June 4 birthdays and deaths:

Reinhard Heydrich

Reinhard Heydrich, a senior SS officer and Nazi politician, was born in 1904. As chief of the Reich Security Main Office, he coordinated the Holocaust and committed atrocities during his tenure. He served as Deputy Reichsprotektor of Bohemia and Moravia until his assassination in 1942.

Deathyear: 1942

Giacomo Casanova

Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) was a renowned Italian adventurer and author. As a young man, he escaped prison and went on to have numerous romantic conquests. He wrote his memoirs, "Histoire de ma vie," detailing his exploits, which showcased his cunning and charisma.

Deathyear: 1798

John Wooden

John Wooden, a legendary American basketball player and coach, born in 1910, is renowned for his accomplishments, including 10 NCAA championships with UCLA and his Pyramid of Success philosophy, emphasizing hard work, teamwork, and dedication.

Deathyear: 2010

Wilhelm II

Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor, reigning from 1888 to 1918. He was known for his erratic and impulsive decision-making, particularly in foreign policy, which contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Deathyear: 1941

Clarence Williams III

Clarence Williams III is a renowned American actor, born in 1939. He is best known for his iconic roles in "L.A. Confidential" and "Purple Rain".

Deathyear: 2021

Herman's Hermits

Derek Leckenby was an English musician, best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist of Her Majesty's favourite rock band, Manfred Mann. Born in 1943, Leckenby was an integral part of the band's success during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to hits like "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Mighty Quinn".

Deathyear: 1994

Ronnie Lane

Ronnie Lane, a founding member of the Small Faces, crafted melodic rock and folk-infused flavors with impassioned vocals and virtuosic guitar work. His 1970s solo albums showcased Lane's storytelling and poetic lyrics, solidifying his legacy as a British music icon.

Deathyear: 1997

Abdulaziz

Abdülaziz II was the 32nd Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1861 to 1876. Born in 1830, he ascended to the throne at the age of 31. During his reign, he modernized the Ottoman Empire, promoting education, industry, and infrastructure development.

Deathyear: 1876

Hussein bin Ali, King of Hejaz

Hussein bin Ali, also known as Sharif Hussein, was the Sharif and Emir of Mecca and King of the Hejaz from 1908 to 1925. He led the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule and played a key role in the establishment of the modern state of Jordan.

Deathyear: 1931

Sulochana Latkar

Sulochana Latkar was a renowned Indian actress, born in 1928. She entertained audiences with her versatility, exceling in numerous genres, including Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati films and theatre. Her impressive career spanned over five decades, earning her the "Mother of Marathi Cinema" title.

Deathyear: 2023

György Lukács

György Lukács was a Hungarian philosopher and historian who emerged as a prominent Marxist thinker in the 1920s. As a major figure of Western Marxism, he critiqued capitalism and ideology, influencing thinkers like Antonio Gramsci and Henri Lefebvre.

Deathyear: 1971

Zhang Zuolin

Zhang Zuolin was a prominent Chinese warlord who ruled Manchuria and parts of Northeast China from 1912 to 1928. He was known for his brutal tactics and rivalry with the Nationalist Party. His assassination in 1928 marked the beginning of the Japanese occupation of Manchuria.

Deathyear: 1928

Don Zimmer

Don Zimmer was a renowned American baseball figure, playing, coaching, and managing for over six decades. A fiery presence on and off the field, Zimmer won three National League championships as a player and managed four MLB teams, earning a reputation as a loyal and dedicated leader.

Deathyear: 2014

Stiv Bators

Stiv Bators was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work with The Dead Boys, as well as his solo career. With his raw, gritty voice and rebellious spirit, he embodied the punk rock ethos of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite struggles with addiction, Bators continued to create music until his untimely death in 2016.

Deathyear: 1990

Isabella of Angoulême

Isabella of Angoulême, born in 1188, was the queen consort of King John of England from 1200 until her husband's death in 1216. She married at 12 and became queen at 18, known for her strong will and influence over her husband's decisions.

