Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 25th June

Today’s births begin with Beatrice of England, not the rather funny looking daughter of Sarah ‘Toesucker’ Ferguson and Prince Andy, but daughter of Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence, joined the house of Plantagenet in 1242. Early day surgeon Wilhelm Fabry made it into the world back in 1560 without the aid of a machine that went ping. Actor known for his roles in various Ealing comedies – Basil Radford wasn’t the Winslow boy given he was born in Chester back in 1897. Serial bed jumper and Prince Chas’s favourite uncle, born Prince Louis of Mountbatten, but to give him his full name Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, launched himself off in 1900. Keeping with the royal theme, Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu of Japan started wearing braid in 1902. Born Eric Arthur Blair, (no relation to charades expert Lionel, or the unhinged Tony), in India – writer George Orwell came out for air in 1903. Boss eyed winged chair hogger in his dinner jacket whilst reading Odd Odes on That’s Life, Cyril Fletcher pinned back his lug holes for the first time in 1913. Cartoonist who came up with The Smurfs – Pierre Culliford or Peyo as he was also known, joined the ranks of famous Belgians from 1928. Children’s author Eric Carle has had the secret birthday message this day since 1929. Vishwanath Pratap (V.P.) Singh Prime Minister of India for all of about eleven months had his direct action day in 1931. Pop artist credited with creating iconic album cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band (among others), Peter Thomas Blake has been drawing on life’s experiences since 1932. Lead singer with group bearing his name – Harold Melvin was reaching for the world in 1939. Person credited with designing the laptop computer, William Grant ‘Bill’ Moggridge opened up for the first time in 1943. Non relation to Paul, fellow singer Carly Simon isn’t so vain about reaching 74. Older brother to Neil, but still a leading light in his own bands, Kiwi born Brian Timothy ‘Tim’ Finn found it runs in the family 67 years ago. Reading (Berkshire) most famous son, Ricky Dene Gervais grinned his way into life back in 1961, whilst a year later in 1962 large framed omnipresent quiz show panellist Phillip Christopher Swan, or just Phil Jupitus, didn’t realise he had his first audience. Georgios KyriacosPanayiotou also known as George Michael – ex-singer with teen girls favourite band Wham! found his freedom in 1963, but that was before he was banged up in 1998 after being caught in a public toilet in Beverley Hills after a careless whisper, (amongst, ahem, other things). Also born that year, actress known for playing Kelly Gaines in un-amusing sitcom Cheers, Jackie Swanson started the baby talk. Ex-ball kicker Jamie Frank Redknapp expressed his views on being born in 1973. Indian actress Karisma Kapoor took her cue in 1974. The rather unfortunately named model Michele Merkin doesn’t need proof about being born in 1975. Actress Sheridan Smith had her eyes down in 1981.

Having dealt with the births above, we now turn our attention to deaths, and to this end Pope Cornelius made sure the fire was started in 253. Niels, King of Denmark found his reign over in 1134. Mum to Eleanor of England (above), chose today of all days to call it a day in 1291. French musketeer Charles Ogier de-Batz Castlemore d’Artagnan found it was all for one in 1673. First Maori King and founder of Wherowhero royal dynasty, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero stopped rubbing noses in 1860. The Custer Brothers – Boston, George Armstrong and Thomas all took their last stand at the Battle of the Bighorn in 1876. Comedy actor Anthony John ‘That’s Almost An Armful’ Tony Hancock left 23 Railway Cuttings East Cheam (Surrey) for the last time in 1968. Wife to chief woggle wearer and fire starter Robert, Chief Guide Olave St Clair Baden-Powell, Lady Baden-Powell (née Soames) had to be taken to the church in 1977. Animator David ‘Dave’ Fleischer found his stop motion moment came in 1979. Underwater diver who was mentioned a couple of weeks ago in honour of his birthday, Jacques Cousteau found his overground air tanks (his lungs) stopped working in 1997. Charlie’s Angel, Mary Farrah Leni Fawcett became a real life angel in 2009. Also not making it through that year, sparkly glove wearing, moon walking, chimp owning fan of young boys, Michael Joseph Jackson the bleached skinned fan of propofol and benzodiazepine found out this really was it for him. Naturist actor known for playing bowler hat wearing John Steed in The Avengers, Daniel Patrick Macnee experienced that hot touch in 2015. Finally ex-leader of the Scottish National Party, Robert Gordon Wilson stopped eating deep fried Mars bars
in 2017.

