October 8 birthdays and deaths:

Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee, a leading figure in British politics, served as Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951. A former soldier, lawyer, and Labour Party leader, he implemented significant social reforms, including the establishment of the National Health Service and the Welfare State.

Deathyear: 1967

Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce, a Democrat, served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Prior to his presidency, he was a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War and a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire.

Deathyear: 1869

John Hancock

John Hancock, a prominent American merchant and politician, was the 1st Governor of Massachusetts. Born in 1737, he was a leader during the American Revolution, famously signing the Declaration of Independence with a flourish, his large, bold signature becoming a symbol of American independence.

Deathyear: 1793

Jayaprakash Narayan

Jayaprakash Narayan, a leader of the Indian independence movement, was a charismatic figure who played a significant role in India's struggle for freedom from British rule. His ideology was based on socialism and non-violence, inspiring a generation of Indians to fight for their rights.

Deathyear: 1979

Premchand

Premchand, a renowned Indian author and screenwriter, was born in 1880. He wrote about social issues, rural life, and human struggles in his works. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Hindi literature and has been widely translated and adapted globally.

Deathyear: 1936

Willy Brandt

Willy Brandt, a lawyer and politician, served as Germany's 4th Chancellor from 1969 to 1974. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his efforts to improve East-West relations. Born in 1913, Brandt was a key figure in post-war Germany's reunification and democratization efforts.

Deathyear: 1992

Al Davis

Al Davis, the legendary owner of the Oakland Raiders, was a pioneering figure in the NFL. A player, coach, and manager, he brought three Super Bowl victories to the team before his passing in 2011.

Deathyear: 2011

Joan Hackett

Joan Hackett, a versatile American actress, enjoyed a distinguished career in film, television, and theater. Born on March 1, 1934, she excelled in both comedic and dramatic roles, gracing the screens in iconic films like "The Music Man" and "Sleeper," before her passing on December 1, 1983, at age 49.

Deathyear: 1983

Robert Berdella

Robert Berdella, known as the "Kansas City Butcher," murdered and tortured at least six men in the 1980s. He would kidnap, drug, and sexually abuse his victims before killing them. He was convicted in 1987 and died in prison in 1992.

Deathyear: 1992

Yongzheng Emperor

Yongzheng Emperor (1678-1735) was the third emperor of the Qing dynasty, ruling from 1722 to 1735. Known for his strong governance and administrative reforms, he stabilized the economy and strengthened the military, leaving a lasting legacy as a wise and effective leader.

Deathyear: 1735

Fernando Lamas

Fernando Lamas was a charismatic Argentinian-American actor and director, known for his dashing good looks and suave on-screen presence. Born in 1916, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing romantic leads and starring alongside Hollywood legends like Esther Williams and Esther Rolle.

Deathyear: 1982

Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan

Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan was the fifth Umayyad caliph, ruling from 685 to 705 CE. He centralized the caliphate, established a stable currency, and built notable architecture, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. His reign marked a significant turning point in Islamic history.

Deathyear: 705

Wendell Willkie

Wendell Willkie (1892-1944) was an American captain, lawyer, and politician who gained fame as the Republican nominee for President in 1940, challenging Franklin D. Roosevelt's bid for third term.

Deathyear: 1944

Varsha Bhosle

Varsha Bhosle (1956-) is a renowned Indian singer and journalist, known for her powerful voice and versatility in Indian classical and light music. She has also worked as a music critic and journalist, contributing to various publications.

Deathyear: 2012

Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding, a renowned English novelist and playwright, was born in 1707. He is best known for his novels, such as "Tom Jones" and "Amelia", which showcased his mastery of satire, wit, and social commentary, providing insight into 18th-century English society.

Deathyear: 1754

Whitey Ford

Whitey Ford, a legendary American professional baseball pitcher, played for the New York Yankees from 1950 to 1967. He won 236 games, including 10 World Series victories, earning 6 World Series rings, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.

Deathyear: 2020

Nigel Bruce

Nigel Bruce was a British character actor, born in 1895, best known for playing Dr. Watson opposite Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes in 14 films from 1939 to 1946. He also appeared in numerous stage plays and television shows, known for his distinctive voice and comedic timing.

Deathyear: 1953

Jim Diamond (singer)

Jim Diamond, born in 1951, was a Scottish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s with hit singles like "I Should Have Known Better" and "Young Americans". His distinctive vocals and emotive songwriting captured the hearts of many, solidifying his place in 80s pop culture.

Deathyear: 2015

Ishikawa Goemon

Ishikawa Goemon was a legendary Japanese ninja and thief of the early 17th century. Born in 1558, he was known for his cunning and bravery. He was said to have stolen from the wealthy and given to the poor, earning him a reputation as a folk hero.

