March 17 birthdays and deaths:

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick is a talented American actor born in 1962. He is best known for his roles in "The Wire," "Fringe," and "American Horror Story." With a career spanning over two decades, Reddick has established himself as a versatile and respected figure in the acting world.

Deathyear: 2023

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE, was a philosopher-emperor who ruled with wisdom and justice. He wrote Meditations, a collection of philosophical thoughts and personal reflections, which has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and continues to influence readers to this day.

Deathyear: 180

Mike the Headless Chicken

Mike, an American Wyandotte chicken, defied all odds by living for 18 months after being decapitated in 1945. Despite the absence of a head, Mike continued to thrive, eating and moving around until his eventual passing.

Deathyear: 1947

Harold Harefoot

Harold Harefoot, King of England from 1035 to 1042, was a grandson of King Canute. He succeeded his father, Canute, and reigned briefly, facing opposition from his half-brother, Harthacnut, eventually dying at the age of 16, allowing Harthacnut to reclaim the throne.

Deathyear: 1040

Ibn Khaldun

Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) was a renowned Tunisian scholar, historian, and sociologist who wrote the influential book "The Muqaddimah". He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of sociology and history, and his work continues to influence scholars today.

Deathyear: 1406

Irène Joliot-Curie

Irène Joliot-Curie was a French physicist and chemist who discovered radioactive elements with her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie. She was the first wife of a Nobel laureate to win the prize herself, earning it in 1935 for her work on radioactivity.

Deathyear: 1956

Capucine

Capucine, born Suzanne Prosper Boisrond, was a French model and actress born in 1928. She gained fame for her striking looks and became a MGM contract player, starring in films like "Funny Face" (1957) and "That Man from Tangier" (1957), captivating audiences with her exotic beauty.

Deathyear: 1990

Michael Gough

Baronet Michael Gough (1916-2011) was an English actor with a distinguished stage and screen career. He appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including the iconic British soap "Crossroads" and Shakespearean productions on the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Deathyear: 2011

Ramon Magsaysay

Ramon Magsaysay, a Philippine Liberation Army commander and 7th President of the Philippines (1953-1957), is remembered for his honesty, simplicity, and leadership. He was a key figure in the country's fight against communism and was known for his integrity and commitment to serving the Filipino people.

Deathyear: 1957

Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes was a renowned American actress, known for her captivating stage presence and iconic roles in films like "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" (1931) and "Airport" (1970). She won numerous awards, including the Academy Award and two Tonys, solidifying her status as a Hollywood legend.

Deathyear: 1993

Rana Sanga

Rana Sanga was an Indian ruler of the Sisodia clan of the Rajput dynasty who ruled Mewar (modern-day Rajasthan) from 1509 to 1527. He was a renowned warrior and politician who fought against the Mughal Empire and was eventually defeated by Babur at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527.

Deathyear: 1527

William II of the Netherlands

William II was the sovereign prince of Orange-Nassau and King of the Netherlands from 1840 to 1849. Born in 1792, he was the eldest son of King William I and inherited the throne upon his father's death. He faced economic and political challenges during his reign.

Deathyear: 1849

George F. Kennan

Here is 40 words about George F. Kennan: George F. Kennan (1904-2004) was a renowned American historian and diplomat. As US Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1952-1953), he proposed the "Long Telegram" doctrine, advocating containment to counter Soviet expansionism, played a key role in Cold War diplomacy, and wrote insightful books on history and politics.

Deathyear: 2005

Alex Chilton

Alex Chilton was a legendary American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, best known as the co-founder of the influential power pop band Big Star. With his distinctive voice and eclectic songwriting style, he left a lasting impact on rock 'n' roll, inspiring generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 2010

Luchino Visconti

Luchino Visconti was a prominent Italian director and screenwriter, born in 1906. Known for his nuanced portrayal of the human condition, he explored themes of class and social hierarchy in films like "Rocco and His Brothers" and "The Leopard", earning him international acclaim and a permanent place in cinematic history.

