October 6 birthdays and deaths:

Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen was a trailblazing guitarist, songwriter, and producer, renowned for his lightning-fast solos and innovative techniques. As founder of Van Halen, he carved a legacy of iconic songs and albums, influencing generations of musicians with his unique fusion of rock, pop, and classical styles.

Deathyear: 2020

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was a renowned American actress known for her powerful performances in films like "All About Eve," "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?," and "Jezebel." With a career spanning over six decades, she earned two Academy Awards and became an iconic figure in the world of cinema.

Deathyear: 1989

Ralphie May

Ralphie May was a renowned American stand-up comedian and actor known for his irreverent humor and Southern charm. Born in 1972, he gained fame on "Last Comic Standing" and headlined his own stand-up specials. His unique perspective and loud, boisterous stage presence endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 2017

Anwar Sadat

Anwar Sadat was a pivotal figure in Egyptian politics, serving as the country's 3rd President from 1970 until his assassination in 1981. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, Sadat promoted peace through diplomacy, signing the Camp David Accords with Israel and restoring Egypt's international reputation.

Deathyear: 1981

Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, British drummer, founded Cream with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, revolutionizing rock music with his virtuosic jazz-influenced drumming style. A true original, he continued to innovate and experiment across genres, influencing generations of musicians.

Deathyear: 2019

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, was a celebrated English poet laureate (1809-1892). He is best known for his memorial poems "Tears, Idle Tears" and "Ulysses", as well as "In Memoriam A.H.H.", a tribute to his friend Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Deathyear: 1892

Denholm Elliott

Denholm Elliott was an English actor, born on May 31, 1922. He appeared in numerous films, television, and stage productions, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in "A Room with a View" and becoming a beloved character actor of his era, particularly in the James Bond franchise.

Deathyear: 1992

Scott Wilson (actor)

Scott Wilson was an American actor, best known for his iconic roles in films like "In Cold Blood" (1967) and "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967). With a career spanning over five decades, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, earning a reputation for his versatility and genuine performances.

Deathyear: 2018

Diane Cilento

Diane Cilento was a renowned Australian actress, known for her versatility on stage and screen. Born in 1932, she debuted in the 1950s and amassed a long list of credits, including film and television roles, as well as a memoir, "An Autobiography," published in 2005.

Deathyear: 2011

William Tyndale

William Tyndale, a pioneering Protestant Bible translator, was born around 1494. He was burned at the stake in 1536 for his work, but his translation of the Bible into English set the stage for the King James Version and had a lasting impact on Christian worship.

Deathyear: 1536

Hattie Jacques

Hattie Jacques was a renowned English actress and producer, born in 1922. She gained fame for her roles in numerous British comedy films, such as "Carry On" series and "Chance of a Lifetime". Jacques was particularly known for her dominant screen presence and commanding voice.

Deathyear: 1980

Charles the Bald

Charles the Bald, Holy Roman Emperor, was born in 823. He was the King of the Franks, Emperor of the West, and King of Italy. He ruled from 881 to 887 and oversaw the Carolingian Renaissance. He also reformed the Catholic Church and promoted education and the arts.

Deathyear: 877

Montserrat Caballé

Montserrat Caballé was a celebrated Spanish soprano renowned for her powerful, golden voice and captivating stage presence. Born in 1933, she performed leading roles in iconic operas and concert halls worldwide, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career.

Deathyear: 2018

Şehzade Mustafa

Şehzade Mustafa was an Ottoman prince born in 1515, the son of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hafsa Sultan. He was the sixth son of the sultan and was known for his close relationship with his father.

Deathyear: 1553

Gorilla Monsoon

Gorilla Monsoon was a larger-than-life figure in professional wrestling and sports broadcasting. With his booming voice and charismatic personality, he excelled as a wrestler and sportscaster, entertaining millions as an executive, commentator, and occasional ring competitor.

Deathyear: 1999

Rip Taylor

Rip Taylor, a beloved American comedian and actor, born in 1931, is best known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence. He starred in numerous TV shows, films, and even hosted his own variety show, "The Rip Taylor Show" in the 1970s.

Deathyear: 2019

Richard Farnsworth

Richard Farnsworth was a talented American actor and stuntman, born in 1920. He is best known for his roles in films like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "The Farmer Takes a Wife".

Deathyear: 2000

Lawnchair Larry flight

Larry Walters, born in 1949, was an American truck driver and pilot who gained fame for his daring flight in a homemade hot air balloon, flying 2,400 feet above the ground and covering 145 miles before landing safely in a Los Angeles suburb.

Deathyear: 1993

Will Keith Kellogg

Will Keith Kellogg was an American businessman who founded the Kellogg Company in 1906. A Seventh-day Adventist, Kellogg pioneered flaked cereals, introducing Corn Flakes in 1894. His innovative approach led to the development of Breakfast Cereal, revolutionizing the way people start their day.

Deathyear: 1951

Johnny Nash

Johnny Nash is a legendary American singer-songwriter, born in 1940. He rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Stir It Up". Known for his smooth, soulful voice and eclectic blend of rock, pop, and reggae styles.

Deathyear: 2020

Charles Stewart Parnell

Charles Stewart Parnell was an Irish politician who led the Irish nationalist movement in the late 19th century. Born in 1846, Parnell was a popular advocate for Home Rule, pushing for self-government in Ireland, and was a key figure in the Irish independence movement.

Deathyear: 1891

François Cevert

François Cevert was a French professional racing driver who competed in the World Sportscar Championship and the Formula One World Championship from 1970 to 1973. He won several Grands Prix and was a member of the shadow squad for the Scuderia Ferrari team.

