March 4 birthdays and deaths:

John Candy

John Candy was a beloved Canadian comedian and actor, born on October 31, 1950. He rose to fame in the 1980s with iconic roles in films like "National Lampoon's Vacation" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," earning a reputation for his lovable, goofy on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 1994

Shane Warne

Shane Warne, Australian cricket legend, wreaked havoc on pitches with his unorthodox spin bowling (692 wickets) and charismatic personality. After cricket, he transitioned to coaching and sportscasting, remaining a beloved figure in Australian sports culture. Born September 13, 1969.

Deathyear: 2022

Luke Perry

Luke Perry, an American actor, was born on October 11, 1966. He rose to fame as Dylan McKay on the TV series "Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990-2000).

Deathyear: 2019

Saladin

Saladin, a prominent Muslim leader, founded the Ayyubid Sultanate in the 12th century. Born in 1137, he united Egyptian and Syrian territories under his rule, defeating the Crusaders in the Sixth Crusade and becoming a renowned military strategist and diplomat.

Deathyear: 1193

Keith Flint

Keith Flint was the lead vocalist and a founding member of the British electronic band The Prodigy, known for his energetic live performances and distinctive vocal style.

Deathyear: 2019

Nikolai Gogol

Nikolai Gogol (1809-1852) was a Ukrainian-Russian literary giant. His works, often blending realism and fantasy, explored Russian society and identity. His most famous work, "Dead Souls", is considered a masterpiece of 19th-century literature, known for its dark humor and social commentary.

Deathyear: 1852

Rod Marsh

Rod Marsh, born in 1947, is a legendary Australian cricketer and coach. He played 96 Tests and 82 ODIs as a wicket-keeper and batsman. After retirement, he coached the Australian team to World Cup titles in 1999 and 2003.

Deathyear: 2022

Matthew C. Perry

Matthew C. Perry was a renowned American naval commander who led the dramatic opening of Japan to the Western world in 1853-1854. Brought up in a naval family, Perry graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1811 and went on to serve in the War of 1812.

Deathyear: 1858

Gary Gygax

Gary Gygax was a renowned American game designer, best known for co-creating the iconic Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) with Dave Arneson. Born in 1938, Gygax's imaginative storytelling and rules mastery revolutionized tabletop gaming, captivating millions of players worldwide.

Deathyear: 2008

Richard Manuel

Richard Manuel was a talented Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist known for his poetic lyrics and soaring vocals with The Band. He penned iconic songs like "The Weight" and "It Makes No Difference." His distinctive voice and poignant songwriting left a lasting legacy in the world of folk-rock.

Deathyear: 1986

Hank Gathers

Hank Gathers was an American basketball star born in 1967. He played college ball at LMU and holds the record for most career rebounds. His untimely death at 23 in 1990 shocked the sports world, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.

Deathyear: 1990

Minnie Pearl

Minnie Pearl, born Sarah Ophelia Colley, was a beloved American entertainer known for her iconic hat and grand ol' gal routines. She hosted the Grand Ole Opry and appeared on TV, sharing her down-to-earth humor and charm with audiences across the country.

Deathyear: 1996

Harry Blackmun

Harry Blackmun was a renowned American lawyer and judge who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1970 to 1994. He is particularly notable for his majority opinion in the landmark case Roe v. Wade.

Deathyear: 1999

Alexander H. Stephens

Alexander H. Stephens was an American lawyer and politician who served as Vice President of the Confederate States of America. Born in 1812, he strongly advocated for states' rights and slavery, leading to his controversial role in the Confederacy.

Deathyear: 1883

Antonin Artaud

Antonin Artaud, a visionary French actor and director, was born in 1896. Blending theatre, poetry, and mythology, he championed the "Theatre of Cruelty", a radical movement seeking to revitalize the medium through avant-garde performances and provocative storytelling.

Deathyear: 1948

Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk

Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk was a German jurist and politician who served as German Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1921 to 1922. Born in 1887, he was a prominent figure in German politics, known for his diplomatic skills and expertise in international relations.

Deathyear: 1977

William Carlos Williams

William Carlos Williams, a pioneer of modern poetry, combined vibrant imagery with precise language to illuminate the ordinary. His work, such as "This Is Just to Say" and "The Red Wheelbarrow," celebrated the beauty in everyday life and human experience.

Deathyear: 1963

Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy was a celebrated American author, born in 1945. Best known for his novels like "The Water is Wide" and "Prince of Tides", he explored themes of family, friendship, and the human condition, earning numerous awards and critical acclaim for his poignant and often humorous storytelling.

Deathyear: 2016

Jean-François Champollion

Jean-François Champollion was a renowned French philologist and scholar, credited with deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Born in 1790, he spent years studying ancient languages and was the first to crack the code, unlocking the secrets of the ancient civilization and revolutionizing the field of Egyptology.

Deathyear: 1832

Davide Astori

Davide Astori was an Italian professional footballer who played as a center-back for ACF Fiorentina, Cagliari, and the Italy national team. He was born on July 7, 1987, and tragically passed away on March 4, 2018, at the age of 31.

