Voltaire

On May 30, 1778, Voltaire (Francois-Marie Arouet), French writer, philosopher, and playwright, died at the age of 83. From the article:

"Voltaire established himself as one of the leading writers of the Enlightenment. His famed works include the tragic play Zaïre, the historical study The Age of Louis XIV and the satirical novella Candide. Often at odds with French authorities over his politically and religiously charged works, he was twice imprisoned and spent many years in exile. He died shortly after returning to Paris in 1778."