September 15 birthdays and deaths:

Harry Dean Stanton

Harry Dean Stanton, a stalwart of American cinema, was born in 1926. With a career spanning over 70 years, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Repo Man," "Paris, Texas," and "Big Love." Stanton's gruff, deadpan style earned him a cult following and admiration from critics.

Deathyear: 2017

Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocasek was an American musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band The Cars. With his distinctive baritone voice and quirky songwriting style, he crafted hits like "Just What I Needed" and "You Might Think."

Deathyear: 2019

Richard Wright (musician)

Richard Wright, a founding member of Pink Floyd, was a talented singer-songwriter and keyboard player, known for his distinctive voice and innovative keyboard work. His music career spanned over five decades, with the iconic songs "Comfortably Numb" and "Pigs on the Wing" among his notable contributions.

Deathyear: 2008

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a pioneering engineer, designed the iconic Great Western Railway connecting London to Bristol and the West Country. A visionary and innovator, Brunel revolutionized transportation, pioneering the use of steam locomotives and precision engineering, leaving a lasting legacy in British infrastructure development (born 1806).

Deathyear: 1859

Thomas Wolfe

Thomas Wolfe was a celebrated American novelist born in 1900. He's famous for his novel "Look Homeward, Angel", which explores themes of identity, creativity, and the American South. His literary style is characterized by vivid descriptions and complex characters, showcasing his unique storytelling voice.

Deathyear: 1938

Bill Evans

Bill Evans was a renowned American pianist and composer, known for his lyrical and introspective playing style. Born in 1929, he was a leading figure in cool jazz and had a profound influence on modern jazz piano.

Deathyear: 1980

Johnny Ramone

Johnny Ramone, co-founder and guitarist of the Ramones, was a pioneering punk rock icon. His aggressive, powerful playing style and distinctive guitar sound helped shape the genre. With iconic bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash, Ramone left a lasting impact on the music world.

Deathyear: 2004

Colin McRae

Colin McRae was a Scottish rally and racing driver, born in 1968. He won the World Rally Championship in 1995 and had a successful career in the British Touring Car Championship. He tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2007.

Deathyear: 2007

Brett Somers

Brett Somers was a talented Canadian-American actress and singer, born in 1924. She was a fixture on TV in the 1960s and 1970s, starring in films and TV shows, and was known for her charming wit and quick wit.

Deathyear: 2007

Sidney Luft

Sidney Luft was an American film producer and manager, best known for producing the films "The Harvey Girls" (1946) and "Marty" (1955), both of which earned Academy Award nominations. He was also married to actress Olivia de Havilland. Born in 1915, Luft had a successful career in Hollywood.

Deathyear: 2005

Gustaf VI Adolf

Gustaf VI Adolf was the King of Sweden from 1950 until his death in 1973. He was the uncle of King Gustaf V and was regent from 1947 to 1950. He played a significant role in modernizing Sweden's monarchy.

Deathyear: 1973

Fernando Botero

Fernando Botero, a renowned Colombian painter and sculptor, is known for his distinctive style that blends realist depictions with exaggerated forms, often featuring plump and curvaceous subjects. His work is characterized by its surreal and dreamlike quality, captivating art lovers worldwide.

Deathyear: 2023

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg

Roman von Ungern-Sternberg was an Austrian-born General of the Russian Imperial Army. Born in 1886, he fought in World War I and distinguished himself during the Russian Civil War.

Deathyear: 1921

Frances Bay

Frances Bay, born Frances Bay Fiedler in 1919, was a Canadian-American actress known for her steady stream of TV guest roles, particularly on sitcoms like "The Golden Girls," "Seinfeld," and "Lost," as well as appearances on "The Jeffersons" and "The Facts of Life."

Deathyear: 2011

John Hoyt

John Hoyt was an American actor born in 1904. He appeared in over 120 films and TV shows, including "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air" (1937) and "Days of Wine and Roses" (1962).

Deathyear: 1991

Anton Webern

Anton Webern was a renowned Austrian composer and conductor, born in 1883. He was a student of Arnold Schoenberg and was known for his pioneering work in atonality and 12-tone music.

Deathyear: 1945

Oriana Fallaci

Oriana Fallaci was a renowned Italian journalist and author known for her provocative and uncompromising views. Born in 1929, she wrote extensively on politics, history, and philosophy, earning international acclaim for her critically acclaimed books and uncompromising journalism.

Deathyear: 2006

Robert Penn Warren

Robert Penn Warren (1905-1989) was a celebrated American novelist, poet, and literary critic. He won the Pulitzer Prize twice, in fiction and poetry, and was appointed the first U.S. Poet Laureate in 1986. His works include "All the King's Men" and "Brother to Dragons".

Deathyear: 1989

John Hanning Speke

John Hanning Speke was a British soldier and explorer who led several expeditions to Africa, including the search for the source of the Nile River. He discovered Lake Victoria and was the first European to reach its shores.

Deathyear: 1864

Gunnar Nordahl

Gunnar Nordahl, a Swedish footballer and manager, scored 245 goals in 245 matches. He played for several clubs, including AC Milan, and earned 51 caps for Sweden. He was named the Swedish Footballer of the Year three times and won the European Footballer of the Year award in 1953.

Deathyear: 1995

Willy Messerschmitt

Willy Messerschmitt, a German engineer and academic, designed the iconic Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft during World War II. Born in 1898, Messerschmitt was a renowned aviation pioneer, holding over 50 patents for his innovative designs. His Bf 109 became the Luftwaffe's main fighter aircraft.

Deathyear: 1978

Geoffrey Fisher

Geoffrey Fisher, appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1945, was a renowned Anglican leader and scholar. He promoted ecumenism, improved archiepiscopal ceremonial, and wrote extensively on theology and Church history.

Deathyear: 1972

André Le Nôtre

André Le Nôtre, renowned French gardener and landscape architect, designed many iconic gardens, including the Palace of Versailles' stunning fountains and gardens. Born in 1613, he revitalized French landscape design with his elegant, symmetrical, and harmonious creations.

Deathyear: 1700

Jerry G. Bishop

Jerry G. Bishop is an American radio and television host born in 1936. He's best known for co-hosting the popular TV show "Circus of the Stars" and hosting various radio shows, showcasing his charismatic personality and wit.

Deathyear: 2013

Troy Kennedy Martin

Troy Kennedy Martin is a renowned Scottish-English screenwriter, best known for creating the iconic TV series "Edge of Darkness" and "Warship". His distinctive writing style blends gritty realism with complex characters, earning him multiple awards and a lasting impact on British television.

Deathyear: 2009

William B. Bankhead

William B. Bankhead, an Alabama lawyer and politician, served as the 47th Speaker of the US House of Representatives (1936-1940). A Democrat, he represented Alabama's 10th congressional district from 1915 until his death in 1942.

Deathyear: 1940

William Huskisson

William Huskisson, a British financier and politician, served as Secretary of State for War and the Colonies from 1823 to 1828. Born in 1770, he was a prominent figure in British politics and finance during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Deathyear: 1830

Francisco Morazán

Francisco Morazán was a Guatemalan general, lawyer, and politician who served as the President of the Central American Federation from 1827 to 1829. He fought for independence and unity in Central America, leading successful wars against Spain and Mexico.

Deathyear: 1842

Prince Nicholas Romanov

Nicholas Romanov, Prince of Russia (1922-2014), was a direct descendant of the last Russian Tsar. He lived in exile, advocating for the restoration of the Romanov dynasty and preserving Russian heritage. Despite controversies, he remained a symbol of the lost imperial era.

Deathyear: 2014