Deathyear: 1976

Jermaine Stewart

Jermaine Stewart was an American singer-songwriter and dancer born in 1957. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his smooth vocals on hits like "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" and "Get Smart."

Deathyear: 1997

Amr ibn Hisham

Amr ibn Hishām was a prominent Arab polytheist who lived during the 7th century. He was the son of Hishām ibn al-Mughīrah and was known for his opposition to Islam and his devotion to the traditional Arabian gods and idols.

Deathyear: 624

Daniel Bernoulli

Daniel Bernoulli was a renowned Swiss mathematician and physicist born in 1700. He made significant contributions to the fields of probability theory, calculus, and fluid dynamics. His most notable work is the publication of "Hydrodynamica" in 1738, which introduced the concept of Bernoulli's Principle.

Deathyear: 1782

Rosetta LeNoire

Rosetta LeNoire was an American actress and producer who pioneered opportunities for African Americans in the entertainment industry. Born in 1911, she founded the Inner City Cultural Center and was the first African American to join the Actors' Equity Association, paving the way for future generations of performers.

Deathyear: 2002

John Magufuli

John Magufuli was a Tanzanian politician who served as the President of Tanzania from 2015 until his death in 2021. Before his presidency, Magufuli was a Member of Parliament and Minister of Works, Transport, and Communications. He was known for his populist and authoritarian style of governance.

Deathyear: 2021

Oleg Cassini

Oleg Cassini, a French-American fashion designer, was born in 1913. He revolutionized women's fashion with his elegant and glamorous designs, dressing numerous Hollywood stars and First Ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson.

Deathyear: 2006

Louis Kahn

Louis Kahn, a renowned American architect and academic, designed the iconic Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (1972) in Bangladesh. Born in 1901, Kahn's oeuvre includes the Salk Institute and National Assembly Building, characterized by his use of monumental forms and natural light.

Deathyear: 1974

Pat Weaver

Sylvester "Pat" Weaver was a pioneering American television broadcaster and producer, best known as the creator and host of NBC's long-running program "The Today Show." He was a trailblazer in the industry, innovative in his approach to television programming and a true visionary in his field.

Deathyear: 2002

Franz Brentano

Franz Brentano was a German philosopher and psychologist born in 1838. He made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy of mind, intentionality, and the philosophy of science. His work, particularly his book "Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint," greatly influenced the development of phenomenology.

Deathyear: 1917

Fred Allen

Fred Allen was an American actor, comedian, writer, and author known for his witty humor and sharp satire. Born in 1894, Allen debuted on Broadway in the 1920s and went on to write, star in, and host numerous radio shows, becoming a popular figure in American entertainment.

Deathyear: 1956

Mai Zetterling

Mai Zetterling was a renowned Swedish-English actress and director, born in Stockholm in 1925. She began her career as a child actress and went on to become a respected thespian, directing and starring in numerous films and stage productions, earning her a place in the British Film Institute's Hall of Fame.

Deathyear: 1994

Aleksei Brusilov

Here is a 40-word biography of Aleksei Brusilov: Aleksei Alekseevich Brusilov was a Russian general born in 1853. He served in the Russo-Turkish War and World War I, earning recognition for his victories at the Sixth Army and Brusilov's Spring.

Deathyear: 1926

Rachel Lambert Mellon

Rachel Lambert Mellon, a pioneering American gardener and philanthropist, was known for her exquisite gardens and horticultural expertise. A patron of the arts and politics, she was a close advisor to five US presidents.

Deathyear: 2014

Gertrude of Nivelles

Gertrude of Nivelles was a Frankish abbess who founded and ruled the convent of Nivelles, Belgium. A devout and humble leader, she is known for her charity, kindness, and diplomatic skills. She was venerated as a saint after her death in 659 AD.

Deathyear: 659

Amos Alonzo Stagg

Amos Alonzo Stagg was a pioneering American football coach and player. Born in 1862, Stagg played football at Yale University and coached the University of Chicago football team for nearly 50 years, introducing revolutionary tactics and strategies that transformed the sport.