Deathyear: 2018

P. A. Sangma

P.A. Sangma, a lawyer and politician, served as the Speaker of India's Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998. Born in 1947, Sangma's political career spanned over four decades, with stints as a Minister of Social Welfare and a Member of Parliament from the East Garo Hills constituency.

Deathyear: 2016

Thomas Eagleton

Thomas Eagleton was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri from 1965 to 1969. Born in 1929, Eagleton was a prominent figure in Missouri politics, known for his public service and leadership.

Deathyear: 2007

Del Close

Del Close was a renowned American actor, educator, and improvisational comedy pioneer. Born in 1934, he was a key figure in the development of improvisational theater, influencing legendary comedians such as Bill Murray, Chris Farley, and Tina Fey, among others.

Deathyear: 1999

Franz Marc

Franz Marc (1880-1916) was a German painter known for his vibrant, expressionist works depicting animals and the natural world. A key figure in the Blue Rider movement, Marc's bold colors and simplified forms conveyed a sense of dynamism and spirituality in his art.

Deathyear: 1916

Lepke Buchalter

Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, a notorious American mob boss, was born on December 6, 1897. He rose to power as a key figure in the Luciano crime family, overseeing murders, extortion, and other illicit activities.

Deathyear: 1944

Javier Pérez de Cuéllar

Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, a Peruvian diplomat and politician, served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 to 1991, promoting peace and disarmament efforts. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982.

Deathyear: 2020

Arjun Singh (Madhya Pradesh politician)

Here is a 40-word summary about Arjun Singh: Arjun Singh (1930-2011) was an Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Governor of Rajasthan, and Union Cabinet Minister. He was known for his astute political acumen and wit, earning him the nickname "Little Napoleon".

Deathyear: 2011

Harold Stassen

Harold Stassen was an American educator and politician who served as the 25th Governor of Minnesota from 1939 to 1943. As a Republican, he was a four-time presidential candidate and an influential figure in the state's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Deathyear: 2001

Art Babbitt

Art Babbitt was a renowned American animator and director, best known for his work on Disney classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. He pioneered the development of tweening, a technique that revolutionized animation, and was inducted into the Disney Legends hall of fame in 1989.

Deathyear: 1992

Amos Bronson Alcott

Amos Bronson Alcott, an American philosopher and educator, founded the Temple School in Boston and later founded and taught at Fruitlands, a utopian community in Harvard, Massachusetts. He emphasized the importance of individual rights and freedom.

Deathyear: 1888

Lucille La Verne

Lucille La Verne was an American actress, born in 1872. She gained fame for playing the role of Grandma Jolly in the 1939 film "The Little Princess" and as the wicked stepmother, Baroness Hortense in the 1935 film "The Three Musketeers."

Deathyear: 1945

Alenush Terian

Alenush Terian was a pioneering Iranian astronomer and physicist, born in 1920. She pioneered the study of the Crab Nebula's structure and analyzed the lunar and solar eclipses. Her groundbreaking work contributed significantly to Iran's scientific community, inspiring future generations of female scientists.

Deathyear: 2011

Horton Foote

Horton Foote, a renowned American playwright and screenwriter, was born in 1916. He wrote iconic films and plays that explored the human condition, such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Trip to Bountiful". His work often focused on small-town life, family dynamics, and the struggle for dignity.

Deathyear: 2009

Moritz Moszkowski

Moritz Moszkowski was a renowned Polish-German pianist and composer, born in 1854. He was known for his technically demanding piano pieces, often virtuosic and expressive, which have been widely performed and admired.

Deathyear: 1925

Torin Thatcher

Torin Thatcher was a renowned American actor, born in 1905. Known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Black Pirate," "Long Day's Journey into Night," and "The Twilight Zone."

Deathyear: 1981

Saint Casimir

Saint Casimir (1458-1484) was a Polish prince of the Jagiellonian dynasty. He renounced his royal heritage to become a Jesuit priest, dedicating his life to prayer and charity. Miracles attributed to him led to his canonization in 1521. He is the patron saint of Lithuania and Poland.

Deathyear: 1484

Louis Capone

Louis Capone, born in 1896, was an Italian-American mobster. He was not related to Al Capone though. He was sentenced to death and was electrocuted at Sing Sing Prison.

Deathyear: 1944

John Schofield

John McAllister Schofield was a prominent American general and politician. He served as the 28th United States Secretary of War, from 1868 to 1869, and as the Governor of Connecticut from 1883 to 1885. He played a significant role in the Reconstruction era and the Spanish-American War.

Deathyear: 1906

Daniel of Moscow

Daniel of Moscow, a prince of the Moscow branch of the Rurik dynasty, was the first Grand Duke of Moscow (1261-1303). He played a crucial role in establishing Moscow as the dominant power in North East Rus', annexing nearby principalities and securing key alliances.

Deathyear: 1303

Jim Rhodes

Jim Rhodes, a Progressive Republican, served as the 61st Governor of Ohio from 1963 to 1975. A successful businessman, he supported education and infrastructure development. A moderate, he opposed segregation and advocated for workers' rights.

Deathyear: 2001