October 12 birthdays and deaths:

Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain, known as "Wilt the Stilt," was an American basketball icon, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He holds numerous NBA records, including the most points scored in a single game with 100.

Deathyear: 1999

John Denver

John Denver was a renowned American singer-songwriter and musician known for his warm, soothing voice and poignant lyrics. With hits like "Take Me Home" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders," he captivated audiences with his gentle folk-rock sound and advocacy for social and environmental causes.

Deathyear: 1997

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee, a renowned American general, was born on January 19, 1807. He graduated from West Point and served with distinction in the Mexican-American War. Lee led the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, famously surrendering to Union forces at Appomattox in 1865.

Deathyear: 1870

Matthew Shepard

Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay university student, was brutally beaten and left to die on a Wyoming road in October 1998. His murder sparked outrage and calls for greater support for LGBTQ+ rights, leading to increased awareness and anti-discrimination efforts across the United States.

Deathyear: 1998

Luis Garavito

Luis Garavito, known as "The Beast," is a Colombian serial killer convicted of murdering at least 147 boys and young men from 1992 to 1999. His motives remain unclear, but he typically targetted vulnerable individuals, often luring them with food or other incentives.

Deathyear: 2023

Conchata Ferrell

Conchata Ferrell is an American actress, born on May 24, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky. She is best known for her roles in the TV series "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Hannah Montana," as well as her recurring role as Berta on the popular CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men."

Deathyear: 2020

Nancy Spungen

Nancy Spungen was a notorious figure of the 1970s punk rock scene, known for her tumultuous relationship with Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious. Born in 1958, she was a rebellious and charismatic socialite who embodied the anarchic spirit of the era. Her tragic love story with Vicious has become legendary.

Deathyear: 1978

Dennis Ritchie

Dennis Ritchie was a prominent American computer scientist who created the C programming language. Born in 1941, Ritchie collaborated with Brian Kernighan on the development of C and Bell Labs, revolutionizing software development with his work.

Deathyear: 2011

Joan Kroc

Joan Kroc, a generous philanthropist, dedicated her life to charitable causes. With a net worth of over $1 billion, she donated millions to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Salvation Army, and the National Public Radio, among others, earning the reputation as one of the most philanthropic women in the world.

Deathyear: 2003

Audrey Mestre

Audrey Mestre is a French biologist and diver, born in 1974. She holds multiple freediving records and was the world champion in the discipline.

Deathyear: 2002

Ram Manohar Lohia

Rajendra Prasad's close colleague, Ram Manohar Lohia was a prominent Indian socialist and politician. He advocated for socialist and democratic values, opposing Indian involvement in World War II. He also opposed the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in the 1970s.

Deathyear: 1967

Edith Cavell

Edith Cavell was a compassionate English nurse who served in Belgium during World War I. Despite the danger, she helped Allied prisoners escape and smuggle them to neutral countries. Her bravery earned her execution by firing squad at age 33, sparking international outrage and reverence.

Deathyear: 1915

Gene Vincent

Gene Vincent was a pioneering American musician, best known for his role in the birth of British Rock and Roll. Born Egan Vincent Percell in Nebraska, he founded the Blue Caps and had a hit with "Be-Bop-A-Lula" before his tumultuous life was cut short by lung cancer in 1971.

Deathyear: 1971

Tom Mix

Tom Mix was a renowned American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his distinctive trick riding and fight choreography. With over 300 films to his credit, he remains one of the most iconic figures of the early Western film era.

Deathyear: 1940

Demosthenes

Demosthenes (384-322 BC) was a renowned Athenian statesman and orator who played a crucial role in Athens' independence. He led the Athenian resistance against Philip II of Macedon and spoke out against tyranny, earning him the nickname "The People's Champion" in Athenian politics.

Deathyear: -322

Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor

Maximilian II (1527-1576) reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1564 until his death. A devout Catholic, he supported reformist movements, including the Council of Trent. His tolerant policies and complex diplomacy skillfully managed his fragile empire amid the tumultuous 16th century European landscape.

Deathyear: 1576

Joan Leslie

Joan Leslie was a talented American actress, dancer, and vaudevillian born in 1925. She appeared in numerous films, including the iconic "Sergeant York" (1941), showcasing her impressive technical skills and captivating stage presence. Her extensive career spanned seven decades, earning her a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2015

Sonja Henie

Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater who won three Olympic gold medals and ten World Championships titles. She also appeared in 12 Hollywood films and was a popular figure in the 1930s and 1940s. She is considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.

