Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 28th February

Ancient royal of the week kicks today’s posting off as we see Henry the Young King, titular King of England, Duke of Normandy, whilst also finding time to be Count of Anjou and Maine crowned a great day for his mum way back in 1155. Another ancient monarch – Margaret of Scotland, (born in Windsor Castle in 1261), went onto become Queen of Norway. President of Harvard College – Benjamin Wadsworth learnt his birthday from 1670. Having mentioned funambulist Jean François Gravelet/Charles Blondin a few days ago when he fell off the rope, here he is again given he had his first lunge in 1824. Dad to Liza and husband to Judy Garland, film director Vincente Minnelli jumped on the band wagon in 1903. Proper gangster Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Siegel started terrorising his parents lives from 1906. Person with over 200 acting credits to his name – Charles Edward Durning had his Hi Mom! moment in 1923. Best known for his role in 1960’s/70’s sit-com Steptoe & Son, Harry H. Corbett carried on screaming after his birth in 1925. Actress/dancer born June Diane Neeltje Holland, before taking that down to Diane Holland hot stepped it in 1930. Golfer/golf course designer and golf commentator Peter Alliss was on par in 1931. Mario Gabriele Andretti winner of various motor sport titles, (F1, IndyCar and NASCAR to name but three), lurched forward in 1940. Founding member and lead singer with Rolling Stones, Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones had the aftermath of birth in 1942. Unlikely sex thimble partial to wearing a duffel coat and looking like a gnome, Robert Finlayson ‘Robin’ Cook didn’t need a vote to be born in 1946. Soap opera actress Stephanie Beacham let the games begin in 1947. Another television celebrity chef who’ll be blowing out the candles on the birthday cake they’ve made, Ainsley Harriet will attempt to blow all 66 of them out. Also born in 1957, singer/songwriter with the B52’s, Cindy Wilson started roaming. Diminutive featherweight boxer, Finbar Patrick ‘Barry’ McGuigan was down and out in 1961. Norwegian of the day, middle distance runner Tor Øivind Ødegård broke the tape in 1969. Singer/songwriter with band Train, Patrick ‘Pat’ Monahan has been wanting more since 1969. Au pair you wouldn’t want to employ – Louise Woodward was handled with care in 1978. Leggy blonde supermodel I’ve never heard of – Karolína Kurková started the look back in 1984. Singer/songwriter born Jake Edwin Charles Kennedy, before changing it to Jake Bugg left the rabbit hole in 2004. Given other royal families children get a mention here, it’s only fair Princess Lalla Khadija of Morocco also gets a look in given she was unable to haggle over her birthdate in 2007.

As for deaths, it’s another light day, but we do start in 1510 given explorer Juan de la Cosa lost his bearings. King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, got to put his ermine and ruff down for good in 1648. Continuing the royal theme, we see King Alfonso XIII of Spain stop swigging the Rioja in 1941. First President of India, Rajendra Prasad took his independence to another level in 1963. 26th Prime Minister of Sweden, Sven Olaf Joachim Palme ran out of policies in 1986. Film director Ishiō Honda responsible for Godzilla must have scared himself to death in 1993. Star of sometime mildly amusing sit-com Father Ted, Dermot John Morgan needed a proper Father to officiate at his funeral in 1998. Hotel owner Baron Charles (Carmine) Forte, checked out for the last time in 2007. Wax work broadcaster Paul Harvey Aurandt lost his signal in 2009. Hollywood sex symbol Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell had a paleface from 2011. Mastermind of the Great Train Robbery, Bruce Richard Reynolds didn’t manage to blag his way out of death in 2013. Designer of the MiG jet fighter, Rostislav Belyakov lost the Cold War back in 2014. Dermot Morgan’s co-star in Father Ted, Father Jack Hewitt or Frank Kelly wasn’t turning green, rather a pale white in 2016. Morecombe & Wise’s favourite conductor – André Preview/Previn reached fine in 2019. Finally, soap actor Johnny Briggs has been the diplomatic corpse since 2021.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 27th February

Today’s posting begins with Roman emperor Constantine the Great who was definitely born this day in probably AD272. Founder of soap and alkali company bearing his surname, Thomas Hazlehurst was a bubbly baby in 1779. Leading Shakespearean quoter Alice Ellen Terry, thought there was much ado about nothing over her birth in 1847. Composer of quintessential English choral song ‘Jerusalem’ – Charles Hubert Hastings Parry thought, ‘O Lord, Thou has cast me out’ in 1848. Person who invented the pop up toaster – Charles Perkins Strite was the best thing since sliced bread to his folks in 1878. First President of the Republic of Iceland – Sveinn Björnson noticed a difference in temperature back in 1881. Another actor, this one best known for his role in American sit-com My Three Sons, Carl William Demarest must have wondered what happened to father? during his birth in 1892.

Founder of Distillers Corporation Ltd – Samuel Bronfman had his first wash in 1889. Co-discoverer of insulin Charles Herbert Best, gave his parents a shot of new life in 1899. Author John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. joined America and Americans in 1902. Comedian mentioned a couple of weeks back when he died – Charles Kenneth Horne was at home in 1907. Actor born Myron Melvin Fox and is the reason Michael J Fox has the extra initial – Michael Fox had a bloody mama in 1921. Great pal of chimp owning, ‘friend’ of little boys, solo spangly glove wearing, black turned white singer Michael Jackson – actress Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor found there’s one born every minute in 1932. First fashion designer of the day, Kenzō Takada made it through the pagoda sleeve in 1939. Ex-marine/Special Boat Service officer and Liberal Democrat MP, Jeremy John Durham Ashdown who was known as Paddy Pantsdown by the red tops and Paddy Ashdown to the voters, arrived not so secretly in 1941. Canadian actor Michel Forget has been able to remember his birthday every year from 1942. Fashion designer who lent his name to his own business – Franco Moschino didn’t have a bias cut in 1950. Singer/songwriter Stephen Malcolm Nice who had a band with the name of his alter ego Steve Harley, found himself tumbling down in 1951. Fellow singer, this one in self named band – Garry Christian had the perfect moment in 1955. Act tor Timothy Leonard Spall said, ‘Auf Wiedershen’ to his mum’s stomach in 1957. Girlfriend to punk rocker Sid Vicious, Nancy Laura Spungen looked pretty vacant when born in 1958. Singer/songwriter and other member of OMD – Paul David Humphreys started leaving ‘messages’ from 1960. Non-relation to gun toting Alec, actor Adam Baldwin saw daybreak in 1962. English version of David Blaine, (born in Purley, Surrey), Derren Brown convinced his mum to give birth in 1971. Designer of pretty much all of Apple Computers best selling items, Jonathan Paul ‘Jony’ Ive started to sketch out his life from 1967. Singer, ex-plugger of frozen food, resident of Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, and, to some, (though not Katie Price or myself), a hunk – Peter James Andrea/Andre entered a whole new world in 1973. Ex-‘awkward’ looking daughter of impeached President of the United States of America, Chelsea Clinton made a democratic decision to enter the world in 1980. Singer Joshua Winslow ‘Josh’ Groban had his parents raise him up in 1981. Actress/fashion model – Kate Rooney Mara started to pose for pictures in 1983.

