October 1 birthdays and deaths:

Tom Clancy

Tom Clancy, born in 1947, was a renowned American author of spy thrillers. His novels, such as "The Hunt for Red October" and "Patriot Games," captivated readers worldwide with intricate plots and authentic military detail, often drawing from his own experiences as a security consultant and avid researcher.

Deathyear: 2013

Tim Wakefield

Tim Wakefield is a retired American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in the MLB from 1992 to 2011. He is notable for his unique knuckleball pitching style, which allowed him to play for 20 seasons with the Boston Red Sox.

Deathyear: 2023

Eadwig

Eadwig, King of England (b. 941), ruled from 955 to 959. He was the son of King Edgar the Peaceful and succeeded his brother, Edmund I. His rule was marked by controversy and power struggles with his nobles, ultimately leading to his early death at the age of 18.

Deathyear: 959

Antonio Inoki

Antonio Inoki is a legendary Japanese professional wrestler and politician born in 1943. A pioneer in the world of puroresu, he is a multiple-time champion and founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He also served as an MP in the Japanese Diet from 1987 to 1990.

Deathyear: 2022

Curtis LeMay

Curtis LeMay was a prominent American general during the Cold War era. He led the Strategic Air Command and advocated for the use of nuclear weapons. His views on nuclear deterrence and military policy were influential, shaping US national security strategy during the 1950s and 1960s.

Deathyear: 1990

Charles Aznavour

Charles Aznavour, acclaimed French-Armenian artist, charmed with his velvety voice and poetic lyrics. Born in 1924, he defied genres as a singer, composer, writer, and filmmaker. A cultural icon, he bridged Armenian and French cultures, earning numerous awards for his contributions to music and cinema.

Deathyear: 2018

E. B. White

E.B. White was a renowned American essayist and journalist, born in 1899. Best known for his humorous and insightful essays in The New Yorker, White's writing tackled topics such as literature, politics, and the human experience, earning him a Pulitzer Prize and widespread literary acclaim.

Deathyear: 1985

Lynsey de Paul

Lynsey de Paul is a multi-talented British singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress born in 1948. She gained popularity in the 1970s with her hits "Co-Co" and "Won't Somebody Save Me". She has released numerous albums and has worked extensively in television, film, and theater.

Deathyear: 2014

Eric Hobsbawm

Eric Hobsbawm was a renowned British-Egyptian historian and author, born in 1917. He is best known for his comprehensive works on modern history, such as "The Age of Capital" and "The Age of Empire," which offer insightful analyses of the industrial and imperial eras.

Deathyear: 2012

Richard Avedon

Renowned photographer Richard Avedon (1923-2004) revolutionized portraiture with his large-format camera, capturing iconic images of cultural icons, presidents, and everyday people. His unique, large-scale prints showcased the essence of his subjects, revealing the humanity and vulnerability beneath the surface.

Deathyear: 2004

Walter Annenberg

Walter H. Annenberg was a renowned American publisher, diplomat, and politician. As the founder of TV Guide and publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, he was a pioneer in the media industry. Furthermore, his diplomatic endeavors esteemed him as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Deathyear: 2002

Louis Leakey

Louis Leakey, a renowned Kenyan-English archaeologist and paleontologist, made groundbreaking discoveries in East Africa. Born in 1903, he pioneered the field of human origins research, investigating fossilized remains and uncovering secrets of human evolution.

Deathyear: 1972

Abdur Rahman Khan

Abdur Rahman Khan, also known as Amir Abdul Rahman, was the Afghan Emir of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901. He succeeded his half-brother to become the seventh monarch of the Durrani dynasty and implemented numerous reforms and modernizations during his 21-year reign.

Deathyear: 1901

John of Austria

John of Austria, born Philip Juan de Austria, was the illegitimate son of King Charles I of Spain and his mistress, Barbara Blomberg. He played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, leading the Holy League to victory.

Deathyear: 1578

Marsilio Ficino

Marsilio Ficino, an Italian astrologer and philosopher, was born in 1433. He was a prominent figure in the Renaissance and is known for his translations of Plato and other ancient Greek texts.

Deathyear: 1499

Bruce Palmer

Bruce Palmer, the iconic bassist, was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield, a pioneering rock band in the 1960s. He played alongside Neil Young and Stephen Stills, creating some of the genre's most iconic songs.

Deathyear: 2004

Al Jackson Jr.