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Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 24th June

We kick the births paragraph off with chief finger pointer and poster boy for the army in the First World War, Horatio Herbert Kitchener got his first medal in 1850. Prince George of Greece and Denmark (the one with the waxed moustache), had spilt loyalties from 1869. Older brother to Walt and co-founder of cartoon company, Roy Oliver Disney was quite animated after being born in 1893. Heavy weight boxing champ William Harrison ‘Jack’ Dempsey was down and out in 1895. Mentioned only yesterday – Charles Hollis ‘Chuck’ Taylor, known for throwing a ball through a hoop as well as his legendary canvas boots had a fast break in 1901. Not the lead singer with heavy rock band AC/DC, but commentator with the rather more genteel sport of cricket, Brian Alexander Johnson (Johnners) was all out in 1912. Previous President of Chile, Eduardo Alfredo Juan Bernardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle lowered gradually into the world back in 1942. Wallington (Surrey) born guitarist with various bands, Geoffrey Arnold ‘Jeff’ Beck plucked his way through in 1944. Also born that year is ‘alternative’ flamboyant singer Arthur Wilton Brown who set his parents world on fire. Ex-Mayor of New York, George Elmer Pataki has been in the running for his birthday every year since 1945. Fan of drinking a bottle of brandy whilst banging out a beat on the drums, Maui resident Michael John Kells ‘Mick’ Fleetwood will probably be sipping mint tea celebrating his 72nd birthday whilst his band mates bicker around him. Also born that year ex-celebrity chef and sidecar rider – Clarissa Theresa Philomena Aileen Mary Josephine Agnes Elsie Trilby Louise Esmeralda Dickson Wright was quite slim. Reggae encyclopaedia and radio DJ, David Michael Rodigan shouldn’t need to smoke the Jamaican tobacco for him to enjoy his 68th year on the planet. Pioneer of electronic music who then let the side down by founding the dire Atomic Kitten, George Andrew ‘Andy’ McCluskey didn’t so much talk as scream loud and clear in 1959. Given we haven’t had a Norwegian for a few days, Erik Poppe solves that given he popped out in 1960. One half of band Tears for Fears, Curt Smith was born from the seeds of love in 1961. Singer/songwriter Glenn Alan Medeiros has been unable to say, ‘Not me’ to his birthday since 1970. Non drug taking cyclist, (now there’s a novelty eh Lance, Bjarne, Robert Miller et al), Robert ‘Robbie’ McEwen had a baby head in 1972. Very tall (6ft 6ins, or in new money, 1.98m) cricketer, Stuart Christopher John Broad bowled his family over in 1986. Overpaid ball kicker Lionel Messi found what nappies (diapers) were for from 1987.

Deathwise, (I don’t think this person is from Harry Potter), Higbald of Lindisfarne ran out of time in 803. Founder of Chinese pot makers and head of Ming Empire, Hongwu Emperor found himself in the earth from 1398. 22nd and 24th President of the United States of America, Stephen Grover Cleveland lost the body guards in 1908. Singer and fan of the Tango, (as in dance, not fizzy fruit drink) – Charles Romauld Gardés or Carlos Gardes had his entregarme moment in 1935. Not one of my old school teachers but Hollywood film director – William Jackson Keighley has found since 1984 that every dawn I die. Also not making it through that year, third President of the National Hockey League, Clarence Sutherland Campbell hasn’t left the sin bin. Known for playing George Banks in Mary Poppins, actor David Cecil MacAlister Tomlinson found the magic box in 2000. Cocaine using Ex-Prime Minister of Italy Emilio Colombo was resigned to dying in 2013. Star of various dull Westerns, (among others), Eli Herschel Wallach became the ghost writer in 2014. Finally, co-designer of computer network ARPANET, precursor to the internet – Frank Evans Heart had his 404 moment in 2018.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 23rd June

