May 10 birthdays and deaths:

John Wayne Gacy

John Wayne Gacy, born in 1942, was an American serial killer who murdered at least 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. He was sentenced to death and executed in 1994 for his heinous crimes.

Deathyear: 1994

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford, a pioneering Hollywood actress, was born on March 23, 1904 (or possibly 1905). With a career spanning over five decades, she starred in films like "Mildred Pierce" and "Humoresque," earning an Academy Award and becoming a cultural icon in the process.

Deathyear: 1977

Carroll Shelby

Carroll Shelby, a racing legend, revolutionized the sport with his Cobra and Mustang Shelby GT350. As a driver, he won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a designer, his passion for speed and innovation led to iconic performance cars that still thrill enthusiasts today.

Deathyear: 2012

Louis XV

Louis XV of France, also known as the "Well-Beloved", was King of France from 1715 to 1774. He reigned during the Enlightenment and was known for his absolutist policies, lavish spending, and military conquests. His reign was marked by financial difficulties, wars, and the decline of the monarchy.

Deathyear: 1774

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was a renowned American poet, author, and illustrator, known for his whimsical and humorous style. He wrote beloved childhood classics like "The Giving Tree" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends". His poetry and illustrations continue to delight readers of all ages.

Deathyear: 1999

Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson was a brilliant and fiercely loyal Confederate general during the American Civil War. Born on January 21, 1824, he is remembered for his leadership and bravery, particularly during the First Battle of Bull Run.

Deathyear: 1863

Paul Revere

Paul Revere, a colonist, patriot, and silversmith, was born in 1735. He is known for his midnight ride during the American Revolution, alerting the colonists that the British were coming. Revere was a skilled engraver and printer, and his iconic engravings showcased American history and culture.

Deathyear: 1818

Andrés Bonifacio

Andrés Bonifacio (1863-1897) was a Filipino general, politician, and national hero who played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He founded the Katipunan nationalist group and served as its Supremo, later becoming the first president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Deathyear: 1897

Hokusai

Hokusai (1760-1849) was a renowned Japanese painter, illustrator, and ukiyo-e woodblock printer. He is most famous for his iconic woodblock prints, such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," showcasing his mastery of line, color, and composition.

Deathyear: 1849

Sam Rubin

Sam Rubin is an American journalist, born in 1960. He is the host of the KTLA 5 Morning News in Los Angeles, focusing on entertainment and lifestyle news. With over 30 years of experience, Rubin has interviewed numerous celebrities, including a wide range of actors, musicians, and other public figures.

Deathyear: 2024

Leonid Kravchuk

Leonid Kravchuk is a Ukrainian politician who served as the first President of Ukraine (1991-1994). He was a key figure in Ukraine's independence movement and later became the country's foreign minister and prime minister, playing a significant role in shaping Ukraine's political landscape.

Deathyear: 2022

Belle da Costa Greene

Belle da Costa Greene (1883-1950) was a pioneering librarian and bibliographer who cataloged rare books for J.P. Morgan's library. She was the first African American woman to work at the Morgan Library, where she spent over 30 years.

Deathyear: 1950

Frank Frazetta

Frank Frazetta, a legendary American illustrator and painter, was born in 1928. He's renowned for his dynamic, imaginative, and often provocative art, particularly in the fantasy and science fiction genres. His iconic works include Conan the Barbarian and the Girl from Thursday's Tomb covers.

Deathyear: 2010

Bob Lanier

Bob Lanier, born in 1948, is a Hall of Fame basketball player who played 14 seasons in the NBA. He was a dominant center, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and averaging 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Known for his tenacious post play and charismatic personality.

Deathyear: 2022

Kaifi Azmi

Kaifi Azmi was a renowned Indian poet and songwriter, known for his versatility in Urdu and Hindi poetry. He wrote lyrics for iconic Bollywood films, including "Shair-E-Lahore" and "Dil Hi To Hai". His poetry echoes the struggles and passions of the human heart.

Deathyear: 2002

George Vancouver

George Vancouver (1757-1798) was a British navigator and explorer who mapped the Pacific Northwest and sponsored several expeditions to explore the coast of North America and the Pacific Islands.

Deathyear: 1798

Thomas Young (scientist)

Thomas Young (1773-1829) was an English physician and linguist who made significant contributions to various fields. He was a polymath, making notable advancements in medicine, optics, and linguistics. Young's work on the Egyptian hieroglyphs decipherment was a major breakthrough, shedding light on ancient Egyptian civilization.

Deathyear: 1829

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, was a French general born in 1725. He played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a Major-General and second-in-command to George Washington.

Deathyear: 1807

Betty Wright

Betty Wright was an American soul singer and songwriter born in 1953. Known for her powerful, emotive voice and smooth harmonies, Wright was a key figure in the Miami soul scene, penning hits like "Clean Up Woman" and "Tonight Is the Night."

Deathyear: 2020

Katherine Swynford

Katherine Swynford, a lady-in-waiting to Duchess Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, in secret. She became the mother of four children, including Henry Bolingbroke, who would later overthrow Richard II and become King Henry IV.

Deathyear: 1403

Jim Simons

Jim Simons is a renowned American mathematician and hedge fund manager, best known for his successful strategy at Renaissance Technologies. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, having donated to various causes, including mathematics and education institutions.

Deathyear: 2024

Scotty Beckett

Scotty Beckett was an American actor and singer born in 1929. He rose to fame as a child star in the 1940s, appearing in films and TV shows, including "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" and "The Mickey Mouse Club".

Deathyear: 1968

Walker Percy

Walker Percy, a Southern Gothic novelist and essayist, explored themes of existential crisis, faith, and American identity. Through his nuanced, philosophical prose, he probed the human condition, earning critical acclaim for novels like "The Moviegoer" and "Lancelot".

Deathyear: 1990

Chris Burden

Chris Burden is a renowned American sculptor, born in 1946. He is known for his provocative and often dangerous performances, which challenge societal norms and boundaries. Burden's work frequently incorporates everyday objects, emphasizing their potential for transformation and new meaning. His artistic vision has made him a significant figure in the art world.

Deathyear: 2015

Élisabeth of France

Here is a 40-word summary of Élisabeth of France: Princess Élisabeth of France was the youngest sibling of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Born in 1764, she was educated in art and music. Due to her poor health, she rarely appeared in public, and her life was marked by isolation and seclusion.

Deathyear: 1794

Konrad Henlein

Konrad Henlein was a Czech soldier and politician born in 1898. As a general, he led the Czechoslovak Legion during World War I and later became the leader of the Sudeten German Party, advocating for German autonomy in Czechoslovakia, contributing to the country's eventual dissolution in 1938.

Deathyear: 1945

Richard Glücks

Richard Glücks was a senior SS officer who served as the commander of the concentration camp system from 1942-1945. He was responsible for implementing the brutal and efficient extermination policies of the Holocaust, earning him the nickname "the butcher of the camps".

Deathyear: 1945

Soraya (musician)

Soraya (born Zuenia Florinda LaMonda Miranda-Robles in 1969) is a Colombian-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. She blends Latin and American music styles, creating a unique sound. Her music career spans over two decades, with albums such as "Kaleidoscope" and "Feels Like Love".

Deathyear: 2006

Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans

Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans, was an English soldier and politician. Born in 1670, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. He was the illegitimate son of King Charles II and Nell Gwynn.

Deathyear: 1726

John Hathorne

John Hathorne, an American merchant and politician, was born in 1641. He was a prominent figure in colonial Salem's government and trade. His merchant ventures and civic activities earned him respect and admiration from his peers.

Deathyear: 1717