October 18 birthdays and deaths:

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, a visionary American engineer and businessman, revolutionized the world with his groundbreaking inventions. Born in 1847, he is credited with inventing the phonograph, a device capable of recording and playing back sound, revolutionizing music and communication forever.

Deathyear: 1931

Colin Powell

Colin Powell, a renowned American military leader and statesman, served as the 65th Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. Born in 1937, Powell became the first African American to hold the position, known for his diplomatic efforts and commitment to international cooperation.

Deathyear: 2021

Charles Babbage

Charles Babbage (1791-1871) was a British mathematician and engineer who designed the first mechanical computers, including the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine. He is considered the "father of the computer" for his pioneering work in computer science and the development of modern computers.

Deathyear: 1871

Margaret Tudor

Margaret Tudor, Queen of James IV of Scotland, was a strong-willed and ambitious woman. Born in 1489, she was an English princess and the sister of Henry VIII. She married James IV in 1503, uniting the royal families of Scotland and England.

Deathyear: 1541

Julie London

Julie London was a renowned American singer and actress known for her smooth, sultry voice and intimate piano accompaniment. Born in 1926, London released numerous jazz and pop albums, earning numerous awards and a loyal fan base for her velvety, emotive performances.

Deathyear: 2000

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was a British aristocrat and influential courtier.Born in 1660, she was the mistress and later wife of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and a trusted advisor to Queen Anne of England, serving as her lady-in-waiting and confidante.

Deathyear: 1744

Sylvia Kristel

Sylvia Kristel is a renowned Dutch model and actress, born in 1952. She rose to fame in the early 1970s, known for her striking looks and sensual performances. Kristel achieved international recognition for her iconic role as Emmanuelle in the 1974 film "Emmanuelle."

Deathyear: 2012

Gwen Verdon

Gwen Verdon was a renowned American actress, dancer, and singer who made her debut on Broadway in 1950. She won three Tony Awards for her performances in "Can-Can", "Redhead", and "Chicago", showcasing her unique talents in dance, music, and acting.

Deathyear: 2000

Lucky Dube

Lucky Dube, a South African singer-songwriter and keyboardist, was a pioneer of African roots reggae. Born in 1964, he blended traditional Zulu music with reggae, creating a unique sound that resonated with African audiences. His powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics addressing social issues made him a beloved icon.

Deathyear: 2007

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, was a prominent British politician and soldier who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1855 to 1858 and 1859 to 1865.

Deathyear: 1865

Dee Dee Warwick

Dee Dee Warwick (born 1945) is an American singer known for her powerful, soulful voice. She has released several albums and has performed with some of the biggest names in music.

Deathyear: 2008

Leo Strauss

Leo Strauss was a renowned German-American philosopher and political scientist who profoundly influenced 20th-century thought. Born in 1899, he is celebrated for his works on classical philosophy, politics, and the nature of human knowledge, inspiring philosophical debates and intellectual movements that continue to resonate today.

Deathyear: 1973

Al Lettieri

Al Lettieri was an American actor, born on August 25, 1928. He gained recognition for his roles in films like "The Godfather" and "The Getaway". His distinctive voice and authoritative presence on screen earned him a reputation as a talented and versatile actor until his passing in 1975.

Deathyear: 1975

Bess Truman

Bess Truman was the wife of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Born Bessie Margaret Woolfolk in 1885, she was the First Lady from 1945 to 1953. Known for her humility and frugality, she managed the White House with simplicity and tact during her husband's presidency.

Deathyear: 1982

Walther von Brauchitsch

Walther von Brauchitsch was a German field marshal who played a key role in World War II. He was born on October 1, 1881, and was commander-in-chief of the German Army from 1938 to 1941.

Deathyear: 1948

Ramón Mercader

Ramón Mercader, a Spanish journalist, assassinated Leon Trotsky in 1940. Born in 1914, Mercader's family had fascist ties, influencing his radicalization. He infiltrated the Hotel Saint-Jacques in Coyoacán, Mexico, where Trotsky was staying, and stabbed him with an ice pick, reportedly seeking revenge for his father's death.

Deathyear: 1978

Ludwig III of Bavaria

Ludwig III of Bavaria was the last King of Bavaria, ruling from 1913 until the final collapse of the monarchy in 1918. He was the eldest son of King Otto of Bavaria and married Princess Marie-Thérèse of Austria-Este in 1875.

Deathyear: 1921

Henry Travers

Henry Travers, born in 1874, was an Irish-American actor who appeared in over 100 films. He is best known for his iconic role as Clarence the Angel in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). Travers' gentle, wise presence on screen earned him a permanent place in cinematic history.

Deathyear: 1965

Antonio Meucci

Antonio Meucci, a pioneering Italian-American engineer, invented the precursor to the modern telephone, the "talking telegraph," in the 1840s. He also developed a communication device that allowed people to talk to each other over wires.

Deathyear: 1889

Elizabeth Arden

Renowned entrepreneur Elizabeth Arden, born Florence Nightingale Graham, founded Elizabeth Arden, Inc. in 1909, revolutionizing the cosmetics industry with her eponymous brand, offering high-quality skincare and fragrance products, earning her the nickname "The Queen of Cosmetics".