Deathyear: 1594

Mikey Welsh

Mikey Welsh was an American guitarist and painter, best known as the bassist for the alternative rock band Ween. Born in 1971, Welsh's unique style blended rock, psychedelia, and folk elements. Tragically, Welsh passed away in 2011 at the age of 40.

Deathyear: 2011

Remedios Varo

Remedios Varo was a Spanish-Mexican surrealist painter known for her mystical and dreamlike works. Born in Spain in 1908, she escaped Franco's Spain and settled in Mexico City, blending European and Mexican influences in her fantastical and symbolic paintings.

Deathyear: 1963

Paul Prudhomme

Paul Prudhomme is a renowned American chef, author, and TV personality, known for his Creole and Cajun cuisine. He hosted the popular cooking show "Paul Prudhomme's Kitchen" and wrote several bestselling cookbooks, including "The Prudhomme Family Cookbook."

Deathyear: 2015

John Monash

John Monash was a renowned Australian general and engineer, born in 1865. He played a crucial role in World War I, leading the Australian Corps to victory in several battles, including the Battle of Hamel and the Battle of Le Hamel.

Deathyear: 1931

Kathleen Ferrier

Kathleen Ferrier was a renowned English soprano, known for her rich, warm voice and emotive performances. Born in 1912, she was a popular concert and opera singer, praised for her performances in works by Mozart, Handel, and Purcell.

Deathyear: 1953

Ahmet Tevfik Pasha

Ahmet Tevfik Pasha was the 292nd Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, serving from 1909 to 1918. A skilled politician, he implemented various reforms, including the introduction of Western-style education and industry, and navigated the Ottoman Empire through tumultuous times, including World War I.

Deathyear: 1936

Eric Lomax

Eric Lomax was a Scottish captain and author, best known for his debut book "The Railway Man", detailing his experiences as a prisoner of war in Thailand during World War II.

Deathyear: 2012

Filippo Lippi

Filippo Lippi was a renowned Italian artist of the Early Renaissance. Born in 1406, he was known for his elegant and lyrical style. He painted for the Medici family and was commissioned by the Catholic Church. His most famous works include "The Adoration of the Magi" and "The Birth of the Virgin".

Deathyear: 1469

Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Marilou Diaz-Abaya is a renowned Filipino film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in 1955, she is known for depicting the lives of women and the marginalized in her films, such as "Comfort Women" and "Ralf Little". She received numerous awards for her remarkable body of work.

Deathyear: 2012

Felix Salten

Felix Salten (1869-1945) was an Austrian writer, journalist, and critic. He wrote fiction, plays, and criticism, often focusing on family and social issues. He is best known for his novel "Bambi," which was adapted into a famous Disney film.

Deathyear: 1945

Gabriel Marcel

Gabriel Marcel, a renowned French philosopher, playwright, and critic, was born in 1889. He focused on existential phenomenology, exploring the human condition, and wrote numerous plays, novels, and essays, gaining international recognition for his thought-provoking ideas.

Deathyear: 1973

Phyllis Calvert

Phyllis Calvert was a renowned English actress, born in 1915, known for her iconic roles in films like "Frou-Etui" and "Blithe Spirit". With a career spanning six decades, she captivated audiences with her emotive performances and distinctive voice, earning her a legendary status in the world of cinema.

Deathyear: 2002

Gordon Welchman

Gordon Welchman was a renowned mathematician and scholar, best known for his work on cryptanalysis, specifically cracking the German Enigma code during World War II. His book "The Hut Six Story" provided valuable insights into the team's tireless efforts and innovative methods.

Deathyear: 1985

Roger Williams (pianist)

Roger Williams, born in 1924, was a renowned American pianist and composer. His innovative style and virtuosity earned him international acclaim. Williams\'s compositions, including the iconic "Piano Concerto No. 2," continue to inspire pianists worldwide. His legacy endures in the realm of classical music.

Deathyear: 2011

Paul Desmarais

Paul Desmarais was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, best known for his leadership roles at Power Corporation of Canada and Power Financial Corporation. He was a pioneer in the electrical and chemical industries and dedicated his life to philanthropy, supporting various causes and charitable organizations.

Deathyear: 2013

Philip Chevron

Philip Chevron, the talented Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in 1957, is best known for being the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Irish punk rock band The Redskins and co-founder of the Irish folk-rock band The Pogues.

Deathyear: 2013

Juan O'Donojú

Juan O'Donojú y Álvarez de Hollando was the last Spanish viceroy of New Spain, serving from 1821 to 1822. Born in 1762, O'Donojú held this position when Mexico gained independence, leading to his resignation just 12 hours after Mexico declared its independence on September 27, 1821.

Deathyear: 1821