Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 16th October

 

Effeminate looking King James II of Scotland kicks the births paragraph off today, given he started off as the Duke of Rothesay in 1430. We have Noah Webster to thank for the different ways Americans spell words to the rest of the English speaking countries, but he was a child of few words in 1758. Noted Irish wit and playwright, Reading Goal resident and one time Jonathan Ross looks likey – Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde found freedom in 1854. Another Irish man, revolutionary leader, politician and member of the IRA who had a film made about him a few years ago, (1996 to be precise), Mícheál Ó Coileáin, or Michael Collins might have been born today in 1890, but then again it may have been the 12th October. Having mentioned Walter William ‘Max’ Bygraves on the 31st August in the second paragraph, here he is again as he found you need hands from 1922. Actress who turned into meddlesome old biddy Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote – Angela Brigid Lansbury wanted to know whodunnit in 1925. Suave act tor Peter Bowles was a perfect scoundrel from 1936. High pitched squeaker, (sorry singer), Joseph ‘Joe’ Francis Robert Dolan was in the here and now from 1939. Sari wearing actress Hema Malini was a dream girl to her parents in 1948. Actor known for his role in The Shawshank Redemption – Timothy Francis Robbins found the cradle will rock from 1958. Having mentioned his younger brother, Martin a mere six days ago, here’s older sibling and band mate in Spandau Ballet, Gary James Kemp had the instinction to be born in 1959. Michael Peter Balzary, or ‘Flea’ as he’s known by fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, found he started scratching from 1962. DJ who knows quite a lot about music, Stephen Paul ‘Steve’ Lamacq cued up his arrival in 1964. Shouty television presenter – Davina Lucy Pascale McCall didn’t have a big brother upon her arrival in 1967. Singer and daughter to Brian – Wendy Wilson didn’t get to hold on for one more day in 1969. Indian actor Prithviraj Sukumaran used his one way ticket in 1982.

People at the other end life include, among others: Antipope Nicolas V absolved himself in 1333. King Louis (the Child) of Sicily was plagued by death in 1355. Pope Gregory XIV (who lasted all of about 10 months in the job), found himself excommunicated in 1591. Queen of France (from Austria), born Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna von Habsburg-Lothringen, but known as Marie Antoinette didn’t get to eat any more cake after 1793. Keeping with the French theme, Marshal Marie Esme Patrice Maurice, Count of MacMahon, Duke of Magenta – second president of the Third Republic of France made sure he had a funeral with national honours in 1893. Various Nazis found guilty at the main Nuremberg trail were dispatched in 1946. First Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, or Shaheed-e-Millat bit the bullet in 1951. (Hopefully) non-corrupt President of FIFA, Jules Rimet received the red card in 1956. Actor known for his roles in various Hitchcock films along with his work in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – Leo Gratten Carroll lost the right to live in 1972. Dead Norwegian of the day, author Johan Collett Müller Borgen wrote himself out of the plot in 1979. Bearded Internet moderator (and geek) who administered the IP address allocation, Jonathan Bruce ‘Jon’ Postel lost his connection in 1998. Finally, founding member of Manhattan Transfer, Timothy DuPron ‘Tim’ Hauser couldn’t have been hotter at his cremation following his death in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 15th October

 

We begin today’s posting with ancient Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro who went by the pen name Virgil, found he spent ages from his birth in 70BC trying to work out what rhymed with his name. Third Mughal Emperor of India – Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar or just Akbar I reigned supreme (within his family) from 1542. Philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche had a theory about his birth in 1844. Writer of some classic books about a dim-wit and his valet, (among other stories) – Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was his parent’s little nugget in 1881. 11th President of India, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen ‘A.P.J.’ Abdul Kalam found the law of physics early on in life back in 1931. Having mentioned various First Ministers of Scotland over the past few months, it seems only fair to give a shout out to first First Minister of Northern Ireland – William David Trimble had his maiden speech a year or so after his birth in 1944. Older brother to dieter of the year in 1983, Richard Carpenter was made in America back in 1946. Argentinian born Irish singer of dull songs, Christopher John Davison or as his record company knows him, Chris de Burgh was delivered into the light in 1948. Founder of classic English comedy group ‘The Comic Strip’, Peter Richardson joined all the other funseekers born in 1951. Bowler hatted original member of The Jackson 5 as well as The Jacksons, older bro to oddball singer Michael, Toriano Adaryll ‘Tito’ Jackson started goin’ places in 1953. Toe sucking ex-wife to Andy – Sarah, Duchess of York (née Ferguson), started hanging on in 1959. Internet entrepreneur from China – Jack Ma had his ‘Open Sesame’ moment in 1964. Act tor Dominic West broke the Mould in 1969. Given Prince George & Princess Lottie have been mentioned, it seems only fair Prince Christian of Denmark/Count of Monzepat also gets column space given the Danish army kept him awake with a 21 gun salute in 2005.

