October 23 birthdays and deaths:

Yokozuna (wrestler)

Here is a 40-word bio about Yokozuna, the American professional wrestler: James "Yokozuna" Yabuki (1966-2000) was an American professional wrestler of Samoan heritage. Debuting in the WWF in 1985, he was a part of the popular Legion of Doom faction and WWF Tag Team Champions.

Deathyear: 2000

Pete Burns

Pete Burns was a flamboyant and enigmatic English singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the pop duo Dead or Alive. He was known for his distinctive voice, androgynous appearance, and unapologetic LGBTQ+ identity.

Deathyear: 2016

Marcus Junius Brutus

Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger was a Roman general and politician who played a key role in the Roman Republic's fall. He was a close friend and ally of Julius Caesar, but led the conspiracy that assassinated him in 44 BC.

Deathyear: -42

Al Jolson

Al Jolson, born Asa Yoelson, was a Lithuanian-American actor and singer born in 1886. He rose to fame in the early 20th century, starring in films and performing in vaudeville and on Broadway. His iconic performance in "The Jazz Singer" (1927) helped establish him as a cultural icon.

Deathyear: 1950

Bishan Singh Bedi

Bishan Singh Bedi is a retired Indian cricketer who played from 1966 to 1979. He was a left-arm spin bowler and a left-handed batsman, notable for his 266 wickets in 67 Test matches and 114 wickets in 10 One-Day Internationals.

Deathyear: 2023

Chulalongkorn

Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, was the fifth monarch of the Chakri dynasty and the king of Siam (Thailand) from 1868 to 1910. He implemented significant reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the transformation of the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Deathyear: 1910

Soong Mei-ling

Soong Mei-ling, also known as Madame Chiang Kai-shek, was the wife of Chiang Kai-shek and the 2nd First Lady of the Republic of China. Born in 1898, she was a prominent figure in Chinese politics, serving as a First Lady from 1949 to 1949.

Deathyear: 2003

Alvin Stardust

Alvin Stardust was a legendary English singer-songwriter and actor, born Bernard Jewry in 1942. With his distinctive voice and flamboyant style, he gained fame with hits like "My Cocaine" and "Jealous Mind," while acting in films and TV shows like "Casino Royale" and "The Sweeney."

Deathyear: 2014

Jessica Savitch

Jessica Savitch was a pioneering American journalist who anchored news programs on ABC, NBC, and CBS. Known for her assertive reporting style and charismatic on-air presence, Savitch was a trailblazer for female anchors in the 1970s and 1980s.

Deathyear: 1983

Zane Grey

Zane Grey, a prominent American author and dentist, was born in 1872. He wrote over 90 novels, primarily westerns, and was a pioneering figure in the genre. Grey's works often combined cowboy culture with themes of romance and adventure.

Deathyear: 1939

Marco Simoncelli

Marco Simoncelli was a charismatic Italian motorcycle racer born in 1987. He competed in MotoGP and won several championships. Tragically, he lost his life in a crash during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix at the age of 24, leaving a lasting impact on the racing world.

Deathyear: 2011

W. G. Grace

W. G. Grace was a renowned English cricketer and physician born on July 18, 1848. Known as the "GOAT" of cricket, he dominated the game from 1865 to 1904, setting numerous records and earning six Ashes caps.

Deathyear: 1915

Robert Lansing (actor)

Robert Lansing, born 1928, was an American actor known for his iconic roles in TV series "Twelve O'Clock High" and "It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman." His distinctive voice and expressive face brought characters to life on stage and screen.

Deathyear: 1994

Maybelle Carter

Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was a pioneering American singer and autoharp player, best known for her work with the legendary Carter Family. Her distinctive, soprano voice and innovative playing style helped shape the sound of country and bluegrass music.

Deathyear: 1978

Oskar Werner

Oskar Werner was a renowned Austrian-German actor, born in 1922. Known for his intense, expressive performances, he won international acclaim for roles in "The Third Man," "Shirley Valentine," and "Jules and Jim," showcasing his versatility and artistic range.

Deathyear: 1984

Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby

Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, was a prominent British politician and lawyer. He served as Prime Minister of the UK twice, from 1852 to 1855 and again from 1858 to 1859. He was known for his conservative views and was a key figure in 19th-century British politics.