It’s another easy day on the deaths front and first up is President of Harvard College – Harvey Dunster got a masters degree in taking things easy from 1659. Bag and trunk maker Louis Vuitton Malletier packed up for good in 1892. Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov lied down in 1936. Henry Louis Smith, the first person who made an X-Ray image didn’t get to see any more bones after 1951. Engineer and manufacturer of typewriters, (among other things), Adriano Olivetti calculated his date of death in 1960. Co-creator of Marvel Comics character Daredevil, William Blake ‘Bill’ Everett didn’t take on any super powers given he died in 1973. Known for his role Abner Kravitz in Bewitched, George Tobias found no one lives forever in 1980. Singer/actor James Patrick Francis O’Malley, who took that down to J. Pat O’Malley didn’t give the thumbs up in 1985. Sociologist/demographer who coined the term ‘population explosion’ – Kingsley Davis took the population down by one in 1997. Actor James Thomas Patrick ‘J.T’ Walsh had a silent fall in 1998. One third/fourth of The Goons, Terence Alan ‘Spike’ Milligan came up with two of the best epitaphs – ‘Under this sod lies another’ and the one he used on his grave, ‘I told you I was ill’ in 2002. Singer with The Temptations, Richard Allen Street didn’t manage to take another look around in 2013. Actor known for his ears and unique V sign, Leonard Simon Nimoy was beamed up in 2015. Fellow actor George Harris Kennedy Jr., has had more than six days in paradise since 2016. Convicted murderer, human rights violator oh, and General in the Argentine army – Luciano Benjamín Menéndez didn’t get to see daylight again after 2018. Finally, another person into murdering people and human rights abuse, ex-President of the Seychelles – France-Albert René, hasn’t been ‘the boss’ since 2018.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 26 February

Famous people born today, include, among others, writer of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Marie Hugo had his parents ringing the bells with joy in 1802. Born Löb Strauß, but known as double denim king Levi Strauss obviously had good genes when born in 1829. Russian Tsar Alexander Alexandrovich, who also had the titles King of Congress Poland and Grand Duke of Finland arrived this day on the old style calendar in 1845, (so keep an eye out for him later in the year on the new style calendar). Showman William Frederick ‘Wild Bill’ Cody didn’t make a song or dance about his birth in 1846. We have vegetarian with the bushy goatee beard to thank for co-creating Cornflakes bearing his name, John Harvey Kellogg had all the milk at his disposal from 1852. Founder of chemical company implicated in the Bhopal disaster – Herbert Henry Dow started leaking gases himself from 1866. Revolutionary politician and Trotsky’s wife – Nadezhda Konstantinovna Krupskaya was a bolshy baby in 1869, (on the new style calendar). Dinner suited third Argentine President to be mentioned within a week, Agustín Pedro Justo Rolón put himself forward in 1876. Actor responsible for curing King George VI of his stammer, (as per The King’s Speech) – Lionel George Logue started hearing voices in 1880. American Admiral who was commander in chief at Pearl Harbour – Husband Edward Kimmel was cut adrift in 1882. Cartoon animator Frederick Bean ‘Tex’ Avery hopefully didn’t have a chilly willy once delivered in 1908. Born Phyllis Nan Sortain Peachey but better known as domineering television chef Fanny Craddock, was reduced to being born in 1909. Comedian/actor Herbert Walton ‘Jackie’ Gleason, Jr., tried to keep off the grass from 1916. Actress Elizabeth June Thornburg aka Betty Hutton was happy go lucky in 1921. 74th Prime Minister of Japan – Noboru Takeshita, well, his surname kind of spoke for itself from 1924. Singer Antoine ‘Fats’ Domino Jr., found his thrill in 1928. Also born that year, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Scheinermann/Sharon started to command attention. Actress and ex-Mrs L Rossiter, Josephine Ann Tewson had her first night in 1931. Known for dressing in black, singer John R ‘J.R.’ Cash wasn’t a boy named Sue in 1932. Dad to Jemima, (ex-Mrs Imran Khan), and ex-MP, now an MP again – Zacharias, (with another 6 children dotted about the place) – asset stripper, sorry, ‘business reorganiser’ and founder of the Referendum Party, James Michael ‘Jimmy’ Goldsmith had to do all the work in 1933. Norwegian of the day makes a reappearance here with Birgit Annalisa Rusanen or Marta Kristen wasn’t lost in all the space she gained after birth in 1945. First British winner of dullfest that is the Eurovision Song Contest, Sandra Ann Goodrich/Sandy Shaw, found there is always something to remind her of her birthday, (probably the cake and pop), from 1947.

Novelist Susan Elizabeth George had a great deliverance in 1949. Having mentioned 74th Prime Minister of Japan, (above), it only seems right to give space to 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand – Helen Elizabeth Clark had her maiden speech about nine months after her birth in 1950. One time mullet wearer and shouter to music, who’s plugged Starburst sweets, Michael Bolotin who changed his name to Michael Bolton had a once in a lifetime experience in 1952. Seeing as various other presidents get a mention here, I guess it’s only fair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also gets a name check given he’s worked his way up ladder from mayor of Istanbul to Prime Minister and then the top job from 1954. Singer with Killing Joke – Jeremy ‘Jaz’ Coleman, hasn’t reached his eighties yet given he was born in 1960. Ex-Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille resigned himself to being born in 1966. Dissident activist who took part in the Tianamen Square demo – Wang Dan started getting in the way from 1969. Singer Corinne Jacqueline Bailey but goes by the name, Corinne Bailey Rae started to give her parents trouble sleeping from 1979. Retired (!) tennis player from Wuhan China, who recently ditched her face mask – Li Na wasn’t quarantined in 1982. Actress daughter of designer Tommy, Ally Hilfiger has got used to seeing her surname on various bits of clothing since 1985. Olympic gold medal winning doggy paddler Hannah Margaret McNair “Maggie” Mac Neil kept the elbows high in 2000.