Deathyear: 1246

Murry Wilson

Murry Wilson, father of Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, was a pivotal figure in their career. A songwriter, producer, and manager, he co-wrote several hits, including "Surfin' Safari" and "Little Deuce Coupe", and played a significant role in shaping their early sound.

Deathyear: 1973

Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor

Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor, reigned from 1027 to 1039. Born in 990, he was a Saxon nobleman who was crowned king in 1024 and later emperor after deposing the previous emperor, Henry II.

Deathyear: 1039

Dorothy Gish

Dorothy Gish was a renowned American actress, known for her sweet, innocent roles in silent films. Born in 1898, she debuted in "World of Women" (1914) and gained fame for her performances in films like "The Lighthouse by the Sea" (1914) and "Ben-Hur" (1925).

Deathyear: 1968

Mary de Bohun

Mary de Bohun (1368-1394) was an English noblewoman who married Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV of England. She was a descendant of Edward I and a member of the powerful Bohun family. Mary died in 1394, and Henry IV married Joan of Navarre in 1396.

Deathyear: 1394

Frederick Muhlenberg

Frederick Muhlenberg was a Minister and politician, serving as the first Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1789 to 1791. Born in 1750, he was a German-American Lutheran minister, educator, and statesman, playing a significant role in shaping American history.

Deathyear: 1801

Antonio José de Sucre

Antonio José de Sucre was a Venezuelan general and politician who played a key role in South American independence from Spain. He served as the 2nd President of Bolivia and was instrumental in the country's establishment. Born in 1795, Sucre was a prominent figure in the Bolivarian Wars.

Deathyear: 1830

Josephine Hutchinson

Josephine Hutchinson was an American actress of stage and screen, born in 1903. She began her career on Broadway, transitioning to Hollywood in the 1930s. Notable roles include "Dark Past" (1943) and "Our Town" (1941), earning her two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.

Deathyear: 1998

Nezahualcoyotl (tlatoani)

Nezahualcoyotl (1402-1472) was a renowned Aztec poet, wise and melancholic, who used his words to explore the human condition and the fleeting nature of life.

Deathyear: 1472

Emperor Huizong of Song

Emperor Huizong of Song (1082-1135) was a skilled painter and calligrapher who ruled China from 1100 to 1125. He was known for his wise governance, cultural achievements, and poetic skills. He also wrote a play, "The Western Chamber", which is still performed today.

Deathyear: 1135

Serge Koussevitzky

Serge Koussevitzky was a renowned Russian-American musician, distinguished by his virtuosic bass playing, innovative compositions, and inspired conducting. As the Boston Symphony Orchestra's conductor, he left a lasting impact on American music culture, commissioning works from prominent composers and fostering a new generation of musicians.

Deathyear: 1951

Steve Lacy (saxophonist)

Steve Lacy, a saxophonist and composer, was born in 1934. Known for his work in the avant-garde and free jazz movements, Lacy collaborated with musicians such as Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. His unique, delicate playing style and intricate compositions set him apart from other jazz greats.

Deathyear: 2004

Emperor Shōmu

Shōmu, Emperor of Japan from 737 to 756, implemented Buddhism as the national religion, built the famous Buddhist temple Todai-ji, and introduced the Chinese calendar. His reign is considered one of the most significant in Japanese history.

Deathyear: 756

Bill France Jr.

Bill France Jr. was a prominent American businessman, born in 1933. As the son of Bill France Sr., the founder of NASCAR, France Jr. grew the organization into a global brand, serving as CEO from 1970-2000.

Deathyear: 2007

W. H. R. Rivers

W.H.R. Rivers was a pioneering English anthropologist, neurologist, and psychiatrist. Born in 1864, he conducted groundbreaking research on human psychology and culture, publishing works like "The Trobriand Islands of Papua" and "Medicine and the Navy".

Deathyear: 1922