September 16 birthdays and deaths:

James II of England

James II of England, born James Francis Edward Stuart in 1633, was the last king of the Stuart dynasty. He ascended to the throne in 1685, following the death of his brother Charles II. His Catholicism and authoritarian rule led to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution.

Deathyear: 1701

Gabriele Amorth

Gabriele Amorth was an Italian Catholic priest and exorcist who served as the International Association of Exorcists' president. Born on May 1, 1925, he performed thousands of exorcisms, earning a reputation for his expertise and commitment to combating demonic possession.

Deathyear: 2016

Louis XVIII

Louis XVIII, the brother of King Louis XVI, ascended to the French throne in 1814 after Napoleon's abdication. Ruling from 1814 to 1824, he restored the monarchy and signed the Congress of Vienna treaties, establishing a constitutional monarchy and restoring the French monarchy.

Deathyear: 1824

Maria Callas

Maria Callas was a renowned Greek operatic soprano, celebrated for her powerful voice and dramatic intensity. Born in New York to Greek parents, she rose to fame in the 1950s, performing iconic roles in Verdi and Puccini operas, and becoming an iconic figure in 20th-century opera.

Deathyear: 1977

Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan was a visionary English singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the frontman of T. Rex. With his androgynous style and poetic lyrics, Bolan electrified the glam rock scene, churning out hits like "Get It On" and "Jeepster" before his tragic death in 1977.

Deathyear: 1977

Gérard Louis-Dreyfus

Gérard Louis-Dreyfus is a French-born American businessman, born in 1932. He is the chairman and CEO of Louis Dreyfus Group, a global conglomerate with diverse interests in agriculture, energy, shipping, and real estate. He is widely respected for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts.

Deathyear: 2016

Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget, a renowned Swiss psychologist and philosopher, pioneered developmental theory. He researched child cognitive development, proposing four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational thought. His work revolutionized educational and psychological fields.

Deathyear: 1980

Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan, born James Oliver Rigney Jr., is a renowned American author and engineer. Born in 1948, he is best known for his epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, before passing away in 2007. His work has captivated readers worldwide, earning him a lasting legacy in the world of fantasy literature.

Deathyear: 2007

Jane Powell

Jane Powell, a legendary American actress, was born Suzanne Burce in 1929. She began her career at the age of 15, starring in MGM's "A Date with Judy" (1948). Powell's sweet, wholesome persona made her a beloved Hollywood star, starring in films like "Royal Wedding" (1951) and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954).

Deathyear: 2021

Mary Travers

Mary Travers, the illustrious American folk singer-songwriter, best known as one-third of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, was born on August 9, 1936. With her powerful, soaring vocals and gentle spirit, she left an indelible mark on the music world.

Deathyear: 2009

James Gregory (actor)

James Gregory was an American actor born on December 23, 1911. He appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, including "The Untouchables" and "Beverly Hillbillies." Known for his comedic timing and sinister performances, Gregory remained active in the industry until his death in 2002.

Deathyear: 2002

Charles V of France

Charles V of France, also known as the Wise, ruled from 1364 to 1380. He was a skilled diplomat and strategist who defeated the English in the Hundred Years' War, establishing France as a major power in Europe. He promoted culture and learning, supporting the arts and sciences.

Deathyear: 1380

Patsy Swayze

Patsy Swayze was a renowned American dancer and choreographer, born in 1927. She taught dance at stages such as Broadway and Hollywood, inspiring numerous performers. Her work spanned various styles from modern to jazz, and she appears in several films.

Deathyear: 2013

Sheb Wooley

Sheb Wooley was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and producer born in 1921. He's best known for his hit song "The Purple People Eater," a 1958 rockabilly classic that reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Deathyear: 2003

Maxim Martsinkevich

Maxim Martsinkevich, also known as "Jessie", is a Russian social activist and media personality born in 1984. He rose to fame as the creator of the anti-pedophilia movement, using provocative protests to raise awareness about pedophilia and human trafficking.

Deathyear: 2020

Omar al-Mukhtar

Omar Mukhtar was a Libyan ruler and revolutionary who played a key role in the Sanussi Movement and the opposition to Italian colonial rule in Libya. He is often considered the "Lion of the Desert".

Deathyear: 1931

Arjan Singh

Arjan Singh, born in 1919, was a celebrated Indian Air Force Marshal who played a pivotal role in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. He is revered for his bravery, strategic expertise, and leadership which led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

Deathyear: 2017

Peg Entwistle

Milly (Peg) Entwistle was a British stage and screen actress born in 1908. She gained attention for her iconic role as Lea de Lonova in the 1931 film "No Limit". Her life was tragically cut short when she fell to her death from the 14th floor of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 1932.

Deathyear: 1932

Tomás de Torquemada

Tomás de Torquemada, a Dominican friar, was appointed Grand Inquisitor of Spain in 1483. He played a significant role in the Spanish Inquisition, overseeing the persecution and execution of thousands of perceived heretics, Jews, and Muslims during the 15th century.

Deathyear: 1498

Edward Albee

Edward Albee, born in 1928, was a renowned American playwright and director known for his provocative, darkly comedic works that often explored the human condition. His plays, such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", "A Delicate Balance", and "Three Tall Women", have become classics of American theater.

