March 26 birthdays and deaths:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven, a renowned German pianist and composer, was born in 1770. His iconic symphonies and piano sonatas, such as "Moonlight Sonata," are considered masterpieces of classical music, showcasing his innovative and expressive style that has captivated audiences for centuries.

Deathyear: 1827

Eazy-E

Eazy-E, born Eric Wright, was an American rapper and producer who co-founded N.W.A with Dr. Dre. Known for his distinctive deep voice and gangsta rap lyrics, he released the albums "Eazy-Duz-It" and "Str8t Up Menace" before passing away in 1995 at age 31.

Deathyear: 1995

Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was a celebrated American poet, essayist, and journalist born in 1819. His iconic collection "Leaves of Grass" (1855) revolutionized poetry with its free verse and celebratory voice, capturing the hopes and humanity of the American spirit, cementing his legacy as a beloved and influential literary figure.

Deathyear: 1892

David Lloyd George

David Lloyd George was a prominent English-Welsh politician and lawyer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916 to 1922. He played a key role in shaping the country's policies during World War I and is remembered for his leadership during this tumultuous period.

Deathyear: 1945

James Callaghan

Here is the requested 40-word description of James Callaghan: James Callaghan was an English politician and lieutenant who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979. Born in 1912, he held several cabinet positions, including Home Secretary and Chancellor, before becoming the Labour Party's first and only ex-Serviceman PM.

Deathyear: 2005

Cecil Rhodes

Cecil Rhodes, a dominant figure in South African history, was a colonialist, businessman, and politician. Born in 1853, he served as the 6th Prime Minister of the Cape Colony and was a key figure in the British South Africa Company, playing a crucial role in shaping the region's colonial history.

Deathyear: 1902

Noël Coward

Noël Coward was a renowned British playwright, actor, and composer, known for his witty dialogue and sophisticated style. Born in 1899, he wrote iconic plays like "Private Lives" and "Blithe Spirit", captivating audiences with his clever storytelling and charismatic stage presence.

Deathyear: 1973

Anthony Blunt

Sir Anthony Blunt was an English art historian, lecturer, and former surveyor at the Queen's Pictures. Discovered to be a Soviet spy in 1979, his career was forever tarnished, despite his important contributions to art history and scholarship. He died in 1983, having served 18 months in prison.

Deathyear: 1983

Halston

Roy Halston Frowley Schlack, known professionally as Halston, was a renowned American fashion designer known for his sleek, sexy, and glamorous clothing. He revolutionized the fashion industry, dressing iconic women like Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor, and his designs continue to influence fashion today.

Deathyear: 1990

Innocent (actor)

Innocent Vareed Thekkethala is a renowned Indian actor and politician, known for his versatility in Malayalam cinema. Born in 1948, he has appeared in over 700 films, including blockbusters like "Kireedam" and "Oru CBI Diary Kurippu".

Deathyear: 2023

Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt was a renowned French actress and screenwriter, born in 1844. Known for her charismatic stage presence and impressive range, she dominated the French theater scene, starring in numerous plays and films throughout her illustrious career.

Deathyear: 1923

Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler, a renowned crime novelist and screenwriter, was born in 1888. He is best known for his hard-boiled crime novels featuring Philip Marlowe, detective.

Deathyear: 1959

Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman to run on a major-party ticket for Vice President in 1984 alongside Walter Mondale. A Democratic Congresswoman from New York, she championed women's rights, healthcare, and social justice, paving the way for future female political leaders.

Deathyear: 2011

Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes was a renowned French literary critic, linguist, and philosopher. Born in 1915, he influenced 1960s French intellectual thought with his work on semiology, structuralism, and the death of the author, questioning conventional notions of literature, art, and human behavior.

Deathyear: 1980

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Daniel Patrick Moynihan was a renowned American sociologist and politician. He served as the 12th United States Ambassador to the United Nations (1975-1976) and represented New York in the US Senate (1977-2001). Moynihan was known for his progressive and pragmatic policy-making.

Deathyear: 2003

John Winthrop

John Winthrop (1588-1649) was an English lawyer and politician who served as the 2nd Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He led the colony through its early years, establishing settlements and managing conflicts.

Deathyear: 1649

Randy Castillo

Randy Castillo was a renowned American drummer and songwriter born in 1950. He was best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, and Motörhead, as well as his own band, Into Another.

Deathyear: 2002

Diana Wynne Jones

Diana Wynne Jones was a renowned English author of fantasy novels, known for her imaginative and often humorous storytelling. Born in 1934, she wrote over 20 novels, including the beloved Chronicles of Chrestomanci series and Howl's Moving Castle, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

Deathyear: 2011

Edmund Muskie

Edmund Muskie, a decorated American lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, served as the 58th Secretary of State. Born in 1914, he represented Maine in the Senate for 19 years, advocating for environmental and labor issues, before being appointed Secretary of State by President Jimmy Carter in 1980.

Deathyear: 1996

Sugawara no Michizane

Sugawara no Michizane (845-903 CE) was a renowned Japanese poet, statesman, and scholar. As a courtier, he served Emperor Uda, and later, his daughter, Emperor Jinga. Michizane's poems showcased his mastery of traditional forms and themes, earning him the sobriquet "The God of Learning."

