September 12 birthdays and deaths:

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was a legendary American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor known for his deep baritone voice and repertoire of songs about love, heartache, and the struggles of the common man.

Deathyear: 2003

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins was a talented American actor, singer, and director, best known for his iconic role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960). He brought a unique blend of charm and menace to his performances, earning him a loyal following and a lasting impact on the film industry.

Deathyear: 1992

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr was a renowned Canadian-American actor and director, born on May 21, 1917. He rose to fame with his roles in films like "Pearl of the Pacific" and TV shows like "Perry Mason," earning a reputation for his distinctive voice and enduring on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 1993

David Foster Wallace

David Foster Wallace was a celebrated American author known for his complex, humorous, and insightful works. Born in 1962, he wrote novels like "Infinite Jest" and "Girl with Curious Hair", and essay collections like "Consider the Lobster", exploring themes of addiction, technology, and American culture.

Deathyear: 2008

Jeremy Brett

Jeremy Brett was a renowned English actor, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the 1984-1994 Granada Television series "Sherlock Holmes." He brought depth and nuance to the iconic character, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base throughout his storied acting career.

Deathyear: 1995

Steve Biko

Steve Biko was a South African anti-apartheid activist who became a prominent figure in the fight against racial segregation. Born in 1946, he was a founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, advocating for black liberation and racial equality, until his tragic death in 1977 at the age of 31.

Deathyear: 1977

Norman Borlaug

Norman Borlaug, a renowned American agronomist and humanitarian, pioneered high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties, resulting in a significant reduction in world hunger. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, and his work continues to improve global food security and alleviate poverty.

Deathyear: 2009

Ian Paisley

Ian Paisley was a prominent Northern Irish evangelical pastor and politician. He served as First Minister of Northern Ireland from 2008 to 2009 and was the founder of the Free Presbyterian Church.

Deathyear: 2014

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher was a Prussian general who played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars. Born in 1742, he rose to prominence during the War of the Fourth Coalition and led the Allied forces to victory at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813.

Deathyear: 1819

Robert Lowell

Robert Lowell, a prominent American poet, was born in 1917. He was known for his confessional style, exploring themes of love, family, and personal struggle. His work includes "Life Studies" and "Day by Day."

Deathyear: 1977

Andronikos I Komnenos

Andronikos I Komnenos was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 1183 to 1185. A skilled military leader, he seized the throne by rebellion. Despite his military successes, his harsh rule and brutal tactics led to widespread discontent, ultimately contributing to his downfall and assassination in 1185.

Deathyear: 1185

Vasili IV of Russia

Vasili IV, the "Misrule of Moscow," was the tsar of Russia from 1606 to 1610. Orphaned at 7, he was crowned at 13. His reign was marked by poor decision-making, corruption, and internal conflicts, eventually leading to his overthrow and exile.

Deathyear: 1612

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Jean-Philippe Rameau, a prominent French composer and music theorist, was born in 1683. He was a leading figure in the development of French music, contributing to the formation of opera and ballet, and writing influential treatises on harmony and counterpoint.

Deathyear: 1764

William Boyd (actor)

William Boyd was an American actor and producer, born in 1895. He is best known for his roles in the Lucky Larkin film series and as Hopalong Cassidy, a courageous and just cowboy, starring in over 60 films, making him a household name in the American West.

Deathyear: 1972

Claude Chabrol

Claude Chabrol was a renowned French filmmaker, known for his meticulous direction and emphasis on character development. His films often explored the human condition, social class, and morality. He is considered one of the greatest French filmmakers of all time, with a cinematic career spanning over five decades.

Deathyear: 2010

Tom Ewell

Tom Ewell was an American actor, best known for his roles in the 1950s film adaptations of George Axelrod's plays, including "The Seven Year Itch" (1955) and "The Apology" (1959). He was a versatile character actor, often playing witty, affable, and charming characters.

Deathyear: 1994

Bobby Byrd

Bobby Byrd, an American singer-songwriter and producer, was born in 1934. He was a prominent figure in the development of soul and funk music.

