October 19 birthdays and deaths:

John, King of England

John, King of England, born in 1166, was the fifth son of King Henry II. He succeeded his brother Richard the Lionheart to become the King of England in 1199. Known for his taxes, wars, and conflicts with the Church, John's reign was marked by struggles and struggles for power.

Deathyear: 1216

Ernest Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford, a renowned New Zealand-English physicist and chemist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking work on radioactivity and the atomic structure. His discovery of the proton led to the understanding of atomic nuclei, earning him the 1904 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Deathyear: 1937

Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift, the celebrated Irish satirist and essayist, was born in 1667. Noted for his scathing wit and biting satire, Swift penned masterpieces such as "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal", which critiqued societal ills and lampooned the powerful.

Deathyear: 1745

Tom Bosley

Tom Bosley was a renowned American actor, known for his iconic roles in television, film, and theater. Born in 1927, he delighted audiences as Howard Cunningham on "Happy Days" and Sandy Wise on "Murder, She Wrote." His charming performances earned him a long-lasting career in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 2010

Gig Young

Gig Young was an American actor born James Hardy Young on November 4, 1913. He appeared in over 50 films and TV shows from the 1940s to the 1970s, known for his versatility and energetic performances in films like "Tortilla Flat" and "Arsenic and Old Lace".

Deathyear: 1978

Virgil Earp

Virgil Earp was a legendary American marshal, born in 1843, who played a key role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. An ally of Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp was instrumental in maintaining law and order in Tombstone, Arizona, and later served as a mayor.

Deathyear: 1905

Marie-Thérèse, Duchess of Angoulême

Marie-Thérèse of France was the last queen of France before the French Revolution. Born in 1778, she was the eldest daughter of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. She was known for her beauty and kind heart, and her fate was deeply intertwined with the fate of the monarchy.

Deathyear: 1851

Jacqueline du Pré

Jacqueline du Pré was a British cellist celebrated for her emotive and intense performances. Known for her technical difficulties, she performed a wide range of repertoire, from Bach to Elgar. Her distinctive playing style and charming stage presence earned her international acclaim.

Deathyear: 1987

Road Warrior Hawk

Road Warrior Hawk, born Michael James Prazsky (July 24, 1957), was an American professional wrestler. He formed the iconic tag team, The Road Warriors, with Lane, dominating the AWA, NWA, and WCW. Known for their intimidating attire and moves, they thrilled audiences in the 1980s.

Deathyear: 2003

Martha Raye

Martha Raye was a beloved American actress and comedian, known for her energetic and charming stage presence. With a career spanning over 50 years, she appeared in films, TV shows, and Broadway productions, charming audiences with her wit, humor, and captivating personality.

Deathyear: 1994

Alija Izetbegović

Alia Izetbegović was a Bosniak lawyer and politician who served as the 1st President of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1990 to 1996.

Deathyear: 2003

Samora Machel

Samora Machel was a prominent Mozambican commander and politician who served as the country's first president from 1975 until his death in 1986. He played a key role in the country's fight for independence from Portugal and worked to rebuild Mozambique after the war.

Deathyear: 1986

Lázaro Cárdenas

Lázaro Cárdenas, a charismatic leader, served as the 44th President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. He nationalized the oil industry, implemented land reform, and promoted social justice, earning the respect and admiration of the Mexican people.

Deathyear: 1970

Maurice Bishop

Maurice Bishop was a prominent Aruban-Grenadian lawyer and politician. He served as the 2nd Prime Minister of Grenada from 1979 until his assassination in 1983. Bishop was a key figure in the country's revolution and is still remembered for his vision and leadership.

Deathyear: 1983

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Edna St. Vincent Millay was a renowned American poet and playwright, born in 1892. She was known for her lyrical and expressive writing style, which often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1950

Camille Claudel

Camille Claudel was a French sculptor and illustrator born in 1864. She was the muse and lover of Auguste Rodin, with whom she collaborated on several works. Her own unique style and talent were often overshadowed by her association with the famous artist.