Ancient royal of the day, King James III’s wife Margaret of Denmark/Norway kicks things off today given she started out in 1456. First wife of small French agitator Napoleon I, Joséphine de Beauharnais (née Tascher de la Pagerie), found tonight was her night in 1763. Another old royal to feature today is short lived, abdicating, alleged Nazi sympathising King of England with the associated outposts of the Empire (and gold digging Mrs), Edward VIII went his own way in 1894. Founder of advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather – David Mackenzie Ogilvy found his target audience with his parents from 1911. Having mentioned early day computer whizz on 7th June when he suffered an irretreviable loss of data, here’s Alan Mathison Turing again as he had a clean install in 1912. Singing second wife to ‘The Man in Black’ June Carter Cash pressed on in 1929. Teen girls idol and not very good financial journo, Terence ‘Terry’ Nelhams-Wright or Adam Faith found the time has come in 1940. Also born that year is fifth Beatle, (until he was sacked) Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe started to play along. Gary Ewing from dull television series Knots Landing, actor Theodore Tillman ‘Ted’ Shackleford III was the young and the restless in 1946. Actress who’s scooped various awards that are now dust gatherers around her house – born Cynthia Ann Smith, but now known as Frances Louise McDormand, entered the promised land in 1957. Champion divot maker and driver Colin Stuart Montgomerie chipped into life back in 1963. Former ball-kicker, before managing Real Madrid – Zinedine Yazid Zidane, didn’t take it to penalties in 1972. Also born that year, actress Selma Blair Beitner has been in good company. Ivor Novello receipient (somehow), Scottish singer/songwriter Kate Victoria (KT) Tunstall suddenly saw the world in 1975. Another singer, this one from Wales – Aimee Ann Duffy showed her mother some mercy by being born in 1985.

As for deaths, it’s a pretty quiet day yet we start with Roman Emperor and founder of the Flavian Dynasty, Vespasian gave up on trying to match the mosaic in 79AD. Henry I Margrave of Austria, aka ‘Henry the Strong’ found himself somewhat weaker from 1018. Sir Henry de Bohun who took part in the Battle of Bannockburn received an axe in the back of his head from Robert the Bruce for his troubles in 1314. Philosopher James Mill went of his own free will in 1836. Basketball player who’s name is synonymous with the basketball boots – Charles Hollis ‘Chuck’ Taylor found the end line in 1969. Actor known for his role in Dad’s Army – John Paton Laurie was doomed in 1980. Also not making it through that year, son of Indira Ghandi, Sanjay, who entered the political fray in India took his leave. Keeping with the Indian theme, and also not making it through 1980, fourth President of India, Varahagirl Venkata Giri found he started to take things a bit easier. Biologist credited with developing a vaccine against Polio – Jonas Edward Salk, should have taken the statins in 1995. Known for playing Uncle Albert in BBC sit-com Only Fools and Horses, Harry ‘Buster’ Merryfield passed away in 1999, never getting to be a millionaire. Ex-owner of the largest house in Los Angeles and producer of some well known (but not all good) films and television series, Aaron Spelling saw the last sunset in 2006. Johnny Carson’s sidekick Edward Leo Peter ‘Ed’ McMahon Jr. saw the screen go blank in 2009. Dirty Mac owner with the unkempt hair and cigar, Peter Falk detected something wasn’t right in 2011. Finally, founder of hair dying company Redken, Paula Jane Meehan just went for the dying bit in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 22nd June

