Charles VIII of France
King of France during Italian Wars
Ruled as King of France from 1483 until his death in 1498. Initiated the Italian Wars, aiming to expand French territory into Italy. Captured Naples briefly in 1495 and pushed to secure French dominance in the region. Advocated for Renaissance ideals, bringing advancements in culture and architecture to the French court. Built the Château d'Amboise, reflecting the influence of the Italian Renaissance.
Initiated the Italian Wars, impacting European politics
Briefly captured Naples in 1495
Promoted Renaissance culture in France
Other People Born on June 30th
Trevor Ariza
Basketball player, 2009 NBA Champion
Born
June 30th, 1985 40 years ago
A professional basketball player played in the NBA primarily as a small forward. Played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Washington Wizards. Contributed significantly to the Lakers' 2009 championship victory, providing key defensive play and perimeter shooting. Transitioned between multiple franchises and demonstrated versatility on the court throughout a lengthy career. Excelled in both regular season and playoff performances.
Continue ReadingMarcus Burghardt
German professional road cyclist
Born
June 30th, 1983 42 years ago
A professional road cyclist from Germany specialized in classics and stage races. Achieved significant success in both one-day and multi-day events. Secured a notable victory at the Paris-Roubaix in 2007. Contributed to several team successes while competing for BMC Racing Team. Participated in the Tour de France and represented Germany in international competitions, including the World Championships.
Continue ReadingA. J. Brown
American football wide receiver
Born
June 30th, 1997 28 years ago
A professional American football player. Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Achieved significant individual success including multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Recognized for performance in high-stakes games, contributing to the team's playoff runs. Transitioned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and continued to excel in the role.
Continue ReadingRyan Cook
Baseball pitcher and All-Star selection
Born
June 30th, 1987 38 years ago
Played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Debuted for the Oakland Athletics in 2012 and had a notable season in the same year, earning an All-Star selection. Contributed to the team reaching the playoffs during his tenure. Also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves, showcasing skills as a reliable reliever throughout different seasons.
Continue ReadingPrince of Asturias
Noble figure in Spanish royalty
Born
June 30th, 1478 547 years ago
Died
1497 528 years ago — 19 years old
Born as the first son of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, this prince held the title of Prince of Asturias. He was the heir apparent to the Spanish throne during the late 15th century. His life was cut short at the age of 19 due to illness, and he never ascended to the throne. The historical context of his birth and title aligns with the significant unification of Spain under his parents, which influenced the course of Spanish history.
Continue ReadingCody Rhodes
Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
June 30th, 1985 40 years ago
Acquired prominence in the wrestling industry through exceptional performances and contributions. Achieved success in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where participated in high-profile events, including WrestleMania. Co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW), serving as an executive vice president and competing as a wrestler. Gained recognition for innovative storytelling and character development, with a focus on personal narratives. Engaged in numerous rivalries and storylines that captivated audiences.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 7th
Lee Brilleaux
Musician; frontman of Dr. Feelgood
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1994 31 years ago — 42 years old
An English singer-songwriter and guitarist played a key role in the pub rock scene of the 1970s. As the frontman of the band Dr. Feelgood, produced a gritty and energetic style that helped define the genre. The band's debut album, 'Down by the Jetty,' showcased a raw sound that captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Known for the signature song 'Milk and Alcohol,' which highlighted the band's influence in the rhythm and blues revival. Continued to perform and record with the band until his death in 1994, leaving a lasting legacy in British rock music.
Continue ReadingDave Arneson
Game designer, co-created Dungeons & Dragons
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2009 16 years ago — 62 years old
A game designer specialized in tabletop role-playing games. Contributed significantly to the gaming industry by co-creating the seminal game Dungeons & Dragons alongside Gary Gygax. This game introduced innovative mechanics and storytelling elements that set the foundation for modern role-playing games. The first edition was published in 1974, capturing the imagination of countless players and influencing the development of future tabletop and video game genres. Arneson also worked on various other games and expansions, showcasing creativity in game design.
Continue ReadingTheda Bara
Silent film actress and vamp archetype
Born
July 29th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1955 70 years ago — 69 years old
An actress in the early years of cinema, gained fame during the silent film era for portraying seductive and glamorous characters. Achieved stardom through iconic roles in films such as 'A Fool There Was' and 'Cleopatra'. Became a cultural phenomenon, representing the archetype of the vampire femme fatale, captivating audiences with dramatic performances. After a successful career, transitioned out of the spotlight in the 1920s with the advent of sound in film. Continued to influence the portrayal of women in cinema until passing away in 1955.
Continue ReadingMaria Doolaeghe
Flemish novelist and playwright
Born
October 25th, 1803 222 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1884 141 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent figure in 19th-century Flemish literature, contributed significantly with novels and plays that captured the social issues of the time. Doolaeghe's works often explored themes of personal struggle and societal norms. Among her contributions, the novel 'Het Leven van een Vrouw' gained attention for its poignant portrayal of women's lives. The influence extended beyond her writing as Doolaeghe also engaged in literary activism, fostering the development of Flemish as a literary language.
Continue ReadingJean-Baptiste de La Salle
French priest and educational reformer
Born
April 30th, 1651 374 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1719 306 years ago — 67 years old
A priest and educational reformer contributed significantly to the development of education in France. Founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1680, focusing on the education of the poor and the creation of a system of schools. Established a curriculum that emphasized the importance of education for all children, regardless of social status. Canonized as a saint in 1900, recognized for dedication to teaching and improving education standards.
Continue ReadingJoe Kinnear
Football manager and player
Born
December 27th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2024 1 years ago — 77 years old
Played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as a defender. Transitioned to management after retirement, taking charge of various clubs including Wimbledon, Luton Town, and Newcastle United. Guided the teams through various league campaigns and had a notable stint at Newcastle where significant attention was drawn during management due to his outspoken nature.
Continue Reading