Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 30th September

We start today’s births paragraph with Girolamo Masci (or, not wanting to disappoint all those Pope fans out there), Pope Nicholas IV found he didn’t quite have the immaculate conception in 1227. Next up is the person every cleansing manager, (and operative), in councils around the world bemoan for his invention, chewing gum – William Wrigley Jr. started chomping in 1861. Physicist who co-invented counter bearing his name, Johannes Wilhelm ‘Hans’ Geiger parents were off the scale in 1882. Drummer/band leader, Bernard ‘Buddy’ Rich found the art of swing in 1917. Novelist Truman Streckfus Persons but went by the name of Truman Garcia Capote, didn’t get his first breakfast at Tiffany’s, (well not unless his mum was called that) in 1924. Mum to shouting/screaming singer Whitney, singer Emily ‘Cissy’ Houston, (née Drinkard), was face to face with her mother in 1933. Crooner John Royce ‘Johnny’ Mathis wasn’t too much, too little or too late for his parents in 1935. It goes without saying Ian Raymond Ogilvy was a saintly child from 1943. Having mentioned glam rocker Marc Bolan (born Marc Feld), on 16th September when he took a career defining moment, by taking on a tree (and losing), here he is again given he had his first make over in 1947. Member of Polish nobility with a coat of arms to prove it, ex-Mrs D. Waterman – Róźa Maria Leopoldyna Łubieńska, or as her equity card says, Rula Lenska had both feet in the cot from 1947. Writer of science fiction/fantasy (double yawn) books, S(tephen) M(ichael) Sterling started his back story in 1953. Co-founder of Sun Microsystems who’s made a few quid from backing Google, Andreas ‘Andy’ von Bechtolsheim started networking in 1955. Model/actress Monica Anna Maria Bellucci didn’t look back when delivered in 1964. Sometime fairly amusing comedian who’s muscled into acting, Omid Djalili wondered what now? after his birth in 1964. Norwegian of the day goes to author with the swept back hair and Royal Mrs, Ari Mikael Behn (or Bjørshol), started life in more modest surroundings in Århus back in 1972. Also born that year, Indian singer Shantanu Mukherjee/Shaan started making some noise. Actress who questioned man’s landing on the moon and other significant events- Marion Cotillard has had blood ties to her parents since 1975. Five time Grand Slam (tennis) winner, Martina Hingis didn’t hit the net when delivered in 1980.

There aren’t that many deaths to report on today, but we do start with Archbishop of Canterbury Saint Honorius who had his initial audience with God in 653. King of West Francia Louis IV, lost his spot on the coins way back in 954. Having mentioned an Arch Bish of Canterbury (above) – I guess it’s only fair Tsultrim Gyatso, the 10th Dalai Lama also gets a look in given he didn’t have to robe up after 1837. Dead Norwegian of the day, composer Sigurd Lie ran out of excuses in 1904. Dutch bronze medalist in team military pistol shooting at the 1900 Olympics, Anthony Ahasuerus Hendrik Sweijs culled himself in 1937. Iconic actor, (apparently), James Byron Dean managed to bring his career to a crashing halt in 1955. Seismologist with the earthquake meter named after him, Charles Francis Richter had a reading of zero in 1985. Having pedalled from Sweden to Mount Everest and then climbing it (without oxygen or a Sherpa), Göran Kropp found himself in a slightly different bivvy bag from 2002. Defence attorney to OJ Simpson during his murder trial and dad to various boring self publicising children – Robert George Kardashian was unable to keep up with the rest of his family from 2003. Game show host Monte Halparin or Monty Hall as he was also known, was unable to beat the clock in 2017. Finally, television presenter/actor Charles Geoffrey Hayes went to the other side of the rainbow in 2018.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 29th September