Al Jackson Jr., aka The Senator, was a renowned drummer, songwriter, and producer for Stax Records. He played with Booker T. & the M.G.'s and co-wrote hits like "Green Onions" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." He was murdered in 1975, at age 39.

Deathyear: 1975

Karel Gott

Karel Gott is a Czech singer, songwriter, and theatre actor, born in 1939. He has released numerous albums and has sold millions of records worldwide. Known for his smooth, velvety voice and impressive range, Gott is a beloved artist in the Czech Republic and beyond.

Deathyear: 2019

Pierre Corneille

Pierre Corneille, a renowned French playwright, was born in 1606. He is best known for his dramas that showcased the dramatic struggle of humanity, such as "The Cid" and "Polyeucte." His works impressed both French and European audiences, earning him a prominent place in French literary history.

Deathyear: 1684

Enrico De Nicola

Enrico De Nicola was a renowned Italian journalist, lawyer, and politician who served as the first President of Italy from 1948 to 1949. With a storied career spanning many years, he played a crucial role in shaping Italy's young democracy.

Deathyear: 1959

Ludwig Bemelmans

Ludwig Bemelmans, a charming and whimsical author and illustrator, brought joy to generations through his Belgrade Lions Club and Madeline series. Born in 1898 to Austrian parents in Smryna, Turkey, he emigrated to the US, serving in World War I before becoming a renowned artist and beloved children's book author.

Deathyear: 1961

Walter Alston

Walter Alston was a Major League Baseball player and manager from 1936 to 1966. He played for four teams and managed the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954 to 1976, leading them to six World Series titles and seven National League pennants.

Deathyear: 1984

Emperor Tenmu

Emperor Tenmu, born in 631, was the 40th Emperor of Japan, ruling from 688 to 707. He attempted to restore Shintoism and establish a more centralized government, implementing significant administrative, military, and cultural reforms, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese history and society.

Deathyear: 686

Mindon Min

Mindon Min (1808-1878) was the 28th king of Burma, ruling from 1853 to 1878. He consolidated power, centralized administration, and promoted education and culture. He also faced British colonial incursions and was forced to sign the Treaty of Yandabo in 1862, reducing Burma's sovereignty.

Deathyear: 1878

William Brodie

William Brodie was a Scottish businessman and politician born in 1741. He was a prominent merchant and burgess of Edinburgh's council, serving as Lord Provost from 1778 to 1779. He also held various other prominent roles, making significant contributions to Scotland's economy and society.

Deathyear: 1788

Sacheverell Sitwell

Sacheverell Sitwell was a British author, poet, and critic, known for his wit and flamboyant style. Born in 1897, he was a prominent figure in the Bloomsbury Group, penning literary critiques and poetry, and co-founding the futuristic and influential literary magazine, Cosmopolitan.

Deathyear: 1988

Rose O'Neal Greenhow

Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a prominent Washington socialite, became a Confederate spy during the American Civil War, using her connections and charm to gather intelligence and transmit secret messages to Jefferson Davis. She remained active until her ship sank in 1864, ending her espionage career.

Deathyear: 1864

Ronnie Hazlehurst

Ronnie Hazlehurst is a renowned English conductor and composer, born in 1928. He is known for his versatility, having worked on numerous films, TV shows, and classical music performances. His compositions have been praised for their elegance and wit.

Deathyear: 2007

Romano Guardini

Romano Guardini (1885-1978) was a renowned Italian-German Catholic priest, author, and academic. He wrote extensively on theology, philosophy, and spirituality, and was a prominent figure in Catholic intellectual life, influencing the development of Thomism and shaping the thought of many influential Catholic thinkers.

Deathyear: 1968

Petra Kelly

Petra Kelly was a German activist and politician who co-founded the German Green Party. She was a prominent environmentalist and pacifist, advocating for disarmament, conservation, and social justice. Her work inspired many, and she remains a key figure in the global environmental and peace movements.

Deathyear: 1992

Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Jerald Tanner is a American author and activist known for his work in promoting Mormonism. Born in 1938, he co-authored several books on the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the popular book "Mormonism: Shadow or Reality".

Deathyear: 2006

José Martínez (infielder/coach)

José Martínez is a retired Cuban-American professional baseball player and coach who played in the MLB from 1967 to 1979. He was a slick-fielding shortstop and third baseman, known for his strong throws and clutch hitting.

Deathyear: 2014