Death wise, King of Sicily and Africa – Roger II dropped his crown in 1154. Not wanting to be left out, last King of Sicily – Manfred lost his spot on the Seal of Sicily in 1266. Ginger haired King Eric XIV of Sweden dropped his roll mopped herrings in 1577. Composer/violinist without the sandals – Johann Adam Birkenstock has been out of tune from 1733. Machine gun designer Richard Jordan Gatling has had eye relief since 1903. Wearer of odd hats, Sultan/King of Morocco Mohammed V gave up haggling on life in 1961. Third Prime Minister of Israel – born Levi Yitzhak Shkolnik but known as Levi Eshkol bagged top spot at Mount Herzl in 1969. Singer with The Platters, Cornelius E. ‘Cornell’ Gunter was unable to keep his promise ‘Keep Me Alive’ from 1990. Acerbic cult comic William Melvin ‘Bill’ Hicks didn’t get any laughs when he died in 1994. Car designer/constructor Giuseppe “Nuccio” Bertone didn’t get a say about his coffin in 1997. Long time, (43 years in case you’re interested), employee of Disney, James Algar found himself erased in 1998. Known for playing Miss Brahms in classic sit-com Are You Being Served? and Pauline Fowler in not so classic soap opera Eastenders, Wendy Emerton/Richard found she didn’t have to turn the light off in 2009. Singer with the Chi-Lites, Frank Kevin ‘Tchallah’ Reed found he stopped what he was doing in 2014. British red team member being Labour MP for Manchester Gorton – Gerald Bernard Kaufman used his opt out from 2017. Finally, physicist who developed the MRI body scanner and PET imaging technique – John Rowland Mallard hasn’t been a free radical since 2021.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 25th February

Births today include, among many others, architect of the Royal Crescent, (along with other places in Bath) – John Wood the Younger, had a mere wash from his mum in 1728. First Argie of the day, liberator of the country from the Spanish Empire – José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras, who took that down to José de San Martín had his parents protect him from 1778. French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir made the right impression with his folks from 1841. Mum to Phil and mum in law to Liz, Princess of Battenberg, (as in cakes/police car designs), who went onto become Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark moved around a bit after her birth in 1885. Indian spiritual master Merwan Sheriar Irani or Meher Baba, didn’t undertake the vow of silence in 1894. Youngest of the Marx Brothers, (as in comedy actors not communist sympathisers), Herbert Manfred ‘Zeppo’ Marx engineered his arrival in 1901. Actor found in most English 50’s and 60’s comedy films – Richard Cameron Wattis managed to play it cool from 1912. Actor who played Mr. Magoo, James Gilmore ‘Jim’ Backus was unable to hear the doctor say, ‘Hello down there’ in 1913. Author who came up with A Clockwork Orange, John Anthony Burgess Wilson or just Anthony Burgess, was very good on going to bed from 1917. Korean brain washer and marrier of total strangers, Mun Yong-myeong or Sun Myung Moon wasn’t quite so unified with his mum from 1920. Wimple and habit wearing nun who liked to look at nudes, (among other things), Sister Wendy Beckett started her grand tour in 1930. Slap head star of numerous Carry On films, Bernard Bresslaw found a hole in 1934. Actor Thomas Daniel ‘Tom’ Courtenay had his opening gambit in 1937. Film producer David Terence Puttnam was a local hero in Southgate London, back in 1941. One fourth of 1960’s super group The Beatles before going onto embrace Transcendental Meditation – George Harrison twisted and shouted in 1943. Singer Elaine Bookbinder or Elkie Brooks didn’t want to cry out loud in 1945. Lee Evans, (not the sweaty comedian who runs around the stage whilst dabbing his brow with a hankie), but double Olympic medal winning athlete had a late spurt in 1947. Second Argi of the day former Presidenti and late husband to Cristina, Néstor Kirchner didn’t start his own dirty war in 1950. Stand up comedian with the (very) wide centre parting – born Michael Lawton and then finding fame as Mick Miller has had an ideal day since 1950. By some strange quirk of fate, we also see Lee Evans the sweaty comedian who runs around the stage whilst dabbing his brow with a hankie, (and not the double Olympic medal winning athlete), was also born this day in 1964. Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni who goes by the name of Téa Leoni was flying blind in 1966. Rogue derivatives trader who bought down Barings Bank, Nicholas William ‘Nick’ Leeson didn’t bankrupt his parents after his birth in 1967. Actor born Sean Patrick Duke, before settling on Sean Patrick Astin, had a safe passage in 1971. Son of ageing singing lothario who imaginatively, (or vainly), was named after his dad, Julio José Iglesias (Jr.), came along to carry on the family tradition in 1973. Singer in band Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS), born Luísa Hanae Matsushita, but now goes by the name Lovefoxxx, hasn’t been left behind since 1984. Twin actors from the dull but strangely popular film franchise – Harry Potter, James Andrew Eric and Oliver Martyn John Phelps didn’t take the forbidden journey in 1986.

Death wise, it’s a quiet day and we start with the person Bill has to thank for his title given the first Prince of Wales – Dafydd ap Llywelyn left Gwynedd at 1246. Eleanor of Austria who was actually Queen of Portugal and France, (not too sure how that works), but anyway, she was very down to earth in 1558. Architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren probably didn’t design his demise in 1723. Founder of news agency bearing his adopted name, born Israel Beer Josaphat or Paul Julius von Reuter became yesterday’s news in 1899. French serial killer Henri Désiré Landru lost his head,(literally), in 1922. Adelard Cunin who went by the gangland name George ‘Bugs’ Moran found himself out of the gang in 1957. Playwright Thomas Lanier ‘Tennessee’ Williams III had his final chapter in 1983. Heavyweight boxing world champ, Arnold Raymond Cream or Jersey Joe Walcott found himself knocked out in 1994. Cricketer Sir Donald George ‘Don’ Bradman had his own ashes in 2001. Inventor of the Walkie Talkie, Donald Lewis Hings had his over and out moment in 2004. Founder of Amnesty International Peter James Henry Solomon or Peter Benenson found his human rights withdrawn in 2005. Singer Edward Roy “Eddie” Patten has failed to get a standing ovation since 2005. Actor Darren McGavin was touched by an angel in 2008. Fellow actor Anthony Mabron ‘Tony’ Burton suffered the ultimate knockout in 2016, whilst William ‘Bill’ Paxton entered the mortuary in 2017. Singer songwriter Mark David Hollis found another world in 2019. Finally, fourth President of Egypt who was wheeled into his trial on his hospital bed – Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak gave up on the foreign honours in 2020.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 24th February