Having mentioned Pompey the Great (born Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) only yesterday when he took to his bed permanently, here he is again given he was in his crib from 106BC. Writer of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra – found the power of blood in 1547 (or thereabouts). Dauber of large walls who went by his surname, but before I reveal who it is, here’s his full name: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was a colourful child from 1571. Having not got a Pope to mention today, religious figure to feature goes to Thomas Tennison who went onto become Archbishop of Canterbury but didn’t get to be born again after 1636. The man with his column proudly on display in central London, Horatio Nelson set sail on life’s great journeys back in 1758. Born José Miguel Ramón Adaucto Fernández y Félix but known as Guadalupe Victoria, first President of Mexico was a ray of sunshine in his parents lives from 1786. There’s no guessing what László Biró invented, but he did write himself into history back in 1899. Also born that year, holiday camp founder William Heygate Edmund Colborne ‘Billy’ Butlin started entertaining his parents. Not wanting to be out done by President Victoria, Miguel Alemán Valdés, 46th President of Mexico waited until this day in 1902 to arrive. Actor Trevor Howard saw the way ahead in 1913. Legendary cartoonist Ronald ‘Carl’ Giles, who was mentioned back in August when he dropped his pens, gets another mention given he was his grandma’s favourite from 1916. Film noire actress, Lizabeth Virginia Scott found it wasn’t too late for tears in 1922. American football coach O (A) ‘Bum’ Phillips left the down box in 1923. Writer of numerous books about dull policeman, Inspector Morse – (Norman) Colin Dexter, was as good as gold in 1930. Actress/sex symbol Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg was way, way out in 1931. Indian actor Mehmood Ali flickered into life in 1932. Original rock’n’roll singer and plonker of the ivories, Jerry Lee Lewis didn’t quite have great balls of fire when born in 1935. Scandal ridden, young ‘model’ appreciating, television station owning, lecherous 50th Prime Minister of Italy – Silvio Berlusconi found his slippery ways in 1936. Another Prime Minister, this one with the slightly unfortunate name, Wim Kok didn’t labour his birth in 1938. Trade union leader in Britain – James ‘Jimmy’ Knapp was all out with his brothers in 1940. Serial killer who took the trouble to hang himself prior to his conviction, Frederick Walter Stephen ‘Fred’ West merely dangled for a bit in 1941. Actor who was an antique dealer before going onto star in Game of Thrones, Ian David McShane was too scared to scream in 1942. Trade unionist, human rights activist and ex-Polish President, Lech Wałęsa found solidarity with his folks from 1943. Actress of stage, screen and television, Patricia Hodge made her debut in 1946. Jogger who bagged a couple of gold and silver gongs at various Olympics, Sebastian Newbold Coe broke the tape in 1956. Beehived one hit wonder from the 1980’s – Mari Macmillan Ramsay Wilson was just what her parents wanted in 1957. We have birthday boy Alan McGee to thank for bringing us various bands, including Oasis, but it was his parents who first sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him a year after his birth in 1960. 27th Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Eileen Gillard didn’t put up any opposition to being born in 1961. Lead vocalist with Britpop band Suede, Brett Lewis Anderson was, according to his parents, one of the beautiful ones in 1967. Previous teen boy band singing idol before trying acting, Luke Damon Goss, along with his brother Matthew ‘Matt’ Weston Goss had their mum push in 1968. Actress known for her role (though probably more for her being in her swimsuit) in Baywatch – Erika Eleniak had her shakedown moment in 1969. Known for her role in Wish You Were Here, Trigger’s daughter Emily Lloyd-Pack found a brand new world waiting for her in 1970. Distinctive looking sidekick in sitcom The Office – Paul James ‘Mackenzie’ Crook has been playing the game of thrones with his parents since 1971. Other half of acquired taste comedians, (not the odd looking one with the annoying voice), but Robert Patrick Webb, got the gist of birth in 1972. Meanwhile in 1978, Norwegian of the day – winner of the first series of Norwegian Pop Idol, Kurt Nielsen found his voice in 1978.

As for deaths, we see King Gustav I of Sweden set the precedent of being called Gustav before croaking it in 1560. Fellow King, this one Ferdinand VII of Spain found he didn’t have to put his extra large cape on again after 1833. Inventor of spluttering pollutant engine, (well before Volkswagen told everyone otherwise), named after him – Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel ran out of juice in 1913. Inventor of the electrocardiogram, Willem Einthoven flat lined in 1927. Poet Wystan Hugh (W.G) Auden had the funeral blues in 1973. Grandson of Henry Ford, the imaginatively named Henry Ford II reached the end of his particular line in 1987. Cartoonist responsible for creating The Addams Family, Charles Samuel ‘Chas’ Addams started having dear dead days from 1988. Brewing chief August Anheuser ‘Gussie’ Busch Jr., started to ferment himself in 1989. ‘Comedian’, television host and father in law to Phil Lynott, Leslie Douglas Sargent Crowther obviously got the price right for his funeral in 1996. Artist with the distinctive style, Roy Lichtenstein went pop in 1997. Mayor of Los Angeles honoured with a terminal at the worse airport in the world (LAX) – Thomas J. ‘Tom’ Bradley finished his tenure in 1998. John Peel’s mate from classic BBC documentary A Life of Grime – compulsive hoarder Edmund Zygfryd Trebus couldn’t get anything else up his chuff from 2002. Miss Moneypenny, or to give her proper name – Lois Maxwell live and let died in 2007. Finally actor Bernard Schwartz or as he was probably better known, Tony Curtis found he liked it hot at his funeral in 2010.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 28th September

