September 14 birthdays and deaths:

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze, an American actor, singer, and dancer, rose to fame with films like "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost." Known for his charmsome smile, rugged good looks, and captivating performances, Swayze left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2009

Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald is a beloved Canadian comedian and actor, best known for his sarcastic wit and iconic roles in shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "Mad TV." With a distinctive deadpan delivery, he charms audiences with his clever humor and disarming irreverence.

Deathyear: 2021

Grace Kelly

Here is 40 words about Grace Kelly: Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was a renowned American actress who traded Hollywood stardom for royal marriage. Born in 1929, Kelly won two Academy Awards for her performances in 'The Country Girl' and 'Rear Window', before departing Tinseltown for a life of luxury in Monaco.

Deathyear: 1982

Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr, third Vice President of the United States, was a charming and ambitious leader. Born in 1756, he served as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson, but his controversial personal life and disputed duel with Alexander Hamilton marred his political career.

Deathyear: 1836

William McKinley

William McKinley, 25th President of the US, was a renowned soldier, lawyer, and politician. He championed the Venezuelan crisis, annexed Hawaii, and died from an assassin's bullet in 1901.

Deathyear: 1901

Dante Alighieri

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher. He is best known for his epic poem "The Divine Comedy", which explores themes of love, morality, and redemption. His work has had a profound influence on Western literature and remains a cornerstone of Italian culture.

Deathyear: 1321

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a renowned Irish-English field marshal and politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1828 to 1830. Known for his victories against Napoleon, he played a pivotal role in shaping British history during the early 19th century.

Deathyear: 1852

Mickey Hargitay

Mickey Hargitay was a Hungarian-American bodybuilder and actor, born in Budapest in 1926. He won the Mr. Universe title twice and was a celebrity boxer before becoming an actor, appearing in several films and TV shows.

Deathyear: 2006

Isadora Duncan

Isadora Duncan was a pioneering American-Russian dancer and choreographer born in 1877. She revolutionized modern dance with her flowing, free-spirited movements, rejecting classical ballet techniques. Her innovative style blended Greek, folk, and Eastern influences, inspiring generations of dancers.

Deathyear: 1927

Henry Gibson

Henry Gibson was an American actor born in 1935. He had a prolific career in film, television, and theatre. He's best known for his roles in "Twilight Zone" and "Panic in Year Zero!". He received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in "L.A. Law".

Deathyear: 2009

John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom, a renowned Byzantine archbishop and saint, was born in 347. He was known for his eloquent preaching and theological writings. He was exiled and eventually martyred in 404, but his legacy as a defender of orthodoxy and champion of social justice endures.

Deathyear: 407

Juliet Prowse

Juliet Prowse was a talented Indian-South African actress, singer, and dancer, born in 1937. She gained worldwide recognition for her performances on Broadway and in films, showcasing her impressive dancing skills and charming stage presence.

Deathyear: 1996

LaWanda Page

LaWanda Page was a talented American actress, born in 1920, known for her iconic roles in films and TV shows, including "Sanford and Son" and "Imitation of Life". Her extensive career spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2002

Irving Thalberg

Irving Thalberg was a pioneering American screenwriter and producer in the early days of Hollywood. Born in 1899, Thalberg was a key figure in the founding of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and was known for his innovative production techniques and ability to spot talented young stars.

Deathyear: 1936

James Fenimore Cooper

Here is a 40-word bio of James Fenimore Cooper: James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851) was an American novelist, short story writer, and historian. He is known for his epic works, particularly "The Last of the Mohicans" (1826), which portrayed the struggles of Native American cultures and the American frontier.

Deathyear: 1851

Fred DeLuca

Fred DeLuca, a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founded Subway in 1965 with Dr. Peter Buck. Born in 1947, DeLuca's vision for a sandwich shop grew into a global phenomenon, revolutionizing the quick-service industry. His legacy continues to inspire innovation and growth.

Deathyear: 2015

John Harvard (clergyman)

John Harvard (1607-1638) was an English-American minister and philanthropist. He graduated from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and became a pastor in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He bequeathed his library and half his estate to Harvard University, which was later renamed in his honor.