Today’s posting seems to have more births than deaths, so we start with Charles V Holy Roman Emperor, who also amassed the following titles: King of the Romans, King of Italy, King of Spain, Lord of the Netherlands, Titular Duke of Burgundy and on Sunday’s – Archduke of Austria, as he started off in the not so warm climes of Ghent in 1500. Ippolito Aldobrandini or Pope Clement VIII started to rise through the ranks from 1536. Precursor to Bill by 208 years, Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, started out at Buck Pal in 1774. Younger brother of German folklore tale writing duo the Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm Carl Grimm found birth anything but in 1786. Admiral who commanded the American fleet in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, Chester William Nimitz gave his mum navel nightmares once born in 1885. Rollo Smolt Thorpe or just Richard Thorpe, original director of The Wizard of Oz, (for all of two weeks), didn’t quite have a date with Judy in 1896. Actor Solomon Krakovsky who renamed himself Steven Hill, didn’t find birth a mission impossible in 1922. Also born that year, not diminutive car crasher from Top Gear/The Grand Tour, but artist Richard William Hamilton exhibited for the first time. Actor Dominic Chianese got to meet his godfather in 1931. Fellow thespian born Adolphus Raymondus Vernon Agopsowicz, who took on the slightly easier name of John Keith Vernon, had a special day from 1932. Italian Prime Minister, (minus the sleaze scandals, bunga bunga parties and alleged links to the Mafia), not Silvio Berlusconi but Benedetto ‘Bettino’ Craxi led a blameless life from 1934. Actor/singer with the coiffured hair, born Gerald Arthur James and then going onto take the name Jess Conrad was an absolute beginner in 1936. Co-founder of plodders and wheezers favourite apparel with the swoosh as its trademark, Philip Hampson ‘Phil’ Knight was out of the starting blocks in 1938. Bollywood actor Jai Om Yadav ‘Joy’ Mukherjee made his debut in 1939. Singer with imploded 1960’s group Manfred Mann, Paul Jones/Pond found his parents cock-a-hoop at his arrival in 1942. Other half to Lynn Foulds Wood – television journo John Stapleton campaigned to be born this day in 1946. Actor who liked to sing the theme tune to the shows he was in, Dennis Waterman didn’t need a minder when he left hospital in 1948. Singer/guitarist George Thorogood moved on over in 1950. One of the few Belgians to get a mention here, and is now found as the soundtrack to Kellogg’s cereals – Roger Allen François Jouret who’s probably better known as one hit wonder Plastic Bertrand didn’t have a stand in for his birth in 1954. Tech king, (no, not Bill Gates), but Steven Paul ‘Steve’ Jobs was ‘appily born in 1955. Also born that year, French champ of driving round and round a track countless times, Alain Prost’s parents toasted his arrival. Alternative folk singer Karen Michelle Johnson or Michelle Shocked had a short sharp shocked look on her face when born in 1962. One time children’s television presenter now presenting a radio show with various ex-BBC Dj’s at Greatest Hits Radio – Andrew Howard Crane has had a motormouth since 1964. One half of comedy duo Armstrong & Miller, Bennet Evan ‘Ben’ Miller didn’t have the worst week of his life in 1966. Also arriving that year, actor William George ‘Billy’ Zane Jr. left the perfect hideout. Pugilist Floyd Joy Sinclair, (better known as Floyd Mayweather Jr.,) hit the ropes in 1977. White short and shirt wearing tennis player Lleyton Hewitt had the advantage in 1981.

Death wise, we have a day off from dead Popes – so we start with Æthelberht King of Kent who turned his back on the white cliffs of Dover in 616. Joseph I King of Portugal and the Algarves found his days sprawled out on the sun lounger over in 1777. Chemist who discovered hydrogen – Henry Cavendish lost his oxygen supply in 1810. Inventor credited with developing the first commercially successful steamboat Robert Fulton rather ironically ran out of steam in 1815. Founder of posh bank bearing his surname – Thomas Coutts lost his credit in 1822. First President of Liberia, Joseph Jenkins Roberts didn’t get to see the main airport named after him given he rolled over in 1876. Prime Minister of Sweden, (with the moustache), Karl Hjalmar Branting took the peace prize to the next level in 1925. Son of publisher B.C. Forbes, Malcolm Stevenson Forbes was pulped in 1970. Actress born Eleanor Dorothy Lovegren, but known as Jean Rogers, was unable to stand up and cheer! from 1991. Sportscaster Danny Gallivan signed off in 1993. Also not making it through that year, World Cup ball kicking captain of West Ham United, Robert Frederick Chelsea, (I bet he kept that quiet), ‘Bobby’ Moore found himself more than offside. Character actor Derek Robert Nimmo became a member of the ghost squad in 1999. Actor born Emanuel Hirsch Cohen who adopted John Randolph as his stage name was a bit numb in 2004. Francis ‘Franny’ Beecher, guitarist with Bill Haley & his Comets stopped goofin’ around in 2014. Indian actress born Shree Amma Yanger, but is better known to her audience as Sredevi Kapoor found time to lie down from 2018. South African ballet dancer Dame Catherine Margaret Mary Scott, first director of the Australian Ballet School has been spinning in her grave since 2019. Finally, dead Norwegian of the day, singer Jan/Jahn Teigen finished side two in 2020.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 23rd February

