June 26 birthdays and deaths:

George IV

George IV of the United Kingdom was born on August 12, 1762. He reigned as King of the United Kingdom from 1820 until his death in 1830. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and love of fine arts, George IV was also a patron of the arts and architecture.

Deathyear: 1830

Strom Thurmond

Strom Thurmond was a prominent politician who served as the 103rd Governor of South Carolina from 1947 to 1951. He was also a lawyer and U.S. Senator from South Carolina, holding the position for 47 years from 1955 to 2003.

Deathyear: 2003

Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron was a renowned American director, producer, and screenwriter, notable for her witty romantic comedies. Her iconic films, such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle," showcased her skill in crafting relatable characters and undeniably quotable dialogue.

Deathyear: 2012

Yash Johar

Yash Johar, a legendary Indian film producer, founded Dharma Productions in 1976. Born in 1929, he revolutionized Bollywood with his innovative storytelling and blockbuster hits like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" before passing away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy in Indian cinema.

Deathyear: 2004

Julian (emperor)

Julian the Apostate, the Roman emperor from 361-363 CE, was a philosopher-emperor who attempted to restore paganism and reverse Constantine's conversion to Christianity. He was killed in battle, reportedly while fighting against the Persians, amidst rumors of his own treachery.

Deathyear: 363

Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, explored and conquered the Inca Empire. As Governor of New Castile, he captured and executed the Inca emperor, Atahualpa, and established Spanish control over Peru.

Deathyear: 1541

Margaret Keane

Margaret Keane was an American painter and artist, born in 1927. She gained fame in the 1960s for her large-eyed, melancholy portraits of children. Her work was mistakenly attributed to her husband, Walter Keane, leading to a tumultuous divorce and a successful 1989 directorial debut by her biopic.

Deathyear: 2022

Denis Thatcher

Denis Thatcher, a former English soldier and businessman, was born in 1915. He was the husband of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, serving as a non-executive director and supporting his wife throughout her political career.

Deathyear: 2003

Max Stirner

Max Stirner was a German philosopher and author born in 1806. He wrote the influential book "The Ego and His Own" which advocated for the individual's right to pursue their own desires and interests, rejecting traditional morals and social norms.

Deathyear: 1856

Marc-Vivien Foé

Marc-Vivien Foé was a Cameroonian professional footballer who played for clubs like Lyon and Chelsea. He was a dominant midfielder known for his vision, technique, and energy. Tragically, Foé's life was cut short in 2003 at the age of 28 due to a heart attack on the pitch.

Deathyear: 2003

Roy Campanella

Roy Campanella was a Hall of Fame catcher who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1948 to 1957. Known for his strong defensive skills and powerful hitting, he backed up the team's pitching staff and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955.

Deathyear: 1993

Marc Rich

Marc Rich is a Belgian-American businessman born in 1934. He founded Glencore, a commodities trading company, and has also been involved in oil, mining, and energy industries. Rich's business ventures have made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Deathyear: 2013

Beth Chapman

Beth Chapman, star of the A&E reality series "Dog the Bounty Hunter," was a fiery and fearless bounty hunter, known for her sharp instincts and unyielding determination. Born in 1967, Beth passed away in 2019 after a battle with throat cancer.

Deathyear: 2019

Buddy Rogers (wrestler)

Buddy Rogers was an American professional wrestler born on June 20, 1921. He is best known for being the first WWF Champion, crowned on April 25, 1963. During his career, Rogers won numerous championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

Deathyear: 1992

Veronica Guerin

Veronica Guerin was a renowned Irish journalist who bravely covered gangland crime before her tragic death in 1996. Her courage and determination earned her numerous awards, and her murder was widely condemned, leading to greater scrutiny of organized crime in Ireland.

Deathyear: 1996

James Weldon Johnson

James Weldon Johnson, a renowned American poet, lawyer, and politician, was born in 1871. He was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, authoring popular poems and songs, and serving as an NAACP executive secretary, advocating for social justice and civil rights.

Deathyear: 1938

Richard Whiteley

Richard Whiteley was a renowned English journalist and television presenter, best known for hosting the popular game show "Countdown" from its inception in 1982 until his death in 2005.

Deathyear: 2005

Françoise Dorléac

Françoise Dorléac was a talented French actress and singer, known for her striking beauty and captivating performances on screen. Born in 1942, she made her film debut in 1963 and went on to star in numerous films, including "Les Parapluies de Cherbourg" and "Theolumineaux".

Deathyear: 1967

Mike Gravel

Mike Gravel, a Democratic senator from Alaska from 1969 to 1981, is known for his progressive views and populist style. He championed issues like nuclear disarmament, campaign finance reform, and LGBTQ+ rights, earning a reputation as a maverick politician.

Deathyear: 2021

Howard Baker

Howard Baker, a renowned American lawyer, politician, and diplomat, served as the 12th White House Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan. Born in 1925, Baker epitomized statesmanship, known for his integrity, wisdom, and commitment to public service, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.

Deathyear: 2014

Josemaría Escrivá

Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer was a Spanish priest and saint born in 1902. He founded Opus Dei, a Catholic organization, and emphasized the universal call to holiness. His writings and teachings emphasized the importance of everyday spirituality and ordinary life as a path to sanctity.

Deathyear: 1975

Montgolfier brothers

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier was a French inventor who, along with his brother Jacques-Etienne, co-developed the first successful hot air balloon. Born in 1740, Montgolfier designed and built the Montgolfier brothers' aeronautical globe, which lifted off on November 21, 1783, marking the first human flight.