Deathyear: 2007

John Qualen

John Qualen was a Canadian-American actor, born in 1899. He began his career on stage before transitioning to film, appearing in over 150 movies and TV shows, including "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," "Casablanca," and "Stagecoach."

Deathyear: 1987

Joe Sample

Joe Sample, a renowned American pianist and composer, was born in 1939. He was a founding member of the Crusaders, a jazz-funk band, and has released numerous albums as a solo artist.

Deathyear: 2014

Blanche of Lancaster

Blanche of Lancaster (1345/1347-1369) was a half-sister of King Henry V of England. She married John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, and was the ancestor of the Lancastrian kings through her daughter, Elizabeth.

Deathyear: 1368

Lewis Stone

Lewis Stone was a renowned American actor, born in 1879. He began his career on stage and transitioned to film, earning early fame in the 1920s. Stone went on to appear in over 120 films, including classic dramas and comedies, becoming a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 1953

Hugo Schmeisser

Hugo Schmeisser, a German engineer, born in 1884, designed and refined various weapons during World War I. He is most famous for designing and refining the StG 44, the first selective-fire assault rifle, and the MP3008, a precursor to the modern submachine gun.

Deathyear: 1953

François Guizot

François Guizot, a renowned historian and politician, served as France's 22nd Prime Minister from 1847 to 1848. Born in 1787, Guizot was a key figure in the July Monarchy and played a significant role in shaping French politics during the 19th century. His historical works are still widely studied today.

Deathyear: 1874

Ray Dolby

Ray Dolby, an American engineer and businessman, founded Dolby Laboratories in 1965, revolutionizing audio technology with his invention of noise reduction systems. His innovations, including the first noise reduction system, profoundly impacted the music and film industries, cementing his legacy as a pioneering audio engineer.

Deathyear: 2013

Stanley Turrentine

Stanley Turrentine was a renowned American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Known for his smooth, soulful tone and mastery of the tenor saxophone, Turrentine recorded over 60 albums and collaborated with legendary musicians like Lou Donaldson and Billy Eckstine. His music spanned genres from jazz to R&B and blues.

Deathyear: 2000

Ernesto Geisel

Ernesto Geisel, a decorated Brazilian general and politician, served as the 29th President of Brazil from 1974 to 1979. Born in 1907, Geisel was a key figure in the country's military government and implemented various economic and social reforms during his presidency.

Deathyear: 1996

Afonso VI of Portugal

Afonso VI of Portugal (1643-1683) was the King of Portugal from 1656 until his deposition in 1683. Despite his youth and mental health issues, he faced numerous challenges, including the Portuguese Restoration War and the War of the Reunions, and was ultimately overthrown by his half-brother Pedro II.

Deathyear: 1683

Serge Lang

Serge Lang, a renowned French-American mathematician, was born in 1927. He made significant contributions to number theory, algebraic geometry, and analysis. Lang was also a prominent author, publishing several textbooks and research papers. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.

Deathyear: 2005

Jack Kramer

Jack Kramer, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, was a dominant American tennis player in the 1940s and 1950s. He later became a renowned sportscaster, calling tennis and other sports for CBS and ABC.

Deathyear: 2009

Robert Ross (British Army officer)

Robert Ross was a British-Canadian general of Irish descent, born in 1766. He played a key role in the War of 1812 and the Burning of Washington, where his forces set fire to the White House and other government buildings in 1814.

Deathyear: 1814

Edith Windsor

Edith Windsor, a pioneering American LGBT rights activist, fought for equality through landmark court cases, including her own 2013 Supreme Court victory that struck down DOMA. A trailblazer in IT, she also spent decades as a technology manager at IBM.

Deathyear: 2017

Peter II of Aragon

Peter II of Aragon (b. 1174) was the King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona from 1196 to his death in 1213. He is remembered for his military campaigns against the Moors and his role in the Crusades.

Deathyear: 1213

Hajime Sugiyama

Hajime Sugiyama was a Japanese field marshal and politician who served as the 44th Japanese Minister of War from 1938 to 1940. Born in 1880, Sugiyama played a significant role in Japan's military expansion during World War II.

Deathyear: 1945