June 19 birthdays and deaths:

James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini, the renowned American actor, was born in 1961. He is best known for playing the iconic role of Tony Soprano in the groundbreaking TV series "The Sopranos."

Deathyear: 2013

Anton Yelchin

Anton Yelchin was a talented American actor born on January 1, 1989, in Khotyn, Ukraine. He gained recognition for his roles in films like "Underdale", "Alpha Dog", and "Star Trek". Yelchin's career spanned over 20 years, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Deathyear: 2016

Peter Townsend (RAF officer)

Peter Townsend was a British-Myanmar pilot and captain who flew for the Royal Air Force and Burma Airways. Born in 1914, he flew numerous aircraft, including fighters and transports, and survived a crash landing in 1941.

Deathyear: 1995

Otto Warmbier

Otto Warmbier, an American college student, was detained in North Korea in 2016 for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. He was held captive for 17 months before returning to the US in a coma, dying six days later.

Deathyear: 2017

Manute Bol

Manute Bol was a Sudanese-American professional basketball player and activist. Born in 1962, Bol played 10 seasons in the NBA, standing at 7'7". He's known for his humanitarian work, particularly advocating for his native Sudan, and fighting for human rights and social justice.

Deathyear: 2010

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Ethel Rosenberg was an American communist and spy convicted of espionage for passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. Born in 1915, she was executed in 1953 for her crimes, along with her husband Julius Rosenberg.

Deathyear: 1953

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Julius Rosenberg, an American computer programmer and spy, was convicted of espionage for supplying nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His wife, Ethel, was also convicted and executed in 1953.

Deathyear: 1953

Maximilian I of Mexico

Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg, also known as Maximilian I, was the Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867. He was the brother of Franz Joseph I of Austria and was installed as emperor by French forces during the Second Mexican Empire.

Deathyear: 1867

Len Bias

Len Bias was a dominant power forward who led the University of Maryland to a national championship in 1984. Selected by the Boston Celtics with the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft, Bias tragically died of a fatal heart condition on June 19, 1986, at just 23 years old.

Deathyear: 1986

Etika

Etika, born Marlin "Elijah" Morgan, is a popular American YouTuber and streamer born in 1990. Known for his passionate gaming commentary and entertaining streams, Etika gained a large following before struggling with mental health issues and tragically passing away in 2019.

Deathyear: 2019

Nader Shah

Nader Shah (1688-1747) was a Persian king who united various factions to create a strong and modernized empire. He conquered vast territories, from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, and is remembered for his military prowess, administrative reforms, and cultural heritage.

Deathyear: 1747

J. M. Barrie

J.M. Barrie, a Scottish master of whimsy, penned beloved tales like Peter Pan. Born in 1860, this novelist and playwright conjured magical worlds, immortalizing childhood innocence and wonder. His works continue to enchant readers, inspiring adaptations and cementing his legacy as a literary icon.

Deathyear: 1937

Sam Giancana

Sam Giancana was a notorious American mob boss, born in 1908. He was a high-ranking member of the Chicago Outfit and a close associate of organized crime figures like Frank Sinatra and the Kennedy family.

Deathyear: 1975

Koko (gorilla)

Koko, a western lowland gorilla, was born in 1971 and taught American Sign Language (ASL) by Pamela Janeo. Koko learned over 1,000 signs, demonstrating empathy, problem-solving, and creativity. Her language skills and emotional intelligence made her a notable figure in the field of animal cognition.

Deathyear: 2018

Jean Arthur

Jean Arthur was a beloved American actress, born Glenda Zaccarias in 1900. With her quick wit and charming on-screen presence, she starred in many classic films, including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "The More the Merrier," earning critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 1991

Ed Wynn

Ed Wynn was a beloved American actor and comedian, born November 19, 1886. He starred in films like "Mary Poppins" and "The Apple Dumpling Gang" and was known for his vaudeville-style physical comedy and memorable performances in films and television.

Deathyear: 1966

William Golding

William Golding, a renowned British author, was born in 1911. He wrote novels, plays, and poetry. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983.