You will be pleased to see there are more than one Pope mentioned here today, and to this end we start with Pope Theophilus of Alexandria who started to grow his beard from 412. Catholic Pope Urban VI vacated the confession box in 1389. Native American Chief Victorio of the Tchihendeh (or Chihenne) tribe, was unable to track anything from 1880. Exotic dancer and spy mentioned back in August, Margaretha Geertruida ‘Margreet’ MacLeod (née Zelle), who’s probably better known as the Mata Hari, stopped keeping secrets in 1917. Bare foot Indian spiritual master Sai Baba of Shirdi or Shirdi Sai Baba found eternal peace in 1918. Founder of chemical company bearing his name – Herbert Henry Dow was pumped full of them in 1930. Having mentioned Rommel yesterday, today’s senior Nazi is founder of the Gestapo Hermann Wilhelm Göring (or Goering), did everyone a favour by taking cyanide in 1946. Broadway songster, Cole Albert Porter found you never know when your time’s up in 1964. American gangster and head of the Gambino Mafia group, Carlo ‘Don Carlo’ Gambino died ‘in a state of grace’ back in 1976. Film/theatre critic with The New York Times, who reviewed in excess of a thousand films, Vincent Candy was used to the dark by 2000. Finally, two time King and then Prime Minister of Cambodia – Norodom Sihanouk, may well have rolled over on this day in 2012, but it took until February 2013 until he was cremated.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 14th September

 

We start today’s posting with Abu’l-Fath Jalal ud-din Muhammad Akbar, or Akbar I – 3rd Mughal Emperor who was a great great baby from 1542. Another old King of England and Ireland – James II and in Scotland as King James VII struggled through in 1633. Founder of Pennsylvania – William Penn had to write down his birthday after 1644. British Prime Minister (for the Whigs) – George Grenville stamped his mark from 1712. King Ferdinand VII of Spain was the desired child for his folks in 1784. 3rd President of Ireland who started off in 1882 as George de Valero before going on to be called Edward de Valera and then settling on Éamon de Valera. 34th President of the United States of America and five star general in the Second World War, Dwight David ‘Ike’ Eisenhower planned his invasion back in 1890. Cheerleading innovator and patent holder for the ‘pom-pom’ – Lawrence Russell Herkimer had touchdown in 1925. Wooden actor with the eyebrow, Roger George Moore had that lucky touch since 1927. Fashion designer – born Ralph Lifshitz, who somewhat wisely took the surname Lauren and subsequently built a global empire admired by celebs and chavs alike, was in the hood from 1939. Committed Christian who’s known as ‘The Peter Pan of Pop’, (and wasn’t terribly friendly when my brother and myself met him), Harry Webb or Cliff Richard started to move it from 1940. Having mentioned James Alfred ‘Alf’ Wright, or to give him his pen name, James Herriot a couple of weeks ago, here’s his screen being – actor Christopher Timothy had the starring role in 1940. Songwriter and lead singer with band the Moody Blues, Justin David Haywood started to have a question of balance in 1946. Band mate of St. Vitus Dance sufferer Bobby Farrell in 70’s manufactured band Boney M, Marcia Barrett came to the fore in 1948. English jogger with a few Olympic medals dangling on the back of the downstairs toilet door, Stephen ‘Steve’ Cram wheezed his way through in 1960. Comedian with a penchant for going a little bit too fast on the roads and who’s come up with some decent characters, Stephen John ‘Steve’ Coogan’s parents went, ‘Aaahhhaaa!’ after he was born in 1965.
Having mentioned her band mate a day or so ago, it seems only fair to give a shout out to Natalie Louise Maines who was a dixie chick in 1974. Another cyclist who admitted taking drugs whilst peddling round France in the 2006 Tour de France, (and then having an arrest warrant issued for computer hacking over said drug taking), Floyd Landis descended in record time back in 1975. Also born that year, singer with girl group All Saints – Shaznay Lewis’ mum had a black coffee to celebrate the birth of her daughter. Singer/songwriter Usher Raymond IV was escorted into the world in 1978. Daughter to ageing pop star who’s changed her image over the years – Lourdes Marie Ciccone Leon has hit 21 this year.