Deathyear: 1638

Keith Floyd

Keith Floyd, the charismatic English chef and author, brought French cuisine to the masses with his enthusiasm and witty humor. His cookbooks and TV shows, such as "Floyd on France," inspired a new generation of cooks to try traditional French dishes with ease.

Deathyear: 2009

Janet Gaynor

Janet Gaynor was a pioneering American actress, born on October 6, 1906. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for "Seventh Heaven" (1927), "Sunrise" (1927), and "Street Angel" (1928).

Deathyear: 1984

Robert Wise

Robert Wise was a renowned American film director and producer, born in 1914. He is notable for directing iconic films like "West Side Story" (1961), "The Sound of Music" (1965), and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979), earning him multiple Academy Awards and a reputation as a master of his craft.

Deathyear: 2005

Mara Branković

Mara Branković (1416-1480) was a Serbian princess from the Branković noble family. She was known for her strong character and was involved in the politics of the Ottoman Empire. She was also a patron of arts and culture, supporting many poets and artists during her lifetime.

Deathyear: 1487

Bachir Gemayel

Bachir Gemayel, son of Lebanon's founder, led the Kataeb Party and Kataeb Social Movement, advocating for Maronite rights. As commander, he played a key role in the Lebanese Civil War and was assassinated in 1982.

Deathyear: 1982

Cyprian

Cyprian, a bishop and saint, was born around 200 AD. He was the bishop of Carthage and a key figure in the early Christian Church. He was martyred in 258 AD and is revered as a saint by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Deathyear: 258

Pope Adrian VI

Pope Adrian VI was a German academic and clergyman who served as the 216th Pope from 1522 to 1523. Born Ulio della Rovere in Utrecht, he was the first Dutch Pope.

Deathyear: 1523

Nur Muhammad Taraki

Nur Muhammad Taraki, a prominent Afghan journalist and politician, served as the 3rd President of Afghanistan from 1977 to 1978. Born in 1917, Taraki was a key figure in the country's communist movement and played a significant role in shaping Afghanistan's political landscape.

Deathyear: 1979

Yang Shangkun

Yang Shangkun was a Chinese politician who served as China's 4th President from 1988 to 1993. Born in 1907, he was a key figure in China's reform era, playing a crucial role in the country's economic reforms and foreign policy.

Deathyear: 1998

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a renowned American actress, born on July 29, 1920. With a career spanning over 60 years, she appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "The Cosby Show." Her powerful performances earned her an Emmy and a Tony Award nomination.

Deathyear: 2000

Augustus Pugin

Augustus Pugin, a renowned English architect and critic, designed the opulent Scarisbrick Hall (1835-1840) in Lancashire. Born in 1812, Pugin is celebrated for his iconic Gothic Revival style and innovative use of ornate decoration, exemplified in Scarisbrick Hall's stunning architecture.

Deathyear: 1852

Tomáš Masaryk

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk was a prominent Czech sociologist and politician who served as the 1st President of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935. Born in 1850, Masaryk was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and played a crucial role in shaping the country's democratic institutions.

Deathyear: 1937

Constantine V

Constantine V (718-775) was the Byzantine emperor from 741 to 775. He was known for his Iconoclastic policies, violently destroying icons and art considered pagan or idolatrous. He also strengthened the military and reformed the imperial administration, leaving a lasting impact on Byzantine politics and culture.

Deathyear: 775

Louis-Joseph de Montcalm

Louis-Joseph de Montcalm was a French general who played a significant role in the Seven Years' War. He led the French army in the North American theater, including the Battle of Quebec, where he was fatally wounded in 1759.

Deathyear: 1759

Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex

Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex, was a renowned English general and politician who played a significant role in the English Civil War. Born in 1591, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and led the Earl of Warwick's forces against King Charles I.

Deathyear: 1646

Dom Pérignon (monk)

Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk and priest, was born in 1638 and served as cellarmaster at Hautvillers Abbey in northern France. He is credited with producing the first true champagne, a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.

