October 15 birthdays and deaths:

Hermann Göring

Hermann Göring was a German general and politician who played a key role in the Nazi Party. He was a World War I fighter pilot, a Reichstag leader, and a high-ranking official in Nazi Germany. He was also known for his luxurious lifestyle and love of art.

Deathyear: 1946

Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai Baba of Shirdi was a 19th-century Indian guru and saint who advocated for spiritual enlightenment through devotion and selfless service. Born in 1838, he taught the importance of universal brotherhood and love, and is still revered by millions as a symbol of peace and spiritual leadership.

Deathyear: 1918

Stepan Bandera

Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist, fought for Ukraine's independence from Soviet and Nazi occupations. As a leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), he advocated for Ukrainian statehood and self-determination during World War II.

Deathyear: 1959

Paul Allen

Paul Allen, a pioneering computer scientist and entrepreneur, co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. He was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous causes, including education and cancer research.

Deathyear: 2018

Mata Hari

Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was accused of espionage and executed in 1917.

Deathyear: 1917

Thomas Sankara

Thomas Sankara, also known as "The Che Guevara of Africa," was a revolutionary leader who served as Burkina Faso's 5th President from 1983 to his assassination in 1987. He implemented radical reforms, promoting self-reliance, democracy, and social justice in Burkina Faso.

Deathyear: 1987

Carlo Gambino

Carlo Gambino was a powerful Italian-American mob boss who rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in 1902, he became the boss of the Gambino crime family in 1957 and oversaw a vast network of illegal activities, earning him the reputation as one of the most feared figures in organized crime.

Deathyear: 1976

Cole Porter

Cole Porter was a legendary American composer and songwriter, known for his witty, sophisticated, and memorable tunes. Born in 1891, Porter wrote iconic standards such as 'Anything Goes,' 'Begin the Beguine,' and 'I Get a Kick Out of You,' leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.

Deathyear: 1964

Razia Sultana

Razia Sultana, daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, became the Sultan of Delhi in 1236, following her father's death. She was the first and only female Sultan of Delhi, known for her military campaigns and administrative reforms, but her reign was cut short by her assassination in 1240.

Deathyear: 1240

Norodom Sihanouk

Norodom Sihanouk was a Cambodian politician who served as the country's King, Prime Minister, and President. A charismatic leader, he played a crucial role in Cambodian politics from the 1950s to the 2000s, navigating the country through periods of war, unrest, and economic development.

Deathyear: 2012

Tadeusz Kościuszko

Tadeusz Kościuszko was a Polish-Lithuanian general and engineer who fought for American independence and later led the Kościuszko Uprising in Poland. He designed fortifications and battleships, and his heroism and leadership inspired patriotism and freedom movements worldwide.

Deathyear: 1817

Pierre Laval

Pierre Laval, a lawyer and politician, served as the 101st Prime Minister of France from 1935 to 1936. Born in 1883, he played a significant role in shaping French politics, initially serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs before becoming Prime Minister himself. His tenure was marked by controversy.

Deathyear: 1945

Edie Adams

Edie Adams was an American actress and singer, known for her iconic film and television roles, including "Ocean's 11" and "The Elephants", as well as her jazz and pop music career. Born Edith Enke in 1927, Adams was a versatile performer who delighted audiences for decades.

Deathyear: 2008

David Amess

David Amess was a British Conservative politician, serving as MP for Southend West since 1997. Born in 1952, he was a dedicated public servant and advocate for his constituents, known for his kind and compassionate nature.

Deathyear: 2021

Raymond Poincaré

Raymond Poincaré was a French lawyer and politician who served as the 10th President of France from 1913 to 1920. A renowned statesman, he navigated France through World War I and the subsequent peace negotiations, earning the nickname "Père de la Victoire" for France's Allied victory.

Deathyear: 1934

Andreas Vesalius

Andreas Vesalius, known as the "Father of Modern Anatomy", was a renowned Belgian-Greek anatomist, physician, and author. His groundbreaking book, "De Humani Corporis Fabrica", challenged traditional wisdom and established anatomical accuracy, revolutionizing the field of anatomy in the 16th century.

Deathyear: 1564

Abu Bakr al-Razi

Rhazes, a renowned Persian polymath, was born in 864 CE. A physician, philosopher, and astronomer, he made significant contributions to medicine, philosophy, and mathematics. His medical textbook, "Al-Hawi," is considered one of the most important medical texts of its time.

