March 15 birthdays and deaths:

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He was appointed dictator for life before his assassination in 44 BC.

Deathyear: -44

H. P. Lovecraft

H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American master of horror, crafting cosmic, often supernatural, tales of despair and madness. His works, such as "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," remain iconic and influential in the horror genre.

Deathyear: 1937

Charles Harrelson

Charles Harrelson, born in 1938, was an American murderer who killed three people, including a district judge, and spent 15 years in prison. His son, Woody Harrelson, is a famous actor. Despite his criminal past, Harrelson's son has spoken publicly about the impact of his father's actions on his life.

Deathyear: 2007

Aristotle Onassis

Aristotle Onassis, a Greek-Argentinian businessman, was born in 1906. He became a wealthy shipping magnate, owning a fleet of tankers and cargo ships. He married Jacqueline Kennedy, the widow of President John F. Kennedy, in 1968.

Deathyear: 1975

Nate Dogg

Nate Dogg (Shannon Jones, b. 1969) was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Long Beach, California. Known for his smooth vocals and contributions to West Coast hip-hop, he collaborated with Dr. Dre, Warren G, and Snoop Dogg, among others.

Deathyear: 2011

Cao Cao

Cao Cao, a brilliant Chinese general, warlord, and statesman, united northern China's kingdoms to found the Wei dynasty. He expanded the empire, established the imperial system, and wrote poetry, earning him the title "Father of the Nation".

Deathyear: 220

Odoacer

Odoacer, a Sciraean of uncertain ethnicity, seized power in Italy in 476, ending the Western Roman Empire. He crowned himself King of Italy, ruling for nearly 10 years before being killed in battle by Theodoric the Great in 493.

Deathyear: 493

Tom Harmon

Tom Harmon, a legendary American football player, won the Heisman Trophy in 1940. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams and later became a sportscaster, earning an Emmy Award for his work.

Deathyear: 1990

Ron Silver

Ron Silver was a talented American actor, director, and producer, born in 1946. He is best known for his roles in the films "Alien 3," "Timecop," and "Conan the Destroyer," as well as his work on the TV shows "Hill Street Blues" and "Cosby."

Deathyear: 2009

Talaat Pasha

Talaat Pasha (1874-1921) was a prominent Ottoman politician and Grand Vizier. He played a key role in the Ottoman Empire's collapse, implementing World War I-era Armenian Genocide and Armenian-Turkish conflicts. His brutal deeds led to his assassination in 1921, a year before the Ottoman Empire's dissolution.

Deathyear: 1921

Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha

Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha was a prominent Ottoman statesman and Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire from 1523 to 1536. Born in 1493, Ibrahim Pasha rose through the ranks and became a trusted advisor to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, implementing significant reforms and military victories during his tenure.

Deathyear: 1536

Benjamin Spock

Benjamin Spock, renowned American pediatrician and author, was born in 1903. His parenting book, "Baby and Child Care," revolutionized childcare by advocating for gentle and loving approaches. He received international acclaim and remained a prominent figure in childcare until his passing in 1998.

Deathyear: 1998

Ann Sothern

Ann Sothern was a talented American actress and singer, born Harriet Lake on January 17, 1909. With a sparkling voice and charming on-screen presence, she delighted audiences in films, television, and radio, earning an Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her iconic roles in "The Ann Sothern Show" and "Private Secretary."

Deathyear: 2001

David Brenner

David Brenner was a renowned American comedian, actor, and author, best known for his observational comedy style and appearances on late-night TV shows. With a career spanning over five decades, he was often referred to as the "Hoffmnister of Queens" due to his signature New York City accent.

Deathyear: 2014

Thora Hird

Thora Hird MBE (1911-2003) was a renowned English actress, best known for her portrayal of Rita Skeeter in the Carry On film series. She was a versatile performer, appearing in numerous stage and screen productions, earning her a reputation as a talented and beloved figure on the British entertainment scene.

Deathyear: 2003

Mike Porcaro

Mike Porcaro was an American bass player born in 1955. He played for the rock band Toto, and his melodic bass lines were a defining characteristic of the band's sound.

Deathyear: 2015

Dmitri Polyakov

Here is a 40-word biography of Dmitri Polyakov: Dmitri Polyakov was a Ukrainian general and spy who defected to the United States in 1989, revealing his work as a KGB colonel. Born in 1921, Polyakov spent over 25 years gathering intelligence, sharing critical information about Soviet military capabilities.

Deathyear: 1988

Lester Young

Lester Young, known as "Pres," was a legendary American saxophonist and clarinet player. Born in 1909, he was a prominent figure in the development of modern jazz, known for his smooth, melodic playing style and iconic solos with Count Basie's Orchestra.

Deathyear: 1959

Clarissa Dickson Wright

Clarissa Dickson Wright is a renowned English chef, author, and TV personality born in 1947. She co-founded the Good Food Guide and appeared on several cooking shows. Her straightforward and humorous approach to cooking made her a beloved figure in British culinary circles.