Today’s a fairly steady day for births and deaths – to this end we start with Pietro Barbo, who went onto become Pope Paul II had to confess his birthday was in 1417. Dear Diary writer, Samuel Pepys started keeping tabs from 1633. Baroque composer and previous next door neighbour to Jimi Hendrix, George Frederic Handel orchestrated his arrival in 1685. Founder of bank bearing his surname – Mayer Amschel Rothschild started accruing interest from 1744. Hotelier with a few hotels, (and numerous cafes), dotted around the globe bearing his name, César Ritz checked out what birth was all about in 1850. First President of Estonia, Konstantin Päts used his loaf and was born in 1874. Film director responsible for The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind, (among others), Victor Lonzo Fleming was a son of his father in 1889. 20th Prime Minister of Australia, William ‘Billy’ McMahon held the balance of power in 1908. Pilot of B-29 ‘Enola Gay’ which bombed Hiroshima with the atomic bomb, Paul Warfield Tibbett Jr dropped by in 1915. Star Trek actress born Majel Leigh Hudec, but known as Majel Barrett-Roddenbury teleported herself in 1932. One of the Fonda acting clan, Peter Henry Fonda found it was open season in 1940. Chef with the bow ties and white hat – Anton Mossimann hasn’t dressed up his birthday from 1947. Now not a lot of people know this, but Michael Caine’s missus Shakira Caine, (née Baksh), also arrived in 1947. Ex-President of Ukraine who survived an assassination attempt, Viktor Andriyovych Yushchenko put himself forward in 1954. Synth popster with the chained mime artist in the background, John Howard Jones didn’t play hide and seek in 1955. Dull sounding singer with 80’s band Japan, David Alan Batt or as his autograph now states David Sylvian was made up being born in 1958. Singing sister Linda Nolan wasn’t born in the hottest place on earth as she arrived in Dublin back in 1959. Naruhito, Emperor of Japan joined the ranks of waiting royals in 1960. Norwegian of the day, lanky haired guitarist with Swedish band Europe, John Terry Norum had his start from the dark in 1964. Computer manufacturer bearing his name, Michael Saul Dell logged on for the first time in 1965 and has been slowing down ever since. Actress Kristin Landen/Lee Davis hasn’t suffered sour grapes having arrived also in 1965, whilst a year later in 1966 fellow actress Tamsin Margaret Mary Greig found birth much ado about nothing. Former model and now television presenter, Melinda Jane Messenger struck the right pose in 1971. EGOT winner and co-creator of The Book of Mormon as well as Avenue Q, Robert Lopez saw his first scrubs in 1975. Actress Kelly Macdonald heard some voices for the first time in 1976. Another actress, this one an ex-squeeze of Mickey Bubbles, Emily Olivia Leah Blunt started having bumps and bruises from 1983. Final actress of the day, Hannah Dakota Fanning was no longer sweetness in the belly from 1994.

Death wise, we also start this paragraph with a Pope given Pope Eugene IV stopped selecting hymns in 1447. Exploring son of Christopher – Diego Columbus sailed off into the sunset back in 1526. Romantic poet and best mate with Lord Byron, John Keats didn’t get to write a sonnet about tuberculosis before dying in 1821. Sixth President of the United States of America, John Quincey Adams had no say in his death back in 1848. Known for her opera singing before going on to be associated with two desserts and a piece of toast, Helen Porter Mitchell or Dame Nellie Melba went quiet in 1931. Composer Sir Edward William Elgar had to wait 65 years from his death in 1934 before appearing on the back of an English £20 note. Inventor of Bakelite plastic, Leo Henricus Arthur Baekeland was somewhat brittle himself in 1944. Writer Aleksey Nikolayveich Tolstoy went through the ordeal of death in 1945. Legendary comic actor and one half of Laurel & Hardy – Arthur Stanley Jefferson or Stan Laurel, had his final mess in 1965. Having mentioned Indian actress Mumtaz Jehan Dehlavi, (who managed to make Madhubala out of that), on the 14th February, here she is again given she had her ultimate death scene in 1969. Painter of matchstick men and industrial scenes, Laurence Steven (L.S.) Lowry had his still life moment in 1976. David Melvin English who used his stage name, Melvin Franklin in Motown group The Temptations has been heavenly from 1995. Also not making it through that year was vet James Alfred ‘Alf’ Wright, probably better known as James Herriot, who stopped putting his arm up cows bottoms. Writer and theologist Albrecht Goes went in 2000. Also not making it through that year – teetotal, vegetarian, (sounds like me between meals), ballkicker Stanley Matthews stopped dribbling. Cinematographer Bruce Mohr Powell Surtees disappeared into thin air in 2012. Film director Lewis Gilbert found you don’t live twice in 2018. Finally, dead Norwegian of the day – Olympic winning Nordic skier, Tormod Kåre Knutsen has looked like wax since 2021.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 22nd February

