September 24: What Happened on This Day in History

Ray Charles (1930)

Ray Charles was a legendary American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in the soul genre, blending elements of gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B. Charles's innovative style and emotional vocal performances had a major influence on the development of popular music. [bio]

Ruhollah Khomeini (1900)

Ruhollah Khomeini was an Iranian politician, revolutionary, and religious leader, best known as the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its Supreme Leader from 1979 until his death in 1989. His leadership in the 1979 Iranian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of a theocratic government rooted in Islamic principles. [bio]

Jim Henson (1936)

Jim Henson was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker, best known as the creator of The Muppets. He was a pioneering figure in puppetry and children's entertainment, whose innovations transformed the art form and led to beloved television programs such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. [bio]

John Marshall (1755)

John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, widely regarded for establishing the principles of American constitutional law and significantly strengthening the role of the Supreme Court. Serving from 1801 to 1835, he influenced a broad range of landmark decisions, including Marbury v. Madison, which asserted the power of judicial review. [bio]

Pedro Almodóvar (1951)

Pedro Almodóvar is a renowned Spanish film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his vibrant, provocative, and emotionally complex films. He has been credited with revitalizing Spanish cinema since the 1980s and is celebrated for his exploration of themes such as desire, identity, and the lives of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Almodóvar is one of Spain's most internationally acclaimed filmmakers, … [bio]

Phil Hartman (1948)

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic designer, best known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Simpsons,' and the NBC sitcom 'NewsRadio.' Renowned for his versatile comedic talent and memorable character impressions, Hartman became a beloved figure in television throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. [bio]

Shawn Crahan (1969)

Shawn Crahan, also known as 'Clown', is an American musician best known as a founding member and percussionist of the heavy metal band Slipknot. He is recognized for his energetic performances, distinctive clown mask, and contributions to the band's creative direction. [bio]

Jim McKay (1921)

Jim McKay was an acclaimed American television sports journalist, best known for hosting ABC's 'Wide World of Sports' for several decades, where he became a trusted and familiar voice in sports broadcasting. [bio]

Lou Dobbs (1945)

Lou Dobbs is an American television commentator, author, and former host best known for his long-running show on CNN and later on Fox Business Network. He is known for his outspoken views on economic nationalism, immigration, and trade policy. [bio]

Nia Vardalos (1962)

Nia Vardalos is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, and producer, best known for writing and starring in the romantic comedy film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' which became one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time. [bio]

Sarah Churchill (1982)

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was an influential English courtier, close confidante to Queen Anne, and a significant political figure in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. She was notable for her strong will, political acumen, and influence over royal and governmental affairs. [bio]

Warren William (1948)

Warren William was an American actor renowned for his roles in early sound films during the 1930s, especially in pre-Code Hollywood cinema. He was often cast as suave and sophisticated, yet morally ambiguous, characters and became known as the 'King of Pre-Code.' [bio]

Mark Frankel (1996)

Mark Frankel was a British actor known for his roles in film and television during the late 20th century, including the cult series 'Kindred: The Embraced.' [bio]

Bruno VeSota (1976)

Actor/director (chopper, teenage doll), is killed at 54.

Orville Caldwell (1967)

At 71, the death of the deputy major (la-1940).

Zeki Müren (1996)

Zeki Müren was a legendary Turkish classical music singer, actor, and cultural icon who significantly influenced Turkish art music and...

Alan Moore (2015)

Legendary graphic novelist and comic book writer who revolutionized the medium with groundbreaking works like Watchmen and V for Vendetta,...

Françoise Sagan (2004)

Renowned French novelist who became an international literary sensation with her debut novel 'Bonjour Tristesse' at just 18 years old.

Mike Webster (2002)

Legendary NFL center who played primarily for the Pittsburgh Steelers, considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history and inducted...