September 23 birthdays and deaths:

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, pioneered psychoanalysis, introducing the unconscious mind and repression. His theories transformed psychology and medicine, influencing Western thought and culture. His work remains foundational in understanding human behavior, emotions, and the human psyche.

Deathyear: 1939

Padre Pio

Pio of Pietrelcina, a humble Capuchin friar, was canonized as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in 2002. Born in 1887 in Italy, he spent his life spreading devotion to the Eucharist and praying for the sick, earning him the nickname "Padre Pio" amidst his miracles and spiritual guidance.

Deathyear: 1968

Bob Fosse

Bob Fosse was a renowned American entertainer, known for his distinctive energy and seductive choreography. As a director, he brought iconic shows like "Chicago" and "Cabaret" to life, earning eight Tony Awards and two Academy Awards. His flamboyant, jazz-age style captivated audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 1987

Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda was a renowned Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician. He was a leading figure in the Spanish Civil War and later became Chile's ambassador to France. His poetic works were marked by romanticism, politics, and a passion for life.

Deathyear: 1973

Cliff Arquette

Cliff Arquette was a renowned American actor and comedian born in 1905. He gained fame for his unique character, Charlie Tuna, and appeared in numerous films and TV shows. With his nasal-toned voice, he brought humor and wit to the screen, leaving a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1974

Mary Frann

Mary Frann was an American actress born on September 27, 1943. She is best known for her role as Joanna Loudon on the TV series "Punky Brewster" and as Debra Frank on "Coach."

Deathyear: 1998

Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George, a Sliammon First Nation descendant, was a renowned Canadian actor, author, and poet. Born in 1899, he gained international recognition for his cinematic roles in "Little Big Man" (1970) and "Smoke Signals" (1998), showcasing his remarkable talent and preserving Indigenous culture through his art.

Deathyear: 1981

Snorri Sturluson

Snorri Sturluson was a renowned Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. Born in 1178, he wrote seminal works on Norse mythology and sagas, including the Prose Edda and Heimskringla. His contributions to Icelandic literature and culture are still celebrated today.

Deathyear: 1241

Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins was a prominent English writer, renowned for his suspenseful stories and novels. Born in 1824, Collins was a pioneer of the detective genre, penning iconic novels like "The Moonstone" and "The Woman in White". His works still captivate readers with their thrilling plots and memorable characters.

Deathyear: 1889

Robert Bloch

Robert Bloch was a prolific American author and screenwriter, best known for his horror fiction, including the novel "Psycho" which inspired Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same name. Born in 1917, Bloch wrote over 200 books and numerous short stories, showcasing his mastery of the macabre and suspenseful genres.

Deathyear: 1994

Vincenzo Bellini

Vincenzo Bellini was a renowned Italian composer, known for his operas, particularly "Norma" and "La Sonnambula". His melodic style, characterized by lyricism and bel canto technique, captivated audiences in 19th-century Europe.

Deathyear: 1835

Corrie Sanders

Corrie Sanders, born in 1966, is a South African former professional boxer. He held the WBO, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles at various points in his career, fighting from 1991 to 2007.

Deathyear: 2012

Charles K. Kao

Charles Kuen Kao, a Hong Kong-born British inventor, developed the first practical fiber optic communication system, revolutionizing global telecommunications. His pioneering work in fiber optics earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009, at 76, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to modern telecommunications.

Deathyear: 2018

Dayananda Saraswati (Arsha Vidya)

Dayananda Saraswati, an Indian saint, philosopher, and guru, was born in 1930. He is the founder of the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement, and is known for his efforts to revitalize and reform Hinduism.

Deathyear: 2015

Juliette Gréco

Juliette Gréco was a renowned French singer and actress, known for her sultry, husky voice and captivating stage presence. Born in 1927, she charmed audiences with her performances in films, operas, and cabarets, solidifying her status as a French cultural icon.

Deathyear: 2020

Stanislaus Zbyszko

Stanislaus Zbyszko was a legendary Polish wrestler and strongman, born in 1879. He was a renowned grappler, holding multiple titles and dominating ring competitions. Zbyszko's impressive physique and formidable strength earned him the nickname "The Mighty Polish Lion."

Deathyear: 1967

Lyman Bostock

Lyman Bostock was an American professional baseball player who played in the major leagues from 1975 to 1978. He played for the Texas Rangers, California Angels, and Minnesota Twins, known for his clutch hitting and strong defensive play at second base.

Deathyear: 1978

Gary Kurtz

Gary Kurtz is an American film producer and director, born in 1940. He is known for producing iconic films such as "American Graffiti" (1973) and "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), and is considered one of the most influential production designers in the industry.

Deathyear: 2018

Elinor Glyn

Elinor Glyn was a pioneering English author, screenwriter, and producer, known for her romantic and adventurous novels. Born in 1864, she was a prominent figure in the literary and film industries, earning the nickname "Queen of the Movies" for her influential work in the early 20th century film industry.

Deathyear: 1943

Al-Mutanabbi

Al-Mutanabbi (915-965 CE) was a renowned Arab poet, known for his mastery of rhyming couplets and social commentary. He was a powerful voice in the Abbasid Caliphate, often criticizing the ruling elite while advocating for social justice and promoting Arabic culture.

Deathyear: 965

Pavel Grachev

Pavel Grachev was a prominent Russian general and politician, serving as the 1st Minister of Defence for Russia from 1991 to 1992. Born in 1948, he played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's military reforms and leadership, shaping modern Russia's military landscape.

Deathyear: 2012

Prosper Mérimée

Prosper Mérimée was a French archaeologist and historian born in 1803. He holds a unique distinction in the field of archaeology as he was the first archaeologist to excavate the Byzantine city of Esphigmenou in Greece.

Deathyear: 1870

Malcolm Arnold

Malcolm Arnold was a renowned English trumpeter and composer, known for his virtuosic trumpet playing and symphonic compositions, including the iconic score for the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

Deathyear: 2006

William Marsh Rice

William Marsh Rice, a wealthy American businessman, founded Rice University in 1891, establishing the institution in honor of his mentor, Christian Rudolf Bond.

Deathyear: 1900

James Van Fleet

James Van Fleet was a distinguished American general born in 1892. He served in both World Wars, earning two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Van Fleet commanded the 3rd Infantry Division during World War II and the Eighth Army during the Korean War.

Deathyear: 1992

José Gervasio Artigas

José Gervasio Artigas led the defense of the Banda Oriental (now Uruguay) against Spanish and Portuguese colonization, earning him national hero status in Uruguay. He fought for independence and sovereignty, ultimately establishing the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in 1828.

Deathyear: 1850

Urbain Le Verrier

Urbain Le Verrier was a French mathematician and astronomer who predicted the existence of Neptune, a major planet, through his calculations, revolutionizing astronomy. He is also known for his work on navigation, cartography, and the study of the Moon's orbit.

Deathyear: 1877

Werner Voss

Werner Voss was a German Lieutenant and fighter pilot in World War I. Born in 1897, he flew for the Imperial German Army Air Service. Known for his exceptional skills, Voss was considered one of the greatest fighter pilots in the war, scoring 48 victories before being killed in action.

Deathyear: 1917