burns Woodward

Robert Burns Woodward, a renowned American chemist and academic, was born in 1917. He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965 for his outstanding work on the structural elucidation of complex organic molecules, exemplified by his synthesis of vitamin B12.

Deathyear: 1979

Shin'ichirō Tomonaga

Sin-Itiro Tomonaga was a Japanese physicist and academic who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 for his work on quantum electrodynamics. He was born in 1906 and made significant contributions to the field of particle physics.

Deathyear: 1979

Diego de Almagro

Diego de Almagro was a Spanish general and explorer who played a key role in the Conquest of Chile. Born in 1475, he joined the expedition of Hernán Cortés and later led an expedition to the Pacific coast of South America, searching for treasure and establishing Spanish settlements.

Deathyear: 1538

Joe McDonnell (hunger striker)

Joe McDonnell was an Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteer and hunger striker who took part in the 1981 Irish hunger strike. Born in 1951, McDonnell was arrested in 1980 and died after 61 days on hunger strike in 1981. His death, along with nine others, sparked widespread international outrage and galvanized support for the Irish independence movement.

Deathyear: 1981