Deathyear: 1993

Gerry Goffin

Gerry Goffin was a renowned American songwriter, best known for penning iconic hits like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "What'll I Do?" alongside partner Carole King. His 1960s songwriting partnership with King yielded numerous chart-topping hits, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 2014

Nathanael Greene

Nathanael Greene was a prominent American general in the Revolutionary War, serving as a trusted lieutanant general under George Washington. He played a crucial role in the war's final years, with victories in the South and a pivotal role in the Battle of Cowpens.

Deathyear: 1786

Lee Krasner

Lee Krasner, a visionary artist, was a key figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism. Born in 1908, Krasner's diverse artistic career spanned from Russian folk art to abstract expressionism, leaving behind a legacy of bold, expressive, and powerful works.

Deathyear: 1984

Antonio Aguilar

Antonio Aguilar was a renowned Mexican singer-songwriter, actor, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1919. He was known for his rich, distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, entertaining audiences with his genre-hopping music, film, and television projects.

Deathyear: 2007

Thomas J. Watson

Thomas J. Watson was an American businessman and founder of IBM. Born in 1874, Watson played a crucial role in transforming IBM into a global technology giant. His leadership and innovative thinking helped the company innovate and thrive, earning him a lasting legacy in the business world.

Deathyear: 1956

Vince Flynn

Vince Flynn was a prolific American author, best known for his Mitch Rapp series. With over 20 million copies sold, his thrillers have topped the New York Times bestseller list. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1966.

Deathyear: 2013

Joseph Banks

Joseph Banks (1743-1820) was an English botanist and author who sponsored James Cook's first voyage. He discovered and documented numerous Australian species, writing scientific descriptions of flora and fauna. His contributions to botany and natural history remain significant to this day.

Deathyear: 1820

Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall

Piers Gaveston was a powerful English nobleman and the favorite of King Edward II of England. As 1st Earl of Cornwall, he wielded significant influence, but his controversial rise to power and rumors of incest with the king sparked widespread hostility, ultimately leading to his assassination in 1312.

Deathyear: 1312

Slim Whitman

Slim Whitman was a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his smooth, yodeling voice and hits like "Rose Marie" and "Indian Love Call". With over 100 million records sold worldwide, he was a pioneer of the "space age pop" genre, charming audiences for over six decades.

Deathyear: 2013

Ali Shariati

Ali Shariati (1933-1977) was a renowned Iranian sociologist and philosopher who promoted Islamic socialism and human rights. He founded the Liberation Movement Organization, advocating for social and economic reform in Iran, and was a prominent figure in the country's 1979 revolution.

Deathyear: 1977

Ibrahim Touré (footballer, born 1985)

Ibrahim Touré is an Ivorian professional footballer born in 1985. As a midfielder, he has played for various clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and West Ham United. Touré won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2013 and earned 88 caps for the Ivory Coast national team.

Deathyear: 2014

Frank Borzage

Frank Borzage was a pioneering film director and actor, known for his romantic dramas and comedies. Born in 1894, he directed over 130 films during his 40-year career, working with stars like Lon Chaney and Lillian Gish.

Deathyear: 1962

Sol Plaatje

Sol Plaatje was a pioneering journalist, teacher, and activist who played a key role in the South African Native National Congress, precursor to the African National Congress. As a vocal advocate for Native South African rights, he fought against oppression and segregation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Deathyear: 1932

Subhash Mukhopadhyay (physician)

Subhash Mukherjee, a renowned Indian scientist and physician, made history by successfully performing India's first and the world's second in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Born in 1931, Mukherjee pioneered IVF in India, giving hope to countless couples struggling with infertility.

Deathyear: 1981

Francesco Baracca

Francesco Baracca, an iconic Italian fighter pilot, was born in 1888. He flew with the Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) and gained fame for his airborne victories.

Deathyear: 1918

James Salter

James Salter, a masterful American novelist and short-story writer, was born in 1925. Known for his poetic prose and nuanced explorations of human nature, he penned works such as "Light Years" and "A Sport and a Pastime," earning him the PEN/Faulkner Award and widespread critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 2015