Ancient King of France who expelled the Brits – Charles VII ‘the Victorious’ starts today’s posting given he was the well served from 1403. George Washington, first incumbent in the office of President of the United States of America was victorious in birth back in 1732. German doctor who was first to describe dyslexia and has various medical terms named after him, Adolph Kussmaul was bron in 1822. Astronomer who founded helium gas – Pierre Jules César Janssen didn’t take to inhaling from ballon’s from 1824. Robert Stephenson Smythe Baden-Powell founder of the Scout Movement, chief woggle wearer and marshmallow burner within The Boy Scout Association was more than prepared for birth in 1857. Stage actress before going onto be a silent film actress starring in first film version of Snow White – Helen Marguerite Clark, who dropped the Helen from her professional name, didn’t appear from a clear sky in 1883. By some coincidence Baden-Powell’s wife Olave Baden-Powell, (née St Claire Soames), was also born this day in 1889, though records don’t mention if there’s a special badge for their shared birthday. Actress who was the first person to portray Jane in Tarzan films – Enid Markey swung by in 1896. Also arriving that year song composer responsible for Singin’ in the Rain, (among others) – Ignacio “Nacio” Herb Brown managed to make ‘em laugh. English luvvie, Lewis Ernest Watts Mills, who became known as John Mills, had Hobson’s choice over his birthdate from 1908. Announcer from various American game shows, Dominick George ‘Don’ Pardo started warming his voice up in 1918. Also born that year, person who patented various mobile devices, (cordless phone and CB radio (remember that?!)) – Alfred J Gross or as he was also known: Irving J Gross had his breaker, breaker, moment. Actor from the bawdy Carry On film franchise, Kenneth Charles Williams was unable to stop messing about from 1926. Toe tapping toupee wearing entertainer, Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson played his cards right by celebrating his birthday from 1928 until 2017. Actor who started out in the Charlie Chan crime series – James Hong left the blood alley in 1929. Younger bro to previous President of the United States of America, JFK – Edward Moore ‘Ted’ Kennedy made the democratic decision to be born this day in 1932. Presenter of not only trophies at Wimbledon Tennis Championships but also FA Cups at Wembley, minor royal – Katherine, Duchess of Kent, (née Worsley), presented herself in 1933. Also born that year, inventor of the DSL, (digital subscriber line) technology used within the internet – Joseph W. Lechleider wasn’t left hanging on. Original member of 70’s disco group Odyssey – Louise Lopez wasn’t a native New Yorker given she was born in Connecticut in 1933. Showgirl implicated in the Profumo Affair, Christine Margaret Keeler made it her business to get on the scene in 1942. President of Germany, Horst Köhler was unable to take refuge in his mum’s stomach from 1943. Dad to the famous for nothing Kardashian kids, Robert George Kardashian didn’t raise an objection to arriving on the scene in 1944. Three time F1 champ, airline owner and burns survivalist Andreas Nikolaus ‘Niki’ Lauda was in pole position in 1949. Versatile actress Julia Mary ‘Julie’ Walters found she’ll be wearing pink pyjamas from 1950. Known for playing hippie Neil in cult sit-com ‘The Young Ones’, Nigel Planer was far out, man, in 1953. Current President of Tunisia – Kais Saied took a few years from 1958 to start munching on Tunis cake. Actor known for his work with David Lynch, Kyle Merritt MacLachlan started to breathe in, (and out), in 1959. American nurse/serial killer, (who may have knocked out 400 people), Charles Edmund Cullen will be eating cake behind bars, (as he will until 2403), in celebration of his 63rd birthday. Herpetologist who didn’t get on with stingrays, Stephen Robert ‘Steve’ Irwin was hatched in 1962. Fast bowler Devon Eugene Malcolm, had a quick delivery in 1963. Ballet/flamenco dancer – Joaquín Pedraja Reyes or Joaquín Cortes has been unleashed since 1969. Ex-soldier and now much derided singer/songwriter, James Hillier Blount, (or to give his show biz surname – Blunt), had no bravery when born in 1974. Also born that year, controversial large framed loud mouthed radio DJ, Christopher ‘Chris’ Moyles stuttered into life. Actress who’s a rehab expert and has been married three times, not forgetting being a member of the Barrymore family dynasty, Drew Blythe Barrymore found no place to hide in 1975. Fellow learner of lines, Miko John Hughes hasn’t lived life with Louis since 1986.

As for deaths, Pope Sabinian left the balcony in 606. King David II of Scotland wasn’t eaten by midges in 1371. Inventor of the thermometer, Santorio Santorio found his body temperature drop significantly in 1636. Storyteller Karl Friedrich Hieronymus, Freiherr von (baron of) Münchhausen ran out of tales in 1797. Lawyer better known for his book Tom Brown’s School Day’s, Thomas Hughes didn’t get round to writing his memoirs before keeling over in 1896. Born Jean François Gravelet but known as funambulist Charles Blondin lost his balance in 1897. Wife of sandal and sheet wearing freedom fighter Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Ghandi, Kasturbai Mohandas ‘Kasturba’ Gandhi (née Makhanji Kapadia), lost the fight with life in 1944. Fellow Indian freedom fighter, Abdul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed Azad was free in 1958. Founding member of The Supremes, Florence Glenda Chapman, (née Ballard), thought ‘let me go the right way’ in 1976. Pop artist Andrew Warhola who abbreviated that by dropping the ‘a’ from his surname, found he had more than 15 minutes of fame following his demise in 1987. Charles Martin ‘Chuck’ Taylor, animator and all things associated with Looney Tunes cartoons, had his ‘That’s All Folks!’ moment in 2002. Comedian Hugh Francis ‘Frank’ Carson didn’t have the last laugh in 2012. Non-relation to pussy (cat) loving Mrs Mary Elizabeth Jennifer Rachel Abergavenny ‘Betty’ Slocombe, cinematographer Ralph Douglas V Slocombe lost that lucky touch in 2016. Sculptor responsible for The Sphere at the World Trade Centre Plaza – Fritz Koenig got his own memorial in 2017. Finally, not making it through 2022 are two different people – first up is actress Ann Harrison McCall or Anna Karen found herself (nearly) going up in smoke before her visit to the crem. Then there’s grunge singer/songwriter Mark William Lanegan who’s been listening to the songs for the deaf.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 21st February

Eighth President of Mexico, Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón kicks things off today given his parents were out of breath having said his full name for the first time in 1794. Poet Wystan Hugh (W.H.) Auden was about the house from 1907. Double amputee and fighter pilot, (who could dance better than I can), Douglas Bader scrambled in 1910. Also born that year, television presenter Edward Marsden ‘Eddie’ Waring noted for his rugby league commentary had his first up and under. Actress/dancer Lucille Bremer arrived behind locked doors in 1917. Ex-despot dictator, (sorry President), of Zimbabwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe who gave up trying to ruin, sorry, run his country in 2017 was born in 1924. Film director/screen writer David Samuel Peckinpah staged the getaway in 1925. Actor known for playing Private Walker in classic BBC sit-com Dad’s Army, Stanley James Carroll Beck, had his own coronation in 1927. Also arriving in 1927, fashion designer and founder of Givenchy – Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy obviously wasn’t a loafer. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, but going onto find fame as Nina Simone let it all out in 1933. Actor known for playing muuuurrrderrr Detective Taggart – Mark McManus wasn’t a rogue male in 1935. Norwegian of the day goes to chief sash and medal wearer – King Harald V started wearing ermine nappies from 1937. Also born that year, actor Gary Lockwood was unable to stand up and be counted. Multiple record label founder David Laurence Geffen tracked his entrance to the world in 1942. Member of the RSC before moving onto films, Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman was nearly the January man in 1946. Also born that year, actress who was one half of Cagney & Lacey, Ellen Tyne Daly was better late than never. Yet another actor, this one known for playing robot C-3PO in dull film franchise Star Wars, Anthony Daniels went through the motions of birth. Star of un-amusing sit-coms Cheers and Frasier, Allen Kelsey Grammer was down periscope in 1955. Singer of dirge songs, Mary Chapin Carpenter wondered why walk when you can fly through birth in 1958. Co-star of The Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields, Christopher Atkins Bowmann who abbreviated that to Christopher Atkins, has found it’s my party this day from 1961. Omnipresent journo/presenter Vanessa Feltz popped out for the first time in 1962. Actor William Joseph Baldwin started suffering from the backdraft in 1963. Orange/white space suit wearing twins, (to tell which one was which), Mark Edward Kelly and Scott Joseph Kelly blasted off in 1964. Singer with Transvision Vamp now showing her age – Wendy James hasn’t been the nameless one since 1966. Lead singer with Welsh band Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield didn’t get to see the roses in the hospital in 1969. Un-amusing smug looking comedian, Michael Hazen James McIntyre found it was showtime in 1976. Previous star of the Disney Channel, Jennifer Love Hewitt took the shortcut to happiness in 1979. Co-founder of Spotify – Daniel Ek started streaming in 1983. Second ‘Welshie’ of the day goes to ‘Voice of an Angel’, (before she started on the fags and vodka), Charlotte Maria Church had her first little movements in 1986. Known for her role in Juno, actress Ellen Grace Philpotts-Page made it through the wet season in 1987. Actress Sophie Turner started with a game of potty’s a few months after her birth in 1996.