We start today’s posting with Chinese philosopher Confucius (or Kong Qiu/Zhongni/ Kongzi or even Kong Fuzi), must have been somewhat confused with his surroundings after arriving into the world way back in 552 BC. Brewer of the black stuff in central Dublin, (with the distinction of being the only alcoholic drink that was available on the NHS), Arthur Guinness wet hopped it in 1725. British Prime Minister for the Whigs – Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton and Earl of Euston, passed his initial motion in 1735. Inventor of the ballcock, (but not the flushing toilet as is widely believed), Thomas Crapper left his first mark on society in 1836. Scottish born 13th Prime Minister of New Zealand – Robert Stout was a portly child in 1844. Physicist responsible for discovering gamma rays, Paul Ulrich Villard looked radiant after birth in 1860. King of Portugal and the Algarves, baptised Carlos Fernando Louis Maria Victor Miguel Rafael Gabriel Gonzaga Xavier Francesco de Assis José Simāo, he took the somewhat abbreviated name Carlos with him from 1863. Hiranuma Kiichirō sadistic Japanese Prime Minister for eight months in 1939, also made his mum suffer during childbirth in 1867. One of the most famous American television hosts to have been on the box, Edward Vincent ‘Ed’ Sullivan was centre of attention in 1901. Singing sibling Maria Agatha Franziska Gobertina von Trapp was something good for her parents in 1914. Actor William Windom started leaving ’em laughing from 1923. Sex symbol of her day before taking on the mantel of racial hate preacher and animal protector, Brigit Bardot began to grace the world from 1934. Soul and R&B singer Benjamin Earl King, who’s managed to cut that down to Ben E. King didn’t so much as stand by his parents as lie beside them in 1938. Fellow singer Elbridge ‘Al’ Bryant took temptation to another level given he arrived in 1939. Yet another singer, Helen Shapiro thought it was now or never in 1946. Also born that year, sex offending character actor Jeffrey Duncan Jones was out on a limb. Wearer of gaudy ties whilst reading the news in Britain on Channel 4 (and spouting his somewhat skewed views to who ever will listen to him) – Jonathan George ‘Jon’ Snow was a precious child to his parents in 1947. Singer/songwriter James Aaron ‘Jim’ Diamond should have known better than to be born in 1953. One hit wonder born Heidi Ster, but known as Jennifer Rush, found the power of love in 1960. If you thought Bob Geldof and Paula Yates gave their kids some pretty exotic names, think again, as American rocker Frank Zappa should get that accolade given his daughter has walked around since 1967 answering to the name ‘Moon Unit Zappa’. Two time F1 champ, (who basically drove round a track 220 or so times the fastest), Mika Pauli Häkkinen overtook his mum in 1968. Singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur hasn’t come to where I’m from since his birth in 1971. Ex-Mrs Manson and burlesque star, Dita Von Teese (or Heather Renée Sweet), wriggled her way through in 1972. Actress and singer Hilary Erhard Duff has managed to breathe in, breathe out since 1987.

As for deaths, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus or Pompey the Great never got to visit Portsmouth before keeling over in 43BC. Distant relative of American musician who plasters his Facebook page with pleas to become vegan – Herman Melville, writer of Moby Dick finished his final chapter in life back in 1891. Micro biologist Louis Pasteur experienced pasteurisation himself in 1859. Founder of department stores with the big tower in Chicago bearing his surname, Richard Warren Sears closed for business in 1914. Star gazer Edwin Powell Hubble, (the one the telescope’s named after), found he was unable to focus from 1953. Aeroplane builder William Edward Boeing taxied off the planet in 1956. One of the Marx brothers, (and it’s not Karl), Adolph, or Arthur Duer Marx who was known as Harpo, found he couldn’t blow his horn from 1964. Not wanting to go a day without mentioning a Pope, here we have Pope John Paul I who landed the top job for all of, oohh, 33 days before going onto higher things in 1979. Actor known for his role in the film version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Robert Murray Helpman(n) had his checkmate moment in 1986. Having mentioned Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr., a week or so ago in honour of his birthday, here he is again given he stopped buying his wife shoes in 1989. Jazz musician and band leader Miles Dewey Davis III, not only ran out of puff but also stopped waving his arms about in 1991. Film producer who co-produced various James Bond films, Herschel ‘Harry’ Saltzman didn’t have his funeral in Berlin back in 1994. Dad to current Prime Minister of Canada who was himself 15th Canadian Prime Minister – Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau came to the end of his political, and personal, life in 2000. Fellow Canadian who was not only part of the brewing dynasty, but also a senator – Hartland de Montarville Molson found his best before date was in 2002. President of Panama – Guillermo David Endara Galimany didn’t use his hat after 2009. Israeli Prime Minister Syzmon Perski – or Shimon Peres started having pebbles left on his grave from 2016.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 27th September

You will be pleased to hear today’s listing contains not only two dead Popes, (more on them later), but the births of various musicians – one of which is, you’ve guessed it, Norwegian, along with other random people plucked from the information super bridleway. That said, we start with monarch from the House of Bourbon, (though whether this is the chocolate biscuit or type of whiskey hasn’t been recorded) who ruled not as only King of France, but also Navarre, King Louis XIII of France and Louis II of Navarre de merged from his mum in 1601. American revolutionary leader now known for a beer named in his honour, Samuel Adams started to make a name for himself in 1722. Emperor of Mexico and designer of the first Mexican flag – born Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu, who managed to cut that down to: Agustín de Iturbide, switched sides in 1783. Modest comedian, actor and magician who went with the titles, ‘The Great Ballantine’ and ‘The Amazing Ballantine’, (though whether he actually was will remain a mystery), entertainer Carl Ballantine appeared in a puff of smoke back in 1917. Baseball player/ manager John Michael Paveskovich or Johnny Pesky may well have been a pesky child from 1919. Actor known for playing Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Muscogee (Creek) tribe member William ‘Will’ Sampson Jr., was born to the wind, (probably in more ways than one), in 1933. Black leather glove wearing 1970’s rocker with the sideburns, born Bernard William Jewry before renaming himself Shane Fenton and then settling on Alvin Stardust, had his first coo ca choo moment in 1942. One fourth of Canadian band bearing his name, Randolph Charles ‘Randy’ Bachman hadn’t seen anything yet in 1943. Also making their appearance that year, un-amusing leek waving Welsh comedian/singer, Maxwell ‘Max’ Boyce started his incredible plan. Comedy actor Robin Courteney Nedwell had a slice of life from 1946. Scottish singer Barbara Dickson had to wait another seven/eight months after January/February to make it into the world back in 1947. Also born that year, Marvin Lee Aday, or Meat Loaf as he was also known, was welcomed to the neighbourhood. Actress best known for playing Frank Spencer’s wife in classic 1970’s BBC sit-com, ‘Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Michelle Dotrice was out of the unknown in 1948. Now we’re onto the Norwegian singer who represented his country in dull fest known as the Eurovision Song Contest no less than three times, Jahn Teigen got more than a ‘nil point’ with his family in 1949. British Labour MP (and shadow cabinet minister) who can’t seemingly do her maths properly and who sent her son to a selective school (despite not agreeing with such establishments) – Diane Abbott has been trying to work out how old she is since 1953. Writer of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh wrote himself into the plot in 1958. Macro-biotic diet queen and ‘consciously uncoupled’ Mrs C Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow had great expectations after entering the world in 1972. Rapper Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., who adopted a slightly hipper name: Lil Wayne, hasn’t had a rebirth since 1982. Teen pop sensation born in Canada, (thankfully not Justin Bieber), but twice married tattooed singer Avril Lavigne had a happy ending in 1984.