Deathyear: 1966

Alan Coren

Alan Coren (1938-2005) was a British journalist and author. He was a humorist and wit, and his writing often combined satire and irony. He was a prominent figure in British journalism, editing Punch magazine and writing for newspapers such as The Times and The Independent.

Deathyear: 2007

Andreas Baader

Andreas Baader was a German militant and activist who co-founded the Red Army Faction (RAF). He was born in 1943 and was a key figure in the German left-wing extremist movement, known for his involvement in bank robberies and other violent acts.

Deathyear: 1977

Tom Foley

Tom Foley was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1995. Born in 1929, Foley represented Washington's 5th congressional district from 1961 until his resignation in 1995.

Deathyear: 2013

Bum Phillips

Bum Phillips was a distinguished American football player and coach, born in 1923. He played for the Green Bay Packers and coached the Houston Oilers and New England Patriots, earning a Super Bowl appearance with the Oilers. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Deathyear: 2013

Santiago Ramón y Cajal

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a pioneering Spanish scientist, discovered the neuron's structure and function. His groundbreaking work revolutionized the field of neuroscience, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906.

Deathyear: 1934

Charles Gounod

Charles Gounod was a renowned French composer and educator, born in 1818. He is best known for his beautiful opera "Faust" and his beautiful hymn "Ave Maria".

Deathyear: 1893

Gudrun Ensslin

Gudrun Ensslin was a German militant leader and co-founder of the Red Army Faction (RAF). Born in 1940, she was a key figure in German left-wing terrorism in the 1970s. Her extremist views led to violent attacks and kidnappings, ultimately resulting in her death in custody in 1975.

Deathyear: 1977

S. S. Kresge

S.S. Kresge, a shrewd American businessman, founded Kmart in 1962. Born in 1867, Kresge opened his first five-and-dime store in Detroit in 1912. Kresge revolutionized discount retailing, shifting from traditional high-volume sales to a low-cost, high-volume approach.

Deathyear: 1966

Alfred Binet

Alfred Binet, a pioneering French psychologist, is best known for developing the first intelligence tests. Born in 1857, Binet championed the concept of IQ and pioneered child psychology. His work laid the foundation for modern intelligence testing and had a lasting impact on the field of psychology.

Deathyear: 1911

Pope Pius III

Pope Pius III (1439-1503) was a Bolognese noble who rose to prominence as a diplomat and military leader. He was elected pope in October 1503, but his reign was brief, lasting only 27 days, before his death from a heart attack.

Deathyear: 1503

Francis Preston Blair

Francis Preston Blair was an American journalist, politician, and editor who founded the Washington Globe newspaper. He served as Postmaster General under President Andrew Jackson and later as Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the Wilson administration.

Deathyear: 1876

Johnny Haynes

Johnny Haynes was an English-Scottish former professional footballer who played for Fulham FC from 1950 to 1970, earning 56 caps for the England national team and scoring 22 goals. He was known for his exceptional technique, vision, and shooting ability.

Deathyear: 2005

Pope Gregory XII

Pope Gregory XII (1326-1417) was an Italian priest who served as the 214th Pope of the Catholic Church from 1406 to 1415. He was a key figure in the Western Schism, mediating the Council of Pisa and ultimately declaring the resignation of the rival claimants as Pope.

Deathyear: 1417

Pierre Mendès France

Pierre Mendès France was a French lawyer and politician who served as the 143rd Prime Minister of France from 1955-1956. He was born in 1907 and was known for his liberal and internationalist views, as well as his efforts to reduce French colonial presence in Africa.

Deathyear: 1982

Mary of Hungary (governor of the Netherlands)

Mary of Hungary (1505-1558) was the daughter of King Philippe of Castile and Joanna the Mad. She served as Regent of the Habsburg Netherlands for her brother, Charles V, and later for her nephew, Philip II. Known for her administrative skills and strong personality, she played a crucial role in shaping the region's history.

Deathyear: 1558

Isaac Jogues

Isaac Jogues was a French priest, missionary, and martyr. Born in 1607, he became the Jesuit Superior for New France. Captured by the Iroquois, he was beaten, mutilated, and betrayed, eventually being tomahawked and beheaded in 1646. His sacrifice for the faith led to the conversion of many Algonquin people.

Deathyear: 1646

Viswanatha Satyanarayana

Viswanatha Satyanarayana, a renowned poet and author, was born in 1895 in Andhra Pradesh, India. He wrote critically acclaimed works in Telugu, exploring themes of nationalism, spirituality, and social reform. His poetry and plays are still widely studied and admired today.

Deathyear: 1976

Jacob Jordaens

Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678) was a renowned Flemish painter and illustrator known for his vivid portrayals of everyday life, mythology, and portraiture. His works often featured rich colors, expressive gestures, and intricate details, earning him a reputation as one of the most important Flemish painters of his time.

Deathyear: 1678

Tsuru Aoki

Tsuru Aoki was a Japanese-American actress, born in 1892, who was the first Asian actress to perform on Broadway. She was known for her versatility, performing in plays, films, and opera. Despite her success, she faced discrimination and racism, yet continued to thrive in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1961