Rudolf Hess

Profession: Nazi leader

Nationality:

Why Famous: Originally one of the most powerful Nazi officials, Hess served as Deputy Fuhrer to Adolf Hitler from 1933.

Privately disagreeing with the planned invasion of the Soviet Union, and feeling sidelined from major decisions Hitler's government, Hess dramatically escaped to Britain on May 10, 1941 with the intention of opening peace talks with the Duke of Hamilton. He was arrested, held as a prisoner of war and tried at Nuremberg, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

At age 93, while the sole remaining Nazi in custody at Spandau Prison, Hess committed suicide.

Born: April 26, 1894
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: August 17, 1987 (aged 93)
Cause of Death: Suicide