Deathyear: 1973

Walter Hagen

Walter Hagen, a leading American golfer, dominated the sport from the 1920s to the 1930s. With 11 major championships, including four U.S. Opens, Hagen was known for his smooth swing and charismatic personality, earning him the nickname "The Merry Mastersmith."

Deathyear: 1969

Elizabeth Bishop

Elizabeth Bishop was a renowned American poet and short-story writer. Born in 1911, she is known for her precise and evocative writing, exploring themes of nature, identity, and human relationships. Her work is celebrated for its subtlety, nuance, and emotional depth.

Deathyear: 1979

Guru Har Rai

Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) was the 7th Sikh guru, renowned for his compassionate nature, wisdom, and commitment to justice. He focused on the spiritual and charitable aspects of Sikhism, rejecting the worldly matters. He established charitable institutions and hospitals, and his legacy continues to inspire Sikhism to this day.

Deathyear: 1661

Buck O'Neil

Buck O'Neil, a pioneering baseball figure, played first base for the Kansas City Monarchs, leading the team to several championships. He also managed the Monarchs, becoming the first African American manager in professional baseball.

Deathyear: 2006

Marian Seldes

Marian Seldes was a renowned American actress with a distinguished career on stage and screen. Born in 1928, she appeared in numerous Broadway productions, earning a Tony Award and an Emmy Award throughout her illustrious career, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Deathyear: 2014

Nelson Riddle

Nelson Riddle was a renowned American composer, conductor, and bandleader, best known for his lush and sophisticated arrangements. With a career spanning over 50 years, Riddle wrote music for film, television, and stage, and collaborated with iconic vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

Deathyear: 1985

Tod Browning

Tod Browning was a pioneering filmmaker, born Charles Albert Block on July 12, 1880. He began as a circus clown before transitioning to film. Browning directed the iconic classic "Dracula" (1931) and the cult favorite "Freaks" (1932), showcasing his unique style and mastery of the macabre.

Deathyear: 1962

Bernard Berenson

Bernard Berenson (1865-1959) was a renowned American historian, art historian, and author. He was a leading authority on Renaissance art and wrote extensively on the subject. Berenson held professorships at Harvard and Oxford, and his scholarship remains influential in art historical circles.

Deathyear: 1959

Dennis Price

Dennis Price was a celebrated English actor, born in 1915. He was known for his distinctive voice and versatility in playing various roles, including villains, heroes, and comedic characters. He appeared in many notable films and television shows, earning recognition in the world of entertainment.

Deathyear: 1973

Prince Claus of the Netherlands

Prince Claus of the Netherlands, born 1926, was a Dutch diplomat and husband of Queen Beatrix. He held various positions within the government and was a accomplished linguist.

Deathyear: 2002

Gilbert Ryle

Gilbert Ryle was a prominent English philosopher and author, born in 1900. He is best known for his concept of "the ghost in the machine," which challenges the idea of a nonphysical mind or soul. Ryle's work continues to influence philosophy of mind and cognitive science.

Deathyear: 1976

Samuel of Bulgaria

Samuel, tsar of the First Bulgarian Empire, ruled from 997 to 1014 and played a significant role in the region's history. He expanded the empire's territories and fought against the Byzantine Empire before being captured and blinded in 1014.

Deathyear: 1014

Amália Rodrigues

Amália Rodrigues, Portugal's "Rainha do Fado" (Queen of Fado), was a renowned singer and actress born in 1920. Known for her powerful, emotive voice and iconic style, she defined the traditional Portuguese music genre, captivating audiences worldwide with her soulful performances and timeless charm.

Deathyear: 1999

Helmuth Koinigg

Helmuth Koinigg was an Austrian racing driver born in 1948. He competed in the 1982 Formula 1 World Championship, driving for Ensign and March teams. His highest finish was 6th at the Detroit Grand Prix.

Deathyear: 1974

Sidney Blackmer

Sidney Blackmer was an American actor known for his stage and screen work, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. He's perhaps most famous for his roles in films like "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "Rear Window" (1954), showcasing his versatility and comedic timing.

Deathyear: 1973

Johnny O'Keefe

Johnny O'Keefe, a pioneering Australian singer-songwriter, was known for his energetic stage presence and distinctive voice. Born in 1935, O'Keefe rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like "Wild One" and "My Boomerang Won't Come Back", earning him the title "The King of Rock 'n' Roll Down Under".

Deathyear: 1978

Joan II of Navarre

Joan II, daughter of Louis X of France, was Queen of Navarre from 1349 until her death in 1349. Despite her brief reign, she played a significant role in Navarrese politics, negotiating the Treaty of Ézy in 1351, which secured the succession of her son, Charles II.

Deathyear: 1349

Bruno of Cologne

Bruno of Cologne, a German monk, founded the Carthusian Order in 1084.

Deathyear: 1101

Mark Belanger

Mark Belanger was a talented American baseball player, born on June 8, 1944, known for his exceptional fielding and strong arm as the Baltimore Orioles' shortstop from 1965 to 1982, earning a reputation as one of the greatest defensive shortstops in MLB history.

Deathyear: 1998

Laxmi Mall Singhvi

Laxmi Mall Singhvi was a renowned Indian scholar, jurist, and politician. Born in 1931, he was a prominent figure in Indian politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and a Minister of State for Human Resource Development. A jurist by profession, he was also a well-regarded scholar of international law.

Deathyear: 2007

Chadli Bendjedid

Chadli Bendjedid, Algeria's third President, governed from 1979 to 1992. A colonel in the Algerian Army, he played a key role in the country's independence. Bendjedid implemented policy changes, including liberalization and democratization efforts, amidst a tumultuous period marked by the Arab-Israeli conflict and internal political strife.

Deathyear: 2012