As for deaths, we start with King James I of Scotland who stopped swigging whisky in 1437. Next up are two Popes, the first of which, Pope Julius II hung his cape and zucchetto up in 1513, whilst 217 years later in 1730 Pope Benedict XIII didn’t have to say any more Hail Mary’s, (or self flagellate himself). Emperor Ninko of Japan saw the Chrysanthemum wilt from 1846. So far as I know, non-relation to Justin, American lawman who helped capture Jesse James, James H. Timberlake found himself mortally captured in 1891. Religious runner who picked up a couple of gongs at the Olympics, Eric Henry Liddell wheezed his last in 1945. Malcolm X, the civil rights campaigner with no surname, (obviously Little didn’t count as such), found his civil liberties curtailed in 1965. Unfortunately, it is not documented as to who was the last person who saw mountaineer Noel Ewart Odell alive in 1987. Reigate, (Surrey), born prima ballerina, Margaret Evelyn Hookham/Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias started spinning in her grave in Panama City back in 1991. Founder of MAD magazine – Harvey Kurtzman was unable to reboot in 1993. Actor of stage, screen and television – John Edward Thaw was anything but thawed in 2002. Songwriter responsible for ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, born Howard Joseph Gustafson, but known as Bart Howard, reached a crescendo in 2004. Serial killer Colin Ireland obviously got bored of looking at the bars in his cell given he rolled over in 2012. Not making it through 2018 – evangelist William Franklin ‘Billy’ Graham Jr., didn’t get the global audience he wanted for at his funeral. Keeping with the church theme, actress known for her role in The Vicar of Dibley – Emma Gwynedd Mary Chambers has been downstage since 2018. Finally, another Monkee, (mentioned last week in honour of his birthday) – Peter Halsten Thorkelson or just Peter Tork has been unable to listen to the band since 2019.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 20th February

Our posting today begins with corrupt, (surely not!), politician who also got up to other things – Thomas Osborne 1st Duke of Leeds, aka Lord Danny and Marquess of Carmarthen started his shenanigans in 1632. Person who coined the term psychiatry – Johann Christian Reil, didn’t need therapy over being born in 1759. Founder of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Benjamin Waugh managed to be born without hurting himself in 1839. First President of Egypt – Muhammad Naguib declared today his birthday from 1901. Actor known for being Lucille Ball’s sidekick, Charles Thomas Aldwick Jr., or just Gale Gordon, found he got his big break in 1906. Horsham, Sussex, born actor Philip Wyndham Friend knew the next of kin from 1915. Social queen and fashion designer from the Big Apple, Gloria Kaura Vanderbilt cut her way through in 1924. If you’ve sat through the stage versions of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, you’ll have seen the choreography skills of Gillian Barbara Lynne, (née Pyrke), who shimmied out in 1926. First African/American actor to lift an Academy Award, Sidney Poitier found the pressure point in 1927. Actress Marjorie Ellen Pivonka Mahoney, who now goes by the name Marg Dusay, saw the guiding light in 1936. Ex-ball kicker for Tottenham Hotspur and England – James Peter ‘Jimmy’ Greaves was forward in 1940. Disc jockey who found both Dire Straits and Ian Dury, not forgetting knowing pretty much everything about music, Charles Thomas ‘Charlie’ Gillett spun into action back in 1942. Esteemed film director Mike Leigh was living with the grown ups from 1943. Keeping with the Mike Leigh theme, stage/screen actress who’s worked with him – Brenda (Anne) Blethyn hasn’t had any secrets or lies about being born in 1946. Also born that year, John Warren Geils Jr., (the one with the band named after him), wasn’t a centrefold baby. Social climber Ivana Marie Zelníčková who was once married to belligerent ex-US President D. Trump, fell down in 1949. Useless Prime Minister of Great Britain for three years, James Gordon Brown had higher approval ratings with his family in 1951. Actor who starred in some dull series about Vampire slaying or something, but redeemed himself by also being in Little Britain, Anthony Stewart Head wasn’t quite a silent witness to his birth in 1954. Frontman to 80’s band, repetitive song lyricist Matt Bianco (or, to give him his real name – Mark Reilly) started watching the world go round in 1960. Ex-wife to Sir Trev and actress in her own right, Imogen Stubbs wondered so what now? after her birth in 1961. Lead singer with indie group The Stone Roses, Ian George Brown was so young in 1963. Supermodel, (with the mole above her upper lip) and ex-Mrs R. Gere, Cynthia Ann ‘Cindy’ Crawford will have to take an even deeper breath in to blow out the 57 candles on her cake. Grunge rocker Kurt Kobain was out utero in 1967. Daughter of Marlon Brando, Tarita Cheyenne Brando was pretty much disowned by him from 1970. Singer with the Backstreet Boys, Brian Thomas Littrell has been larger than life since 1975. Fellow singer, this one with one hit under her belt as part of t.A.T.u – Yulia Olegovna Volkva didn’t have the sparks flying during birth in 1985. Yet another singer, this one from Barbados, Robyn Rihanna Fenty has been unapologetic about being born in 1988. Final singer/songwriter to be mentioned today – Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey, who now goes just by her first name, didn’t know god is a dancer in 1996.

