October 14 birthdays and deaths:

Leonard Bernstein

Here is 40 words about Leonard Bernstein: Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a renowned American pianist, composer, and conductor. He led the New York Philharmonic (1958-1969) and composed iconic works like "West Side Story" and "Candide." His charismatic performances and innovative compositions left a lasting impact on classical music.

Deathyear: 1990

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane is a Scottish actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his iconic role as Hagrid in the "Harry Potter" franchise. With a career spanning over four decades, he has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his diverse talent and charismatic presence.

Deathyear: 2022

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby, the "White Christmas" crooner, was a beloved American singer-songwriter and actor. Known for his smooth, baritone voice and iconic holiday tunes, Crosby sold over 500 million records worldwide. He won an Academy Award and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Deathyear: 1977

Errol Flynn

Errol Flynn was a charismatic Australian-American actor, singer, and producer, renowned for his swashbuckling roles in classic films like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Captain Blood." His dashing good looks and charming on-screen presence made him a beloved Hollywood icon of the 1930s and 1940s.

Deathyear: 1959

Erwin Rommel

Erwin Rommel, known as the Desert Fox, was a German field marshal during World War II. He led the Afrika Korps in North Africa, defeating British forces in several battles. His military genius and tactical skills earned him widespread respect, but he ultimately surrendered in 1943.

Deathyear: 1944

Harold Godwinson

On October 14, 1066, the Battle of Hastings took place in England, marking a pivotal moment in British history. The Norman forces led by William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon army, led by King Harold II, in a bloody and intense duel.

Deathyear: 1066

Sulli

Sulli was a talented South Korean actress, singer, and model, born in 1994. She debuted in the entertainment industry as a child actress and rose to fame as a member of the K-pop group f(x).

Deathyear: 2019

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Pena (1959-2014) was an accomplished American actress, known for her versatility in films and TV shows. She played iconic roles in "La Bamba", "Down and Out in Beverly Hills", and "Modern Family", showcasing her impressive range in comedy and drama.

Deathyear: 2014

Razia Sultana

Razia Sultana, born circa 1205, was the only female Sultan of Delhi, ruling from 1236-1240. She was a just and fair ruler, beloved by her people. Despite facing opposition from her own brother, Muizz ud-Din Muhammad, she maintained authority and ensured the empire's stability during her four-year reign.

Deathyear: 1240

Keenan Wynn

Keenan Wynn was a talented American actor, born on July 13, 1916. He debuted in the 1940s and gained fame for his distinctive voice and versatile performances in films, TV shows, and on stage, earning him a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

Deathyear: 1986

Simon MacCorkindale

Simon MacCorkindale is a renowned English actor, director, and producer, born in 1952. He's best known for his roles in TV series like "Emmerdale" and "Dynasty", as well as his work on stage and screen, showcasing his versatility and talent in the performing arts.

Deathyear: 2010

Lou Albano

Lou Albano, a legendary American professional wrestler born in 1933, is best known for his villainous character as Captain Lou Albano, a manager and wrestler who terrorized the WWF's World Wrestling Federation, thrilling fans with his charisma and infamous feuds in the 1970s and 1980s.

Deathyear: 2009

Julius Nyerere

Julius Nyerere, a renowned Tanzanian educator and politician, served as the country's first President from 1964 to 1985. He was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and is revered for his efforts to promote education, social justice, and African unity.

Deathyear: 1999

Harold Bloom

Harold Bloom is a renowned American literary critic and author, born in 1930. He is known for his provocative and influential literary critiques, which often focus on the intersections of literature, history, and culture.

Deathyear: 2019

Freddy Fender

Freddy Fender, a legendary Tejano musician, was a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1937. He rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like 'Before the Next Tejano Sunrise' and 'Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,' blending country, rock, and Mexican music styles.

Deathyear: 2006

Benoit Mandelbrot

Benoit Mandelbrot, a Polish-American mathematician and economist (b. 1924), pioneered fractal geometry, introducing the concept of self-similarity and chaos theory. His work revolutionized fields like physics, biology, and economics, earning him the 1974 Wolf Prize and cementing his legacy as a groundbreaking scientist.

