March 31 birthdays and deaths:

Selena

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as the "Queen of Tejano music," was a talented American singer-songwriter born in 1971. With her powerful voice and chart-topping hits, she became a international superstar, earning four Grammy nominations and cementing her legacy as a music icon.

Deathyear: 1995

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee was a talented American actor and martial artist, known for his roles in "Showdown in Little Tokyo" and "Rapid Fire". Born in Oakland, California in 1965, he tragically died on set in 1993 at the age of 28 due to an accidental shooting.

Deathyear: 1993

Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a renowned American rapper from Los Angeles. He rose to fame with his introspective lyrics and entrepreneurial spirit, pouring his success back into his South Los Angeles community, inspiring hope and motivation to his fans.

Deathyear: 2019

J. P. Morgan

John Pierpont Morgan was a prominent American banker and financier who dominated corporate finance in the early 20th century. He founded General Electric, AT&T, and U.S. Steel, and his J.P. Morgan & Co. firm was a leading investment bank.

Deathyear: 1913

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens, a pioneering American sprinter and long jumper, was born in 1913. He won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Adolf Hitler's Aryan supremacy claims. His record-breaking feats and bravery inspired generations.

Deathyear: 1980

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë was a renowned English novelist and poet, born in 1816. She wrote the iconic novel "Jane Eyre", which has become a timeless classic.

Deathyear: 1855

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid, the pioneering Iraqi-born architect, revolutionized modern design with her futuristic and curved structures. Born in 1950, she designed the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the Guangzhou Opera House in China, before passing away in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy in the architectural world.

Deathyear: 2016

Francis I of France

Francis I was the King of France from 1515 to 1547. Born in 1494, he was a prominent figure in international politics, known for his military campaigns, support for the arts, and enduring feud with King Henry VIII of England.

Deathyear: 1547

Frederick, Prince of Wales

Here is a 40-word summary of Frederick, Prince of Wales: Frederick, Prince of Wales (1707-1751), was the eldest son of King George II and Queen Caroline. Despite being heir to the British throne, his tumultuous life was marked by feud with his father and struggles to establish independence.

Deathyear: 1751

John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun, a prominent American lawyer and politician, served as the 7th Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832. He was born in 1782 and spent his early career in Congress before becoming Vice President.

Deathyear: 1850

John Donne

John Donne (1572-1631) was a celebrated English lawyer, poet, and clergyman. As an Anglican priest, he became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. His poetic works, marked by metaphysical themes, are renowned for their wit, humor, and exploration of the human condition.

Deathyear: 1631

Barbara Rush

Barbara Rush is a renowned American actress born in 1927. She has had a remarkable career, appearing in iconic films like "It Came from Outer Space" and "Citadel", as well as numerous television shows. Her captivating performances have earned her a lasting place in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2024

Philip III of Spain

Philip III (1578-1621) was the King of Spain and Portugal from 1598 until his death. He was the son of Philip II and succeeded his father as king at the age of 13. His reign was marked by internal squabbles and financial struggles, weakening Spain's global influence.

Deathyear: 1621

Anne Gwynne

Anne Gwynne, a blonde bombshell, was a popular American actress in the 1940s and 1950s. Known for her curvaceous figure and sultry screen presence, she appeared in over 100 films, including Universal horror films and serials, and was a pin-up girl during World War II.

Deathyear: 2003

Ronnie Corbett

Ronnie Corbett was a Scottish comedian, actor, and screenwriter, born in 1930. He gained fame as a member of the comedy duo The Two Ronnies alongside Ronnie Barker, featuring in popular TV shows, films, and stage productions. His charming wit and comedic timing endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 2016

Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano, a Nigerian enslaved in 1754, purchased his freedom in 1766 and became a prominent merchant, author, and abolitionist. His autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for its abolition.

Deathyear: 1797

Knute Rockne

Knute Rockne was a legendary American football player and coach, born in 1888. He led the University of Notre Dame's football team to three national championships and became one of the most successful coaches in college football history.

Deathyear: 1931

John Constable

John Constable (1776-1837) was a renowned English painter and educator known for his landscapes, particularly his depictions of the English countryside. His emotive and expressive works, such as "The Hay Wain," capture the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

Deathyear: 1837

David Rocastle

David Rocastle was an English professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Born on May 2, 1967, he played for Arsenal, Leeds United, and other clubs, known for his skill, pace, and vision on the pitch.

Deathyear: 2001

Anne Hyde

Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and Duchess of Cornwall, was the eldest daughter of King Charles I and was married to James, Duke of York (later King James II). She was a devoted mother and a strong advocate for her children's rights, but tragically died in 1671 at a young age.

Deathyear: 1671

Semyon Timoshenko

Semyon Timoshenko was a Soviet Marshals who played a crucial role in World War II. He led the Kiev Special Military District during the Winter War and later commanded the Stalingrad and Volkhov Fronts, playing a key role in the Soviet victories at Stalingrad and Leningrad.

Deathyear: 1970

Bella Abzug

Bella Abzug was a pioneering American lawyer, activist, and politician known for her progressive politics and iconic style. She served in the US House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977, advocating for women's rights, gay rights, and social justice.

Deathyear: 1998

William McMahon

William McMahon was a lawyer and politician who served as the 20th Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Born in 1908, McMahon held various cabinet positions, including Treasurer and Minister for Foreign Affairs, before becoming Prime Minister.