Deathyear: 2014

Arthur Compton

Arthur Compton, an American physicist, discovered the Compton effect, demonstrating the particle-like behavior of light. He earned his Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 for his groundbreaking research, bridging the gap between particle and wave theories.

Deathyear: 1962

Joseph Bazalgette

Joseph Bazalgette (1819-1891) was a renowned English engineer and academic who revolutionized London's sewer system, designing over 1,800 kilometers of underground tunnels, improving public health and sanitation, earning him the title "Sewer King" for his groundbreaking contributions to urban infrastructure.

Deathyear: 1891

Gail Davis

Gail Davis, born Betty Lou Gray, was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Born in 1925, Davis gained fame for her role as Annie Oakley in the 1950s TV series "The Annie Oakley Show" and continued to act until her retirement in the 1960s.

Deathyear: 1997

Rebecca West

Rebecca West, born Cicily Fairfield, was an English author and critic born in 1892. Notable for her modernist novels, such as "The Return of the Soldier", her work often explored themes of identity, morality, and social commentary, cementing her reputation as a prominent literary figure of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1983

Sylvia Anderson

Sylvia Anderson is a renowned English voice actress and television and film producer, born in 1927. She is best known for her work as the voice of Lady Penelope in "Thunderbirds" and Miss Jean in "The Prisoner". She was also the founder of the production company AP Films.

Deathyear: 2016

Romanos II

Romanos II (939-963 AD) was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 959 to 963. He was the son of Constantine VII and married to Theophano. He was known for his military campaigns against the Bulgarians and Serbs, and his reign was marked by relative peace and stability.

Deathyear: 963

Victor Vasarely

Victor Vasarely, a Hungarian-born French painter, pioneered Op Art. His geometric patterns and vibrant colors created a new dimension in visual perception. He's considered the father of Op Art, inspiring generations of artists and designers.

Deathyear: 1997

Henry Bessemer

Henry Bessemer, an English engineer and businessman, invented the Bessemer process in 1855, allowing for the mass production of steel. His innovative process revolutionized the industry, transforming steel from a rare and expensive luxury to a widely available and affordable material.

Deathyear: 1898

Antonino Rocca

Antonino Rocca, the "Man of a Thousand Faces," was a renowned Italian-American wrestler and referee, born in 1921. He won multiple championships, pioneered the "rope break," and refereed major matches, earning a legacy as one of the most respected figures in professional wrestling history.

Deathyear: 1977

Abe Saperstein

Abe Saperstein, a trailblazing figure in American basketball, founded the Harlem Globetrotters in 1926 and coached the team to international success. He also played professionally, earning a reputation for his exceptional skills and innovative coaching techniques.

Deathyear: 1966

Luigi Cherubini

Luigi Cherubini, a renowned Italian composer and music theorist, was born in 1760. He was a prominent figure in the Classical and early Romantic periods, known for his symphonies, operas, and sacred music, as well as his influential writings on harmony and composition.

Deathyear: 1842

Scott Asheton

Scott Asheton was an American drummer and founding member of the Stooges, known for his raw, primitive drumming style. He played on the band's influential debut album "The Stooges" and was a key contributor to their raw, abrasive sound.

Deathyear: 2014

Stuart Rosenberg

Stuart Rosenberg was an American director and producer, born in 1927. He is best known for directing the film "Cooler by the Lake" and numerous TV shows including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Brady Bunch".

Deathyear: 2007

Miles Malleson

Miles Malleson was a British actor, writer, and director, born in 1888. He is best known for his work on Ealing Studios comedies, particularly "The Man in the White Suit" and "The Lavender Hill Mob". Malleson's witty dialogue and clever plot twists are still beloved today.

Deathyear: 1969

Salvator Rosa

Salvator Rosa (1615-1673) was a renowned Italian painter, poet, and engraver. He was a prominent figure in the Baroque art movement, known for his dramatic and emotive landscapes, often infusing his works with sentimental and philosophical messages.

Deathyear: 1673

Sarla Thukral

Sarla Thakral, an Indian pioneer, became the first Indian woman to earn a pilot's license in 1936. Born in 1914, she broke barriers in the male-dominated profession, exemplifying female empowerment and inspiring generations to pursue their dreams, including becoming a pilot, scientist, engineer, or anything else they desire.

Deathyear: 2008

Sally Forrest

Sally Forrest was a talented American actress and dancer, born in 1928. She began her career as a professional dancer, performing in Broadway shows and later transitioning to film and television, starring in notable roles such as "Look for the Silver Lining" and "The Strip."

Deathyear: 2015

René Clair

René Clair, a pioneering French director and screenwriter, was born in 1898. Known for his witty, whimsical films, Clair blended comedy and romance in works like "A Nous la Liberte" (1932) and "I Married a Witch" (1942), influencing generations of filmmakers with his lighthearted, charming style.

Deathyear: 1981

Eusebio Kino

Eusebio Kino was a Jesuit priest and missionary who spent most of his life in Mexico and the Southwest United States. He documented Native American cultures and traded with Native Americans to establish friendly relationships, earning him recognition as a champion of Native American human rights.

Deathyear: 1711