Born April 21

Souleymane Cissé (1940–2025), acclaimed Malian filmmaker

Souleymane Cissé was a Malian filmmaker whose work, especially 1987’s “Yeelen,” has been cited as among the greatest-ever examples of African cinema.

David Mallett (1951–2024), Maine singer-songwriter

David Mallett was a singer-songwriter from Maine best known for his children’s folk composition, “Garden Song,” which has been widely covered by other artists, including a popular version by . 

Kiingi Tuheitia (1955–2024), king of New Zealand’s Māori 

Kiingi Tuheitia was the king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori from 2006 until his death, a leader who worked to unify the nation’s tribes.

Robert Brustein (1927–2023), independent theater defender

Robert Brustein was a critic, professor, and writer who was a fierce proponent of independent theater and who advocated for theater to value art over commerce.

Raghavan Iyer (1961–2023), chef who brought Indian cooking to the U.S.

Raghavan Iyer was a chef who helped popularize cooking the cuisines of his native India in the U.S.

Elizabeth II (1926–2022), Queen of the United Kingdom

Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Slide Hampton (1932–2021), jazz trombonist

Slide Hampton was a Grammy Award-winning jazz trombonist and NEA Jazz Master.

Brian Goldner (1963–2021), Hasbro CEO

Brian Goldner was the longtime CEO of the toys and games giant Hasbro, as well as a film producer.

Pee Wee Ellis (1941–2021), bandleader for James Brown, Van Morrison

Pee Wee Ellis was a saxophone player who led and Van Morrison’s bands as well as co-writing songs such as “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”

Charles Grodin (1935–2021), star of “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Midnight Run”

Charles Grodin was an actor known for a wide variety of film and TV roles, including “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Midnight Run.”

Reni Santoni (1939–2020), actor who played Poppie in “Seinfeld”

Reni Santoni was an actor known for playing Poppie in “Seinfeld” as well as for roles in movies including “Dirty Harry.”

Tarvaris Jackson (1983–2020), former NFL quarterback

Tarvaris Jackson was a former NFL quarterback who played for the Vikings, Seahawks, and Bills.

Morgan Wootten (1931–2020), legendary high school basketball coach

Morgan Wootten was a high school basketball coaching legend who coached DeMatha High School in Maryland from 1956 until 2002. Wootten turned the school into a basketball powerhouse winning five national championships and producing many NBA players including Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley and Danny Ferry. He has the second most career wins of any high school coach and is one of four high school coaches in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Most incredibly, for 31 years in a row, every senior on his team won a college scholarship.

Robert Knight (1945–2017), “Everlasting Love” singer

Robert Knight, singer on the original version of the iconic song “Everlasting Love,” has died at the age of 72, according to .

Anthony Quinn's Greatest Roles

Anthony Quinn made over 100 films during his career and was the first Mexican-American to win an Oscar. On Cinco de Mayo, we look back on some of his greatest roles.

Norman Brokaw (1927–2016), influential Hollywood talent agent

Norman Brokaw, an influential Hollywood talent agent, died Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California, after a long illness, according to multiple news sources. He was 89.

Axl Rotten (1971 - 2016), WWE wrestler

Brian Knighton wasbetter known by his professional wrestling name, Axl Rotten.