June 24 birthdays and deaths:

Chris Benoit

Chris Benoit was a Canadian professional wrestler born on May 21, 1967. He began his career in the late 1980s and was known for his technical grappling skills and high-flying moves. He won multiple championships, including the WWE Championship, before his tragic and controversial death in 2007.

Deathyear: 2007

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, was a lawyer and politician who served from 1885-1889 and 1893-1897. He is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, known for his progressive reforms and strong leadership during the Gilded Age.

Deathyear: 1908

Jackie Gleason

Jackie Gleason was a beloved American actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his iconic TV show "The Honeymooners." With his quick wit and lovable personality, he brought laughter and joy to millions through his iconic characters, including Ralph Kramden.

Deathyear: 1987

Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach, a legendary American actor, was born in 1915. With a career spanning over six decades, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, earning an Oscar nomination for his iconic role as Calvera in "The Magnificent Seven" (1960).

Deathyear: 2014

Brian Keith

Brian Keith was a renowned American actor, born on November 2, 1921. He is best known for his iconic roles in films such as "The Parent Trap" and "The Russian Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming."

Deathyear: 1997

Lucrezia Borgia

Lucrezia Borgia (1480-1519) was a Italian noblewoman and a key figure of the Renaissance. She was the daughter of Pope Alexander VI and became the Duchess of Ferrara through her marriage to Alfonso I d'Este in 1502, solidifying her position in Italian politics.

Deathyear: 1519

Benigno Aquino III

Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was the 15th President of the Philippines, serving from 2010 to 2016. As a senator and president, he advocated for democratic reform, human rights, and economic development, earning him international acclaim and trust.

Deathyear: 2021

David Tomlinson

David Tomlinson was a renowned English actor and comedian, born in 1917. He is best known for his roles in films such as "Mary Poppins" and "The Apple Cart." With his dry wit and charming on-screen presence, he delighted audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2000

Hongwu Emperor

Hongwu, also known as Zhu Yuanzhang, was the founder of the Ming dynasty, reigning from 1360 to 1398. He rose from poverty to become the last emperor of the unified China, restoring imperial power and creating a centralized state, marking the end of the Mongol Yuan dynasty.

Deathyear: 1398

V. V. Giri

Vishwanath Prathap Ji VV Giri was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 4th President of India from 1969 to 1974. Born in 1894, he was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a key role in India's independence movement.

Deathyear: 1980

Paul Winchell

Paul Winchell was a talented American actor and ventriloquist, born in 1922. He delighted audiences with his convincing vocal impressions and endearing puppet characters, including his beloved ventriloquial partner, Jerry Mahoney.

Deathyear: 2005

Lonesome George

Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise, was a charming, wrinkled giant who roamed the wilds of Galápagos. Born around 1910, he became a symbol of conservation efforts, until his passing in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of hope for his species' survival.

Deathyear: 2012

Vera Atkins

Vera Atkins, a British intelligence officer, played a crucial role in the rescue of Jews during WWII. Born in Romania in 1908, she joined British Intelligence in 1941 and risked her life to help Jewish refugees, including 13 survivors of a deserted train at Auschwitz.

Deathyear: 2000

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was a prominent English courtier born in 1550. He served as Lord Great Chamberlain and held various positions under Queen Elizabeth I. While his life is well-documented, his work as a playwright remains shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation about authorship of Shakespearean plays.

Deathyear: 1604

Mick Aston

Mick Aston was a renowned English archaeologist and academic, best known for his work on vernacular architecture and landscape history. He was a pioneering figure in the field of archaeology, making significant contributions to our understanding of rural landscapes and the role of material culture in society.

Deathyear: 2013

Walther Rathenau

Walther Rathenau, a German businessman and politician, served as Germany's 7th Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1922 until his assassination in 1922. Born in 1867, Rathenau was a prominent figure in Germany's post-WW1 foreign policy, advocating for European cooperation and reducing tensions between nations.

Deathyear: 1922

Natasja Saad

Natasja Saad was a Danish rapper and reggae singer born in 1974. She gained popularity in Denmark and internationally for her unique fusion of reggae, hip-hop, and soul. Her music often addressed social and political issues, earning her a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 2007

Mario Biaggi

Here are the 40 words: Mario Biaggi was a decorated NYPD officer, serving from 1936 to 1962. He later became a U.S. Representative from New York from 1969 to 1988, but his career was tarnished by accusations of bribery and corruption, leading to his resignation and imprisonment.

Deathyear: 2015

Louise Whitfield Carnegie

Louise Whitfield Carnegie, American philanthropist, was born in 1857. She married Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist, in 1887. After his death, she continued his philanthropic legacy, donating millions to charities and educational institutions, making a lasting impact on society.

Deathyear: 1946

John Hampden

John Hampden was an English politician and gentleman who played a significant role in the English Civil War. He was a prominent opponent of King Charles I and led the Parliamentarian forces during the First English Civil War.

Deathyear: 1643

Thomas McKean

Thomas McKean (1734-1817) was a prominent American lawyer and politician. He served as attorney general of Pennsylvania and later became the state's 2nd Governor, playing a key role in the country's early development.

Deathyear: 1817

Marva Collins

Marva Collins was a pioneering American author and educator known for her innovative and unorthodox teaching methods. She founded the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, which emphasized critical thinking, creativity, and creativity.

Deathyear: 2015

Miki Roqué

Miki Roqué was a Spanish footballer who played for Europa and Levante. Born in 1988, he was a talented midfielder known for his vision and passing ability. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to his early diagnosis with a rare bone disorder.

Deathyear: 2012

Sarah Orne Jewett

Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) was a renowned American author of novels, short stories, and poetry. Known for her nuanced portrayals of New England life, her works like "The Country of the Pointed Firs" (1896) are considered American literary classics.

Deathyear: 1909

Derek Dougan

Derek Dougan was a Northern Irish footballer and manager, best known for his playing career with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall. He also managed various clubs, including Hereford United and Bradford City. With 36 caps for Northern Ireland, he scored 11 goals.

Deathyear: 2007

Rufino Tamayo

Rufino Tamayo was a renowned Mexican painter and illustrator born in 1899. Known for his expressive and emotionally charged works, Tamayo blended indigenous and European influences to create a unique style. He is celebrated as a prominent figure in Mexican modern art, leaving a lasting legacy.

Deathyear: 1991