Deathyear: 2010

Arlen Specter

Arlen Specter was a renowned American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1981 to 2011. Prior to his political career, he served as an aide to Senator Jacob K. Javits and was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Deathyear: 2012

Bruno Metsu

Bruno Metsu was a French professional footballer and manager, born in 1954. He played for clubs like Nantes and Olympique de Marseille before becoming a successful coach, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup with RCD Mallorca in 1999.

Deathyear: 2013

John Marshall Harlan

John Marshall Harlan, a prominent American lawyer and politician, was born in 1833. He served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky from 1855 to 1861 and as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1877 to 1911.

Deathyear: 1911

Harold Robbins

Harold Robbins was a prolific American author known for his sensational and often scandalous novels about the wealthy and glamorous. Born in 1915, Robbins wrote over 20 bestselling novels, including "The Carpetbaggers" and "The Pirate", which were translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Deathyear: 1997

Nizam al-Mulk

Nizam al-Mulk, a renowned Persian scholar and statesman, served as vizier to the Seljuk Turk sultans in the 11th century. He was a philosopher, poet, and diplomat who played a crucial role in promoting Islamic culture and peace in the region.

Deathyear: 1092

Frankie Yankovic

Frankie Yankovic, known as the "Polka King," is an American accordion player and musician. Born in 1916, he has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years with his unique style, blending traditional and modern sounds.

Deathyear: 1998

Collin Wilcox (actress)

Collin Wilcox is an American actress, born in 1935. She gained recognition for her roles in films like "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962), as well as her Emmy-nominated performance in the TV series "The Waltons" (1977).

Deathyear: 2009

Edith Evans

Edith Evans was a renowned English actress, born in 1888. Known for her distinctive voice and impeccable diction, she excelled on the stage, earning critical acclaim for her performances in Shakespearean plays and Noel Coward's works.

Deathyear: 1976

Douglas Mawson

Douglas Mawson, a renowned Australian geologist, academic, and explorer, made significant contributions to the field of geology and Antarctica exploration. Born in 1882, Mawson's expeditions and research discoveries played a crucial role in shaping Australian scientific history.

Deathyear: 1958

Edward Bruce

Edward Bruce was actually a Scottish nobleman who fought alongside his brother Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Deathyear: 1318

John Clive

John Clive was a talented English actor and author, born in 1933. He is best known for his work on Monty Python's Flying Circus, where he played various characters, and for his authorship of the Python-inspired novel "Strictly Confidential".

Deathyear: 2012

Johann Niemann

On October 14, 1943, prisoners at Sobibór Nazi concentration camp in Poland, led by Aleksander Peciak and Franciszek Zapsiel, staged a massive uprising, killing two SS guards and attempting to break free. Although the escape was largely unsuccessful, the uprising remains a symbol of the prisoners' bravery and hope.

Deathyear: 1943

Isabella, Countess of Gloucester

Isabella of Angoulême was an English noblewoman, married to King John of England. Born around 1180, she was the daughter of Aymeric Taillefer, Viscount of Angoulême.

Deathyear: 1217

Mathieu Kérékou

Mathieu Kérékou, a Beninese soldier and politician, served as President of Benin from 1972 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2006. He ruled Benin from 1972 to 1990, shifting from military to civilian politics, seeking economic growth and diversification.

Deathyear: 2015

Emil Gilels

Emil Gilels was a renowned Ukrainian-Russian pianist born in 1916. Known for his technical mastery and expressive playing style, Gilels was celebrated for his interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin. His Carnegie Hall debut in 1959 marked the beginning of a brilliant international career.

Deathyear: 1985

Gerry Studds

Gerry Studds (b. 1937) was an American educator and Democratic politician. He served as U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1973 to 1997. Notably, he was the first openly gay member of Congress.

Deathyear: 2006