October 3 birthdays and deaths:

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh was an American actress known for her iconic roles in film, including Norman Bates' shower scene victim in Psycho (1960), as well as appearances in Bye Bye Birdie and The Manchurian Candidate. She received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Deathyear: 2004

Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi, born in 1181 or 1182, was a pioneering Italian friar and saint who renounced wealth to serve the poor and preached through music and art. He founded the Franciscan Order and advocated for peace, simplicity, and compassion, earning the nickname "The Patron Saint of Animals".

Deathyear: 1226

Roddy McDowall

Roddy McDowall was a versatile English-American actor, known for his vast filmography, including roles in "Lassie Come Home", "My Friend Flicka", and the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. He was a talented character actor, cherished by audiences and critics alike.

Deathyear: 1998

Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie, a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, was born in 1912. He's known for his poignant ballads and classical folk music, and is considered one of the most influential figures in American folk music.

Deathyear: 1967

William Morris

William Morris, a renowned English author and poet, was born in 1834. He was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, and his literary works, such as "The Defence of Guenevere" and "The World of Fantasy", showcased his mastery of symbolism and fantasy.

Deathyear: 1896

Bruce Paltrow

Bruce Paltrow was a renowned American filmmaker, directing and producing numerous projects, including the critically acclaimed TV series "The White Shadow" and "Ally McBeal". He was also the father of actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Deathyear: 2002

Benjamin Orr

Benjamin Orr, born on September 8, 1947, was an American singer-songwriter and bassist. He was best known as the co-founder and bassist of the duo A Flock of Seagulls, famous for their hit single "I Ran (So Far Away)".

Deathyear: 2000

Ronnie Barker

Ronnie Barker, a talented English actor and writer, is best known for his iconic roles in the BBC comedy series "The Two Ronnies" and "Open All Hours." With a long and varied career, he made audiences laugh alongside his co-stars, earning a lasting place in British comedy history.

Deathyear: 2005

Gaius Cassius Longinus

Gaius Cassius Longinus was a Roman politician and conspirator who participated in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Born in 85 BC, he was a member of the aristocratic Cassius family and played a key role in the Roman Republic's transition to empire.

Deathyear: -42

Dub Taylor

Dub Taylor was an American actor, born in 1907, known for his prolific career in film and television. With over 300 credits, he appeared in a wide range of genres, from Westerns to sitcoms, earning the nickname "The Old Ranger."

Deathyear: 1994

Gary Gordon

Gary Gordon, born in 1960, was a US Army Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar in 2002. He sacrificed himself to save his comrades, exemplifying bravery and selflessness.

Deathyear: 1993

Elisabeth of Valois

Elisabeth of Valois, the youngest daughter of King Henry II of France, was born in 1545. Married to King Philip II of Spain at the age of 12, she became Queen of Spain and brought about a period of peace between the two nations, promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy.

Deathyear: 1568

Randy Shughart

Sergeant Randy Shughart, born in 1958, was an American soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. He selflessly sacrificed himself to save his team, earning recognition as a hero.

Deathyear: 1993

William Steig

William Steig was an American artist, best known for his whimsical and imaginative creations.

Deathyear: 2003

Zachary Scott

Zachary Scott was an American actor known for his rugged, charismatic screen presence. Born in Austin, Texas in 1914, he appeared in over 100 films, notable roles including his portrayal of Rhett Butler's cousin, Will Benteen, in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind."

Deathyear: 1965

Black Hawk (Sauk leader)

Black Hawk, a Sauk leader, born in 1767, fought to protect his people's land in Illinois against American expansion. He led the successful Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the Illini Wars, and was later defeated at the Battle of Bad Axe.

Deathyear: 1838

John Heisman

John Heisman was an American football player and coach, best known for the infamous "Heisman Trophy" award given annually to the most outstanding college football player.

Deathyear: 1936

Stefano Casiraghi

Stefano Casiraghi is an Italian-Monegasque businessman, born in 1960. As the son of late Hereditary Prince Louis II's second cousin once removed, he is a descendant of the Monegasque royal family. He has managed the family's business interests and philanthropic endeavors.

Deathyear: 1990

Gustav Stresemann

Gustav Stresemann was a German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1923 to 1925 and was a co-founder of the German People's Party. He was a Nobel laureate in 1926 for his efforts to achieve international cooperation and reduce tensions after World War I.

Deathyear: 1929

Denis Healey

Denis Healey, a British politician and soldier, served as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1970-1979. Born in 1917, he was a prominent figure in the Labour party, known for his integrity and wit, earning the nickname "Steel Eyes".