Today sees the births of, among others, person with a city, island and mountain named after him as George Vancouver started making a name for himself in 1757. Fifteenth, (and longest serving) Prime Minister of New Zealand – Richard John Seddon entered the house in 1845. Writer of various books including King Solomon’s Mines, Henry Rider Haggard should have been called Eric Brighteyes in 1856. Notorious (American) bank robber John Herbert Dillinger didn’t hold his mum’s day up in 1903. Respected filmmaker born Samuel Wilder but went by the name of Billy Wilder was on one exciting adventure from 1906. Third husband of eight (!) times married actress Elizabeth Taylor, Michael ‘Mike’ Todd began his own journey in life back in 1909. Announcer on various American dating/married game shows, John Byron ‘Johnny’ Jacobs, gave his first shout out in 1916. Indian actor Amrish Lal Puri kept the 180 degree rule in 1932. Known as battle axe Cybill in excellent 1970’s sit-com Fawlty Towers, Sutton Abinger born (just outside of Dorking, Surrey), Prunella Margaret Rumney Illingworth (or as her Equity card states, Prunella Scales) didn’t have Hobson’s Choice in 1932. Singer of dull country songs and star of various films, Kris Kristofferson had no place to hide after today in 1936. Presenter with the teeth and odd shaped vegetables, Esther Louise Rantzen found that’s life from 1940. One half of 60’s pop duo Peter & Gordon – Peter Asher has been in London for tea for most of his birthdays since 1944. Singer/songwriter Todd Rundgren found his birthdays were one long year apart from each other in 1948. Another person with prominent teeth due to the permanent grin, oldest of the family singing group – Alan Osmond was more slippin’ than steppin’ out in 1949. Also born that year, versatile actress Mary Louise ‘Meryl’ Streep was the girl rising. Actress from The Bionic Woman, Lindsay Jean Wagner had a child’s cry in 1949. Madonna wannabe and 1980’s popster with the ever changing hair colour, Cynthia Ann Stephanie ‘Cyndi’ Lauper wondered what was going on in 1953. Frontman of 80’s band Scritti Politti, born Paul Julian Strohmeyer but known as Green Gartside wasn’t the first boy in this town back in 1955. Controversial tweeter, loquacious ex-radio DJ and television presenter Danny Baker will take a breath to blow out the 62 candles on his cake. Lower chart botherer, Francella Ruby Turner has had a few restless moods since either 1958 or 1962. Subject of film bearing her name, real life Erin Brockovich (née Pattee), found birth a struggle, but won in 1960. Glaswegian falsetto screecher James William ‘Jimmy’ Somerville has never said goodbye since 1961. Another Glaswegian singer Robert Bernard Andrew Gillespie, front man of band Primal Scream saw more than light when born in 1962. Singer with 90’s indie band Jesus Jones, Michael James ‘Mike’ Edwards was right here right now in 1964. Also born that year, writer responsible for The Da Vinci Code – Daniel Gerhard ‘Dan’ Brown got the plot. Another musician, this one lead singer/guitarist Steven Jay Page saw his first barenaked lady in 1970. French cyclist Thomas Voeckler was a descender in 1979.

As for deaths, the (hopefully) correctly named Pope Innocent V saw his zucchetto fall off for the last time in 1276. Not only do we have Pope Innocent but also Heber Chase Kimball a leading light with door knocking, bible quoting and prolific note taking Latter Day Saint Movement gave up door stepping people in 1868. Having worked his way up the slippery pole to become President of the French Republic Clément Armand Fallières found himself at the bottom of it in 1931. Meteorologist/climatologist with a climate classification system named after him, Wladimir Köppen experienced an extended cold front in 1940. Fred Astaire’s mate and mum to Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland (who was mentioned 12 days ago), headed over the rainbow in 1969. By some strange quirk of fate, Frederick Austerlitz (Fred Astaire) turned his tap shoes up in 1987. Finally, magazine magnate Felix Dennis ran out of hobbies in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 21st June