The deaths paragraph begins with Pope Martin V who started billowing black smoke in 1431. Phillip William, Prince of Orange and eldest son of William the Silent has been pretty quiet since 1618. Astronomer Tobias Mayer must have worked out from the stars his time was up in 1762. Grandfather to Boutros Boutros Ghali, Egyptian Prime Minister Boutros Ghali put his fez down in 1910. Army captain who, it turns out, didn’t have the longest name – Leone Sextus Denys Oswolf Fraudatifilius Tollemache-Tollemache de Orellana Plantagenet Tollemache-Tollemache put the registrar of deaths through writing his name in full back in 1917. American explorer who claimed to have reached the geographical North Pole, Robert Edwin Peary Sr., really felt the cold in 1920. Dead Norwegian of the day, composer David Monrad Johansen managed to conduct his demise in 1974. 1985 saw Clarence Charles ‘Ducky’ Nash, voice actor for Donald Duck and Tom in Tom & Jerry rather ironically lose his voice, and life. Actor from Bewitched, (the television show, not second rate short lived girl group), Richard Allen ‘Dick’ York, hasn’t suffered from insomnia from 1992. Ferruccio Elio Arturo Lamborghini founder of overpriced performance car manufacturer bearing his name, found himself even closer to the ground in 1993. Gonzo journalist and writer, Hunter Stockton Thompson didn’t have a fear or loathing of death in 2005. Actress known for being Dame Edna Everidge’s silent bridesmaid Madge Allsop, Patricia Emily Perry slipped away quietly in 2008. Indian actress star of more than 1,500 films and 6,000 dramas, Sennalkudi Narayana Thevar Lakshmi who took that down to S N Lakshmi has given her agent an easy time since 2012. Finally, traditional pop singer born Giovanna Carmella Babbo and known as Joni James has been in a garden of roses since 2022.

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

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 19th February

We begin today’s posting with astronomer who managed to work out planets revolve around the sun – Nicholas Copernicus was a ray of light in his parents lives from 1473. Early day luvvie David Garrick made it through the curtains in 1717. Willem Alexander Paul Fredrik Lodewijk, or King William III of the Netherlands/Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and on his days off Duke of Limburg, started off in the Palace of the Nation, Brussels in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands back in 1817. Founder of French bank Crédit Lyonnais, Henri Germain made his initial deposit in 1824. Painter with the rather unfortunate surname, Gabriele Münter had the right expression when born in 1877. Track/field coach and co-founder of Nike – William Jay ‘Bill’ Bowerman wasn’t a fossil in 1911. Silent film actress Dorothy Penelope Jones, or Dorothy Janis made her non-silent debut in 1912. Classic character comedian Richard Gilbert ‘Dick’ Emery had some baby love in 1915. Actor with the distinctive voice and looks, Lee Marvin had the prime cut in 1924. Another famous person from Reigate, Surrey – musician/vocal arranger Michael ‘Mike’ Samme was starry eyed in 1928. Motown singer William ‘Smokey’ Robinson Jr’s., mum found she could take a hint seeing as he was born in 1940. Subject of film from 1983, union activist Karen Gay Silkwood had her first experience of gloves and gowns in 1946. President of Argentina who constantly banged on about the Falkland Islands, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner couldn’t dispute her birthday in 1953. Brazilian footballer, as opposed to Greek philosopher – Sócrates, (Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieria de Oliveria), kicked things off in 1954. Co-star of Dumb & Dumber, Jeffrey Warren ‘Jeff’ Daniels heard some terms of endearment from his parents in 1955. Known for her role in dull 1980’s soap opera Dynasty, Kathleen Beller had no place to hide in 1956. Having mentioned Johann (Hans) Hözlel, or as he was also known, Falco, a couple of weeks ago when he died, here he is again given he came out of the dark in 1957. Also born that year, hard man actor Raymond Andrew ‘Ray’ Winstone started breaking and entering. Writer responsible for Bridget Jones, Helen Fielding found herself wearing large underwear from 1958. Now disgraced second son of Liz from Windsor, Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward – Duke of York, didn’t sweat during birth in 1960. Someone else born that year, actress with the trout pout who was rather ‘active’ in the bedroom, Leslie Ash was home ruling the roost. Bald headed, scar faced singer and ex-Mr H Klum – Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, or just Seal, managed to get it together given he arrived in 1963. Singer mentioned only yesterday in the deaths paragraph, Mark Anthony Morales aka Prince Markie Dee was just loungin’ from 1966. Actor Benicio Monserrate Rafael Del Torro Sánchez, who’s managed to cut that down to Benicio Del Torro, was fearless during birth in 1967. Author Jeffrey Patrick ‘Jeff’ Kinney started keeping a diary from 1971. Actress/television chef who’s now found presenting some cooking show with her husband – Lisa Tamsin Faulkner has wondered what’s cooking? since 1972. Male model with the un-showbiz name, David James Gandy started posing for the family album in 1980. Norwegian of the day, pop singer Maria Mena has been apparently unaffected by her birth in 1986. Actress Molly Bobby Brown was one of the intruders in 2004.

Deaths are again seemingly a bit thin on the ground, and we head back to 197 when Roman Govenor of Great Britain Clodius Septimus Albinus gave up building straight roads. Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Arundel received his last orders in 1414. Curly haired President of Harvard College, Charles Chauncy stopped learning in 1671. Having mentioned physicist/philosopher Ernst Waldfried Josef Wensel Mach only yesterday in celebration of his birth, here he is again given he slipped away in 1916. Austrian composer with the rather unfortunate surname, Robert Fuchs found himself somewhat fuched in 1927. Dead Norwegian of the day, author Knut Pederson, or to give his pen name, Knut Hamusun found the game of life over in 1952. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou, (the person ladies have to thank for inventing the Pap test), failed the living test from 1962. Animator Edward Stacey ‘Tedd’ Pierce III found himself erased in 1972. Singer with hard rock band AC/DC, Ronald Belford ‘Bon’ Scott was on the highway to hell in 1980. Keeper of the little green suit, (and Mao’s little red book), whilst being Chairman of the Central Advisory Commission of the Communist Party of China, Deng Xiaoping dropped his chopsticks in 1997. Actor Lionel Jeffries has been the man in the sky since 2010. Designer of pinball machines, Steve Kordek ran out of lives in 2012. Writer of To Kill a Mockingbird, Nelle Harper Lee lost the plot in 2016. Fan waving, pony tailed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld didn’t have to change out of his black clothes in 2019. Finally, Lego designer mentioned on 25th January in honour of his birth – Jens Nygaard Knudsen gets another go given he didn’t have to step on his creations in the dark again after this day in 2021.

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