Death wise, (as mentioned above), there are a further two Popes to mention today, so without any further ado, Pope Urban VII popped his velvet slippers off for the final time in 1590. He was followed by Pope Innocent XII who stopped wafting incense about in 1700. French dauber Edgar Degas did a great impression of a dead person in 1917. I remember mentioning composer Englebert Humperdink on 1st September, (given I thought he was the singer), when he started out in life, but here he is again seeing as he didn’t get to see another day from 1921. Suffragette and general agitator taking over from her mum – Estelle Sylvia Pankhurst gave up wielding her handbag in 1960. Actress who personified the ‘Roaring Twenties’, Clara Gordon Bow was beyond the rainbow from 1965. Actress, singer and comedienne with the crisp accent, Grace Stansfield or Dame Gracie Fields, found the show went on without her from 1979. American officer in United States Air Force, James Harold ‘Jimmy’ Doolittle has done exactly that since 1993. Indian singer Mahendra Kapoor hasn’t suffered any feedback from 2008. Actor known for his role in The Pink Panther film franchise – Herbert Charles Angelo Kuchačevič ze Schluderpacheru, who managed to get that down to Herbert Lom found hell is sold out in 2012. Person who founded fashion house Chloé – Gabrielle ‘Gaby’ Aghion, (née Hanoka), cut her cloth a bit too much in 2014. Founder of Playboy who lived in his PJ’s, dressing gown and little white sailor’s cap whilst surrounded by nubile young ladies in bikinis – Hugh Marston Hefner gave up living the dream in 2017. Finally, founding member and lead singer of not only Jefferson Airplane but also Jefferson Starship – starting off as Martyn Jerel Buchwald before being known as Marty Balin started to look out of the windows of heaven in 2018.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 26th September

We begin today’s posting with founder of the Seraphic Order, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone or as he became known Saint Francis of Assisi may have been born this day in either 1181 or 1182. Non relation to Malcolm – Christian X, King of Denmark and Kristján X King of Iceland, started life in 1870 being dressed in girls clothes. Inventor of the bouncing bomb, Barnes Neville Wallis was himself a bouncing baby in 1887. Nobel laureate winner Thomas Stearns (T.S.) Elliott saw a different point of view from 1888. Rather than mentioning a dead Pope, I can actually report on one being born – yes, Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini, or to give his shortened name, Pope Paul VI, had his first audience in 1897. Composer, pianist and subject of second rate Donna Summer hit, George Gershwin had his first tinkle in 1898. Red spy masquerading as an art historian, Anthony Frederick Blunt found himself on the right side of his family in 1907. Founder of NASCAR – William Henry Getty France/Bill France Sr., made his way through in 1909. Indian actor, producer etc with the garland of flowers around his neck, Dharamdev (Dev) Anand was welcomed to the world in 1923. Inventor of sickly and sugary drink Gatorade, James Robert Cade must have been a bit thirsty after his birth in 1927. Lead actress from The Beverly Hillbillies, born Doris Ione Smith but known as Donna Douglas found her parents needed the nanny from 1933. Nelson Mandela’s domineering ex-Mrs who liked to dance about on the spot, Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela or Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, was unleashed into the world back in 1936. Firebrand left wing actor and jailbird, Eric (Ricky) Tomlinson saw red for the first time in 1939. Another television personality who’s known for her fiery character and no nonsense attitude, Anne Josephine Robinson is probably trying to purse her lips at being 75. Lead singer with Roxy Music who thinks he’s Mr. Cool, Bryan Ferry wasn’t quite sticking together with his mum in 1945. Overweight radical feminist Andrea Rita Dworkin didn’t get much say in being born female in 1946. Country singer Lynn Rene Anderson was here in person (minus her wide hat and rhinestone blouse) in 1947. English born Australian actress Olivia Newton John found her parents hopelessly devoted to her in 1948. Ember of Mexican (non-Marachi) band Los Lobos – Cesar J Rosas entered the neighbourhood in 1954. Actress Linda Carroll Hamilton didn’t have a silent fall in 1956. Funny looking novelist/journo William Woodard ‘Will’ Self started the feeding frenzy in 1961. Singer/songwriter with ‘acquired taste’ group currently in hiatus Everything but the Girl, Tracey Anne Thorne has found the language of life useful from 1962. Ex-model before doing rather well on the acting front – born Lysette Chodzko but these days goes goes by the name of Lysette Anthony, made the switch in 1963. R&B singer with Boys II Men – Shawn Patrick Stockman was a solo artist back in 1972. Muscular tennis playing sister with five Wimbledon titles and a gold gong from the London Olympics to her name who lost the plot last year – Serena Jameka Williams had the advantage in 1981. Actress Talulah Jane Riley-Milburn, who’s shortened that to Talulah Riley had her inception in 1985.

