April 29 birthdays
1818 ALEXANDER II Tsar of Russia
Alexander II was Emperor of Russia, King of Congress Poland and Grand Duke of Finland from 1855 until his assassination in 1881. He had survived numerous assassination attempts before dying in an attack by multiple bombers.
1901 HIROHITO Japanese Emperor
Hirohito was the 124th emperor of Japan, ruling from 1926 until his death in 1989. He was head of state during Japan’s imperial expansion, militarisation and involvement in World War II. By 1979, he was the only world monarch with the title emperor.
1933 WILLIE NELSON American musician
Nelson wrote his first song at age seven and joined his first band at 10. He rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of successful albums, including Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. Nelson has appeared in more than 30 films.
1950 PHILLIP NOYCE Australian director
Noyce has directed films including Heatwave, Dead Calm, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, The Bone Collector, and Rabbit-Proof Fence. He has won AACTA Awards for Best Film and Best Director.
1954 JERRY SEINFELD American comedian
Seinfeld is best known for playing a semi-fictionalised version of himself in Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David. The series ran from 1989 until 1998, becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of all time.
1970 ANDRE AGASSI American tennis player
Agassi reached the top of the world rankings, won eight Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic gold during his career. He won the Australian Open singles title four times – in 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2003.
1970 UMA THURMAN Americana ctor
After appearing on the cover of British Vogue in 1985 and 1986, Thurman had her breakthrough in the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons. She has since appeared in films including Pulp Fiction, Hill Bill: Volume 1 and 2, and Batman & Robin.