As for deaths, anti-Pope Dioscorus was pro-death in 530. Harold Godwinson or Harold II King of England, got an arrow in the eye for his troubles turning up at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, (and having the event immortalised on the Bayeux Tapestry). Disputed King of Ireland, Edubard a Briuis or Edward Bruce, Earl of Carrick lost the craic from 1318. Nazi in charge of various campaigns in the Second World War, including in North Africa, Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel, or ‘der Wüstenfuchs’ – ‘The Desert Fox’ retreated to his den in 1944. Swashbuckling heartthrob actor Errol Leslie Flynn faced uncertain glory from 1959. Singer who’s flogged over a billion records, Harry Lillie ‘Bing’ Crosby Jr., was unable to say, ‘Oh, what a beautiful mornin” from 1977. Composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein dropped his baton in 1990. Paranormal investigator Maurice Grosse was able to experience his trade from the other side after today in 2006. Comic book artist known for his works on The Marvel Family, non relation to Patrick – Marcus Deshawn Swayze or just Marc Sawyze left his last bubble empty in 2012. Actress Elizabeth Maria Peñahas been off the map since 2014. Finally known for her roles in dull soap opera Coronation Street and un-amusing sit com Last of the Summer Wine – Jean Mavis Hodgkinson but known as Jean Alexander or to give her character’s name, Hilda Ogden didn’t manage to cross the road after 2016.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 13th October

 

Births today begin with first ancient royal of the day – Edward of Westminster who also went by the name Edward of Lancaster and title of Prince of Wales wasn’t too sure what people would call him from 1453. Next up is Queen of England & Ireland (for all of nine days) – Jane Grey or Lady Jane Dudley had a bit of colour to her cheeks in 1537. Indian actor Kumudlal Ganguly or Dadamoni who also went by the name Ashkok Kumar found he had a certain panache about him from 1911. Fellow (American) actor Kornél Lajos Weisz, or just Cornel Wilde saw to it that life began for him at eight thirty in 1912. Patriarch to tooth whitened perma-smiling singing Mormon family group, George Virl Osmond made himself known in 1917. Actor of stage, screen and radio – Cyril Leonard Shaps took part in operation daybreak in 1923. Leonard Alfred Schneider who went by his stage name Lenny Bruce, took about a year to have his first stand up in 1925. Another person born that year, Margaret Hilda Roberts, (later to be Thatcher), didn’t bother to canvass opinion. Co-star of The Incredible Hulk – Jack Colvin found birth child’s play in 1932. Eurovision contestant Iōánna Moûschouri, or as she came to be known Nana Mouskouri, found she could scream in 13 languages from 1934. Smaller half of the Simon/Garfunkel partnership, diminutive Paul Frederic Simon didn’t make the sound of silence in 1941. Known for her comments about eggs, (and to a lesser extent her affair with John Major), Edwina Jones, née Curry, née Cohen broke through in 1946. Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan started warming his voice up from 1948. Having mentioned her old man above, here’s his daughter – complete with white teeth and perma smile, Olive Marie Osmond found she didn’t make the world go away in 1959. Current Mrs J. Travolta, actress Kelly Preston wasn’t a twin in 1962. Sci-fi (yawn) actor, Douglas Christopher Judge has known as fact he was born this day in 1964Rotund ex-mobile phone salesman who won the first series of Britain’s Got Talent and had James Corden portray him – tenor singer Paul Potts took his one chance in 1970. Versatile comedy actor who’s created some classic comedy characters, Sasha Noam Baron Cohen was eastbound and down in 1971. Australian doggy paddler Ian James ‘The Thorpedo’ Thorpe didn’t have a negative spilt from his mum in 1982. Daughter to American President and one of his ex-wives – Tiffany Ariana Trump started laying down the law in 1993.

Death wise, subject of exceedingly dull 1970’s television series I Claudius – Claudius didn’t get to wear any more togas after 54. Dead Norwegian of the day, author Hans Ernst Kinck managed to knick the bucket in 1926. Creator of Popeye, Elzie Crisler (E.C.) Segar found spinach couldn’t keep him going from 1938. Sub-standard milk chocolate maker Milton Snavely Hershey broke off in 1945. Voice of Betty Rubble in The Flintstones, (among other roles), actress Beatrice ‘Bea’ Benaderet found it was lights out for her in 1968. Edward Vincent ‘Ed’ Sullivan known for his self titled television show saw the light go out in 1974. Indian playback singer, Abhas Kumar Ganguly or Kishore Kumar, (possible relation to the Kumar’s at No.42), found his ‘no money, no work’ statement come back to haunt him in 1987. Classic English actress Beryl Elizabeth Reid failed to gain the extra day in 1996. Member of 1970’s group The New Seekers, Peter John Doyle found ‘Goodbye’ is just another word in 2001. Guillaume Depardieu, acting son of Gérard Depardieu gave his best dying scene in 2008. Indian actor Dileepan had his last make up session in 2012. Finally, ninth monarch of Thailand – Bhumibol Adulyadej conferred the with title King Bhumibol the Great, gave up his title of the longest reigning monarch in 2016.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 12th October

 