Deathyear: 903

David Packard

David Packard, a pioneering entrepreneur and engineer, co-founded Hewlett-Packard in 1939 with Bill Hewlett. He played a crucial role in building the company into a global leader, demonstrating his innovative spirit, strong leadership, and commitment to innovation.

Deathyear: 1996

William Chester Minor

William Chester Minor, an American-born surgeon, and lexicographer, was born in 1834. He served as a soldier during the American Civil War. He eventually became an important contributor to James Murray's Oxford English Dictionary, working as a lexicographer in three Oxford Buildings, where he spent the rest of his life.

Deathyear: 1920

John Kennedy Toole

John Kennedy Toole (1937-1969) was an American novelist best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Confederacy of Dunces". His work is characterized by its dark humor, satire, and eccentric characters, showcasing his unique writing style and wit.

Deathyear: 1969

Jim Harrison

Jim Harrison was a celebrated American novelist, essayist, and poet born in 1937. Known for his vivid prose and exploration of the human condition, Harrison's works often feature the American wilderness and the complexities of the human experience.

Deathyear: 2016

Jan Sterling

Jan Sterling was a versatile American actress, known for her striking features and husky voice. Born on April 4, 1921, she appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, including "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "The Maverick", showcasing her range and talent.

Deathyear: 2004

Al-Hallaj

Mansur Al-Hallaj was a renowned Persian mystic and poet who lived from 858 to 922 CE. He was a prominent figure in Sufism and wrote extensively on spirituality, ethics, and love.

Deathyear: 922

Joseph-Ignace Guillotin

Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician and politician, was a key figure in the French Revolution. In 1792, he proposed the guillotine as a humane and efficient method of execution, which would later be used during the Reign of Terror.

Deathyear: 1814

Maurice Barrymore

Maurice Barrymore was a renowned American actor, born in 1849. He was a prominent figure in the American stage and screen, known for his charismatic performances and dashing good looks.

Deathyear: 1905

James Hutton

James Hutton, a Scottish physician and geologist, proposed the theory of uniformitarianism, suggesting geological changes occur gradually over time. He was also a pioneer in the field of geology, laying the foundation for modern geological thinking.

Deathyear: 1797

Ahmed Sékou Touré

Ahmed Sékou Touré, Guinean politician and first president of Guinea, led the country from independence in 1958 until his death in 1984. He was a key figure in the African struggle against colonialism and Arab nationalism.

Deathyear: 1984

Alfonso XI of Castile

Alfonso XI of Castile, born in 1312, was the King of Castile and León from 1312 to 1350. He led the Reconquista, defeating the Moorish army at the Battle of Río Salado, and expanded Castilian territories through strategic alliances and military campaigns.

Deathyear: 1350

Shane McConkey

Shane McConkey, a celebrated Canadian skier and BASE jumper, was known for his innovative and daring stunts. Born in 1969, he won numerous awards, including the X Games, and inspired generations of extreme sports enthusiasts with his fearless approach to freestyle skiing and BASE jumping.

Deathyear: 2009

Max Ophüls

Max Ophüls was a renowned German-American director and screenwriter, known for his meticulous and visually stunning films. Born in 1902, Ophüls fled to the US in the 1930s due to Nazi persecution and went on to direct films like "Lola Montès" and "Letter from an Unknown Woman".

Deathyear: 1957

Paul Dana

Paul Dana was an American racecar driver who competed in the Indy Racing League and IndyCar Series. Born in 1975, he made his debut in 2004 and earned one podium finish before his fatal crash on March 16, 2006, during a practice session at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Deathyear: 2006

Henry M. Leland

Here is a 40-word biography of Henry M. Leland: Henry M. Leland was a pioneering American industrialist, entrepreneur, and inventor. Founder of Cadillac (1902) and Lincoln Motor Company (1917), he revolutionized the automotive industry with innovative designs, manufacturing processes, and quality standards, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motoring.

Deathyear: 1932

Sigurd the Crusader

Sigurd I of Norway, also known as Sigurd the Crusader, was King of Norway from 1103 to 1130. He was born around 1090 and is notable for leading a successful Crusade to the Holy Land in 1110 and earning recognition as a hero.

Deathyear: 1130

Sancho I of Portugal

Sancho I of Portugal, born in 1154, was the King of Portugal from 1185 to 1212. He was the eldest son of Alfonso Henriques and the founder of the Portuguese dynasty.

Deathyear: 1212

John Vanbrugh

John Vanbrugh was a renowned English playwright and architect. Born in 1664, he designed iconic structures like Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. His architectural achievements were coupled with his literary successes, solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented individual.

Deathyear: 1726

Spyridon Louis

Spyridon Louis was a Greek athlete who won the marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. Born in 1873 in Marathona, Greece, Louis became an overnight sensation after completing the 40km race in 3 hours and 18 minutes, earning Greece's first Olympic gold medal.

Deathyear: 1940

Carolyn Wells

Carolyn Wells was a renowned American novelist and poet, born in 1862. She was known for her mystery and detective fiction, penning popular series featuring characters Emma Spring and Pamela Weekes. Her writing was praised for its wit, insight, and intricate plotting.

Deathyear: 1942