Did you know
Twain's novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel".
Notable Deaths on April 21
1910 — Mark Twain
American novelist, humorist, and critic (born 1835)
April 21 has 86 recorded notable deaths across history, from 234 to 2025. This focused page highlights 20 people with the strongest available profile context.
By thisDay.info Editorial Team · — Wikipedia
Notable Deaths
86 source records
234 – 2025
Today in history
Major events on April 21
See what else happened on this day in history.
- 1967 A few days before the general election in Greece, Colonel George Papadopoulos leads a coup d'état, establishing a military regime that lasts for seven years. Source
- 1789 George Washington's reception at Trenton is hosted by the Ladies of Trenton as he journeys to New York City for his first inauguration. Source
- 1963 The first election of the Universal House of Justice is held, marking its establishment as the supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith. Source
- 1796 War of the First Coalition: In the climax of the Montenotte Campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte decisively defeats the army of Piedmont at the Battle of Mondovi, leading to Piedmont's surrender a week later and decisively turning the Italian campaign in France's favor. Source
Did you know
John Maynard Keynes has been referred to as the "father of macroeconomics" and is considered one of the most influential economists of the 20th century.
Did you know
, also known colloquially as “Apung Dadong”, was the ninth president of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965.
Did you know
Jean-François Lyotard is best known for his articulation of postmodernism after the late 1970s and the analysis of the impact of postmodernity on the human condition.
Did you know
Liuvigild, Leuvigild, Leovigild, or Leovigildo was a Visigothic king of Hispania and Septimania from 569 to 586.
More major people who died on April 21
Notable people are ranked by substantive profile depth and public notability.
1946
John Maynard Keynes
English economist and philosopher (born 1883)
John Maynard Keynes, 1st Baron Keynes, was an English economist whose writings are considered the basis for the school of thought known as Keynesian economics, as well as its various offshoots.
1997
Diosdado Macapagal
Filipino lawyer and politician, 9th President of the Philippines (born 1910)
Diosdado Pangan Macapagal Sr., also known colloquially as “Apung Dadong”, was the ninth president of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965. He served as the 5th vice president from 1957 to 1961 under Carlos P.
1998
Jean-François Lyotard
French sociologist and philosopher (born 1924)
Jean-François Lyotard was a French philosopher, sociologist, and literary theorist.
586
Liuvigild
king of the Visigoths
Liuvigild, Leuvigild, Leovigild, or Leovigildo was a Visigothic king of Hispania and Septimania from 569 to 586.
941
Bajkam
de facto regent of the Abbasid Caliphate
Abū al-Husayn Bajkam al-Mākānī, referred to as Bajkam, Badjkam or Bachkam, was a Turkish military commander and official of the Abbasid Caliphate.
866
Bardas
de facto regent of the Byzantine Empire
Bardas was a Byzantine noble and high-ranking minister. As the brother of Empress Theodora, he rose to high office under Theophilos.
1984
Hristo Prodanov
Bulgarian engineer and mountaineer (born 1943)
Hristo Ivanov Prodanov, also known as Christo Prodanov was a Bulgarian mountaineer.
2011
Catharina Halkes
Dutch theologian and academic (born 1920)
Catharina Joanna Maria Halkes was a Dutch theologian and feminist, notable for having been the first Dutch professor of feminism and Christianity, at the Radboud University Nijmegen from 1983 to 1986.
1557
Petrus Apianus
German mathematician and astronomer (born 1495)
Petrus Apianus, also known as Peter Apian, Peter Bennewitz, and Peter Bienewitz, was a German humanist, known for his works in mathematics, astronomy and cartography.
1984
Marcel Janco
Romanian-Israeli artist (born 1895)
Marcel Janco was a Romanian and Israeli visual artist, architect and art theorist. He was the co-inventor of Dadaism and a leading exponent of Constructivism in Eastern Europe.
1073
Pope Alexander II
Pope Alexander II, born Anselm of Baggio, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1061 to his death in 1073. Born in Milan, Anselm was deeply involved in the Pataria reform movement.
1938
Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Pakistani National philosopher and poet (born 1877)
Sir Muhammad Iqbal was an Islamic philosopher and poet. His poetry in Urdu is considered to be among the greatest of the 20th century, and his vision of a cultural and political ideal for the Muslims of British India is…
2013
Shakuntala Devi
Indian mathematician and astrologer (born 1929)
Shakuntala Devi was an Indian mental calculator, astrologer, and writer, popularly known as the "Human Computer". Her talent earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records.
2019
Polly Higgins
Scottish barrister, author and environmental lobbyist (born 1968)
Pauline Hélène "Polly" Higgins was a Scottish barrister, author, and environmental lobbyist, described by Jonathan Watts in her obituary in The Guardian as, "one of the most inspiring figures in the green movement".
1985
Tancredo Neves
Brazilian banker and politician, Prime Minister of Brazil (born 1910)
Tancredo de Almeida Neves was a Brazilian politician, lawyer, and entrepreneur.
1992
Väinö Linna
Finnish author (born 1920)
Väinö Valtteri Linna was a Finnish author and a former soldier who fought in the Continuation War (1941–44).
1977
Gummo Marx
American vaudevillian and talent agent (born 1892)
Milton "Gummo" Marx was an American vaudeville performer, theatrical agent and businessman. He was the fourth-born of the five Marx Brothers.
2003
Nina Simone
American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist (born 1933)
Nina Simone was an American composer, concert pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Simone's bearing and stage presence earned her the title the High Priestess of Soul.
1574
Cosimo I de' Medici
Grand Duke of Tuscany (born 1519)
Cosimo I de' Medici was the second and last duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569, when he became the first grand duke of Tuscany, a title he held until his death. Cosimo I succeeded his cousin to the duchy.