June 21 birthdays and deaths:

Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian historian and author who wrote about politics and governance. Born in Florence in 1469, he served as a diplomat for the Medicis before being imprisoned for suspected treason. His book "The Prince" explored the art of politics and governance.

Deathyear: 1527

Edward III of England

Edward III (1312-1377) was King of England from 1327 to 1377. He played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War, defeating the French at the Battle of Crécy and Calais, and launching the successful Siege of Calais.

Deathyear: 1377

Carroll O'Connor

Carroll O'Connor was a renowned American actor and producer, born on August 2, 1924. He is best known for his iconic role as Archie Bunker in the CBS sitcom "All in the Family," earning a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal.

Deathyear: 2001

Oda Nobunaga

Oda Nobunaga was a Japanese warlord who played a crucial role in the unification of Japan. He was born in 1534 and was a skilled strategist and military leader. He is credited with modernizing Japan and paving the way for the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Deathyear: 1582

Sukarno

Sukarno was a prominent Indonesian engineer and politician who served as the 1st President of Indonesia from 1945 to 1968. Born in 1901, he was a key figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence from the Netherlands, and his leadership played a crucial role in shaping the country's politics and identity.

Deathyear: 1970

Antonio López de Santa Anna

Antonio López de Santa Anna was a prominent figure in Mexican history, serving as the 8th President of Mexico (1833-1834, 1837-1839, and 1846-1847) and a skilled military leader, known for his battles against the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War.

Deathyear: 1876

Smedley Butler

Smedley Butler was a renowned American general, decorated with the Medal of Honor, who served in the Philippines and World War I. He was wounded five times and received numerous decorations, including the Medal of Honor, and wrote the famous essay "War is a Racket".

Deathyear: 1940

John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker, a legendary blues musician, was born in 1917 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He is known for his unique boogie-woogie style and hits like "Boogie Chillen" and "Boom Boom," which have become staples of the blues genre.

Deathyear: 2001

John Smith (explorer)

John Smith (1580-1631) was an English admiral and explorer who played a major role in the establishment of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. He was a skilled naval officer and became famous for his exploration of the New World.

Deathyear: 1631

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a renowned Russian composer and educator, known for his iconic works such as "Scheherazade" and "The Tale of Tsar Saltan". His compositions masterfully blended Russian folklore and classical music, while his teaching legacy was marked by mentorship of prominent composers such as Igor Stravinsky.

Deathyear: 1908

Leland Stanford

Leland Stanford was a renowned American businessman, politician, and philanthropist. As the 8th Governor of California, he promoted the development of the state's infrastructure and agriculture. He also founded Stanford University alongside his wife, Jane, to honor their deceased son.

Deathyear: 1893

Ettore Boiardi

Hector Boiardi, a renowned Italian-American chef and entrepreneur, founded Chef Boyardee in 1924. Born in Italy in 1897, Boiardi graduated from the Paris Cooking School and later opened restaurants in New York City before establishing the popular canned pasta brand, which remains a staple in American cuisine.

Deathyear: 1985

Charles Krauthammer

Charles Krauthammer was a renowned American columnist and conservative political commentator, known for his incisive analysis and witty humor. He wrote for The Washington Post and appeared frequently on Fox News, earning a Pulitzer Prize and a reputation as a leading conservative voice in American politics.

Deathyear: 2018

Leon Uris

Leon Uris, a decorated World War II veteran and novelist, is best known for his bestselling historical fiction novels, including "Exodus" and "Mila 18". His writing often explored the human aspect of war and its impact on individuals and communities.

Deathyear: 2003

Aloysius Gonzaga

Aloysius Gonzaga was an Italian saint born in 1568. He was a nobleman who renounced his title to become a Jesuit novice. He dedicated his life to prayer, charity, and education, eventually dying at age 23 due to tuberculosis. His feast day is June 21.

Deathyear: 1591

James Chaney

James Chaney was a American civil rights activist who worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Born in 1943, he was brutally murdered in 1964 during the Freedom Summer project, along with Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner.

Deathyear: 1964

Li Xiannian

Li Xiannian was a Chinese politician and military officer who served as the 3rd President of the People's Republic of China. Born in 1909, he played a key role in the Chinese Civil War and served as the country's economic and foreign minister before assuming the presidency in 1983.

Deathyear: 1992

Michael Schwerner

Michael Schwerner was a devoted civil rights activist, slain at age 24 in 1964 while investigating the Mississippi Freedom Summer murders. His bravery and commitment to racial equality continue to inspire Americans to this day.

Deathyear: 1964

Andrew Goodman (activist)

Andrew Goodman (1943-1964) was an American civil rights activist. He was a student from New York who participated in the Freedom Summer project in Mississippi and was killed at age 20 while participating in the movement.

Deathyear: 1964

Soad Hosny

Soad Hosny was a beloved Egyptian actress and singer, born in 1942. With a career spanning over four decades, she enchanted audiences with her captivating voice and captivating performances in numerous films and music videos.

Deathyear: 2001

Inigo Jones

Inigo Jones (1573-1652) was a renowned English architect who designed the Queen's House in Greenwich and Wilton House in Wiltshire. His classical designs, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, revolutionized English architecture and influenced generations of architects.

Deathyear: 1652

Ali al-Hadi

Ali al-Hadi, the tenth Imam of Shia Islam, was born in 829 CE. He was a prominent scholar and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. During his Imamate, he emphasized the importance of character and spirituality, and his teachings were instrumental in establishing a strong sense of Shia identity.