Births today begin with a Pope, yes, I know we haven’t had for a while, but Bruno of Egisheim-Dagsburg who went onto become Pope Leo IX was a bit ahead of himself given he was a little saint in 1002. Optician who patented achromatic doublets and was mentioned on 10th June (given this was his birthdate on the old style calendar) – John Dollond is mentioned again had a fixation on his other birthdate from 1706. Seeing as Lord Baden Powell, chief woggle wearer and camp fire starter got a mention on 22nd February, today sees Daniel Carter Beard his American counterpart being prepared for birth in 1850. Inventor of an underwater escape device called the Momsen Lung – Charles Bowers ‘Swede’ Momsen successfully plotted his escape in 1896. Digging enthusiast who made a fortune out of his machines, Joseph Cyril Bamford made his way through in 1916. Hollywood sex symbol with the unsexy name, Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell wasn’t the pale faced one from 1921. Fellow actress born that year, Judith Tuvim or as she became known Judith Holliday was full of life. Another actress (Louis) Maureen Stapleton started doin’ time on planet earth in 1925. Excessive expenses claimer and comedy writer, (though surprisingly enough not for his colleagues Michael Foot or Neil Kinnkock’s conference speech but That Was The Week That Was), red flag waver Gerald Bernard Kaufman came out of the shadows in 1930. Two years later his political adversary with eye brows to make Dennis Healey jealous, Bernard Ingham emerged. Actor known for his role in The Love Boat – Bernard Morton Kopell was bound for glory in 1933. Singer Ray Davies’ mum was tired of waiting for him to arrive in 1944. Also arriving that year, younger bro to Ridley – film director Anthony David Leighton Scott was unstoppable.
Not only do we have a Pope today, but also a Norwegian – today’s is Trond Kirkvaag who smiled for the camera in 1946. Also born that year is non-volatile younger brother of Saatchi & Saatchi, Maurice Nathan Saatchi will probably think up a catchy strap line to celebrate his 72nd birthday. Pal and bandmate to ‘The Boss’ in the E Street Band, Nils Hilmer Lofgren also had a smile when delivered in 1951. Alleged corrupt 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan who was part of the family political dynasty, Benazir Buhtto had her first assignment in 1953. Pierre Morad Omidyar founder of Flea Bay, (sorry eBay), came in with the best offer in 1967. Singer born Sonia Marina Clarke, but now goes by the name Sonique was born to be free in 1968. My lovely wife, Sue, decided today was the best day to arrive in 1971, and thankfully didn’t have any hippies celebrating the longest day in hospital. Actress Juliette Lewis met her due date in 1973. Las Vegas residing Mormon who fronts The Killers, Brandon Richard Flowers blossomed in 1981. Rescue helicopter pilot who’s second in line to the British throne, Prince Bill, he of thinning pate and ever expanding family entered the House of Windsor in 1982, but has yet to enter the House of Fraser. Whistleblower now residing in Russia, Edward Joseph Snowdon has been quite open about his birth since 1973. Elizabeth Woolridge Grant or Lana Del Ray was a Brooklyn baby in 1986.

It’s another fairly quiet day for deaths, but we begin with old royal – Edward III of England had his last stroke of his horse in 1377. Eighth President of Mexico Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón had a coffin with a view given it was made of glass, although being buried six feet under hindered his vista somewhat in 1876. Co-founder of university named after him, Amasa Leland Stanford learnt about dying in 1893. Person cursed by men and praised by women, developer of the zip, Gideon Sundback was left undone from 1954. First President of Indonesia Sukarno, (the one with the nice little hat), decided to go Dutch in 1970. 25th Prime Minister of Sweden, Tage Fritjof Erlander resigned himself to dying in 1985. Continuing the political theme, rice muncher and third President of the People’s Republic of China, Lin Xiannian didn’t have to iron his little grey suit again from 1992. Blues musician John Lee Hooker was burnin’ after rollin’ over in 2001. Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila – born Jaime Lachica Sin, but known as Cardinal Sin said his last Hail Mary in 2005. Finally, seventh Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein Walter Kieber went quietly in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 20th June

