June 23 birthdays and deaths:

John McAfee

John McAfee, a British-American entrepreneur, founded McAfee Antivirus in 1987. A computer programmer and businessman, he is credited with developing the first antivirus software. He went on to become a controversial figure, fleeing Belize amidst allegations of murder and now lives in exile.

Deathyear: 2021

Peter Falk

Peter Falk, the iconic American actor, best known for his portrayal of detective Columbo, won numerous awards for his unique performances, including an Emmy and two Golden Globes. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 83.

Deathyear: 2011

Sanjay Gandhi

Sanjay Gandhi was an Indian engineer and politician who played a significant role in Indian politics during the 1970s and 1980s. He was the son of India's first Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was known for his ambitious plans for India's rapid industrialization and modernization.

Deathyear: 1980

Aaron Spelling

Aaron Spelling, a renowned actor, producer, and screenwriter, was born in 1923. He founded Spelling Television, creating iconic TV shows like "Charlie's Angels," "Hart to Hart," and "Beverly Hills, 90210." His legacy in the entertainment industry is still celebrated today.

Deathyear: 2006

Dick Van Patten

Dick Van Patten, a renowned American actor, born in 1928, has had a long-standing career in show business. He is best known for his roles in classic TV sitcoms, such as "Eight is Enough" and "The Love Boat", as well as films like "Memories of Me" and "SpaceCamp".

Deathyear: 2015

Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon was an American entertainer, best known for hosting TV's "The Tonight Show" and serving as the announcer on "The Mike Douglas Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson".

Deathyear: 2009

Maureen O'Sullivan

Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-American actress, born in 1911, known for her iconic roles in films like "Tarzan the Ape Man" and "Jesse James", as well as her marriage to director John Farrow and her daughter Mia Farrow, an Academy Award-winning actress.

Deathyear: 1998

Betty Shabazz

Betty Shabazz was a pioneering educator and activist who advocated for social justice and civil rights. She was the wife of Malcolm X and played a key role in the Nation of Islam before transitioning to a more inclusive and peaceful approach to social change.

Deathyear: 1997

Jonas Salk

Jonas Salk was a renowned American biologist and physician who developed the first inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the inactivated influenza vaccine. His groundbreaking work led to the near-eradication of polio in the United States and paved the way for further vaccine development.

Deathyear: 1995

Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson was a renowned American author and screenwriter, best known for his sci-fi and horror novels, such as "I Am Legend" and "The Shrinking Man". His work has been adapted into numerous films and TV shows, inspiring generations of writers and filmmakers.

Deathyear: 2013

Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley is a legendary American singer and banjo player from Virginia. Born in 1927, he rose to fame as a pioneer of bluegrass music, entertaining audiences with his distinctive high-pitched voice and masterful banjo skills, earning him the nickname "The Coal Miner's Song."

Deathyear: 2016

Bobby Bland

Bobby Bland, known as "The Lips," is a legendary American singer-songwriter born on January 27, 1930. With a career spanning over 60 years, he has blended blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues to create a distinctive sound, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and accolades in the music industry.

Deathyear: 2013

James Mill

James Mill, a Scottish economist, historian, and philosopher, was born in 1773. He was a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, known for his works on economics, history, and philosophy.

Deathyear: 1836

Andreas Papandreou

Andreas Papandreou was a Greek economist and politician who served as the 174th Prime Minister of Greece from 1981 to 1989. As the founder of PASOK, a center-left political party, he implemented significant social and economic reforms, including the redistribution of wealth and increased social welfare.

Deathyear: 1996

Boris Vian

Boris Vian, a talented French author, poet, and playwright, was born in 1920. He wrote novels, plays, and poetry that often combined wit, irony, and social commentary.

Deathyear: 1959

Gary David Goldberg

Gary David Goldberg was a renowned American screenwriter and producer, best known for creating the hit TV shows "Family Ties" and "Spin City." With a career spanning over three decades, Goldberg won multiple awards, including multiple Emmys, for his work in comedy and drama.

Deathyear: 2013

Harindranath Chattopadhyay

Harindranath Chattopadhyay was a renowned Indian poet, actor, and politician born in 1898. A pioneer in the Indian theater movement, he wrote numerous plays and acted in many films. He also served as a Member of Parliament from 1952 to 1957.

Deathyear: 1990

Werner Best

Werner Best, a German police officer and jurist, was born in 1903. He played a significant role in the Nazi regime, serving as Himmler's chief of staff and later occupying the high-ranking positions of Governor-General of occupied Denmark and Reich Minister of the Interior.

Deathyear: 1989

Dragut

Dragut was a renowned Ottoman admiral born in 1485 in the Ottoman Empire. He gained fame during the Italian Wars, defeating the Knights of St. John and capturing Malta in 1565. His victories earned him the title "Grand Admiral of the Mediterranean".

Deathyear: 1565

Matthias Jakob Schleiden

Matthias Jakob Schleiden was a German botanist and academic born in 1804. He is known for his contributions to the field of comparative anatomy, making significant discoveries in the study of plant evolution and classification.

Deathyear: 1881

Rod Beck

Rod Beck, a power-hungry closer, pitched for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres from 1987 to 2004. He saved 217 games, ranking 11th all-time in MLB history.

Deathyear: 2007

Clyfford Still

Clyfford Still was a renowned American painter and educator, known for his bold, abstract expressionist works. Born in 1904, he taught at several institutions, including the California School of Fine Arts. His innovative style blends elements of modernism and primitivism.

Deathyear: 1980

Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke

Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (c. 1270-1324), was a powerful Anglo-Norman noble and military leader. He served as Earl of Pembroke, Warenne, and Surrey, and was a loyal supporter of King Edward I of England during the Scottish Wars and the French Wars.

Deathyear: 1324

Reinhold Glière

Reinhold Glière was a renowned Russian composer and educator, born in 1875. He wrote acclaimed symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. As a teacher, he mentored prominent composers, fostering a new generation of Russian musical talent. His legacy continues to influence Eastern European classical music.

Deathyear: 1956

Nirmala Joshi

Nirmala Joshi (b. 1934) is a renowned Indian nun, lawyer, and social worker. She has dedicated her life to empowering the vulnerable, advocating for women's rights, and promoting education for all. Her selfless work has had a profound impact on Indian society.

Deathyear: 2015

Arthur Chung

Arthur Chung, a Guyanese surveyor and politician, served as the 1st President of Guyana from 1970 to 1980. Born in 1918, he played a crucial role in Guyana's transition to a republic and was a key figure in the country's early years of independence.

Deathyear: 2008