June 2 birthdays and deaths:

Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor was a legendary Indian actor, director, and producer in Bollywood. Born in 1924, he was known for his iconic films like "Awara" and "Shree 420". He was a pioneer of Indian cinema, creating memorable characters and stories that continue to entertain audiences to this day.

Deathyear: 1988

Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig, also known as the "Iron Horse," was a legendary American baseball player who played for the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1939. He held the record for most consecutive games played (2,130) until Cal Ripken Jr. broke it in 1995.

Deathyear: 1941

Richard Dawson

Richard Dawson was a talented and versatile individual who made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. Born on July 20, 1932, he served as a British Army intelligence officer during World War II before pursuing a successful acting and hosting career, best known for his work on "Family Feud."

Deathyear: 2012

Giuseppe Garibaldi

Giuseppe Garibaldi was a key figure in Italy's unification. A charismatic general and politician, he played a crucial role in the Risorgimento, leading the Expedition of the Thousand to conquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and pave the way for a unified Italian state.

Deathyear: 1882

Rob Burrow

Rob Burrow is a legendary English rugby league footballer, born in 1982. A scrum-half, he played for Leeds Rhinos and England, earning 27 caps. He's also a successful coach and TV pundit, known for his exceptional skills, infectious enthusiasm, and courageous battles with motor neuron disease.

Deathyear: 2024

Rex Harrison

Rex Harrison was a renowned English actor, known for his booming voice and charismatic stage presence. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "My Fair Lady" (1964) and was a versatile performer in film, television, and theater.

Deathyear: 1990

Mel Ferrer

Mel Ferrer, a versatile actor (1917-2008), straddled comedy and drama with ease. Known for his work in "Producers' Showcase" and "The Snake Pit," he co-directed Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers" and was married to actress Audrey Hepburn.

Deathyear: 2008

Bruce McLaren

Bruce McLaren, a Kiwi racing legend, founded the legendary McLaren racing team in 1963. A talented driver and innovative engineer, he won numerous championships, including the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, before his tragic passing in 1970 at just 32 years old.

Deathyear: 1970

Vita Sackville-West

Vita Sackville-West was a renowned English author and poet, born in 1892. She wrote extensively on gardens and the countryside, and her poetry and novels explored themes of love, nature, and identity. Her writing is characterized by its lyricism and attention to detail.

Deathyear: 1962

Jim Hutton

Jim Hutton was a talented American actor, born in 1934. Best known for playing Lew Archer in the 1973 film "Farewell, My Lovely," he played characters in numerous films and TV shows throughout his decades-long career.

Deathyear: 1979

Ray Combs

Ray Combs hosted the popular game show "Family Feud" from 1988 to 1994. With his charismatic personality, he became a beloved figure in television, entertaining millions of viewers with his witty remarks and humorous interactions with contestants.

Deathyear: 1996

Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley, a pioneer of rock 'n' roll, electrified the genre with his signature guitar riffs and charismatic stage presence. His iconic hits, such as "Bo Diddley" and "I'm a Man," continue to influence generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 2008

Peter Sallis

Peter Sallis, a renowned English actor, was born on February 1, 1921. He is best known for his iconic role as Compo Simmonite in the British sitcom "Last of the Summer Wine" from 1973 to 2010.

Deathyear: 2017

Stephen Boyd

Stephen Boyd was a Northern Irish-born American actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was known for his roles in "Ben-Hur" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", showcasing his versatility as a talented character actor.

Deathyear: 1977

Imogene Coca

Imogene Coca was a pioneering American actress and comedian, born in 1908. She rose to fame in the 1940s and '50s with her work on radio, television, and film. Known for her whimsical, improvisational style, Coca won numerous awards, including an Emmy and multiple Tony Awards.

Deathyear: 2001

Larry Allen

Larry Allen is a retired American football player who played offensive tackle for 14 seasons in the NFL. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen won two Super Bowl rings and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Deathyear: 2024

Alexander Shulgin

Alexander Shulgin was a renowned American pharmacologist and chemist, born in 1925. He is known for his work on psychoactive compounds, including MDMA (ecstasy) and DMT, and was a prominent figure in the development of psychedelic research.

Deathyear: 2014

Janis Paige

Janis Paige, born Donna Mae Hensley in 1922, is an American actress and singer. She has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She is perhaps best known for her iconic role in the film "Tootsie Roll" (1942).