Today’s posting begins with son of King Henry VIII – King Edward VI of England and Ireland, started wearing ruffled nappies from 1537. Fellow King, of Portugal and the Algarves who spread his sea faring legs to be Emperor of Brazil – Dom Pedro I liberated himself in 1798. Confederate Army soldier who saw action in various wars throughout his life, William Joseph Hardee battled through in 1815. First Labour Party Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, James Ramsey MacDonald lost his first deposit in 1866. Dorking, (Surrey) resident and composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was in harmony with his mum back in 1872. Another Surrey resident, occultist and founder of Thelema – born Edward Alexander Crowley, but known as Aleister Crowley, tore away for the first time in 1875. Co-founder of Weight Watchers who sensibly went with her married name – Jean Evelyn Nidtech (née Slutsky), had to watch the waist with all the cake eating from 1923. Pipe smoking host of brain ache quiz, (until they dumbed it down), Magnus Magnusson put his mum on the spot in 1929. Large framed hanky waving tenor, Luciano Pavarotti had a classical birth in 1935. Also born that year, one half of soul duo Sam & Dave, Samuel David Moore left a place nobody can find. Fellow singer, (this one with Motown group The Temptations), David Melvin English or Melvin Franklin’s parents were on cloud nine following his birth in 1942. Morecombe & Wise’s favourite newsreader who now pops up on various consumer programmes, Angela Rippon had her parents announce her arrival in 1944. Long haired three cord king (normally clad in denim), Richard John ‘Rick’ Parfitt rolled over and laid down in 1948.
Actor from The 70’s – born Robin Askwiths, who abbreviated his surname by taking the ‘s’ off, has had to confess to being born in 1950. Unamusing comedian and quiz show host, Leslie Heseltine who took on the name Les Dennis, can’t say, ‘I don’t really know’ when his birthday is given he’s been celebrating it since 1953. House cleaner who’s made a living doing so on television, Agnes MacKenzie (or to give her abbreviated name, Aggie MacKenzie), hasn’t been too posh to wash from 1955. Wolverine, aka Hugh Jackman had happy little feet in 1968. Founding member of alternative country band – The Dixie Chicks, Martha ‘Martie’ Elenor Erwin/Maguire was a little ‘ol cowgirl in 1969. Olympic cheat in the track and field events, having forfeited five medals – Marion Lois Jones or Marion Jones-Thompson found her pace in 1975. Indian actress Suhasini Rajaram Naidu, or just Sneha was too young to sign her autograph in 1981.

Another day, another two dead Popes – first up Pope Honorius I did the honourable thing in 638, whilst next but one Pope, Pope John IV gave the Vatican another ‘Sede vacante’ in 642. Relative (through marriage) to Fry’s chocolate maker Joseph, Elizabeth Fry, (who’s vanished from the back of English £5 notes), found herself buried rather than burnt in 1845. Courageous nurse Edith Louisa Cavell who saved soldiers of all nationalities during the First World War, found the bullet with her name on it when shot by the Germans in 1915. Early day Western actor Thomas Hezikiah Mix, or Thomas Edwin Mix wasn’t saved by the Pony Express in 1940. Dead Norwegian of the day, figure skater/actress Sonja Henie turned over in 1969. Vincent Eugene Craddock, (or just Gene Vincent) had his last session in 1971. Girlfriend of punk rocker Sid Vicious, Nancy Laura Spungen looked pretty vacant in 1978. Veteran announcer John Leonard ‘Johnny’ Olson had to leave his obituary for someone else to announce in 1985. Tennis player Jean René Lacoste/the Crocodile, he of overpriced clothes found his game was up in 1996. Singer and useless amateur pilot – Henry John Deutschendorf Jr but went by the name John Denver, left in a light aeroplane in 1997.
Finally, James Ford ‘Jim’ Cairns, (from Melbourne) who was mentioned on the 4th October in the above paragraph gets another mention given he stood down in 2003.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 11th October

 

Another ancient Scandinavian royal kicks things off today given curly haired King Frederick of Denmark and Norway started off in Copenhagen Castle back in 1671. Next up is founder of the YMCA, (though it would take the Village People to come up with the dance moves), George Williams draped himself over his mum from 1821. Founder of food company bearing his name, Henry John Heinz started with wind production in 1844. Norwegian of the day is god loving Johan Oscar Smith who began following his parents in 1871. Handbag swinging suffragette with a road named in her honour at Epsom Downs, (having decided it would be a good idea to end her life under the King’s horse at The Derby), Emily Wilding Davison raced through in 1872. Dad to non presidential president and property mogul Donald – Frederick Chris ‘Fred’ Trump started developing in 1905. Bollywood actor with the grey goatee and ill fitting wig, Amitabh Harivansh Rai Shrivastava Bachchan’s parents made sure they got their money’s worth on his birth certificate in 1942. Television detective who played Bergerac and Tom Barnaby, John Vivian Drummond Nettles worked out the best day to be born on in 1943. One half of singing duo Hall & Oates, Daryl Franklin Hohl, (or to give him the correct spelling, Hall) didn’t have a missed opportunity having been delivered in 1946. Ex-Mrs L Henry and Vicar of Dibley as well as being one half of classic comedy duo French & Saunders, Dawn Roma French was a bit alternative in 1957. Known for his role in Beverley Hills 90210, actor Coy Luther ‘Luke’ Perry III joined the community in 1965. Co-founder of PayPal – Peter Andreas Thiel banked on arriving in 1967. Prince Constantjin of the Netherlands from the House of Orange Nassau was all white in 1968. Second Norwegian of the day – snowboarder, Terje Haakonsen did a successful frontside rotation in 1974. Golfer Michelle Sung Wie drove things forward in 1989.