Deaths include, among others – Zhu Changluo or The Taichang Emperor, 14th emperor of the Ming Dynasty ended up in a casket rather than a vase in 1620. Mathematician Antoine Parent didn’t quite work out his last day in 1716. Davy Crockett wannabe – frontiersman Daniel Boone started exploring his coffin from 1820. Pioneer of denim jeans Levi Strauss, (or Löb Straß), wasn’t quite so riveted with life from 1902. Author who came up with Dr Doolittle – Hugh John Lofting started doing very little from 1947. Known for playing Maid Marian in the 1950’s television series Robin Hood, Bernadette O’Farrell found it wasn’t the beginning, rather the end for her in 1999. Singer Robert Palmer found his pressure drop in 2003. Broadcaster throughout the Second World War – Iva Toguri D’Aquino or as she was better known ‘Tokyo Rose’ signed off in 2006. Actor who ventured into flogging various food sauces – Paul Leonard Newman, lost his appetite in 2008. Actress Gloria Stewart, (or rather Gloria Frances Stuart), became the invisible woman from 2010. Finally, Irish hurler Seán ‘Seánie’ Duggan showed his white flag in 2013.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 25th September

Today’s posting starts with Prime Minister of Great Britain who didn’t have to worry about people disagreeing and taking him to court – Henry Pelham was first past the (bed) post in 1694. Chief mutineer on HMS Bounty, Fletcher Christian didn’t rebel over his birth date in 1764. Architect known for building the first skyscraper – William LeBaron Jenney started off on the ground floor in 1832. Palaeontologist Karl Alfred von Zittel broke through the crust in 1839. Inventor of the carpet sweeper, Melville Ruben Bissell was unable to sweep his birth date under the carpet from 1843. Seventh Prime Minister of Australia, William Morris ‘Billy’ Hughes expelled himself for the very first time in 1862. Founder of Geographers’ A-Z Map Company – Phyllis Isobella Pearson didn’t take the wrong turn in 1906. Another Antipodean, 31st Prime Minister from the land of Kiwis and All Blacks, not forgetting their weak and gassy beer, Lion – Robert David ‘Rob’ Muldoon thought big in 1921. Spoonerism King and other half of The Two Ronnies, Ronald William George ‘Ronnie’ Barker had to wait a few years from 1929 before he could eat porridge. Another comedy actor, Brian Trevor John Murphy – hen pecked husband to Yootha Joyce in classic 70’s sit-com George & Mildred, was hatched in 1932. Flamboyant Hindi actor Feroz Khan wasn’t a dancing dervish from 1939. Also born that year British MP and Cabinet Minister, before jumping on the EU bandwagon – Leon Brittain was quite a conservative child. Recovering sex maniac, son of Kirk and husband to Catherine, Michael Kirk Douglas shone through in 1944. Supplement queen and another 70’s sit-com star who found fame in The Good Life, Felicity Ann Kendall was in the theatre longer than thirty minutes in 1946. Other half to Linda, (no, not Paul), but Cecil Womack wasn’t able to express himself in 1947. Actor known for his voiceover work as well as playing Luke Skywalker in dull film franchise Star Wars – Mark Richard Hamill caught the slipstream in 1951. Superman, (until his horse bucked and put him in an electric wheelchair), otherwise known as Christopher Reeve, had his great escape in 1952. Actress and ex-Mrs Tommy Lee & ex-Mrs Richie Sambora, Heather Deen Locklear started going places from 1961. Willard Carroll ‘Will’ Smith Jr., was the fresh prince in 1968. Having mentioned her old man above, here’s his Mrs as Catherine Zeta Jones will also be trying to blow the candles out before tucking into the birthday cake in celebration of her 50th birthday. Cheating, (and now dead), cricketer Wessel Johannes ‘Hansie’ Cronje managed to fix his birthdate from 1969. Cheeky Geordie game show host, presenter of other dull programmes thought up by Simon Cowell’s company and who can forget their music, (actually, I’d like to do just that), Declan Joseph Oliver ‘Dec’ Donnelly, (or is it Ant McPartlin?), came to be in 1975. Model Jodie Kidd was a mere baby in 1978.