Deathyear: 868

Bert Kaempfert

Bert Kaempfert was a renowned German conductor, composer, and musician. Born in 1923, he gained fame with his orchestra, "The Bert Kaempfert Orchestra," and penned iconic hits like "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "Strangers in the Night."

Deathyear: 1980

Jaime Sin

Jaime Sin, a prominent Catholic prelate, was born on August 21, 1928. As the Archbishop of Manila, he was known for his liberal views and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church in the Philippines. He died on June 21, 2005.

Deathyear: 2005

Tage Erlander

Tage Erlander was a Swedish politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sweden from 1946 to 1969, the longest-serving Prime Minister in Swedish history. Prior to his political career, he was a lieutenant in the Swedish Army.

Deathyear: 1985

Shintaro Katsu

Shintaro Katsu was a renowned Japanese actor, singer, director, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in Zatoichi films and his prolific music career. With a career spanning over five decades, Katsu became a cultural icon in Japan, revered for his talent, humility, and dedication to his craft.

Deathyear: 1997

Édouard Vuillard

Édouard Vuillard (1868-1940) was a French painter known for his intimate, subdued portraits and landscapes. His work is characterized by its soft colors, gentle lighting, and focus on domestic life, revealing the quiet moments of everyday life in late 19th and early 20th century France.

Deathyear: 1940

Bertha von Suttner

Bertha von Suttner was a pioneering Austrian journalist, author, and pacifist who advocated for international peace and disarmament. She won the 1905 Nobel Peace Prize for her novel "Lay Down Your Arms" and her tireless efforts to eliminate war.

Deathyear: 1914

Maureen Connolly

Maureen Connolly, affectionately known as "Muhammad" or "Little Mo," was a groundbreaking American tennis player. Born in 1934, she dominated women's tennis in the 1950s, winning 11 Grand Slam singles titles and becoming the first woman to achieve the Grand Slam, winning all four majors in 1953.

Deathyear: 1969

Scott Kalitta

Scott Kalitta was an American drag racing and IndyCar driver, born in 1962. He earned multiple championships in the NHRA's Top Fuel category and the IndyCar series. Despite his successes, he tragically died in a racing accident in 2008 at the age of 46.

Deathyear: 2008

Elliott Reid

Elliott Reid, an American actor and screenwriter, was born in 1920. He made his film debut in 1937 and went on to appear in over 100 films and television shows, earning a reputation as a versatile character actor with a distinguished career spanning over five decades.

Deathyear: 2013

Philip of Swabia

Philip of Swabia was the Duke of Swabia, King of the Romans, and claimant to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. Born in 1177, he was the duke of Swabia from 1196 until his murder in 1208.

Deathyear: 1208

Kami (musician)

Kami (b. 1973) is a Japanese drummer, known for his work with bands such as Glimmer of Kei and Boris. Blending hardcore punk and noise rock, Kami's energetic beats and precision drumming have contributed to the success of these and other Japanese rock groups.

Deathyear: 1999

Wenceslaus II of Bohemia

Wenceslaus II of Bohemia, born in 1271, was a Bohemian king from 1278 to 1305. He expanded Bohemian territory, strengthening diplomacy with neighboring countries. His reign was marked by cultural and economic prosperity, earning him the nickname "Good King" and cementing his place in Bohemian history.

Deathyear: 1305

Al Campanis

Al Campanis, a Brooklyn-born baseball legend, played catcher in the minor leagues and later managed the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series appearances. His 35-year career spanned from 1941 to 1975, earning him a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 1998

Bob Evans (restaurateur)

Bob Evans (1918-2007) founded Bob Evans Restaurants, a popular American chain of farm-to-table restaurants. Prior to his entrepreneurial venture, Evans worked as a farmer and entrepreneur, operating his own furniture business.

Deathyear: 2007

Richard Adler

Richard Adler, American composer, and producer, born 1921, is best known for his hit musicals, such as "The Pajama Game" and "Damn Yankees." He collaborated with Jerry Ross, and their compositions have delighted audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2012

Alan Hovhaness

Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was an Armenian-American pianist and composer. Born in Mariam, Pennsylvania, he drew inspiration from Armenian and Western classical music. Hovhaness composed over 400 works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, showcasing his unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Deathyear: 2000

Winnie Ewing

Winnie Ewing is a Scottish politician born in 1929. Known for her defiant oratory and strong convictions, she was the first member of the Scottish National Party (SNP) to be elected to Westminster in 1974.

Deathyear: 2023

Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah

Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah is a renowned Bangladeshi poet, author, and playwright, born in 1956. He is known for his unique writing style and has written numerous poems, stories, and plays that have earned him critical acclaim and several awards in Bangladesh.

Deathyear: 1992

Piers Courage

Piers Courage was a British racing driver, born in 1942. He competed in Formula One and sports car racing, and won the 1971 F1 World Constructors' Championship with Surtees. Courage was killed in a Formula Two race in 1970, at the age of 28.

Deathyear: 1970

Roger Neilson

Roger Neilson, a pioneering coach and player, is known for his innovative tactics and off-ice coaching work. During his 30-year NHL career, he won three Jack Adams Awards with the Blackhawks and Jets.

Deathyear: 2003

June Christy

June Christy (born 1925) was an American singer known for her smooth, velvety tone and interpretive skills. With the Stan Kenton Orchestra, she became a popular vocalist in the 1940s and 1950s, earning a Grammy nomination and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of jazz.

Deathyear: 1990