As for deaths, we see Pope Boniface VIII start the deaths paragraph seeing as he kicked the bucket in 1303. Not only is there a Pope, there’s also an Archbishop of Canterbury – Edward White Benson put the collection box away for the last time in 1896. Oldest of the Marx Brothers, Leonard ‘Chico’ Marx headed west in 1961. Singer Édith Giovanna Gassion, who changed that to Édith Piaf (the one with the drawn on eye brows) lost the air in her lungs from 1963. Not a porn star, (though with that name anything’s possible), but medal heavy soldier Chesty Puller or to give his correct name – Lewis Burrell Puller stopped collecting medals in 1971. Actress Bonita Granville decided to call it a day in 1988. First, First Minister of Scotland (before the delusional one turned up), Donald Campbell Dewar dropped his ministerial box off in 2000. Finally, lederhosen wearing member of the singing family with a film made about them, Werner Ritter Von Trapp said, ‘So Long, Farewell’ etc in 2007.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 10th October

 

Today’s births paragraph starts with chemist/physicist and founder of hydrogen, Henry Cavendish unwittingly started emitting methane from 1731. Opera composer Giuseppe Verdi was born without drama (and the heavy piano music) in 1813. Queen Isabel II of Spain was installed on the throne all of three years after her birth in 1830. Norwegian of the day is Captain Flashheart looky likey, (who was mentioned on 13th May when his exploring days were over), Fridtjof Nansen saw land for the first time in 1861. Earle Dickson, inventor of Band-Aid plasters who got his first mention in the second paragraph on the 21st September gets another go given he was stuck to his mum from 1892. Legendary game show host and entertainer Christopher Nicholas Parsons kept everyone guessing as to when he’d appear in 1923. Also born that year is gaff prone F1 commentator, Graeme Murray Walker found the slipstream. Nobel prize winning playwright (among other things), Harold Pinter started having birthday parties from 1930. Right hand man, (probably because he lost his left one) to Yasser Arafat in the PLO, Khalil al-Wazir or Abu Jihad, was ‘the baby of struggle’ in 1935. Perma-tanned peripatetic travel journo Judith Rosemary Locke Chalmers was a family favourite from 1936. Actor (Walter) Charles Dance became the golden child in his parents eyes from 1946. Cheeky chappie who presented Capital Radio’s Breakfast Show for donkey’s years before going onto host Charles Ingram’s favourite quiz show, Christopher John ‘Chris’ Tarrant started to hog the limelight from 1946. Singer partly responsible for Christmas song, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ – James ‘Midge’ Ure was born in Cambuslang and not Vienna in 1953. More extravagant rock star, (with the hair), David Lee Roth found push comes to shove in 1954. Bollywood actress but now an MP – Rekha Ganesan, known only by her first name, voted with her feet as to which day should be her birthday from 1954. Croydon, (Surrey), born singer Kirsty Anna MacColl entered the free world in 1959. Younger bro to fellow band mate Gary, member of 80’s poncey New Romantic band Spandau Ballet, Martin John Kemp has been true over his birthdate since 1961. Second Norwegian of the day, Olympic champ in cross-country skiing Vegard Ulvang had a straight run in 1963. Retired Olympic rower who now talks incessantly throughout races, Matthew Clive Pinsent was the outrigger in 1970.

Kicking things off in the deaths paragraph, King Hugh IV of Cyprus and nominally King of Jerusalem as Hugh II, was reduced to a coat of arms in 1359. Dutch explorer who found Van Dieman’s Land (or Tasmania as it is now), New Zealand and first to sight Fiji Island, – Abel Janszoon Tasman lost his bearings in 1659. Sort of Samuel Pepys as well as being Archbishop of Canterbury, John Potter stepped down from the pulpit in 1747.
Straggly bearded fifth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (or Mormons), Lorenzo Snow joined the other four presidents knocking on heaven’s door in 1901. Distinctive boss of Tennessee whiskey bearing his name, Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel distilled himself in 1911. Another drinks giant, this one brewer of gassy beer -Budweiser, Adolphus Busch began the secondary fermentation process in 1913. King of Romania with a woman’s name, (along with the excessive medals and extra large clothes brushes on the shoulder), Carol I didn’t have to spend two hours getting dressed from 1914. Having mentioned Charlotte Cooper Sterry (née Charlotte Reinagle Cooper), on the 22nd September when she entered the world, here she is again given she didn’t have the advantage in 1966. Luvvie contemporary of both John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, Sir Ralph David Richardson was out of character from 1983. Bald headed actor Yuly Borisovich Briner, or just Yul Brynner had his own death rage in 1985. Also dying that year, Orson Welles heard the clapperboard fall for the last time. Superman actor, (in a motorised wheelchair) Christopher D’Olier Reeves ran out of Kryptonite in 2004. Singer with Irish boy band, Boyzone, Stephen Patrick David Gately had a new beginning in 2009. Two very different people gave up in 2010 – large framed soul singer Solomon Burke found he could stop. The other, Australian opera singer Dame Joan Alston Sutherland found it was all over when the fat lady sang. Ghazal singer with the harmonium and rug/cushions to make him comfy, Jagmohan Singh or Jagjit Singh became a mirage in 2011. Finally, dead Norwegian of the day, Olav Dale found himself D flat major in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 9th October