As for deaths, the Battle of Stamford Bridge occurred in 1066 leading to the deaths of Tostig Godwinson and Harald III of Norway, unfortunately, it was 950 years before José Mourinho was resident there. Pope Clement VII features given he went to meet his maker in 1534. Baroque composer Johann Christoph Pez dispensed himself in 1716. Third son of timbrel enthusiasts William & Catherine, Herbert Henry Howard Booth stopped flogging The War Cry and found himself ‘promoted to glory’ in 1926. Etiquette expert Emily Post made her polite excuses and left us in 1960. Nicolas Poliakoff or as the coulrophobics knew him Coco the Clown, found he didn’t have to wear makeup after 1974. Drummer with rock band Led Zeppelin, John Henry Bonham took his stairway to heaven in 1980. King of the Belgians, (though not too sure whether it was for the Walloons or Flemish), Léopold III abdicated in 1983. Actor Walter Pidgeon could have done with more than a two minute warning in 1984. Dead Norwegian of the day, linguist Hans Vogt found he lost his voice, (amongst other things) in 1986. Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie aka ‘the Butcher of Lyon’ hung on until 1991. Singer Howard Andrew ‘Andy’ Williams certainly wasn’t warm and willing from 2012. Finally, actor and old man to Cherie Blair – Anthony George ‘Tony’ Booth entered the pit of darkness in 2017.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 24th September

We start today’s posting with another Roman Emperor (for all of eight months) – Vitellius spent more time preparing for birth than ruling the empire in AD15. Fourth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das was delivered on a wing and a prayer way back in 1534. Person we have to thank for overly bright and blinking neon lighting, Georges Claude lit up his parents lives from 1870. Another five time Wimbledon Champion before getting bored with tennis and moving on to golf, field hockey and archery, Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Dod was all a quiver in 1871. Someone else who made a living out of building a global brand, Franklin Clarence Mars was all rest and play, with no work in 1882. Writer of The Great Gatsby and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (abbreviated to F. Scott Fitzgerald to fit on the dust jackets), didn’t go the same way as that story in 1896. General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union – Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko didn’t suffer censorship over his birth in 1911. Creator of The Muppets James Maury ‘Jim’ Henson found his own cord cut in 1936. Having mentioned both her son and daughter a couple of weeks back when it was their birthdays, it’s now their mum’s turn as chief triangle and tambourine player not to mention vegetarian meal queen, Linda Louise McCartney, (née Eastman, formerly See), started to focus from 1941. Scouse songsmith Gerard ‘Gerry’ Marsden didn’t need a pacemaker when delivered in 1942. English cricketer Patrick Ian ‘Pat’ Pocock bounced out in 1946. The day really wouldn’t be complete without a Norwegian of the day, and I don’t disappoint given Erik Hivju started out in 1947. Known for playing Det. Greg Medavoy in NYPD Blue, Gordon Clapp received light applause when born in 1948. Having mentioned creator of The Muppets above, here we have the voice of Kermit the Frog – Steven Lawrence ‘Steve’ Whitmire was a dreamchild in 1959. Cyprus born entrepreneur who liked to try and break things on Dragon’s Den, Theodoros ‘Theo’ Paphitis will be getting Mrs P to break open the champers (or possibly pomange) in celebration of his 60th birthday. Miserablist comedian James Andrew Innes ‘Jack’ Dee was delivered lying down in 1961. Ex-ball kicker and team captain on dull sports quiz show ‘A Question of Sport’, Alastair Murdoch ‘Ally’ McCoist wasn’t offside when born 57 years ago. Another sports personality who won both gold and silver at the 2012 Olympics, Victoria Louise Pendleton was a descender in 1980.

Pope Liberius kicks the deaths paragraph off given he became a Holy Ghost in 366. Pepin the Short, King of the Franks, (though there are no records as to his height), found his time was up in 768. Another Pope, this one Pope Innocent II obviously had enough of pure thoughts in 1143. Serbian Grand Prince/King Stefan Nemanjic or Stefan the First Crowned, took his last vow in 1228. Emperor Pedro I of Brazil and King Pedro IV of Portugal and the Algarves was pretty subdued from 1834. Brother to Charlotte, Emily & Anne – painter/writer Patrick Branwell Brontë went to cold comfort farm in 1848. Balloonist and parachutist Charles Leroux (born Joseph Johnson), bailed out of life in 1889. First Prime Minister of Sweden Louis Gerhard De Greer munched his last meatball in 1896. Egg maker Peter Carl Fabergé, also known as Karl Gustavovich Fabergé didn’t get a blinged up coffin in 1920. Physicist with the counter named after him, Johannes ‘Hans’ Wilhelm ‘Gengar’ Geiger went off the scale in 1945. Silent film star, Charles ‘Chuck’ Reisner started reducing from 1962. Commissioner James Gordon from the Batman TV Series (or James Neil Hamilton), saw the spotlight dim in 1984. Writer of the Dr. Suess books, Theodore Suess Geisel found he wasn’t going to get up from today in 1991. Overworked actor Surendranatha Thilakan had his make up artist do one more days work in 2012. Finally, last actor of the day – William Goldwyn ‘Bill’ Nunn III has been finding the things to do in Denver when you’re dead from 2016.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 23rd September

