June 28 birthdays and deaths:

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria

Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914) was the archduke of Austria-Hungary. He was the nephew of Emperor Franz Joseph and intended to marry Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, despite being from a lower social class. His assassination in Sarajevo sparked World War I.

Deathyear: 1914

James Madison

James Madison, dubbed the "Father of the Constitution," was a leading figure in the drafting and ratification of the US Constitution. As 4th President, he oversaw the War of 1812 and left a lasting impact on American politics, earning respect as a champion of individual liberties and states' rights.

Deathyear: 1836

Rod Serling

Rod Serling was a renowned American screenwriter and producer, best known for creating the iconic TV series "The Twilight Zone." Born in Syracuse, New York in 1924, Serling's distinctive writing style blended social commentary and science fiction, captivating audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 1975

Terry Fox

Terry Fox was a Canadian icon who attempted to cross Canada on foot while battling cancer. His courageous "Marathon of Hope" in 1980 raised millions for cancer research. Despite losing his leg to the disease, Fox's legacy continues to inspire hope and perseverance for cancer patients worldwide.

Deathyear: 1981

Billy Mays

Billy Mays was an American TV personality known for his loud, energetic, and charismatic pitches on infomercials and live TV programs. Born in 1958, he gained fame for promoting products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, and others, offering his trademark enthusiasm and enthusiasm.

Deathyear: 2009

Michael P. Murphy

Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, USNA '00, was a Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life to save his comrades during the War in Afghanistan. Born in 1976, he exemplified courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, earning his place in American history and the hearts of those who knew him.

Deathyear: 2005

Robert Byrd

Robert Byrd (1917-2010) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from West Virginia for 51 years, holding the record for longest-serving senator. He was a leader in the Democratic Party and championed environmental and education causes.

Deathyear: 2010

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison, a renowned American writer, born in 1934, is an industry icon.

Deathyear: 2018

Pat Summitt

Pat Summitt was a renowned American women's college basketball head coach, born in 1952. She led the Tennessee Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships and won over 1,000 games, earning her a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the greatest coaches in history.

Deathyear: 2016

Vannevar Bush

Vannevar Bush was a pioneering American engineer and academic, born in 1890. He made significant contributions to the development of robotics, instrumentation, and microwave technology. He also played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. military's research and development initiatives during World War II.

Deathyear: 1974

Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg

Here is a 40-word summary of Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg: Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg (1868-1914), was the wife of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Their assassination at Sarajevo sparked World War I. She was exiled from court and died in 1914 after a botched attempt on her life in Serbia.

Deathyear: 1914

Meshach Taylor

Meshach Taylor was a talented American actor, born on April 29, 1947. He gained recognition for his role as Roman Kovak on the CBS sitcom "Designing Women" and continued to appear in various TV shows and films throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Deathyear: 2014

Mikhail Tal

Mikhail Tal, a renowned Latvian chess player, was born in 1936. Known for his creative and attacking style, Tal won numerous tournaments, becoming the 7th World Chess Champion. He was a pioneer of "aggressive" chess and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Deathyear: 1992

Theodora (wife of Justinian I)

Theodora I, wife of Emperor Theophilus, was a powerful and influential Byzantine empress (842-855). A devout iconodule, she advocated for the veneration of icons, leading a resurgence in their use during the Byzantine Iconoclastic Crisis.

Deathyear: 548

Buddy Ryan

Buddy Ryan is a renowned American football coach, born in 1931. He is best known for his defensive-minded coaching style and titles with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.

Deathyear: 2016

Franz Stangl

Franz Stangl (1908-1971) was an Austrian SS officer who served as the commandant of the Treblinka extermination camp. He was directly responsible for the murder of hundreds of thousands of Jews and others during the Holocaust.

Deathyear: 1971

Scotty Moore

Scotty Moore, guitarist and sideman for Elvis Presley, revolutionized rock music with his unique blend of country, rhythm and blues, and rockabilly. A pioneer of rock music, Moore's distinctive playing style greatly influenced the development of rock 'n' roll in the 1950s.

Deathyear: 2016

Italo Balbo

Italo Balbo was an Italian air marshal and politician. Born in 1896, he was a prominent figure in the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, serving as Governor of Libya from 1933 to 1940 and participating in the Spanish Civil War.

Deathyear: 1940

Jack Carter (comedian)

Jack Carter is a veteran American comedian and actor, born on December 24, 1922. With a career spanning over 60 years, he has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and stage productions, known for his quick wit and charming sense of humor.

Deathyear: 2015

Sophia Dorothea of Hanover

Sophia Dorothea of Hanover was the queen consort of Frederick William I of Prussia from 1706 until 1713. Born in 1687, she was the daughter of Ernest Augustus of the House of Hanover and Elizabeth Farnese.