Deathyear: 925

Pat O'Brien (actor)

Pat O'Brien, a legendary American actor, was born in 1899. He played iconic roles in films like "The Fighting 69th" and "Some Like It Hot." O'Brien's distinctive voice and charming on-screen presence made him a beloved Hollywood icon of the 1930s and 1940s.

Deathyear: 1983

W. Eugene Smith

W. Eugene Smith was a renowned American photojournalist, known for his intense and intimate portraits. Smith's work chronicled the human experience, capturing scenes of war, poverty, and daily life. His iconic photos, such as "Country Doctor" and "Minamata", remain powerful and enduring testimonies to his talent.

Deathyear: 1978

Delphine Seyrig

Delphine Seyrig was a renowned French actress and director, born in 1932. She gained international recognition for her roles in European art house films, including Chantal Akerman's "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" and Werner Herzog's "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser".

Deathyear: 1990

Chang Hsueh-liang

Chang Hsüeh-liang, a prominent Chinese general and warlord, led the Northeastern Army during the Chinese Civil War. He played a key role in the Mukden Incident and was known for his military prowess and diplomatic efforts, earning him the nickname "Young Marshal".

Deathyear: 2001

Johnny Sheffield

Johnny Sheffield, star of the Jungle Jim films, was born on April 11, 1931. He played Boy in the Tarzan series, earning himself the nickname "Tarzan Jr." before becoming the titular hero in Jungle Jim.

Deathyear: 2010

Suryakant Tripathi

Suryakant Tripathi "Nirala" (1896-1981) was a renowned Indian poet and author known for his lyrical and symbolic poetry. He was a prominent figure in the "Chhayavaad" movement, which emphasized the beauty of nature and the human condition, and was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1976.

Deathyear: 1961

Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg

Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg (1771-1820) was a prominent Austrian field marshal who played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars. He led the Austrian forces to victory in the Battle of Leipzig and was a key figure at the Congress of Vienna.

Deathyear: 1820

Abd al-Rahman III

Abd-al-Rahman III, born 891 CE, was the Emir of Córdoba from 912 to 929 and sixth Caliph of Córdoba from 929 to 961. He reformed the Umayyad Caliphate, reorganizing the military, education, and administration, and expanded the empire, promoting the Golden Age of Islamic Spain.

Deathyear: 961

Betty Driver

Betty Driver was a renowned English actress, singer, and author, best known for her iconic role as Ethel Lovechan in the British soap opera "Coronation Street" (1960-1982). Her elegant soprano voice and charismatic stage presence endeared her to audiences, solidifying her place in British entertainment history.

Deathyear: 2011

Kenneth D. Taylor

Here is 40-word write-up about Kenneth D. Taylor: Kenneth D. Taylor was a Canadian businessman and diplomat, born in 1934. He is best known for sheltering 90 Americans, including six U.S. servicemen, from Soviet aggression during the 1976 Canadian Embassy invasion in Cuba. Taylor was honored for his bravery and humanitarian acts.

Deathyear: 2015

Robert Herrick (poet)

Robert Herrick (1591-1674) was an English poet and Anglican priest. His poetry collection "Hesperides" showcases his witty and erotic verses. Herrick's work is characterized by its celebration of love, nature, and the fleeting nature of life.

Deathyear: 1674

Pope Urban VI

Pope Urban VI (1318-1389) was a divisive leader who sparked the Western Schism. Elected in 1378, he refused to accept his rival, Clement VII, and instead excommunicated him, leading to a bitter power struggle that would last for decades.

Deathyear: 1389

Vincent Canby

Vincent Canby was a renowned American journalist and film critic, best known for his work as the chief film critic for The New York Times and his coverage of the film industry.

Deathyear: 2000

Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji

Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji was a prolific English composer, music critic, pianist, and writer, born in 1892. Despite early fame, he withdrew from the public eye, focusing on avant-garde, complex compositions and self-publishing his work. His enormous output remains largely rediscovered and celebrated for its innovative qualities.

Deathyear: 1988

Jack Narz

Jack Narz was a beloved American game show host and announcer, born in 1922. He hosted several shows, including "Concentration" and "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing." His warm, smooth voice and witty humor endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in 20th-century television.

Deathyear: 2008

Jason Collier

Jason Collier was an American professional basketball player born in 1977. He played college ball at Georgia Tech and had a brief NBA career with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.

Deathyear: 2005

Lluís Companys

Lluís Companys was a prominent Catalan lawyer and politician who served as the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia from 1934 to 1936 and again from 1940 to 1944. He was a key figure in the Catalan independence movement and was executed in 1940 for his politcal activities.

Deathyear: 1940