Deathyear: 1965

Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria

Shenouda III is the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, serving since 1971. He is renowned for his intellectual and spiritual legacy, fostering ecumenical dialogue, and promoting education and social justice.

Deathyear: 2012

François de La Rochefoucauld (writer)

François de La Rochefoucauld, a French author, was born in 1613. He is notable for his writings on Christianity and morality.

Deathyear: 1680

Terry Stafford

Terry Stafford was an American singer-songwriter born in 1941. He was known for his hits like "A Satisfied Mind" and "What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)". His music was often characterized by its country-pop sound and storytelling-style lyrics.

Deathyear: 1996

Titus Labienus

Titus Labienus was a Roman general who served under Julius Caesar during his Gallic Wars and was instrumental in many battles. Known for his bravery and strategic mind, Labienus was a trusted lieutenant and a skilled commander who played a key role in many of Caesar's military campaigns.

Deathyear: -45

Andre Norton

André Norton, born Alice Mary Norton, was an American author of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery novels. With over 300 published works, she is known for her engaging storytelling and memorable characters, including the popular Witch World series.

Deathyear: 2005

Meir Dagan

Meir Dagan, born 1945, is a highly decorated Israeli general who served as Director of Mossad from 2009 to 2011. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping Israel's covert operations and has been credited with several high-profile successes, including the Stuxnet virus attack on Iran's nuclear program.

Deathyear: 2016

Ferlin Husky

Ferlin Husky (1925-2011) was a beloved American country music singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his smooth baritone voice and iconic hits like "Aware of My Transmission" and "Wings of a Dove".

Deathyear: 2011

Lulach

Lulach, also known as Lulach mac Cennétig, was the last king of Scotland from the Dunkeld dynasty. He ruled for approximately 6 months in 1057 before being killed by Malcolm III, his maternal uncle.

Deathyear: 1058

John Backus

John Backus, a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, designed the influential programming language Fortran in 1957. Born in 1924, Backus' contributions to computer science, including Fortran's development, have had a lasting impact on the field.

Deathyear: 2007

Dai Li

Dai Li () was a Chinese general and politician born in 1897. He served as the head of Chiang Kai-shek's personal military guard and became a key advisor and strategist in the National Revolutionary Army. He played a crucial role in the Second Sino-Japanese War and maintained close ties with the United States.

Deathyear: 1946

Christian Doppler

Christian Doppler, an Austrian physicist and mathematician, was born on November 29, 1803. He is best known for formulating the Doppler effect, which explains how the frequency of waves appears to change when an observer is moving relative to the source of the waves.

Deathyear: 1853

Jules Ferry

Jules Ferry was a French lawyer and politician who served as Prime Minister from 1880 to 1885. He was a key figure in the Republic of France, implementing significant reforms including mandatory secular education and colonial expansion.

Deathyear: 1893

John Houlding

John Houlding, English entrepreneur, founded Liverpool Football Club in 1892, driven by his passion for sports and community. Born in 1833, Houlding was a successful businessman and shipowner who saw an opportunity to create a football team that would unite the people of Liverpool.

Deathyear: 1902

Susanna M. Salter

Susanna M. Salter, a pioneering American activist and politician, became the first female elected official in the United States in 1894, serving on the council of Argonia, Kansas. She fought for women's suffrage, education, and social reform, leaving a lasting impact on American politics and women's rights.

Deathyear: 1961

René Clément

René Clément was a renowned French film director and screenwriter, born in 1913. He is best known for his work in the French New Wave movement, creating distinctive and critically acclaimed films that explored themes of love, war, and social issues.

Deathyear: 1996

Ray Meyer

Ray Meyer was a legendary American basketball player and coach born in 1913. He led DePaul University to the Final Four and won 755 games as a college coach. Meyer was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Deathyear: 2006

Văn Tiến Dũng

Văn Tiến Dũng was a Vietnamese general and politician. Born in 1917, he served as the country's 6th Minister of Defence, playing a crucial role in rebuilding the national army after the war. His leadership and vision helped shape Vietnam's military and defense capabilities.

Deathyear: 2002