Deathyear: 1757

F. D. Reeve

F.D. Reeve is an American author and academic born in 1928. He is best known for his novels, plays, and poetry, which often explore themes of love, identity, and mortality. Reeve has taught at several prestigious universities and has received numerous awards for his work.

Deathyear: 2013

Lowell Weicker

Lowell Weicker was a French-American politician who served as the 85th Governor of Connecticut from 1991 to 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in 1931 and previously served in the US Senate from 1971 to 1989.

Deathyear: 2023

Alexander Berkman

Alexander Berkman was a radical anarchist and author born in 1870. He co-authored "Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist" with Emma Goldman, detailing their lives as political prisoners in Russia. He advocated for labor rights and fought against capitalist exploitation, earning him a reputation as a pioneering activist.

Deathyear: 1936

A. K. Lohithadas

A. K. Lohithadas is a renowned Indian filmmaker, director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1955. He has created critically acclaimed films like "Kanalkolleeya Pookkaalam" and "Desadanama", known for their poignant storytelling and nuanced characterizations.

Deathyear: 2009

Mortimer J. Adler

Mortimer J. Adler was a prominent American philosopher and author, known for his work on the Great Books of the Western World. He co-authored the classic book "How to Read a Book" and was a prominent figure in the Great Books Foundation.

Deathyear: 2001

Edward Carpenter

Edward Carpenter was a leading figure in the British socialist and gay liberation movements. A poet, philosopher, and early advocate for same-sex relationships, he wrote extensively on social justice, Queer theory, and personal freedom, challenging societal norms and earning a reputation as a trailblazing intellectual.

Deathyear: 1929

Eugene B. Fluckey

Eugene B. Fluckey was a renowned American admiral and Medal of Honor recipient, born in 1913. He led the USS Bars (SS-220) on eight war patrols, earning the Medal of Honor for sinking a Japanese destroyer during World War II.

Deathyear: 2007

Matilda of England, Duchess of Saxony

Matilda of England, Duchess of Saxony, born in 1156, was the daughter of King Stephen of England and Queen Matilda. She was engaged to Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, but the marriage was eventually annulled due to her family's opposition.

Deathyear: 1189

Abraham Ortelius

Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) was a Flemish cartographer and geographer who is considered the father of modern cartography. He created the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," in 1570, which included maps of the world's continents, oceans, and major cities.

Deathyear: 1598

Yuan Shao

Yuan Shao (153-202 CE) was a prominent Chinese warlord during the late Han dynasty. He was a powerful noble and governor of Guangdu, known for his military prowess and strategic thinking. He was a key figure in the demise of the Han dynasty, leading armies against Cao Cao and others.

Deathyear: 202

Texas Jack Omohundro

Tom "Texas Jack" Omohundro, a renowned American scout, soldier, and hunter, born in 1846, gained fame for his bravery in the Indian Wars and the Battle of Little Bighorn. He also co-led expeditions with Teddy Roosevelt during his African safari adventures.

Deathyear: 1880

Kiichi Miyazawa

Kiichi Miyazawa was a Japanese lawyer and politician who served as the 78th Prime Minister of Japan from November 1989 to August 1991. Born on May 2, 1919, he was a founding member of the Liberal Democratic Party and held various cabinet posts throughout his career.

Deathyear: 2007

Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell, the first woman astronomer in the United States, made significant contributions to astronomy. Born in 1818, she discovered a comet and was the first woman to be elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Deathyear: 1889

Alboin

Alboin, King of the Lombards, united warring tribes and founded the Lombard Kingdom in Italy (568-572 CE). He conquered Italy, killed King Cleph of the Ostrogoths, and established his capital in Pavia, ruling with brutal efficiency until his assassination at the hands of his mistress, Rosamund.

Deathyear: 572

Mickey Cochrane

Mickey Cochrane, nicknamed "Cocky," was a skilled catcher and manager in Major League Baseball. He played for the Philadelphia Athletics and St. Louis Browns from 1925 to 1937, winning three World Series titles, and managed the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Browns.

Deathyear: 1962

Gerhard von Scharnhorst

Gerhard von Scharnhorst was a renowned Prussian general and politician who served as Prussian Minister of War from 1807 to 1813. Born in 1755, he played a crucial role in the reforms of the Prussian military and was a key figure in shaping the country's military strategy.

Deathyear: 1813

Yigael Yadin

Yigael Yadin was a renowned Israeli archaeologist, general, and politician. He led the nation's defense forces and served as governor of Jerusalem and Foreign Minister. His archaeological discoveries at Masada and the Dead Sea Scrolls redefined Jewish history.

Deathyear: 1984