Births today begin with Sigisund III Vasa not only the King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Sweden but also Guy Fawkes looks likey – released himself in 1566. Hollywood darling Errol Leslie Thompson Flynn had the green light to be born in 1909. Actress/television producer Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick, but better known as Gail Patrick left the stage door in 1911. Non zoo keeper with the television programme and numerous voices, Ernest John ‘Johnny’ Morris hatched in 1916. Sculptor of ‘The Sphere’, which stood between the twin towers in New York and is now in Battery Park showing the damage sustained during 9/11, Fritz Koenig adapted to life from 1924. Far right French fire brand politico Jean-Marie Le Pen made his entrance to the world in 1928. Star of various not very amusing sit-coms, Wendy Craig didn’t have butterflies arriving in 1934. Diminutive cricketer Ramakant Desai bowled everyone over in 1939. Film director Stephen Arthur Frears sealed the deal and has been celebrating his birthday since 1941. Co-founder of Californian band The Beach Boys, Brian Douglas Wilson had his breakaway moment in 1942. Original cast member of The Mickey Mouse Club Cheryl Lynn Holdridge, pulled the ripcord in 1944. Minor royal (and patron of various charities) Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester started off as Birgitte Eva Henriksen in Denmark back in 1946. Ex-Commodore, (as in band member, not naval officer), crooner Lionel Brockman Ritchie Jr. said, ‘Hello’ for the first time in 1949. Winner of the job no one else wanted, Nouri al-Maliki (now ex) Prime Minister of Iraq had a vote of confidence from his family in 1950. Large actor who liked a drink (or three) whilst starring in unamusing series Roseanne, John Stephen Goodman wasn’t born yesterday given he’s celebrating his 67th birthday today. South African born English previous cricket captain, Allan Joseph Lamb bailed out in 1954. Make up liking founder member of new wave band Duran Duran – Nigel John Taylor was another of the neurotic outsiders from 1960. Son of American actor Michael Landon, the imaginatively named Michael Landon Jr, who followed his old man into acting was a real bonanza for his folks in 1964. Another(!) ex-Mrs T. Cruise, Nicole Mary Kidman really is the birthday girl seeing as she arrived in 1967. Ball kicker and diving meister, Frank James Lampard made it through the defences in 1978. Guitarist with 90’s band Ash – Charlotte Franklin Hatherley has had more than one meltdown since 1979.

It seems to be another slow day for deaths, but we kick off with Roman Emperor Louis the Pious must have hoped his connections made his funeral special in 840.
Navigator and cartographer with a Sea named after him – Willem Barentsz had a smooth passage to his funeral in 1597. Argentinian flag waver and statesman with a boat named after him, Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús Belgrano sank without trace in 1820, rather like his boat 162 years later. King of Great Britain along with that old outpost of Hanover, William IV stopped having his portraits painted in 1837. Landscape artist John Clayton Adams could only see black from 1906. Bruno Frank, writer of the screenplay for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as opposed to a phone book entry for a boxer, was canned in 1945. Fan of twinkly lights, massive casinos, over extravagant shows and associated kickbacks, Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Siegel took a gamble and lost in 1947. Actress Sunny Sue Johnson hasn’t seen the night the light went out in Georgia since 1984. One fourth of The Four Tops, Lawrence Albert Payton found that’s as nature planned it in 1997. Dutch jogger Tinus Osendarp dropped his baton in 2002. Co-inventor of the handheld calculator and thermal printer – Jack St. Clair Kirby cashed in his chips in 2005. Co-founder of and guitarist with Kool and the Gang – Claydes Charles Smith funked off in 2006. Rapping half of Mobb Deep with the non-rappers name, Albert Johnson or as he was also known ‘Prodigy’, managed to stop stressin in 2017. Finally, wearer of tartan flared trousers and wide collared shirts with a scarf tied round his wrist, founding member of The Bay City Rollers – Alan Longmuir hasn’t been a part of the action since 2018.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 19th June