Deathyear: 1969

Joseph Stilwell

Joseph W. Stilwell, born in 1883, was a US Army four-star general during World War II. He led Allied forces in China-Burma-India Theater and was known for his stubborn demeanor and controversy-filled career, earning nicknames "Vinegar Joe" and "Old Switcheroo."

Deathyear: 1946

René Lacoste

René Lacoste, a French tennis player and pioneer in the sport, co-founded the iconic brand Lacoste in 1933 with his friend André Gillier. Born in 1904, Lacoste is renowned for his innovative designs, and the iconic crocodile logo that has become synonymous with high-end fashion.

Deathyear: 1996

Inejirō Asanuma

Inejiro Asanuma was a prominent Japanese lawyer and politician, born in 1898. He served as president of the Japanese Socialist Party and was known for his progressive views and advocacy for labor rights. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1960 while giving a speech at Waseda University.

Deathyear: 1960

Dean Acheson

Dean Acheson served as the 51st United States Secretary of State from 1949 to 1953, playing a crucial role in shaping post-war American foreign policy. A former lawyer and politician, he was a key advisor to President Harry S. Truman and a driving force behind the formation of NATO.

Deathyear: 1971

Hiroshige

Hiroshige was a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist, born in 1797. His dreamy landscapes and scenes of everyday life captivated audiences. His iconic prints, such as "The 53 Stations of the Tokaido," showcased Japan's beauty, earning him recognition globally.

Deathyear: 1858

Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

Arkady Strugatsky, Russian author and translator, was born in 1925. He is best known for his science fiction and fantasy works, often co-authored with his brother Boris. Their collaborative novels, such as "Hard to Be a God", are highly acclaimed for their complex themes and philosophical depth.

Deathyear: 1991

Alf Landon

Alfred "Alf" Landon was a Republican politician who served as the 26th Governor of Kansas from 1933 to 1937. He also ran for President in 1936, but lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Landon was a philanthropist and advocate for education and conservation.

Deathyear: 1987

Johnny Olson

Johnny Olson was a legendary American radio host and game show announcer, born in 1910. He hosted various radio shows and game shows, including "To the World" and "The Price is Right," becoming a household name with his signature catchphrase "Come on down!"

Deathyear: 1985

Anatole France

Anatole France, a renowned French journalist, novelist, and poet, was born in 1844. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921. France's works often explored themes of social commentary, politics, and human nature, earning him widespread acclaim and a lasting legacy in French literature.

Deathyear: 1924

Ray Conniff

Ray Conniff (born 1916) was an American bandleader and composer who created lush, elegant charts for popular songs. Known as the "King of Easy Listening," he led big bands and orchestras, recording iconic albums and collaborating with notable artists in the 1950s and 1960s.

Deathyear: 2002

Piero della Francesca

Piero della Francesca, an Italian Renaissance polymath, excelled as painter, mathematician, and engineer. Born circa 1415, he combined art and logic, creating harmonious compositions. His works, such as 'The Flagellation of Christ,' showcase deliberate proportions and subtle angles, exemplifying his mastery of perspective and artistic insight.

Deathyear: 1492

Leon Ames

Leon Ames was a renowned American actor, born in 1902. He appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, often playing authoritative figures. His iconic roles included the father in "Billy Jack" and the suave, older gentleman in "It Happens Every Spring".

Deathyear: 1993

Peter Aufschnaiter

Peter Aufschnaiter was a renowned Austrian mountaineer, geographer, and cartographer. Born in 1899, he explored the Alps and created detailed maps of the region. His contributions to cartography and geology are still celebrated today.

Deathyear: 1973

Frederick IV of Denmark

Frederick IV, King of Denmark and Norway (1671-1730), reigned from 1699 to 1730. He oversaw significant cultural and economic growth, established the University of Copenhagen, and acquired Greenland and Iceland. His reign saw military conflicts with Sweden and Prussia, but also brought stability and prosperity to the realm.

Deathyear: 1730

C. Delores Tucker

C. Delores Tucker, born in 1927, was a prominent American activist and politician who advocated for women's rights, civil rights, and education reform. As the first African American woman to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate, she fought for social justice and equality throughout her career.