Deathyear: 1715

Pérez Prado

Pérez Prado (1916-present) is a renowned Cuban-Mexican musician, blending tropical rhythms with jazz and classical influences. Known for his iconic "Mambo" style, he's credited with popularizing mambo music worldwide and creating the iconic song "Guaguanco" that launched his career and made him an international sensation.

Deathyear: 1989

Cemal Gürsel

Cemal Gürsel was a Turkish general and politician who served as the 4th President of Turkey from 1957 to 1960. Born in 1895, Gürsel played a key role in Turkey's transition to a parliamentary democracy and is remembered for his efforts to modernize and strengthen the Turkish military.

Deathyear: 1966

Julie Bovasso

Julie Bovasso was an American actress and playwright, born in 1930. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and wrote several plays, including "The Slightly French" and "The Child Bride."

Deathyear: 1991

Hiram Wesley Evans

Hiram Wesley Evans, also known as "Izzy," was a fervent American Ku Klux Klan leader from 1922 to 1944. As the fifth Imperial Wizard of the KKK, he led the organization through a period of peak popularity and infamy, earning notoriety for his rabid anti-Semitism and racist ideology.

Deathyear: 1966

Garrett Hardin

Garrett Hardin is a renowned American ecologist and author known for his groundbreaking work on population dynamics and environmental degradation. His iconic essay "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968) famously illustrated the concept of overexploitation of shared resources and its disastrous consequences.

Deathyear: 2003

Giovanni Domenico Cassini

Giovanni Domenico Cassini was a renowned Italian-French mathematician, astronomer, and engineer. Born in 1625, he discovered four moons of Saturn, including Iapetus, and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and mathematics, serving as professor at the University of Bologna and later at the University of Paris.

Deathyear: 1712

Imad al-Din Zengi

Imad ad-Din Zengi was a powerful Syrian ruler who ruled Aleppo from 1128-1146. He conquered Krak des Chevaliers, reclaimed Jerusalem from the Crusaders, and united the ranks of Muslim warriors against the Christian states.

Deathyear: 1146

Wayne Morris

Wayne Morris (1914-1959) was an American actor, singer, and producer. Best known for his leading roles in films like "The Strawberry Blonde" and "Roxie Hart," Morris was a popular actor in the 1930s and 1940s, earning acclaim for his versatility and charming on-screen presence.

Deathyear: 1959

Al-Hadi

Al-Hadi was the 11th Abbasid caliph, ruling from 785 to 786 CE. Born in 764, he was a son of Harun al-Rashid and succeeded his brother Al-Harith as caliph at a young age. His reign was marked by court intrigues and power struggles, resulting in his early death.

Deathyear: 786

Emperor Sutoku

Emperor Sutoku (1119-1164) was the 81st emperor of Japan, ruling from 1123 to 1129. Despite his young age, Sutoku struggled with court politics, ultimately abdicating in favor of his nephew, Emperor Konoe. His reign is marked by turmoil and instability.

Deathyear: 1164

John Gardner (American writer)

John Gardner (1933-1982) was a prolific American novelist, essayist, and critic. Known for his literary expertise and extensive publishing credits, Gardner's notable works include novels such as "Grendel" and "October Light", as well as essays and criticism.

Deathyear: 1982

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza was an Italian-French explorer, diplomat, and founder of the French Congo. He led expeditions throughout Africa, aiming to establish French colonies. His exploits were marked by controversy over slavery and exploitation.

Deathyear: 1905

Zienia Merton

Zienia Merton is a British actress born in 1945. She is best known for her roles in the British sci-fi franchises, "Space: 1999" and "Timeslip". She's had a prolific career, appearing in over 100 productions, including television, film, and theater.

Deathyear: 2018

Charles Crichton

Charles Crichton was a prolific English director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1910. He is best known for his work on Ealing Studios' comedies, including "Dead of Night" and "The Lavender Hill Mob", showcasing his expertise in blending humor and suspense.

Deathyear: 1999