Today is a bit quieter for both births and deaths – bearing that in mind, we start with Gaius Octavius or Augustus Caeser the first Roman Emperor who had a straight arm waving about from 63BC. Mongol Emperor and founder of the Yuan dynasty in China, Kublia Khan arrived at 1215. King Ferdinand VI of Spain cheered up this day each year from 1713. Star gazer Johann Franz Enche spied the light for the first time in 1791. Cocaine and morphine addled surgeon William Stewart Halstead had his initial introduction to hospitals in 1852. 11th of 12 children and founder of company bearing his name, (which is still going strong today), Robert Bosch engineered his way into the world back in 1861. Queen consort of Serbia Draginja ‘Draga’ Obrenović (formerly Mašin) was no longer a baby in waiting from 1864. Writer of books about The Scarlet Pimpernel – Emma Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála ‘Emmuska’ Orczy de Orci blended in well with her family from 1865. 38th Prime Minister of Italy – Aldo Romeo Luigi Moro was apolitical in 1916. Eight time married, (some people never seem to learn from their mistakes), Joseph Yule Jr., or Mickey Rooney as he was also known left the hide out in 1920. Saxophonist John William Coltrane was settin’ the pace in 1926. Blind American singer/songwriter, (no, not Stevie Wonder), but Ray Charles (Robinson), had plenty of crying time in 1930. Bollywood actor Prem Chopa gave it his all in 1935. Henry Calthorpe Blofeld, or ‘Blowers’ to his cricketing fans didn’t stump his parents when born in 1939. Spanish crooner, (of who I can only name one hit he’s responsible for, and that’s one too many), Julio José Iglesias de la Cuevaor, or just Julio Iglesias, released himself on the world in 1943. One time beaded haired children’s television presenter, now in a select group of Liberal Democrats within the House of Lords, Floella Benjamin went to play school a few years after arriving in 1949. Also born that year, ‘The Boss’ – Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen came to be born in the USA. Tony B.Liar’s Mrs, (the one who opened No. 10’s front door to the world in her nightdress with dishevelled hair, but unfortunately minus the dangling fag from her mouth), Theresa Cara ‘Cherie’ Blair (née Booth), started representing herself from 1954. Former Blue Peter presenter and ghost hunter – Yvette Paula Fielding didn’t scare her parents in 1968. Northern whinger and idiot abroad Karl Pilkington will be moping about the place given he’s now 47.

People at the other end of their life include, Pope Linus who drew the short straw in 79. Eleventh Grand Master of the Knights Templar – Robert de Sablé left the other ten Knights battle it out in 1193. Dead Norwegian of the day, botanist/bishop Johan Ernst Gunnerus found he wasn’t late for his funeral in 1773. Opera composer Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini didn’t have a long drawn out death scene with someone stood over him singing a song in 1835. Businessman who namef a university in Texas after himself, William Marsh Rice certainly wasn’t Hoppin’ John in 1900. Grandfather to the rather painful sounding Emma Freud, Sigismund Schlomo (Sigmund) Freud vacated his sofa in 1939. Actor William ‘Billy’ Gilbert Barron, sneezed his last in 1971. Finally, writer of Psycho Robert Albert Bloch departed this crowded earth in 1994. Whilst others have died since then, there isn’t anyone of any real note to tell you about – who knows we might have someone to mention next year!

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 21st September

Having mentioned previous incumbent of the titles Chas now holds only yesterday, we see today’s posting start with previous incumbent of Andy’s title – claimant to the English throne, Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York could rightly claim his birthday from 1411. Designer of the first official American flag as well as the first American coin and on top of that he also scribbled his name on the Declaration of Independence (along with the seeming thousands of others) – Francis Hopkinson was a one off from 1737. Road builder John Lowdon (or Loudon) McAdam started to lay out his path, (or rather road), in life from 1756. Patriarch to the Barrymore acting clan, Herbert Arthur Chamberlayne Blythe, but known as Maurice Barrymore had the curtain raised on his life in 1849. Actor of stage, then film – John Bunny wasn’t seeing double in 1863. Herbert George ‘H.G.’ Wells writer of dull sci-fi books such as The War of the Worlds, found the shape of things to come from 1866. English composer with a foreign name, born Gustav Theodore von Holst but known as Gustavus Theodore Holst had the sneezing charm from 1874. Co-founder of Penguin books – Allen Lane Williams, was unable to read up on birth in 1902. Animator responsible for classic cartoons with Warner Bros., Charles Martin ‘Chuck’ Jones, was naughty but mice in 1912. Actor born Arlington Rand Brooks, Jr., who successfully managed to cut that down to Rand Brooks managed to hold that kiss in 1918. Stetson wearing alcoholic soap star – Larry Martin Hagman, or J.R. Ewing, wasn’t a decoy for his parents in 1931. Depressing singer Leonard Norman Cohen actually had something to celebrate once a year from 1934. Horror writer Stephen Edwin King hasn’t edited his life since 1947. Comedy actor William James ‘Bill’ Murray has had his Groundhog Day since 1950. Current Prime Minister of Japan – Shinzō Abe has graduated from a cot to a cabinet from 1954. Busy Indian actor Gulshan Grover hasn’t kept a code of secrecy over his birthdate in 1955. 26th Prime Minister of Australia, (they’re currently up to No. 30) Kevin Michael Rudd took affirmative action in 1957. Also born that year, younger brother of Joel – Ethan Jesse Coen showed true grit during birth. Singer/songwriter with Swing Out Sister, Corinne Drewery managed to breakout in 1959. Fellow singer Audrey Faith Perry, who’s probably better known as Faith Hill, started to breathe in 1967. Talk show host Ricki Pamela Lake found her voice in 1968. Pebble glass wearing, swaggering and warring brother once part of Oasis, not to mention being ex-Mr Kensit and Appleton, William John Paul ‘Liam’ Gallagher opened his beady eyes in 1972. Cricketer Christopher Henry ‘Chris’ Gayle is on his way to hitting 100 given he’s now reached 40. Actress Kareena Kapoor certainly didn’t have 3 idiots present at her birth in 1980. Known for getting arrested and for being in some inconsequential reality television series, Nicole Camille Escovedo or Nicole Richie has had anything but a simple life since 1981. Body fitness coach – Joe Wickes, started getting into shape after 1985.

