October 11 birthdays and deaths:

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury is a celebrated English-American actress, singer, and producer, known for her iconic roles in films like "Gaslight" and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". With a career spanning over 70 years, she has won numerous awards, including multiple Tony Awards.

Deathyear: 2022

Redd Foxx

Revered as a comedy legend, Redd Foxx (1922-1991) charmed audiences as Sanford, the lovable, scheming protagonist of NBC's "Sanford and Son" (1972-1980), showcasing his quick wit, signature rasp, and effortless timing.

Deathyear: 1991

Jan Žižka

Jan Žižka was a Czech general and Hussite leader who played a crucial role in the Hussite Wars. He was born around 1360 and died in 1424. Žižka was known for his bravery and military genius, and is considered a national hero in the Czech Republic.

Deathyear: 1424

Trapp Family

"Werner von Trapp, the late barchan, led the renowned Trapp Family Singers. Born in Austria in 1915, he married Mary Martin's stage persona, Maria. His captivating baritone voice and gentle demeanor brought joy to countless audiences across the globe.

Deathyear: 2007

Chesty Puller

Chesty Puller, a legendary US Marine Corps general, was born in 1898. He led troops in the Banana Wars and World War II, earning numerous honors, including two Navy Crosses. His bravery and combat leadership made him a revered figure in the Marines.

Deathyear: 1971

Meriwether Lewis

Meriwether Lewis, a renowned American captain, explorer, and politician, served as the 2nd Governor of Louisiana Territory from 1806 to 1807. Born in 1774, he co-led the Lewis and Clark Expedition, mapping the western United States and opening up new trade routes.

Deathyear: 1809

Jean Cocteau

Jean Cocteau was a renowned French author, poet, and playwright. Born in 1889, he was a central figure in the Parisian avant-garde. He wrote novels, plays, and poetry, and also experimented with film, theater, and design. His works often explored themes of love, death, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1963

Casimir Pulaski

Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born cavalry officer, is considered the "Father of the American Cavalry." He fought in the American Revolutionary War, earning the respect of George Washington and George III.

Deathyear: 1779

Richard Cromwell (actor)

Richard Cromwell, born in 1910, was a talented American actor known for his versatile roles in film and television. He left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, showcasing his acting prowess in various genres throughout his career. Cromwell's legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors today.

Deathyear: 1960

Chico Marx

Chico Marx was an American comedian and actor, part of the legendary Marx Brothers, known for his quick wit, charming accent, and memorable characters in films like "Duck Soup" and "A Night at the Opera".

Deathyear: 1961

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange was a pioneering American photographer and journalist who documented the struggles of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl through her iconic photographs. Her most famous work, "Migrant Mother," is a powerful representation of human despair and resilience.

Deathyear: 1965

Alexei Leonov

Alexei Leonov was a Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to conduct a spacewalk on March 18, 1965, during the Voskhod 2 mission. Born in 1934, Leonov spent 12 days in space, breaking multiple records and paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.

Deathyear: 2019

Huldrych Zwingli

Huldrych Zwingli, a pioneering Swiss pastor and theologian, played a key role in the Reformation. Born in 1484, he emerged as a prominent figure in the reform movement, emphasizing scripture and rejecting Catholic practices, paving the way for the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland.

Deathyear: 1531

Anton Bruckner

Anton Bruckner was a renowned Austrian composer, organist, and educator, known for his symphonic masses, cantatas, and symphonies. His distinctive style, characterized by complex harmonies and rich textures, has inspired generations of composers, including Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss.

Deathyear: 1896

Pope Boniface VIII

Pope Boniface VIII (1235-1303) was the 190th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was known for his conflict with King Philip IV of France, which led to his imprisonment and eventual murder.

Deathyear: 1303

Erich Priebke

Erich Priebke was a German captain during World War II, responsible for the Ardeatine massacre, in which 335 Italian civilians and prisoners of war were killed. He was arrested in 1995 for his role in the massacre and died in Argentina in 2013 at the age of 100.

Deathyear: 2013

James Prescott Joule

James Prescott Joule, a pioneering English physicist, discovered the relationship between mechanical work and heat, laying the foundation for thermodynamics. His brewery, Joule Brewing Company, honors his legacy.