Deathyear: 1869

William Hootkins

William Hootkins was an American actor, born in 1948. Best known for his roles in the films "History of the World, Part I" and "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope", Hootkins' screen presence and versatility made him a beloved character actor in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 2005

Adolph Green

Adolph Green was a renowned American playwright, songwriter, and actor, born in 1915. He co-wrote numerous Broadway shows, including "Funny Girl" and "Applause," collaborating with Julie Styne and Jule Styne, respectively.

Deathyear: 2002

Théophile Gautier

Théophile Gautier was a French writer, critic, and poet born in 1811. He was a prominent figure in the French Romantic movement, producing works that explored the fantastical and the unknown. His prose and verse often blended humor and irony.

Deathyear: 1872

Lim Goh Tong

Lim Goh Tong, a Malaysian-Chinese businessman, co-founded the Hong Leong Group in 1940. He rose from poverty to become one of Malaysia's wealthiest individuals, with a vast business empire, substantial philanthropic efforts, and a legacy extending far beyond his entrepreneurship.

Deathyear: 2007

John Boyd Dunlop

John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish veterinarian and inventor, founded Dunlop Rubber in 1888. Born in 1840, he developed the first practical pneumatic tire, revolutionizing transportation.

Deathyear: 1921

Jack Chick

Jack Chick (1924-2016) was an American cartoonist and publisher known for creating humorous and often irreverent comic books, including the popular "Chick tracts" series, which aimed to evangelize and proselytize through humorous, satirical, and sometimes controversial storytelling.

Deathyear: 2016

Sunil Gangopadhyay

Sunil Gangopadhyay was a prominent Indian author and poet, born in 1934. He wrote extensively in Bengali and was a celebrated figure in Indian literature. His works explored themes of love, social justice, and human relationships, earning him several awards and critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 2012

Alexander of Battenberg

Alexander of Battenberg was a German-born prince who served as a military officer in the Balkans and Russia. He inherited the Principality of Bulgaria in 1879, but abdicated in 1886 due to opposition from the church and later settled in England.

Deathyear: 1893

Stella Obasanjo

Stella Obasanjo is a Nigerian educator and politician, wife of Olusegun Obasanjo, the 10th First Lady of Nigeria. Born in 1945, she has been a strong advocate for women's rights and education, serving as a chairperson for various organizations and advocating for women's empowerment.

Deathyear: 2005

Bill Nicholson (footballer)

Bill Nicholson was a legendary English footballer, coach, and manager born in 1919. He played 67 times for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 24 goals, before becoming a pioneering manager, leading Spurs to European Cup and FA Cup victories, and introducing innovative tactics that influenced the sport.

Deathyear: 2004

Hyejong of Goryeo

Hyejong of Goryeo, the seventh king of the Goryeo dynasty, ruled from 912 to 917. He was the son of King Ganeum and Queen Kinae. During his reign, Hyejong introduced the Buddhist temple system, promoted education, and established the Goryeo royal family's ancestry.

Deathyear: 945

Lebo Mathosa

Lebo Mathosa was a South African singer and musician, best known as the lead singer of the kwaito band Boom Shaka. Born in 1977, she was a household name in South Africa and a symbol of the country's vibrant music scene.

Deathyear: 2006

Wilhelm Brasse

Wilhelm Brasse was a Polish photographer, born in 1917. He is best known for his work in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where he documented life and death among the prisoners.

Deathyear: 2012

Daniel Wildenstein

Daniel Wildenstein was a renowned French art dealer and historian, born in 1917. He was the director of Galerie Wildenstein, a leading art dealership founded by his father. Wildenstein was an expert in Impressionist and Modern art, and wrote extensively on the subject.

Deathyear: 2001

Lou Jacobi

Louis "Lou" Jacobi was a talented Canadian-American character actor born in 1913. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing irascible or eccentric characters. His notable roles include "The Anderson Tapes" and "The Jerk," showcasing his versatility and comedic timing.

Deathyear: 2009

Robert Merrill

Robert Merrill (1919-present) is an American actor and singer renowned for his powerful tenor voice. He has appeared in numerous opera and musical theater productions, including Faust, Tosca, and The Most Happy Fella.

Deathyear: 2004

Charles Demuth

Charles Demuth was a pioneering American painter and educator, known for his watercolor landscapes and still-life compositions. He was also an influential educator, teaching at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Deathyear: 1935