Births today start with Syrian astronomer Bardaisan who saw it in the stars way back in 154. Winner of the Battle of Bannockburn, and Scottish King who managed to declare independence from England, (which was more than Alex Salmond/Nicola Sturgeon managed) – Robert the Bruce started life as he intended to carry on in 1274. Continuing the independence theme as sixth President of the United States of America – John Quincy, elected to be born in 1767. Physicist who developed the first fuel cell – William Robert Grove used physical force in 1811. Last King of Serbia, whilst also managing to make it as first King of Serbia, Croats and Slovenes, multi medal wearer with the moustache – Peter I started receiving Срећан рођендан from 1844. Two time Oscar nominated actor who’s been in a few well known films – Thomas John Mitchell, had his first accident in 1892. Writer of children’s books, Elwyn Brooks (E.B.) White thought every day is Saturday from 1899. Older sis to Zsa Zsa, actress Magdolna ‘Magda’ Gábor was one of the modern girls in 1915. First user of an ATM in the United Kingdom and star of un-amusing sit-com ‘On The Buses’, Reg Varney started his shift in 1916. Given the President of the USA gets a mench, it seems only fair 21st Prime Minister of the land of thongs, (as in flip flops), deadly spiders and old convicts gets a look in – Edward Gough Whitlam didn’t canvas opinion about being born in 1916. Person who named planet Pluto – Venetia Katharine Douglas Burney found her star in the ascendent back in 1918. Slap head Russian actor Youl Borisovich Briner, (or just Yul Brynner to you and me), had the sound and the fury in 1920. Actor known for his roles in various 1970’s British sit-coms – David Kelly didn’t give his parents a Dublin nightmare in 1929. Two hit wonder, singer/songwriter Thurston Harris initially found his found his voice in 1931. Head of overpriced and garish garment house – Giorgio Armani cut a dash in 1934. Entrepreneur and ex-chairman of Millwall Football Club, Peter John de Savary started doing his business in 1944. Patricia Eve ‘Bonnie’ Pointer member of the 70’s/80’s family R&B and disco group ‘The Pointer Sisters’, (it must have been a cold day they thought of that name), was so excited to be born in 1950. Ex-pointer to non-magnetic weather symbols whilst giving a vague forecast – John Kettley had a stormy arrival in 1952. Heavyweight boxing champ who also bagged a gold at the 1976 Olympic Games – Leon Spinks met his first cut man in 1953. Long haired sunglasses rocker, Richard Stephen ‘Richie’ Sambora found he wasn’t born to follow in 1959. Also making it through that year is Suzanne Vega, who won’t be found at Tom’s Diner this year in celebration of her 64th birthday. Another famous ex-Reigate, Surrey, resident – actress born Caroline Jones, but known as Caroline Quentin found life begins in 1960. Actor and disc jockey, (among many other things), Craig Joseph Charles was told, ‘Don’t walk’ in 1964. One half of pop singing sisters – Mel Appleby was showing out in 1966. Kimberley Denise Jones or Lil’ Kim for those down with the kids, could be 48 if born in 1975 or 47 if the birth certificate states 1976. Matej Gaspar – who? I hear you say, well he officially became the worlds five billionth person in 1987.
Death wise, it’s a bit quiet but we start in 472 with Roman Emperor of the Western Empire – Anthemius who lost his head. King of Jerusalem, Amalric, stopped wailing in 1174. 27th Monarch of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, King Narai the Great gave up on the thongs in 1688. We then jump to 1937 when a Jacob Gershowitz, or Donna Summers favourite dinner date George Gershwin started thinning. Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III stopped having to wear his morning dress and top hat from 1957. Founder of the Gay Olympics, born Thomas Flubacher, but known as Thomas F Waddell, flounced off in 1987. English luvvie Laurence Olivier gave his best ever dying performance in 1989. Modern day Archbishop of Canterbury, and boss of hostage of the year(s) 1987-1991 Terry Waite, Robert Runcie joined the choir invisible in 2000. Actress Gretchen Franklin left the set in 2005. 24th President of Columbia Alfonso López Michelsen overdosed on life given he keeled over at 94 in 2007. Innovator of coronary bypass surgery and artificial hearts to name but two – surgeon Michel Dabaghi may have had a dodgy tikka finish him off in 2008. Member of group with the same adopted surname – Erdéyl Tamás/Tommy Ramone obviously wasn’t too tough to die in 2014. Gamer and fourth President/CEO of Nintendo – Satoru Iwata ran off the screen in 2015. Finally, Olympic gold medal winning 100m athlete Lindy John Remigino didn’t get a second wind in 2018. Composer of the James Bond theme – born Monty Noserovitch before going onto be known as Monty Norman lost the art of living in 2022.
With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.
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