As for deaths, there’s a few old royals but first – Roman poet born Publius Vergilius Maro who was better known as Virgil had his envoi in 19BC. Pope Conon took his leave after only 11 months at the Vatican in 687. Edward of Caernarfon or just Edward II, King of England – took to his tomb in Gloucester Cathedral in 1327. Holy Roman Emperor/King of the Romans and King of Italy – Charles V stopped having his portrait painted in 1558. Writer Sir Walter Scott should have earned the nickname Old Mortality given he dropped his quill in 1832. First dead Norwegian of the day, Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel or Prince Carl of Denmark who also went under the name King Haakon VII of Norway, didn’t have to remember if he was a Prince or a King from 1957. Creator of Band-Aid plasters, Earle Dickson peeled off in 1961. Track and field athlete with the talons, Florence Delores Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo), may well have been one of the fastest women of all time, but she successfully managed to stop being this in 1998. Second dead Norwegian to feature today is cross country skier Hallgier Brenden who managed to cover his tracks pretty well in 2007. Voice actor born John Michael Riorden Billsbury but went by the name Michael Rye, switched his microphone off in 2012. Finally, heir to the L’Oréal fortune and richest woman in the world (from 2016) – Liliane Henriette Charlotte Bettencourt née Schueller didn’t need the $44.3 billion she’d amassed by 2017.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 20th September

Ancient royal of the week – Arthur, Prince of Wales/Earl of Chester/Duke of Cornwall (all roles currently occupied by Chas), kicks today’s posting off given he arrived in 1486. Jean-Jacques Desskines, or self proclaimed Emperor Jacques I of Haiti, who was actually quite a nice baby in 1758. Chemist and physicist, (who’s not related to the distilling family with the same surname) – James Dewar, inventor of the Dewar flask, (what is now known as the Thermos flask, and which I first heard about at school when my science teacher told me about it, but I digress), found a difference in temperature in 1842. Belgian engineer responsible for building the Paris Métro – Édouard Louis Joseph Empain came out of the dark in 1852. King of Siam, (no, not Yul Brynner) but Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintra Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Yu Hua, who managed to cut that down to Rama V, started collecting medals from 1853. Early day film director, producer, actor and screenwriter, (you see they were making up their job titles back then too), Sidney Olcott found someone slapping his back, rather than scratching it in 1873. Redhill (Surrey) born actor, before defecting to Hollywood – Walter Kingsford was outward bound in 1881. Spiritual leader from India, Shriram Sharma Acharya was a calming influence on his parents from 1911. Stage and film actor Kenneth Gilbert More was a happy go lucky child from 1914. Having mentioned Rama V, (above), Ananda Mahidol or Rama VIII, King of Thailand didn’t want to miss out on things given he arrived in 1925. Well known jazz musician John Philip William Dankworth, who was better known as Johnny Dankworth, was too cool for the blues in 1927. Italy’s most famous actress, Sofia Villani Scicolone/Sofia Lauren found it started in Rome, not Naples back in 1934. Person with the beer named after him, Peter Hanson ‘Pete’ Coors was full of gas in 1946. Kiwi popster with 80’s group ‘The Thompson Twins’, (who weren’t called Thompson, nor were they twins), Alannah Joy Currie didn’t mess with Doctor Dream in 1957. Todd Smith Blackadder, not a friend of Lord Percy Percy, (who was mentioned two days ago), but a rugby union player had his first dummy pass in 1971. Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán started driving his parents round the bend from 1975. Professional road cyclist with the slightly alternative name – Vladimir Alexandrovich Karpets found it wasn’t curtains when born in 1980.

Deaths include, among many others – Antipope Paschal III obviously wasn’t anti-death from 1168. Flemish born critic Jan Gruter (or Gruytére), he also went by the name Janus Gruterus, wasn’t so critical of dying in Heidelberg in 1627. Writer and folklorist with his brother, Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm didn’t really have a fairy tale end to life in 1863. General Augusto Tasso Fragaso, President of Brazil – Member of the Military Junta and moustache of the year 1942, took his last look at Copacabana Beach in 1945. Finnish composer and pianist Heino Wilhelm Daniel Kaski reached his crescendo in 1957. Another Finnish composer not making it through that year, Johan Julius Christian ‘Jean’ Sibelius actually started decomposing. 126th Prime Minister of Greece, Alexandros Othonaios permanently resigned in 1970. Actor Roy Mitchell Kinnear found the heavens above in 1988. Ex-First Lady of the Soviet Union and wife of Mikhail, (he of big hats and birthmark) Raisa Maximovna Gorbacheva, (née Titarenko) stopped drinking vodka in 1999. English footballer/ manager – Brian Howard Clough started having roads named after him from 2004. Tenth President of Afghanistan – Burhānuddīn Rabbānī didn’t get to breath a sigh of relief in 2011. Finally, Eric Shaun Lynch later known as Eric the Midget and then Eric the Actor and sidekick to Howard Stern on his radio show signed off in 2014.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.