Deathyear: 1810

Yevgeny Primakov

Yevgeny Primakov, a renowned Russian-Ukrainian journalist and politician, served as Russia's 32nd Prime Minister from 1998-1999. Born in 1929, Primakov's impressive career spanned decades, with notable roles as ambassador, Foreign Intelligence Chief, and leading figure in Putin's government.

Deathyear: 2015

Liz Claiborne

Liz Claiborne, a Belgian-American fashion designer, founded the eponymous label in 1976. With a focus on comfort and versatility, her designs revolutionized women's fashion. Her iconic brand, now owned by Art Garfunkel's former wife, Kathy Mink, remains a household name.

Deathyear: 2007

Ford Madox Ford

Ford Madox Ford (1873-1939) was a prominent English novelist, poet, and critic, known for his experimental and innovative writing style. He was a key figure in the modernist movement, and his works include the novels "The Good Soldier" and " Parade's End".

Deathyear: 1939

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi was a renowned Persian scientist and writer who lived from 1201 to 1274. He made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. His works include the famous astronomical treatise, "Tadhkirat al-Tusi".

Deathyear: 1274

Don Hutson

Don Hutson was a legendary American football player and coach, born in 1913. As a player, he set multiple NFL records, earning nine Pro Bowl selections. As a coach, he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a Super Bowl win in 1979.

Deathyear: 1997

Clifford Brown

Clifford Brown was a groundbreaking American trumpeter and composer who revolutionized jazz with his lyrical and inventive playing style. Born in 1930, Brown's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians with his iconic album "Brownie: Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast" and his timeless hits like "Joy Spring".

Deathyear: 1956

Karl Landsteiner

Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist and physician, made groundbreaking discoveries in hematology and immunology. His pioneering work led to the classification of ABO blood groups, revolutionizing blood transfusion practices. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930.

Deathyear: 1943

Milton Glaser

Milton Glaser is a renowned American graphic designer, born in 1929. Known for his iconic designs, including the "I NY" logo, he has left a lasting impact on the industry. His work blends art and culture, reflecting his passion for humanism and social responsibility.

Deathyear: 2020

Albert I, Prince of Monaco

Albert I, Prince of Monaco, born in 1848, was the Sovereign Prince of Monaco from 1889 until his death in 1922. He oversaw the country's infrastructure development, including the growth of the harbour and road network.

Deathyear: 1922

Emil Hácha

Emil Hácha was a Czech lawyer and politician who served as the 3rd President of Czechoslovakia from 1938 to 1939. Born in 1872, Hácha was a respected figure in Czech politics, known for his diplomatic efforts to preserve Czechoslovakia's independence.

Deathyear: 1945

R. B. Bennett

Richard Bedford Bennett, 11th Prime Minister of Canada (1870-1947), was a Canadian lawyer and politician. He served as Prime Minister from 1930 to 1935, introducing the Bank of Canada and old age pension, and was a prominent figure in Canadian politics.

Deathyear: 1947

Jay Berwanger

Jay Berwanger was a American football player who played as a halfback for the University of Chicago. Born in 1914, he is credited with being the first overall pick in the 1936 NFL Draft, but never played in the league, opting for medicine instead.

Deathyear: 2002

Caesar Rodney

Caesar Rodney was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as Delaware's 4th Governor from 1777 to 1778. Born in 1728, he played a crucial role in the American Revolution, including signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Deathyear: 1784

Malcolm Lowry

Malcolm Lowry, a prominent 20th-century English writer, was born in 1909. He rose to fame with his novel "Under the Volcano", which explores themes of alienation, morality, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1957

Ptolemy VIII Physcon

Ptolemy VIII, son of Ptolemy V, ruled Egypt from 170 to 116 BCE. Known as the "Physician King" for his medical knowledge, he fought in the Third Syrian War, reduced priestly power, and expanded Egyptian territories. Despite his achievements, his brutal treatment of enemies and citizens made him unpopular.

Deathyear: -116

Doris Singleton

Doris Singleton, a talented American actress, born in 1919, gained recognition for her iconic role as Alice Hollister, the wife of Uncle Freddy, in the classic TV show "Bewitched." She also appeared in numerous films and stage productions throughout her illustrious career.

Deathyear: 2012

Byron Looper

Byron Looper is an American politician from Tennessee, born in 1964. He served as a state representative from 1994 to 2006 and was a key figure in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Deathyear: 2013

Yōsuke Matsuoka

Yōsuke Matsuoka served as Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1940-1941, promoting imperial expansion and anti-Western sentiment. Born in 1880, Matsuoka was a Japanese politician who advocated for Japan's military expansion and cooperation with Nazi Germany.

Deathyear: 1946

Mary Rodgers

Mary Rodgers, a renowned American composer and author, was born in 1931. She is best known for her iconic musicals, including "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Freaky Friday".

Deathyear: 2014

Alfred Döblin

Alfred Döblin was a pioneering Polish-German physician and author, born in 1878. His writing often explored the human condition, blurring lines between fiction and non-fiction. Döblin's works, such as "Berlin Alexanderplatz," are considered socio-cultural critiques, offering powerful insights into the interwar era and its cultural angst.

Deathyear: 1957

Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle

Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle was a French soldier and composer, born in 1760. He wrote the music for the French national anthem, the "Marseillaise", which became a symbol of the French Revolution and French patriotism.

Deathyear: 1836

Mercedes of Orléans

Princess Sophie-Hélène-Béatrice of Orléans, known as Mercedes, was born in 1860. The daughter of French monarchs Ferdinand Philippe and Élisabeth of Austria, she married Prince Alfonso of Borbón, becoming Queen of Spain.

Deathyear: 1878