 

The following have/will be celebrating their big day today, starting with: founder of French college named after him – Robert de Sorbon taught himself to celebrate his birthday from 1201. King Denis (now there’s a regal name if ever there was one), of Portugal and the Algarves, (also known as the Farmer King and the Poet King), started to plough his furrow from 1261. Pierre I de Lusignan or King Peter I of Cyprus, King of Jerusalem and Latin King of Armenia had to make do starting off as the Count of Tripoli in 1328. Overdressed King of France, Charles X found himself somewhat underdressed in 1757. Co-founder of family firm still going today – Gerard Leonardo Fredrik Philips electrified his parents lives from 1858. (Legal) drug dealer throughout America, Charles Rudolph Walgreen took the easy way out in 1873. Inventor of the bendy straw Joseph B. Friedman was quite flexible himself when delivered in 1900. Also born that year, character actor who liked dressing up in ladies clothes and was mentioned in August when the curtain fell on his career, Alastair George Bell Sim gets another go given he didn’t suffer from stage fright. Frederick Donald Coggan, who went onto become Archbishop of Canterbury, found himself in Highgate in 1909 before moving to the Kent countryside in 1974. American character actor, Edward Andrews had the unguarded moment in 1914. Norwegian of the day is writer Jens Bjørnboe who came into the world without a stitch on in 1920. Act tor of stage, film, television and radio, Donald Alfred Sinden had a day to remember from 1923. Recently deceased dad to Mrs B. Liar as well as being a star in ‘Till Death Us Do Part’, Anthony George Booth left the pit of darkness in 1931. Big bearded, booming voiced actor who also bites through umbilical cords in public parks, Brian Joseph Blessed found his voice in 1936. Iconic singer/songwriter with the beard, pebble glasses and Japanese second wife, not to mention being a champion of world peace, (and look where it got him) – John Winston Lennon’s parents wanted him to give peace a chance from 1940. Bass player/singer and songwriter with The Who, John Alec Entwistle found himself released from the squeezebox in 1943. Wife of trembling rocker with the long hair and pebble glasses, Ozzy, and now reinstated judge on dire popster’s programme The X Factor, Sharon Rachel Osbourne (née Levy) wasn’t heavy when born in 1952. Middle distance puffer who picked up a gold medal at the Moscow Olympics – Stephen Michael James ‘Steve’ Ovett broke the tape in 1955. Ex-British Prime Minister who gambled everything on the electorate on staying in the EU, and losing, Cameron Minor (David), had his first experience of the dispatch box in 1966. Singer Polly Jean (P.J) Harvey had the good fortune to be born in 1969. Not iconic actor with the same name, but film director Steven Rodney ‘Steve’ McQueen has shown no shame being born in 1969. Having mentioned his dad above, it must have been an easy, (not to mention expensive), day to remember birthdays in the Lennon household given lanky haired singer Sean Taro Ono Lennon was born in 1975.

We also celebrate the lives of the following, kicking off with Pope Clement II given the conclave convened in his honour back in 1047. Another Italian, this one an anatomist who riled the Vatican over his stance on condoms, Gabriele Falloppio found his life capped in 1562. Jan Heemskerk Prime Minister of the Netherlands was unable to tip toe through the tulips from 1897. Inventor of barbed wire – Joseph Glidden was more boxed than fenced in from 1906. Excessive medal wearer on his tunic, Alexander ‘the Unifier’ I, King of Yugoslavia found the bullet with his name on it in 1934. Not wanting to be outdone, French Prime Minister Louis Barthou also took one for team in 1943. Side kick to Laurel & Hardy, James Henderson ‘Jimmy’ Finlayson didn’t get the last laugh in 1953. Another Pope, this one Pope Pius XII didn’t get to put his velvet slippers back on after 1958. Getting his second mention this year, revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara started appearing on t-shirts and posters from 1967. Lesser known revolutionary Pierre Mulele didn’t start appearing on t-shirts and posters from 1968. Actress who hated Bette Davis, Ellen Miriam Hopkins, lost the design for living in 1972. Subject of a Steven Spielberg film, (back in 1993!), German industrialist, spy and Nazi Party member, Oskar Schindler didn’t get to spy his demise in 1974. Fellow countryman who was mentioned on 13th August when he cranked into life, Felix Wankel ran out of juice in 1988. Another ex-Prime Minister of Great Britain, Alexander Frederick ‘Alec’ Douglas-Home, slipped off the front benches in 1995. Gangster who liked to cut bits off people before settling down as a writer, Mark ‘Chopper’ Read breathed his last in 2013. Finally, ex-Cabinet Minister under Maggie T, Richard Edward Geoffrey Howe stood down in 2015.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 8th October