Deathyear: 2005

Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) was a pioneering Quaker prison reformer who significantly improved conditions for British prisoners, women and children. Her tireless advocacy and charitable work led to reforms in the UK penal system, earning her international recognition and a symbol of compassion and humanity.

Deathyear: 1845

Quintin Hogg, Baron Hailsham of St Marylebone

Quintin Hogg, 1st Baron Hailsham of St Marylebone, was a British academic and politician. He served as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain from 1959 to 1963 and was a prominent figure in the Conservative Party.

Deathyear: 2001

Patricia Breslin

Patricia Breslin is an American actress, born in 1931. She began her career as a child actress, appearing in films like "To Be or Not to Be" (1942) and "Intruder in the Dust" (1949).

Deathyear: 2011

Ricky Wilson (guitarist)

Ricky Wilson was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist (born 1953). He co-founded the influential new wave and punk rock band The Cars, known for hits like "Just What I Needed" and "Shake It Up."

Deathyear: 1985

Regis Toomey

Regis Toomey was a prolific American actor, born in 1898, with a career spanning over five decades. He appeared in over 100 films, including "The Crowded Street" (1945), "T-Men" (1947), and "Manhandled" (1949).

Deathyear: 1991

Carel Fabritius

Carel Fabritius (1622-1654) was a Dutch painter known for his innovative and expressive style. He is considered a master of chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects. His works, including "The Goldfinch," are regarded as some of the most beautiful and mysterious in Dutch art.

Deathyear: 1654

Jay Ward

Jay Ward, born in 1920, was an American animator, producer, and screenwriter who founded Jay Ward Productions. He is best known for creating the beloved cartoons "Crusader Rabbit" and "Rocky and Bullwinkle," as well as producing several TV shows, including "The Tom Slick Show" and "Captain Latte."

Deathyear: 1989

Roberta McCain

Roberta McCain, a renowned socialite and heiress to the oil fortune of her husband, Russell, was known for her beauty, charm, and philanthropic efforts. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 109, remembering her husband in her memoir, "Friends and Lovers."

Deathyear: 2020

Bill Shoemaker

Bill Shoemaker, a renowned American jockey, was born in 1931. With a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, he won 2,844 races, including 6 Kentucky Derbies and 17 Santa Anita Derbies.

Deathyear: 2003

Fahri Korutürk

Fahri Korutürk was a Turkish commander and politician, serving as the 6th President of Turkey from 1977 to 1980. Born in 1903, he was a seasoned military officer and diplomat before taking office.

Deathyear: 1987

Peter Wessel Zapffe

Peter Wessel Zapffe was a Norwegian physician, mountaineer, and author (1899-1995). He wrote the influential essay "The Last Messiah," which explored the human condition and the futility of individual existence, while also highlighting the beauty and insignificance of human life.

Deathyear: 1990

Kisho Kurokawa

Kisho Kurokawa was a renowned Japanese architect born in 1934. He designed the iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, a futuristic and innovative structure composed of prefabricated capsules.

Deathyear: 2007

Gillo Pontecorvo

Gillo Pontecorvo was a renowned Italian director and screenwriter, born in 1919. He gained international recognition for his powerful films, such as "Bicycle Thieves" and "The Battle of Algiers", which tackled social and political issues, showcasing his storytelling prowess and commitment to realism.

Deathyear: 2006

Sheila Florance

Sheila Florance was a renowned Australian actress, born on December 7, 1916. She gained international recognition for her iconic role as "Mulgarkan" in the popular TV series "Prisoner" (1979-1986). Throughout her career, Florance showcased her versatility in various genres, earning a place as an Australian entertainment legend.

Deathyear: 1991

Margaret E. Knight

Margaret E. Knight was a pioneering American inventor who patented the first practical paper-bag machine in 1870. Born in 1838, she revolutionized packaging with her innovative design, making her a trailblazing figure in American industry and engineering.

Deathyear: 1914

George Welch (pilot)

George Welch was a decorated American soldier and pilot who distinguished himself during World War II. Born in 1918, Welch flew F4U Corsairs with the US Marine Corps, earning 15 kills and leading his squadron in combat. He received several honors, including the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.

Deathyear: 1954

Pope Honorius I

Honorius I (610-638) was the Pope of the Catholic Church from 625 to 638 AD. He was a distant relative of the Byzantine Emperor Phocas and played a role in the Christological controversies, ultimately being accused of heresy for his statements on the nature of Christ.

Deathyear: 638