September 29 birthdays and deaths:

Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis, born Jerome Weisfeld, was a renowned American actor, born in 1925. He rose to fame in the 1950s and '60s, starring in iconic films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Spartacus," showcasing his versatility and charm.

Deathyear: 2010

Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy was a trailblazing Australian-American singer, actress, and activist, known for her powerful voice and iconic song "I Am Woman." With her music and platform, she advocated for women's rights and LGBTQ+ awareness, leaving a lasting impact on the music and entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2020

W. H. Auden

W.H. Auden was a renowned English-American poet, playwright, and critic born in 1907. He is best known for his lyrical and intellectual poetry, exploring themes of love, morality, and existentialism. Auden's work is celebrated for its complexity, nuance, and wit.

Deathyear: 1973

Charles Addams

Charles Addams, the macabre cartoonist, delighted audiences with his darkly comedic illustrations, particularly his creations for The New Yorker and his famous Addams Family series, exploring the intricacies of eccentric characters, death, and the surreal.

Deathyear: 1988

Henry Ford II

Henry Ford II, grandson of Henry Ford, headed the Ford Motor Company from 1945-1960. As CEO, he led the company's post-war recovery, establishing the Lincoln Mercury Division and expanding global operations, cementing Ford's position as a leading automaker.

Deathyear: 1987

Émile Zola

Émile Zola was a renowned French writer, journalist, and playwright, born in 1840. He founded the literary magazine Les Soirées de Médan, and is known for his naturalist works, such as "Germinal" and "Nana", which often tackle social and political issues.

Deathyear: 1902

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein, a pioneering American pop artist, created bold and colorful works blending comic book imagery with abstract expressionism. His works, like "Drowning Girl" (1963), critique modern life's superficiality and commentary on the human condition.

Deathyear: 1997

Greg Giraldo

Greg Giraldo (1965-2010) was a talented American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his biting wit and satire. He appeared on numerous TV shows and released several comedy albums, earning him a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 2010

Madalyn Murray O'Hair

Madalyn Murray O'Hair was a pioneering American atheist and activist who sparked a national controversy by successfully challenging the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools, paving the way for expanded religious freedom and secularism in American society.

Deathyear: 1995

Francisco Macías Nguema

Francisco Macías Nguema was the 1st President of Equatorial Guinea from 1968 to 1979, known for his brutal regime, human rights abuses, and forced labor camps. He was executed in 1979 by his successor, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Deathyear: 1979

Bill Shankly

Bill Shankly was a Scottish footballer and manager who led Liverpool to unparalleled success, winning three League Championships, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup. Known for his passion, tactical genius, and humorous wit, Shankly is still revered as a legend of the sport.

Deathyear: 1981

Rudolf Diesel

Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer and inventor, patented the diesel engine in 1892. Born in 1858, Diesel's innovative design revolutionized the world of transportation and industry.

Deathyear: 1913

Ilya Repin

Ilya Repin (1844-1930) was a renowned Ukrainian-Russian painter and illustrator, known for his realist and impressionist works that often depicted Russian folk life and historical scenes. His masterpiece, "Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan", is a testament to his skill and artistic vision.

Deathyear: 1930

Tom Alter

Tom Alter, a celebrated Indian film and television actor, was born on June 3, 1950. With a distinctive voice and versatility, he excelled in over 500 films and TV shows, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award.

Deathyear: 2017

Lois Maxwell

Lois Maxwell was a Canadian actress born in 1927, best known for playing Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film series. With a long and distinguished career, she appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.

Deathyear: 2007

Nguyễn Văn Thiệu

Nguyễn Văn Thiệu served as the 2nd President of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1975. A decorated military officer, he played a key role in the Vietnam War, implementing policies to counter communist insurgency and maintain American support.

Deathyear: 2001

Miriam Defensor Santiago

Miriam Defensor Santiago is a Filipina politician and jurist who served as a senator and chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Known for her tough investigations, she was a prominent figure in Philippine politics, advocating for good governance and transparency.

Deathyear: 2016

Casey Stengel

Casey Stengel, a charismatic and colorful figure, played 14 seasons in the major leagues before piloting the New York Yankees to 10 World Series titles as their manager from 1949 to 1960. Known for his wit and folksy humor, he earned the nickname "Old Finn Crinklepants."

Deathyear: 1975

S. N. Goenka

S. N. Goenka was a prominent Indian teacher of Vipassanā meditation, known for his ability to make the complex meditation techniques accessible to Westerners.

Deathyear: 2013

Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the current Emir of Kuwait, ruling since 2006. Born in 1929, he is the 15th ruler of Kuwait, known for his efforts to modernize the country while maintaining its rich history and culture.

Deathyear: 2020

Michael A. Monsoor

Michael A. Monsoor was a U.S. Navy SEAL who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions in Ramadi, Iraq on September 29, 2006. He sacrificed his life to save his comrades, exemplifying extraordinary heroism and selflessness.

Deathyear: 2006

Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers was a renowned American writer, known for her poignant and introspective works that explored themes of human relationships, loneliness, and mortality. Her novels, plays, and essays are celebrated for their lyrical prose and nuanced portrayals of the human experience.

Deathyear: 1967

Lothair I

Lothair I, born in 795, was the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire from 843 to 855. He was the grandson of Charlemagne and inherited the western third of the empire. Lothair I's reign saw a significant reduction in the empire's power and territorial integrity.

Deathyear: 855

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, a renowned American artist, is celebrated for his captivating marine and figurative paintings. He mastered engravings and illustrations, too. His works often depicted scenes of everyday life, rugged landscapes, and the ocean's majesty. Homer's contributions to American art led to his esteemed reputation in the art world.