Deathyear: 2016

Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit

Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, a Polish-Dutch physicist and engineer, invented the thermometer in the late 17th century. Born in 1686 in Danzig, Poland, Fahrenheit designed a temperature scale with absolute zero as the reference point, revolutionizing the field of thermodynamics.

Deathyear: 1736

Víctor Jara

Víctor Jara was a renowned Chilean singer-songwriter, teacher, and theatre director. Known for his powerful voice and poignant lyrics, he penned anthems for social justice and revolution. Killed by Pinochet's regime in 1973, his legacy continues to inspire.

Deathyear: 1973

Richard Brautigan

Richard Brautigan was a prominent American writer known for his poetic and often surreal prose. He wrote novels, poetry, and short stories that often explored themes of love, nature, and the search for meaning.

Deathyear: 1984

Clive Sinclair

Clive Sinclair is a British entrepreneur and inventor, known for pioneering the personal computer industry with his ZX80 and ZX81 home computers. He also developed the Sinclair C5, a pioneering electric vehicle.

Deathyear: 2021

Norman Whitfield

Norman Whitfield was a renowned American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Motown Records. He crafted iconic hits like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "War" for artists like Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, and the Temptations.

Deathyear: 2008

McGeorge Bundy

McGeorge Bundy was a renowned American intelligence officer and diplomat. As the 6th National Security Advisor, he played a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

Deathyear: 1996

Ronald Ross

Ronald Ross, a renowned Indian-English physician and mathematician, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for his groundbreaking work on the transmission of malaria. Born in 1857, Ross made significant contributions to the field of medicine, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against the disease.

Deathyear: 1932

Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, was born in 1612 in England. She migrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 and wrote poetry inspired by her Puritan faith and life in the New World. Her most famous work is "The Tenth Muse Lately Spright."

Deathyear: 1672

Carlo Azeglio Ciampi

Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, a prominent Italian economist and politician, served as the 10th President of Italy from 1999 to 2006. Prior to that, he held the position of 49th Prime Minister of Italy from 1993 to 1994.

Deathyear: 2016

Leo Amery

Leo Amery, born in 1873, was a prominent Indian-English journalist and politician. He served as Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1924 to 1929. Known for his advocacy for Indian independence and his leadership in the Irish struggle for independence, Amery played a significant role in shaping British colonial policies.

Deathyear: 1955

Fred Quimby

Fred Quimby was an American animator and producer who directed and produced numerous animated films, including the popular MGM cartoon series "Tom and Jerry." He experimented with innovative animation techniques and won seven Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (Cartoon) during his career.

Deathyear: 1965

Gene Nelson

Gene Nelson, born in 1920, was a talented American actor, dancer, and director. He gained recognition for his impressive dance skills and versatility in films, television, and theater, having appeared in numerous productions, including the iconic movie "Oklahoma!"

Deathyear: 1996

Peter Niers

Peter Niers was a notorious German bandit who terrorized the countryside in the 16th century. With his gang, he robbed and murdered numerous travelers and villagers, earning a reputation as one of the most feared outlaws in German history.

Deathyear: 1581

Alexander Friedmann

Alexander Friedmann was a Russian physicist and mathematician born in 1888. He made significant contributions to the field of cosmology, proposing the Friedmann model of the universe, which describes the expansion of the universe.

Deathyear: 1925

Christopher Soames

Christopher Soames, a British politician and soldier, served as Governor of Southern Rhodesia from 1970 to 1975. Born in 1920, he fought in World War II and entered politics as a Conservative MP. He later served as a European Commissioner in the European Commission.

Deathyear: 1987

Pope Martin I

Pope Martin I (649-655 AD) was the 90th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was a strong advocate for monotheletism, a doctrine that emphasized a single will in Jesus Christ. He was deposed by Emperor Constans II and exiled to Crimea, where he died.

Deathyear: 655

W. P. Kinsella

W.P. Kinsella is an American novelist, born in 1935. He is best known for his novel "Shoeless Joe" (1982), which was adapted into the film "Field of Dreams". His works often blend elements of fantasy and realism, exploring themes of identity, community, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 2016

John McCormack (tenor)

John McCormack (1884-1945) was a renowned Irish tenor and actor. Born in Wexford, Ireland, he sang with impressive lyricism and emotional depth. He was particularly famous for his performances of Irish songs and operas, captivating audiences worldwide with his powerful voice.

Deathyear: 1945

Mary Stuart (1605–1607)

Mary Stuart, also known as Mary Queen of Scots, was an English-Scottish princess born in 1605. She was the daughter of King James I of England and VI of Scotland and was known for her striking beauty and tumultuous life, which included several marriages and a tumultuous reign.

Deathyear: 1607

Antipope Clement VII

Antipope Clement VII, born Giulio de' Medici, was an Italian priest and cardinal who became the Antipope from 1523 to 1534. He was a member of the powerful Medici family and was Pope Leo X's uncle.

Deathyear: 1394

Edward Whymper

Edward Whymper was a British mountaineer and explorer who made significant contributions to the development of alpine climbing. He led the first ascent of the Matterhorn's southwest ridge and reached the summit of the Matterhorn in 1865.

Deathyear: 1911

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a trailblazing Australian poet, activist, and Indigenous rights advocate. Born Kathleen Jean Mary Stuart in 1920, she adopted the name Oodgeroo and became a powerful voice for Indigenous rights, publishing poetry and advocating for recognition and respect for Aboriginal culture and people.

Deathyear: 1993