 

Today’s births start in 1875 when English tennis player who actually won some tournaments, (along with two Olympic gold medals) – Hugh Laurence ‘Laurie’ Doherty slipped through the net. Co-founder of Delta Air Service, (now Delta – Does it Ever Leave The Airport) Air Lines), Collett Everman Woolman flew out in 1889. Argie President and husband of Maria Eva Duarte de Perón, Juan Domingo Perón staked his claim on life from 1895. Also born that year, the person who started off in public life as Prime Minister, then President before installing himself as King – Ahmet Muhtar Zogolli/Zogu and then graduating to Zog I, King of the Albanians, started having ideas above his station. Norwegian of the day, microtonal composer and music theorist Eivind Groven found his rhythm in 1901. First actor to star as Superman – Kirk Alyn, wasn’t found in a telephone box after his birth in 1910. 78th Prime Minister of Japan Kiichi Miyazawa started to see the rising sun from 1919. Science fiction writer responsible for the Dune series of books – Frank Patrick Herbert Jr., found he had a direct descent in 1920. William Frederick George Williams or Bill Maynard, wasn’t a yo-yo baby in 1928. Winner of six world championships in potting various coloured balls at snooker (yawn), Ray Reardon cued off in 1932. Master chef with three Michelin stars to his name, along with various restaurants dotted around the world, Albert Roux hasn’t mixed up his birthdate since 1935. Known for plugging Foster’s Lager and saying, ‘Strewth’ a lot, Paul Hogan was almost an angel from 1939. Civil rights activist who also threw his hat into the American Presidential ring a couple of times, Jesse Louis Burns/Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., was centre of attention in 1941. National Lampoon favourite who starred in a Paul Simon video trying to play a tin whistle, Cornelius Crane ‘Chevy’ Chase was probably nothing but trouble after his birth in 1943. John William Cummings or Johnny Ramone as his fans knew him, found he didn’t want to grow up from today in 1948. Star of various boring sci-fi films, Susan Alexandra Weaver or as her American Equity card states, Sigourney Weaver had her year of living dangerously from 1949. Ex-football player but now manager with the rather unfortunate surname – Ralf Minge kicked things off in 1960. Not be out done by Johnny (above), Christopher Joseph Wood, or C J Ramone was outta here! in 1965. Also born that year, star of various un-amusing sit coms – Ardal O’Hanlan, didn’t, it turns out, have a father called Ted. Having mentioned the nasal droning, newt loving, anti-semitic Ken Livingstone and the blonde bombshell Boris currently winding Theresa and the Tories up, I suppose I’ll have to do a sentence on the current London Mayor – Sadiq Khan has suffered from small man syndrome since 1970. Actor also born that year, Matthew Paige ‘Mat’ Damon wasn’t born behind the candelabra, rather in front of the spotlights. Someone else making their entrance in 1970 – André Previn’s daughter who shacked up with Woody Allen, (who’s 37 years her senior), Soon-Yi Previn entered stage right. Erna Inari Kaarina Siikavirta, keyboardist with hard rock band Lordi, (the band that topped dullfest known as the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006), hopefully didn’t scare her parents too much in 1997. Singer Peter Gene Hernandez/Bruno Mars, would have been a runaway baby if he’d been able to use his legs in 1985.

As for deaths, 92nd Emperor of Japan – Emperor Fushimi had plenty of chrysanthemum’s at his funeral in 1317. Having mentioned astronomer Christen Sørensen Longomontnus a mere four days ago, here he is again given he found himself among the stars in 1647. American with the odd haircut, large towers named in his honour in Boston and Chicago, not to mention various US Navy ships – John Hancock took his leave in 1793. Another leading American, this one 14th President of the United States of America, Franklin Pierce had his final tipple in 1869. Writer of book about a deer, Bambi – Siegmund Salzmann or to use his pen name, Felix Salten was put down in 1945. Actor known for playing Dr Watson in various Sherlock Holmes films, William Nigel Ernie Bruce was unable to stand up and cheer! from 1953. British Labour Prime Minister Clement Richard Attlee, voted the most successful PM of Britain in the 20th century, wasn’t terribly successful at getting up from 1967. German Chancellor and Nobel Prize winner, Herbert Ernst Karl Frahm or Willy Brandt left the house for good in 1992. Original Sky News anchor, Robert ‘Bob’ Friend saw his auto cue run out in 2008. Singer/journalist Varsha Bhosle, daughter of singer Asha Bhosle wrote her own obit in 2012. Fellow singer James Aaron ‘Jim’ Diamond wasn’t so strong from 2015. Finally antique host (in more ways than one) – Michael Hugh Scully also signed off that year.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 7th October