Deathyear: 2015

Myles Standish

Myles Standish was a prominent English military captain who played a key role in the early history of the Plymouth Colony. Born in 1584, he served as a privateer, participating in various naval battles, before joining the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Deathyear: 1656

Akio Morita

Akio Morita, a visionary Japanese businessman, co-founded Sony in 1946 with Masaru Ibuka. Born in 1921, Morita revolutionized the electronics industry with innovative products like the Walkman and CD players. His legacy continues to shape the consumer electronics landscape.

Deathyear: 1999

Florence Stanley

Florence Stanley was an American actress born in 1924, known for her roles in TV shows and films, including "One Day at a Time," "Thirtysomething," and "Napoleon Dynamite." She continued to work in television and film until her passing in 2003.

Deathyear: 2003

Peter Norman

Peter Norman, a renowned Australian athlete, competed at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he took bronze in the 200m sprint. Norman's achievements were overshadowed by his black power salute with African-American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, a powerful anti-racist statement that still resonates today.

Deathyear: 2006

Todd Akin

Todd Akin is an American politician and physician who served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri's 2nd congressional district from 2001 to 2013. He gained national attention for his controversial comments on rape and pregnancy during his 2012 Senate campaign against Claire McCaskill.

Deathyear: 2021

Franz Josef Strauss

Franz Josef Strauss was a prominent German politician and lieutenant in the Bavarian army. He served as Minister President of Bavaria from 1978 to 1988, known for his conservative views and anti-nuclear stance. Born in 1915, Strauss was a dominant figure in German politics throughout his life.

Deathyear: 1988

Javed Iqbal (judge, born 1924)

Javed Iqbal is a renowned Pakistani philosopher, judge, and writer. Born in 1925, he is known for his philosophical works on Sufism, Islam, and Pakistani identity. As a judge, he served on the Lahore High Court, promoting reform and justice in Pakistan.

Deathyear: 2015

Carl Nielsen

Carl Nielsen was a renowned Danish violinist, composer, and conductor. Born in 1865, he was known for his innovative and expressive compositions, including his six symphonies and concertos. He was also a versatile conductor, leading performances of his own works as well as those of other composers.

Deathyear: 1931

Elias Howe

Elias Howe, an American engineer, invented the first practical sewing machine in 1846. Born in 1819 in Spencer, Massachusetts, Howe's innovative design revolutionized the textile industry, making mass production possible. His groundbreaking invention changed the course of history for the better.

Deathyear: 1867

Dafydd ap Gruffydd

Dafydd ap Gruffydd was a Welsh prince who led the last Welsh resistance against English rule in the 13th century. Born in 1238, he was the son of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Wales.

Deathyear: 1283

Skip James

Skip James was a Mississippi blues singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1902. He was known for his eerie, falsetto voice and intricate guitar playing. His songs, such as "I'm So Glad" and "Devil Got My Woman," are considered blues classics.

Deathyear: 1969

Jeanne Eagels

Jeanne Eagels (b. 1894) was a renowned American actress known for her dramatic intensity and distinctive voice. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her powerful portrayal of Dolores opposite Clark Gable in "The Forbidden Night" (1936).

Deathyear: 1929

Jean Anouilh

Jean Anouilh (b. 1910) was a renowned French playwright and screenwriter, acclaimed for his innovative and provocative works. His plays often explored the human condition, morality, and the search for meaning, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.

Deathyear: 1987

Rembrandt Peale

Rembrandt Peale, a renowned American painter and curator, was born in 1778. He was a prominent figure in American art, known for his portraits and still-life paintings. Peale also served as the curator of the United States National Museum from 1810 to 1815.

Deathyear: 1860

Iziaslav I of Kiev

Iziaslav I of Kiev, brother of Yaroslav the Wise, was born in 1024. He ruled as Grand Prince of Kiev from 1054 to 1073, known for his military campaigns against the Pechenegs and his efforts to strengthen Kiev's trade and cultural ties with Europe.

Deathyear: 1078

Arnold Bax

Arnold Bax (1883-1953) was a prolific English composer and poet, known for his expressive and lush orchestral works. His music often featured folkloric and literary themes, showcasing his love for British culture and ancient mythologies.

Deathyear: 1953

Vince DiMaggio

Vince DiMaggio was an American professional baseball player and manager, born in 1912. He played in the major leagues for 14 seasons, primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies, and later managed in the minors.

Deathyear: 1986