J. Robert Oppenheimer was a prominent American theoretical physicist known as the "father of the atomic bomb." Born on April 22, 1904, in New York City, Oppenheimer made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. He led the Manhattan Project during World War II, overseeing the development of the first atomic bombs. Despite his scientific achievements, Oppenheimer's career was overshadowed by accusations of communist sympathies during the McCarthy era. He passed away on February 18, 1967, leaving behind a complicated legacy as a brilliant scientist and a controversial figure in history.