Deathyear: 1988

Yuri Knorozov

Yuri Knorozov, a renowned Russian linguist and ethnographer, made groundbreaking contributions to the study of ancient writing systems. His work on the Mayan and Sumerian scripts, among others, has been instrumental in deciphering the languages of ancient civilizations.

Deathyear: 1999

Gilbert Baker (artist)

Gilbert Baker, an American artist and gay rights activist, created the iconic rainbow flag representing LGBTQ+ pride. Born in 1951, he designed the flag in 1978 as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity, symbolizing hope, freedom, and the struggle for human rights.

Deathyear: 2017

Raúl Alfonsín

Raúl Alfonsín was an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as the 46th President of Argentina from 1983 to 1989. He implemented constitutional reforms, prosecuted human rights violators, and re-established democratic institutions after the Falklands War.

Deathyear: 2009

Jules Dassin

Jules Dassin was a renowned American filmmaker, known for his distinctive noir style and gritty realism. Born in 1911, he directed iconic films like "Riot in Cell Block 11" and "The Dirty Dozen", and won the Berlin Film Festival award for his iconic "Topkapi".

Deathyear: 2008

Jerry Paris

Jerry Paris was a seasoned actor, director, and writer, with a career spanning over five decades. Born in 1925, Paris is best known for his work on popular TV shows, including "Laverne & Shirley," "Happy Days," and "The Wonder Years," as well as his direction of numerous sitcoms.

Deathyear: 1986

Scott Helvenston

Scott Helvenston was a US Navy SEAL and Purple Heart recipient, killed in Iraq in 2004. He was a marksman and served on Operation Iraqi Freedom. Helvenston was 38 years old when he died, leaving behind a wife and two children.

Deathyear: 2004

Hans-Dietrich Genscher

Hans-Dietrich Genscher was a German politician who served as Foreign Minister from 1974 to 1992 and Vice Chancellor from 1976 to 1982. A key figure in post-war German politics, he was a driving force in European integration and a leading proponent of German reunification.

Deathyear: 2016

Jeffrey Lee Pierce

Jeffrey Lee Pierce, American singer-songwriter and guitarist, was born in 1958. He was the leader of the punk folk band The Gun Club and was known for his unique voice and distinctive guitar playing style, which blended elements of punk, blues, and folk music.

Deathyear: 1996

Patrick Demarchelier

Patrick Demarchelier is a renowned French fashion photographer, born in 1943. With a career spanning over four decades, he has shot for top fashion brands and publications, capturing the essence of beauty and elegance through his lens. His work has been celebrated for its timeless, sophisticated, and romantic charm.

Deathyear: 2022

Jackie McLean

Jackie McLean was a renowned American saxophonist and composer, known for his innovative and multifaceted playing style, which blended bebop, hard bop, and post-bop. He was a key figure in the development of modern jazz.

Deathyear: 2006

Frank Perdue

Frank Perdue was an American businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Perdue Farms, a leading poultry and food production company. Born in 1920, Perdue built the business through innovative practices and strong leadership, creating a global presence and iconic brand.

Deathyear: 2005

Imre Kertész

Imre Kertész, a Hungarian author and Nobel laureate (1992), was born in 1929. His literary works, often reflecting his experience in Nazi concentration camps, explored themes of existentialism, morality, and human condition. His writing style was characterized by simplicity, clarity, and profound insight.

Deathyear: 2016

Kang Youwei

Kang Youwei was a renowned Chinese scholar and politician who advocated for modernization and reform. Born in 1858, he led the Xinhai Revolution, promoting constitutional monarchy and democracy.

Deathyear: 1927

Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse

Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, born in 1504, was a German nobleman who ruled the landgraviate of Hesse from 1518 to 1567. He was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, supporting Martin Luther and the Protestant cause.

Deathyear: 1567

Ivan I of Moscow

Ivan I of Moscow, born in 1288, was the Grand Duke of Moscow from 1328 to 1340. He played a crucial role in establishing the power of the Moscow principality, competing with rival princes for control over Russia. His reign marked the beginning of the rise of Moscow as a major power.

Deathyear: 1340

Emil von Behring

Emil von Behring was a German physiologist and immunologist born in 1854. He was a renowned researcher who made significant contributions to the field of immunology, discovering the diphtheria antitoxin and later being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901.

Deathyear: 1917

Paul Watzlawick

Paul Watzlawick was a pioneering Austrian-American psychologist and philosopher born in 1921. He was known for his groundbreaking work on human communication, family therapy, and systems theory. His influential book "The Pragmatics of Human Communication" (1967) remains a seminal work in the field of communication studies.

Deathyear: 2007

Mineichi Koga

Mineichi Koga was a Japanese admiral born in 1885. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II, leading Japanese naval forces in the Pacific War.

Deathyear: 1944

Henryk Wieniawski

Henryk Wieniawski was a 19th-century Polish violinist and composer famous for his technical virtuosity and expressive playing style. He composed many notable works, including his iconic violin concerto and Polonaises, showcasing his mastery of Polish folk music and classical influence.

Deathyear: 1880

Charles Best (medical scientist)

Charles Best, a renowned physiologist and biochemist, co-discovered insulin with Frederick Banting in the 1920s. Born in 1899, Best's groundbreaking research revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, leading to the development of insulin therapy and saving countless lives.

Deathyear: 1978