 

We start today’s posting with last ever Roman Catholic monarch to reign over Denmark, King Frederick I, styled himself, ‘King of Denmark, the Vends and the Goths, (so that’s the origin of all those Scandi death metal bands), elected King of Norway, (although he never bothered to visit this country), had his first coup in 1471. First ecclesiastical mention of the day goes to ruff wearing Archbishop of Canterbury – William Laud, found he had his initial calling in 1573. Another Scandinavian King, this one Charles XIII, (despite being only the seventh King of that name) and King of Norway as Charles II, definitely celebrated his birthday this day from 1748. Physicist who of involved with quantum physics – Niels Bohr first got to grips with gravity in 1885. Rimmed glass wearer with a scrubby moustache, leading Nazi Heinrich Luitpold Himmler didn’t get to goose step into life as he preferred the sliding method in 1900. 42nd and 43rd President of Peru, Fernando Beláunde Terry was committed to having his birthday this day every year from 1912. Dancing Archbishop with a degree mark named after him – Desmond Mpilo Tutu, (who gained his robes at St. Mary’s Church Bletchingley Surrey), took his initial vow in 1931. Australian journo who held court on Britain’s television screen throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, along with unleashing ‘singer’ Margarita Pracatan on us, Vivian Leopold (or just Clive) James didn’t manage to dodge the blaze of obscurity from 1939. United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Oliver Laurence North is surprised he knows his birth year, (1943 since you ask), as he thought his birth certificate also went through the shredder. Hairy member of 10cc, Kevin Michael Godley had some deceptive bends when born in 1945. Singer John J Mellencamp or John Cougar Mellencamp, (depending on which album of his you’ve got), let it all out in 1951. Megalomaniac former Prime Minister and now President of Russia, who may take a bit of time out from bombing Syria to have a slice of cake, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin had his first topless shot taken in 1952. Drummer for one time excessive hair do rockers Bon Jovi, Hector Juan Samuel ‘Tico’ Torres was slippery when wet in 1953. One half of gold medal winning ice skaters at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Jayne Torvill wobbled into life back in 1957. Simon Cowell, he of high waisted trousers, sunglass wearer in the dark and manager of dire recording artists along with being responsible for various ‘talent’ shows clogging the televisual airwaves, started wearing high waisted nappies in 1959. Singer/songwriter and daughter to bog brush haired singer Joe, Samantha (Sam) Brown – hasn’t had a fear of life since 1964. One hit wonder Toni Michelle Braxton had a pulse from 1967. Falsetto singer with dirge rock band Radiohead, Thomas Edward ‘Thom’ Yorke was Kid A for his folks in 1968. ‘Comedian’ with the odd hair and successful musical playing around the world, Timothy David ‘Tim’ Minchin was ready for this in 1975. One time girl group member now found judging one of Simon Cowell’s shows via winning equally dull show – Strictly Come Dancing, Alesha Dixon started to breathe slow in 1978.

For those who’ve missed dead Popes over the past few days, you’re in luck today as the only Pope called Mark vacated the Vatican in 336. King Charles III of France also called the Simple or the Straightforward was just straight from 929. Having mentioned an Archbishop of Canterbury and Cape Town, along with the above Pope, it seems only right and proper 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Rai or Guru Gobind Singh is not left out as he unwrapped himself in 1708. Another religious bod, this one German Lutheran pastor shipped off to America to spread the word, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg started to spread out in the graveyard from 1787. Writer/poet Edgar Allan Poe didn’t have the happiest day of his life in 1849. Composer of quintessential English song ‘Jerusalem’ – Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet was dead in D Flat major back in 1918.
Second Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin obviously had enough of drinking Foster’s and sunbathing given he didn’t manage to do either after 1919. Inventor of modern air conditioning – Willis Haviland Carter found himself at a steady temperature in 1950. Clarence Frank Birdseye II who didn’t look anything like the salty old sea dog featured in the fish finger adverts, found himself frozen in 1956. President of Guatemala – Juan José Arévalo Bermejo stopped fathering children in 1990. British hostage who got Billy Connelly into trouble, Kenneth John ‘Ken’ Bigley found his time was up in 2004. Actor Charles Adams Claverie or Charles Rocket took to the wagons east (rather than west) in 2005. Finally, Mexican drug lord Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano obviously ran out of speed, (whizz, sulph, paste, Billy, baste, amphetamine sulphate or just amphetamine) in 2012.