March 7 birthdays and deaths:

Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick was a cinematic visionary, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative storytelling. Known for classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "A Clockwork Orange," his films often explored the human condition, technology, and the darker aspects of society.

Deathyear: 1999

Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a renowned Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologian who synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. Born in Italy in 1225, he wrote extensively on topics such as metaphysics, ethics, and theology, influencing Western philosophy and theology for centuries.

Deathyear: 1274

Divine (performer)

Born Harris Glenn Milstead in 1945, Divine, a.k.a. the "Queen of Dirt," gained notoriety for his outrageous persona, starring in over 50 films, including John Waters' cult classics "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray."

Deathyear: 1988

Steve Lawrence

Steve Lawrence is a legendary American actor and singer, best known for his work on stage and screen. Born on July 26, 1935, he has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, and has released several albums.

Deathyear: 2024

Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian guru and philosopher, was born in 1893. He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship and wrote the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi". He taught Kriya Yoga, emphasizing self-realization and spiritual growth.

Deathyear: 1952

Antoninus Pius

Antoninus Pius, a renowned Roman emperor, ruled from 138-161 CE. Born in 86 CE, he maintained peace and prosperity, earning the nickname "Pius" for his modesty and justice. He reformed the Roman Empire's administration and oversaw significant military victories during his 23-year reign.

Deathyear: 161

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield was an American actor known for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Born in 1941, he gained fame for his roles in films like "Hogan's Heroes" and "Star Trek," as well as his recurring role as Malcolm-X in the epic biopic "Roots."

Deathyear: 2004

Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was a renowned American photographer, director, and composer. Known for his powerful documentation of the urban poor and African American experiences, his iconic works include "American Gothic" and "The Last Supper." He was also a celebrated musician and composed the score for the film "Shafana Bahar."

Deathyear: 2006

Sidney Gottlieb

Sidney Gottlieb was an American chemist and CIA agent who played a key role in the CIA's MKUltra program, a secret mind control and behavior modification project conducted in the 1950s and 1960s.

Deathyear: 1999

Debra Hill

Debra Hill is a renowned American screenwriter and producer, born in 1950. She co-founded Hill-Em Productions and wrote for several horror films, including Halloween and The Fog. Hill's versatility has earned her multiple awards, including an Academy Award nomination for The Silence of the Lambs.

Deathyear: 2005

Mikhail Bakhtin

Mikhail Bakhtin, a Russian philosopher and critic, was born in 1895. He is known as the principal architect of the theory of dialogue and cultural studies.

Deathyear: 1975

Alice B. Toklas

Alice B. Toklas was a renowned American writer, partner of Gertrude Stein, and co-author of "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas". A pioneering figure in the Lost Generation of expatriate writers, she wrote about her experiences as a lesbian and her relationships.

Deathyear: 1967

Margaret Douglas

Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, was the daughter of Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. Born in 1515, she was a cousin of Mary Queen of Scots and a claimant to the English throne. She married Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox, and had two sons, Charles and Henry.

Deathyear: 1578

Harriet Jacobs

Harriet Ann Jacobs, born into slavery in 1813, became a prominent African American abolitionist and author. She escaped to freedom, wrote her experiences in "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" (1865), and fought for women's rights and human rights throughout her life.

Deathyear: 1897

Govind Ballabh Pant

Govind Ballabh Pant was a renowned Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 2nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1955-1957. Born in 1887, he played a key role in India's independence movement and served as the country's Home Minister during the 1950s and 1960s.

Deathyear: 1961

Peter Banks

Peter Banks, born Peter William Banks in 1947, was a pioneering English guitarist and songwriter. As the original guitarist of Yes, he was a key figure in the band's early success, contributing to iconic albums such as "Time and a Word" and "The Yes Album".

Deathyear: 2013

Ali Farka Touré

Ali Farka Touré was a renowned Malian singer-songwriter and guitarist, blending traditional Tuareg music with modern styles. He was born in 1939 in Timbuktu, Mali. Touré's soulful voice and intricate guitar playing captivated audiences, earning him international acclaim and various awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Deathyear: 2006

Jacob Javits

Jacob K. Javits was an American colonel and politician who served as the 58th New York State Attorney General from 1954 to 1956. Born in 1904, Javits went on to become a U.S. Senator from New York from 1957 until his retirement in 1979.

Deathyear: 1986

Wyndham Lewis

Wyndham Lewis (1882-1957) was a British poet, novelist, and painter who led the Vorticist movement. His works, such as "Tarr" and "The Apology", critically examined modern life and society. As a painter, his Cubist-inspired style was innovative and influential.

Deathyear: 1957

Maria of Aragon, Queen of Portugal

Maria of Aragon was Queen of Portugal from 1521 until her death in 1555. Born in 1482, she was the daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. She married King Manuel I of Portugal and had six children, marking the beginning of the Portuguese Habsburg dynasty.

Deathyear: 1517

Cool Papa Bell

Cool Papa Bell was an American baseball player who played from 1922 to 1939. Born in 1903, he was a speedy center fielder for the St. Louis Stars and other teams, known for his exceptional hitting, baserunning, and fielding abilities.

Deathyear: 1991

Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood

Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood, was a renowned English admiral born in 1750. He played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the North Sea Fleet and earning a reputation for bravery and strategic thinking.

Deathyear: 1810

Ravi (composer)

Ravi Shankar was a renowned Indian sitar player, composer, and director. Born in 1926, he was a prominent figure in promoting Indian classical music globally. He collaborated with western musicians, including The Beatles, and composed soundtracks for Bollywood films.

Deathyear: 2012

Aristide Briand

Aristide Briand was a French journalist and politician who served as Prime Minister of France five times. He was a key figure in the interwar period, advocating for collective security and international cooperation. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926 for his efforts.

Deathyear: 1932

Lucy Parsons

Lucy Parsons was a pivotal figure in American labor history, born circa 1853 to a slave and a Black servant. She became a prominent communist anarchist, advocating for workers' rights and women's suffrage through oratory speeches and controversial writings, defying societal norms.

Deathyear: 1947

Akseli Gallen-Kallela

Akseli Gallen-Kallela was a renowned Finnish artist, known for his bold and expressive works that blended Realism and Symbolism. Born in 1865, he founded the Studio Abstractionist movement and was a prominent figure in Finland's early 20th-century art scene.

Deathyear: 1931

William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury

William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, was an English nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in King Henry II's reign. He fought in the Third Crusade and participated in the English conquest of Ireland. He was born in 1176 and died in 1226.

Deathyear: 1226

Włodzimierz Smolarek

Włodzimierz Smolarek is a retired Polish footballer and current manager. Born in 1957, he played as a striker for several clubs, including Legia Warsaw and Widzew Łódź, scoring over 100 goals in his career.

Deathyear: 2012

Pope Innocent XIII

Pope Innocent XIII (1655-1724) was the 245th Pope from 1721 until his death in 1724. He became known for his efforts to establish a more democratic papacy, encouraging participation from bishops and clergy in papal decisions.

Deathyear: 1724

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, was a Canadian politician and governor of Louisiana. Born in 1680, he served as the 2nd Colonial Governor of Louisiana from 1701 to 1718. He played a key role in the exploration and colonization of the Mississippi River Valley.

Deathyear: 1767