Davis, Bette (1908-’89): Originally Ruth Elizabeth Davis. American film actress.

Davis, Dwight F. (1879-1945: American who donated the tennis trophy, Davis Cup. He played for the US team in the opening contest.

Davy, Sir Humphry (1778-1829): British chemist and inventor of the Davy miner’s safety lamp.

De Mille, Cecil (1881-1959): American film producer-director. Grand old man of Hollywood. The Ten Commandments.

De Quincey, Thomas (1785-1859): English essayist and critic.

De Sica, Vittorio (1901-’74): Italian film director and actor. Shoeshine, bicycle thieves.

Defoe, Daniel (1660-1731): English political writer; also author of Robinson Crusoe.

Demosthenes (384-322 B.C): Greek orator who roused the Athenians to resist the growing power of Philip of Macedon

Deodhar D.B (1892-1993): The grand old man of Indian cricket, after whom deodhar is named.

Desai, Bhulabahi (1877-1946): Indian national leader who defended Bardoli peasants before Broomifield committee. Founded Swadeshi Sabha to boycott foreign goods.