Deathyear: 1943

Lu Xun

Lu Xun was a pioneering Chinese author and critic, known for his short stories that exposed social injustices and criticized traditional culture. His works, such as "A Madman's Diary," are considered classics of modern Chinese literature, and he is regarded as one of the most important figure in 20th-century Chinese literature.

Deathyear: 1936

Don Cherry (trumpeter)

Don Cherry, born in 1936, was a renowned American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Cherry's innovative approach to jazz, blending elements of world music, earned him critical acclaim. His work with the Modern Jazz Quartet and later, his unique compositions, left a lasting impact on the genre.

Deathyear: 1995

Plutarco Elías Calles

Plutarco Elías Calles was a prominent Mexican general and politician who served as the 40th President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928. Born in Sonora in 1877, Calles played a key role in the Mexican Revolution and was a key figure in shaping Mexico's modern politics.

Deathyear: 1945

Atsushi Sakurai

Atsushi Sakurai is the enigmatic lead vocalist of the iconic Japanese rock band Buck-Tick. Born in 1966, he is known for his powerful and emotive voice, as well as his captivating stage presence.

Deathyear: 2023

Howard Unruh

Howard Unruh was an American serial killer who murdered 13 people in 18 minutes in 1949. Born in 1921, Unruh, who suffered from schizophrenia, went on a shooting rampage through his neighborhood in Camden, New Jersey, killing 13 innocent people, including women and children.

Deathyear: 2009

Joseph Wiseman

Joseph Wiseman, a Canadian-American actor, was born on August 3, 1918. He gained fame for his iconic roles in films such as "Dr. No" (1962) and "The Untouchables" (1959), showcasing his acting versatility and marking his legacy in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2009

Mike Graham (wrestler)

Mike Graham was an American professional wrestler, born in 1951. He wrestled for various promotions, including the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), earning a reputation for his technical grappling skills and charismatic promo work.

Deathyear: 2012

Son House

Son House was a legendary American singer and guitarist born in 1902 in Mississippi. He was a prominent figures in Delta blues, known for his soulful singing and intricate guitar playing. House's music was rediscovered in the 1960s, earning him widespread acclaim and inspiring many blues musicians.

Deathyear: 1988

Noel Harrison

Noel Harrison, a talented English singer, actor, and skier, was born in 1934. He was best known for his hit song "The Windmills of Your Mind" and his role as the son of actor Rex Harrison in the musical "Flower Girl."

Deathyear: 2013

Jack Angel

Jack Angel is a veteran voice actor born in 1930. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he has lent his voice to numerous animated shows and films, including Futurama, Star Trek: Voyager, and The Simpsons, as well as various video games and commercials.

Deathyear: 2021

N. C. Wyeth

N.C. Wyeth, a prominent American painter and illustrator, was born in 1882. He is known for his bold and decorative style, as seen in his illustrations for classic children's books and his iconic canvases of American history and mythology.

Deathyear: 1945

Luís I of Portugal

Luís I of Portugal (1838-1889) was the King of Portugal from 1861 until his death. He reigned during a period of relative stability and modernization, overseeing the establishment of the Porto Cathedral and supporting the reconstruction of Lisbon after a devastating earthquake.

Deathyear: 1889

Józef Poniatowski

Józef Antoni Poniatowski was a Polish general who fought in several major conflicts, including the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his bravery and military genius, and was a key figure in the Polish struggle for independence.

Deathyear: 1813

Thomas Browne

Thomas Browne (1605-1682) was a renowned English physician, author, and polymath. He wrote influential works on medicine, philosophy, and theology, including "Religio Medici" and "Hydrotaphia," showcasing his erudite and curious nature.

Deathyear: 1682

Lincoln Alexander

Lincoln Alexander, a trailblazing Canadian lawyer, politician, and senator, served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991. He was born in 1922 and embodied integrity, wisdom, and dedication, earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Canadian society.