Another ancient royal begins today’s posting as King of Scotland James VI, who also held the title King of England and Ireland as James I was his mum’s little prince from 1566. Sixth Hindu Guru, Guru Hargobind (or Saccha Badshah), was one of the Khalsa from 1595. Founding member of the Royal Geographic Society – John Barrow started to get his bearings in 1764. Professional cutter of people and pioneer of hypnotism, James Braid didn’t put his mum in a trance during birth in 1795. Desk soldier, (whilst sending everyone else to the front line), who now has a pub named after him in Effingham, Surrey – Douglas Haig took the easiest option in 1861. Future royal gold digger Bessie Wallis Warfield, who went onto become Wallis Simpson, before getting the title Wallis, Duchess of Windsor freeloaded from today in 1896. Actor/comedian Moses Harry Horwitz (or just Moe Howard), was sweet and hot in 1897. Inventor of the hook and loop fastener (or as it’s also known Velcro) – George de Mestral tore himself away from his mum in 1907. Diminutive ginger comedian, Charles Edward Springall or Charlie Drake as he became known was a little darling from 1925. Having mentioned Barry Took on March 31st when he rolled over, here he is again given he made his point of view known in 1928. Over enthusiastic singer and sit-com actor mentioned last month when he expired – Paul Shane was very big, very soon from 1940. Bosnian Serb war criminal with the wild hair who disappeared for a few years, Radovan Karadžić fought his way through in 1945. Also born that year is Burmese house sitting champion and now disgraced State Counsellor – Aung San Suu Kyi. Ex-hush hush Lower Kingswood (Surrey) resident, Iran fatwa recipient of the year 1989, Ahmad Salman Rushdie has no shame being born in 1947. Dreary singer who gave Leonard Cohen a run for his money, Nicholas Rodney ‘Nick’ Drake joined the family tree in 1948. American singer Laurence Dunhill who obviously couldn’t be bothered to sign his full name given he abbreviated it to Larry Dunn, didn’t have as much earth or fire as he did wind in 1953. A year later, large framed and deep voiced actress Mary Kathleen Turner had a simple wish to be born. Old cheerleader for Los Angeles Lakers and previous Mrs Emilio Estevez with an alleged substance problem, Paula Julie Abdul wasn’t in a rush rush to be delivered in 1962. Ex-RAF pilot, scrum enthusiast who runs after hookers – Rory Underwood had the dummy passed to him in 1963. Another ex-Mayor of London and possible Prime Minister of The United Kingdom, blonde mop head Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson started out in New York in 1964. Actress/fashion designer and ex-Mrs Jude Law, Sadie Liza Vaughan/Frost had the presence of mind to be born in 1965, whilst in 1967 Norwegian of the day Bjørn Dæhlie slid through. Latest member of the family to get into politics, Rahul Gandhi took his seat from 1970. French actor/Oscar winner – Jean Dujardin made some noise in 1972. Z list ‘celebrity’ who apparently had an affair with David Beckham (wow), and went onto feature in various dull reality shows Rebecca Loos made her first appearance in 1977. Actress born Zoe Yadira Saldaña Nazario but goes by Zoe Saldana had the perfect vantage point in 1978.

Deaths are thinner on the ground today, but we start with Emperor of Mexico Maximilian I, let the moths at his excessively large ermine cape in 1867. Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1st Baronet found he didn’t have Peter Pan’s powers in 1937. Chairman of IBM Thomas John Watson Sr., punched his last card in 1956. Wife of chief marshmallow burner and lead singer of ‘Ging Gang Gooly’, Olave Baden-Powell didn’t get any more badges after 1977. Founder of relationship counselling, Paul Popenoe left his wife (without consultation) in 1979. Actress from the 1930’s/40’s Jean Arthur found you can’t take it with you in 1991. Writer of The Lord of the Flies, Sir William Gerald Golding buzzed off in 1993. Singer of festive hit ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, Robert Lee ‘Bobby’ Helms started hanging about with the fool and the angel from 1997. Actor known for his role in The Sopranos James Joseph Gandolfini Jr., became the man who wasn’t there in 2013. Fellow actor Anton Viktorovich Yelchin has been in the driftless area since 2016. Finally, professional golfer Hubert Myatt Green entered the other type of bunker in 2018.