Deathyear: 2024

Santiago Bernabéu (footballer)

Santiago Bernabéu Yeste was a Spanish footballer and coach, born in 1895. He played for Real Madrid and was the team's first coach. He won the Spanish Cup three times and the La Liga title once. Bernabéu was inducted into the Spanish Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Deathyear: 1978

Kathryn Joosten

Kathryn Joosten was an American actress, born in 1939. Her notable roles include Karen "Cluck" Dorset on TV's "The West Wing" and Esther Klugman on "American Housewife".

Deathyear: 2012

Leo Gorcey

Leo Gorcey (1917-1969) was a legendary American actor, best known for his starring role in the Bowery Boys comedy series. Gorcey's lovable lughead persona and comedic genius made him a beloved figure in 1940s-50s Hollywood cinema.

Deathyear: 1969

Melita Norwood

Melita Norwood was a British civil servant and Soviet spy who worked for the KGB for nearly four decades, providing secrets on nuclear and defense issues. Her betrayal damaged British national security, resulting in several deaths.

Deathyear: 2005

Stan Rogers

Stan Rogers (1949-1980) was a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and soaring melodies. His music often explored themes of Canadian identity, history, and social justice, earning him a loyal following and numerous awards.

Deathyear: 1983

Freddie Blassie

Freddie Blassie, a legendary American wrestler and manager, was born in 1918. Known for his flamboyant persona and eccentric matches, he was a dominant force in the ring.

Deathyear: 2003

David Eddings

David Eddings, a renowned American author, was born in 1931. Best known for his fantasy novels, particularly the Malloreon and Elenium series, he delighted readers with his engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

Deathyear: 2009

Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk

Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1536-1572), was an English aristocrat and Member of Parliament. He was a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and served as Master of the Court of Wards.

Deathyear: 1572

Andrés Segovia

Andrés Segovia was a Spanish classical guitar virtuoso, considered the "Father of Classical Guitar". Born in 1893, he pioneered the instrument's modern revival, introducing it to the concert stage and popularizing classical guitar music, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

Deathyear: 1987

Karl Brandt

Karl Brandt, a German SS officer, was Adolf Hitler's personal physician and implemented the Nazi "Euthanasia Program", which resulted in the extermination of thousands of mentally and physically disabled individuals. He was hanged for war crimes in 1948.

Deathyear: 1948

Hugo van Lawick

Hugo van Lawick is a renowned Dutch filmmaker and photographer, born in 1937. He is best known for his documentary work, particularly his series on gorillas.

Deathyear: 2002

Jean Hersholt

Jean Hersholt was a Danish-American actor and director, born in 1886 in Copenhagen. Known for his powerful voice and authoritative presence, he appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including "The City That Never Sleeps" and "The Goldwyn Follies".

Deathyear: 1956

Karl Gebhardt

Karl Gebhardt was a German surgeon and SS officer who participated in human experimentation during World War II. He was suspected of torturing and murdering concentration camp prisoners, and was later tried and executed for his crimes.

Deathyear: 1948

George S. Kaufman

George S. Kaufman was a renowned American playwright, director, and producer, known for his witty dialogue and wit. He co-founded the Algonquin Round Table, a group of intellectuals and writers that included Dorothy Parker and Alexander Woollcott.

Deathyear: 1961

Catherine of Lancaster

Katherine of Lancaster (1372-1418) was the English princess, daughter of King Henry IV of England and Mary de Bohun. She married King Henry III of Castile in 1388, bringing England and Castile together through their union, strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Deathyear: 1418

Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry

Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry was a renowned Pakistani lawyer and politician who served as the 5th President of Pakistan from 1969 to 1973. Born in 1904, he was a key figure in Pakistan's independence movement and also served as the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Deathyear: 1982

Wolfram Sievers

Wolfram Sievers was a German SS officer born in 1905. He was a professor and anthropologist before joining the SS, serving as a medical officer during WWII. He was responsible for performing grotesque medical experiments on prisoners in Auschwitz and was later convicted of crimes against humanity.

Deathyear: 1948

Viktor Brack

Viktor Brack was a German physician born in 1904. A dedicated Nazi, he worked at the Charité in Berlin and was involved in the administration of deadly medications to thousands of patients at the Euthanasia centers during the Holocaust.

Deathyear: 1948

Mandawuy Yunupingu

Mandawuy Yunupingu is a renowned Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist of the Yolngu Matharnji people. Born in 1956, he is known for his unique blend of traditional Yolngu music and contemporary styles, as well as his advocacy for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.

Deathyear: 2013

Johnny Mize

Johnny Mize, a Hall of Fame first baseman, played 15 seasons in the majors, earning seven pennants and two World Series titles. A .312 career hitter, Mize was a 12-time All-Star and won the NL batting title three times.

Deathyear: 1993