Deathyear: 1889

Richard Denning

Richard Denning was an American actor, born on March 5, 1914. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including the film serial "Perils of Pauline" and TV series "Sea Hunt," starring with Lloyd Bridges.

Deathyear: 1998

Edward Colston

Edward Colston was a prosperous English merchant and politician born in 1636. He was a significant figure in English culture, trading with the West African region, and made substantial wealth.

Deathyear: 1721

Thomas Wyatt (poet)

Thomas Wyatt (1503-1542) was a renowned English poet and diplomat, known for his passionate and introspective verse. He served as an ambassador to Charles V and Henry VIII, using his skills to navigate treacherous court politics while composing enduring poetry.

Deathyear: 1542

Bonita Granville

Bonita Granville was an American actress born in 1923. She began acting in the 1930s and gained popularity through her roles in films such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1938) and "The Getaway" (1953). She continued to act until the 1960s.

Deathyear: 1988

Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor

Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor, born in 1282, was a powerful monarch who ruled the Holy Roman Empire from 1314 to 1347. He vanquished the Luxembourg armies, secured the Mortara Pact, and crowned his son Louis in 1346. His reign marked a significant chapter in medieval history.

Deathyear: 1347

Jörg Haider

Jörg Haider (1950-2008) was an Austrian lawyer and politician who served as Governor of Carinthia from 1989 to 2008, leading the Freedom Party of Austria. Known for his anti-immigration stance and Eurosceptical views, Haider's populist rhetoric often sparked controversy.

Deathyear: 2008

Donald Dewar

Donald Dewar was a Scottish politician who served as the first First Minister of Scotland from 1999 to 2000. He played a key role in the creation of the Scottish Parliament and was a driving force behind Scotland's devolution.

Deathyear: 2000

Cory Lidle

Cory Lidle was a talented American baseball player who pitched for four teams (Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees) from 1997 to 2006. He was known for his versatility and strong arm, accumulating a 24-51 win-loss record with a 5.17 ERA.

Deathyear: 2006

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was a renowned Ottoman politician and 43rd Grand Vizier, serving from 1565 to 1579. Born in 1506, he was instrumental in establishing alliances with European powers and oversaw several military campaigns, cementing his legacy as a shrewd and capable statesman.

Deathyear: 1579

Keith Miller

Keith Miller, a renowned Australian cricketer and pilot, was born in 1919. He played 56 Test matches for Australia, taking 170 wickets and scoring over 2,000 runs. Miller also served as an RAAF pilot during World War II, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and skill.

Deathyear: 2004

Andy Stewart (musician)

Andy Stewart was a Scottish singer, songwriter, and entertainer born in 1933. With his distinctive voice and witty lyrics, he charmed audiences with hits like "Rose Tattoo" and "Donald Where's Your Trousers?" He remained a beloved figure in Scottish music and culture for over five decades.

Deathyear: 1993

María de Villota

María de Villota is a Spanish racing driver, born in 1980. She began her racing career in 2002 and won several competitions, including the European Formula Renault 2.0 series.

Deathyear: 2013

Norm Cash

Norm Cash, a legendary first baseman, played 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, clobbering 373 home runs and earning a World Series ring in 1968. Post-retirement, he transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, sharing his expertise with sports fans as a color commentator.

Deathyear: 1986

Maurice de Vlaminck

Maurice de Vlaminck was a French painter known for his expressive, emotive landscapes and still-life compositions. Born in 1876, he was a prominent figure in the Fauvist movement, characterized by bold colors and energetic brushstrokes. His works often conveyed a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion.

Deathyear: 1958

Neal Hefti

Neal Hefti was an American trumpet player and composer, born in 1922. He was a member of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and later formed his own band. Hefti is also known for his work in television and film, having composed music for numerous TV shows and movies.

Deathyear: 2008

Helmut Haller

Helmut Haller is a German former professional footballer and coach, born in 1939. As a player, he won the 1970 World Cup with West Germany. As a coach, he managed several clubs, including VfB Stuttgart and Hertha BSC. He is remembered for his technical skills and tactical awareness.

Deathyear: 2012