Deathyear: 1910

Edward Everett Horton

Edward Everett Horton was a renowned American actor, born in 1886. He had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, appearing in over 200 productions, including the iconic comedy "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1908) and "Topper" (1937).

Deathyear: 1970

Sylvia Robinson

Sylvia Robinson was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and producer, known for hits like "Pillow Talk" and "It's Mine". As a songwriter, she crafted hits for Percy Sledge, The Shangri-Las, and others. Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and industry pioneer has been recognized by the R&B industry.

Deathyear: 2011

Lorenzo Ruiz

Lorenzo Ruiz was a Filipino martyr and saint born in 1600. He was a layman who was arrested and sentenced to death by beheading in 1637 for his Christian faith. He was beatified in 1981 and canonized as a saint in 2016.

Deathyear: 1637

William McGonagall

William McGonagall, a Scottish poet and actor, was notorious for his dreadful verse and wooden performances. Despite his questionable talents, he remains a beloved figure in Scottish literature, with his absurd poetry and bombastic style earning him a quirky cult following.

Deathyear: 1902

Shūsaku Endō

Shūsaku Endō was a renowned Japanese author born in 1923. His works explored themes of faith, morality, and culture. Best known for "Silence", his novels often featured historical settings and philosophical undertones, earning him international acclaim and the respect of literary critics worldwide.

Deathyear: 1996

Anastasio Somoza García

Anastasio Somoza García was a Nicaraguan politician who served as the 21st President of Nicaragua from 1936 to 1947. Known for his authoritarian rule and suppression of opposition, his regime was marked by human rights abuses and economic corruption. He was assassinated in 1956.

Deathyear: 1956

Machado de Assis

Machado de Assis (1839-1908) was a renowned Brazilian author, poet, and playwright. He is considered one of the greatest writers in Brazilian literature, known for his innovative storytelling, complex characters, and philosophical themes. His works often explored social class, identity, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1908

Sterling Price

Sterling Price was a prominent American politician and major general during the American Civil War. Born in 1809, Price served as a congressman and governor of Missouri before leading a Confederate force in the Vicksburg Campaign and later being defeated at the Battle of Franklin in 1864.

Deathyear: 1867

Gussie Busch

August Anheuser Busch Jr., aka Gussie Busch, was an American businessman born in 1899. He was the son of Adolphus Busch and inherited the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, leading to the company's rapid growth and global expansion.

Deathyear: 1989

Robert McKimson

Robert McKimson was an American animator and illustrator, born in 1910. He began his career at Warner Bros. in the 1930s, working on Looney Tunes cartoons. Known for his unique style, McKimson created memorable characters, including Foghorn Leghorn and Yosemite Sam, and left a lasting impact on animation.

Deathyear: 1977

Gustav Vasa

Gustav I Vasa, also known as Gustav the Old, was born in 1496 and ruled Sweden from 1523 to 1560. He was a key figure in Swedish history, establishing the modern Swedish state and promoting Protestantism.

Deathyear: 1560

Kathleen Booth

Kathleen Booth, a pioneering British computer scientist and mathematician, made significant contributions to the development of computer programming languages and algorithms. Born in 1922, she collaborated with her brother Andrew Booth to design a mechanical computer, the Automatic Computing Engine (ACE).

Deathyear: 2022

Marcella Hazan

Marcella Hazan, a renowned Italian cooking writer, was born in 1924. She revolutionized Italian cuisine with her authentic recipes and techniques in her groundbreaking cookbooks, such as "The Classic Italian Cookbook" and "More Classic Italian Cooking".

Deathyear: 2013

Otis Rush

Otis Rush, a legendary American blues guitarist and singer, was born in 1934. He was known for his powerful vocals and iconic guitar riffs.

Deathyear: 2018

Ferdinand VII

Ferdinand VII was the King of Spain from 1808 to 1833. He restored absolute monarchy, outlawed liberal reforms, and reimposed Inquisition tribunals. His rule was marked by political repression, economic decline, and social unrest, earning him the nickname "The Incompetent."

Deathyear: 1833

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, born in 1926, was a renowned American publisher who led The New York Times from 1963 to 1992. He is credited with expanding the newspaper's global reach and promoting journalistic integrity, earning him numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Deathyear: 2012

Phil Woods

Phil Woods (born 1931) is a renowned American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. With a career spanning over 70 years, Wood's virtuosic playing and innovative compositions have made him a legend in the jazz world, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and a lifetime achievement award.

Deathyear: 2015

William of Tyre

William of Tyre (c. 1130-1186) was a medieval historian and Archbishop of Tyre. A brilliant scholar, he wrote "A History of the Deeds of the Kings of the Latins", a comprehensive chronicle of the Crusades and the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Deathyear: 1186

Monty Stratton

Monte Stratton was a talented American baseball player and coach who lost his right leg due to bone cancer in 1938, ending his playing career. He coached the Boston Braves (now Atlanta Braves) to a National League pennant in 1948 and managed the team until 1955.

Deathyear: 1982

Willem Einthoven

Willem Einthoven, a Belgian-Dutch physiologist and physician, developed the electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of the heart. He won the 1924 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work, revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Deathyear: 1927

William Orpen

Here is a 40-word passage about William Orpen: William Orpen (1878-1931) was a renowned Irish artist, known for his portraits and landscapes. A member of the Royal Academy, he was appointed an official war artist during WWI, capturing the brutality and humanity of war in his works, such as "General Monash" and "Nurse Edith Cavell".

Deathyear: 1931