Deathyear: 2012

George Pullman

George Pullman was a pioneering American engineer and businessman who founded the Pullman Company in 1865. He revolutionized railroad sleeping cars, introducing luxurious accommodations and innovative designs. Born in 1831, Pullman's legacy transformed passenger travel and cemented his place in American industrial history.

Deathyear: 1897

Edward S. Curtis

Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952) was a renowned American ethnologist and photographer who spent over 20 years documenting Indigenous cultures across North America. His iconic, large-format photographs and writings preserve the histories and traditions of Native American communities, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Native American life.

Deathyear: 1952

Glen Buxton

Glen Buxton was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the rock band Alice Cooper. Born in 1947, Buxton's unique guitar playing and songwriting skills contributed to the band's distinctive sound and theatrical live performances.

Deathyear: 1997

Phyllis Kirk

Phyllis Kirk was an American actress born in 1927, best known for her starring role as Helen Koch in the film "Blackboard Jungle" (1955) and her recurring appearances as Elsa Lila on the TV series "Bewitched" (1964-1972).

Deathyear: 2006

Jerzy Popiełuszko

Jerzy Popiełuszko was a Polish Catholic priest and activist who advocated for workers' rights and human rights. Imprisoned and tortured by the communist regime, he was murdered in 1984, sparking widespread protests and contributing to the eventual collapse of communism in Poland.

Deathyear: 1984

Godfrey Kneller

Godfrey Kneller was a renowned German-English portrait painter, born in 1646. He was a prominent court artist, renowned for his elegant and sophisticated style. He received numerous royal commissions and painted many prominent figures of his time, including King William III and Queen Mary II.

Deathyear: 1723

Jacobus Arminius

Jacobus Arminius was a Dutch Reformed theologian born in 1560. He was a professor at the University of Leiden and developed his theological views, which stressed the sovereignty of God and the freedom of human will. His followers, known as Arminians, believed in conditional election and human responsibility.

Deathyear: 1609

Raphael Ravenscroft

Raphael Ravenscroft is a renowned English saxophonist and composer, born in 1954. He is best known for his iconic solo on Pablo Cruise's 1977 hit "Mississippi," popularized by BBC Radio 1.

Deathyear: 2014

John Holt (singer)

John Holt is a legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter, known for his smooth, soulful voice and poignant lyrics. With a career spanning over four decades, he has influenced many reggae and dancehall artists, and is considered one of the most important figures in Jamaican music.

Deathyear: 2014

Dele Giwa

Dele Giwa was a Nigerian journalist and human rights advocate born in 1947. He co-founded the magazine Newswatch, which was known for its investigative reporting. He also founded the human rights organization, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights.

Deathyear: 1986

Richard Blackwell

Richard Blackwell, a trailblazing TV personality, was a pioneering actor, fashion designer, and critic. Born in 1922, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his iconic "10 Worst Dressed" lists and "Julianne Travers" alter ego on The Today Show.

Deathyear: 2008

Magnus Pyke

Magnus Pyke was a charismatic English scientist and television host. Born in 1908, he presented several popular science programs, including "Cook Like a Professor" and "The Magnificent Four". Known for his enthusiasm and humor, Pyke made science accessible and entertaining for a broad audience.

Deathyear: 1992

Yusuf I of Granada

Yusuf I, also known as Yusuf ibn Umar, was the Sultan of the Nasrid dynasty of Granada from 1333 to 1354. He is notable for rebuilding the Alhambra palace complex and implementing reforms to strengthen the kingdom's economy and military.

Deathyear: 1354

Deborah Orr

Deborah Orr, a renowned Scottish journalist, was born in 1962. She began her career at the Dundee Evening Telegraph and later wrote for The Guardian, The Observer, and the Independent. A prominent voice in Scottish journalism, Orr's writing often focused on social justice and politics.

Deathyear: 2019