May 14 birthdays and deaths:
Famous people who died on May 14:
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, a legendary American singer and actor, was born on December 12, 1915. Known as "Ol' Blue Eyes," he was a iconic performer and entertainer, famous for his smooth vocals and charming stage presence.
Deathyear: 1998
Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth was a legendary American actress and dancer, renowned for her stunning beauty and captivating screen presence. With a career spanning over three decades, she charmed audiences in films like "Gilda" (1946) and "The Lady from Shanghai" (1947), earning a reputation as Hollywood's "Love Goddess."
Deathyear: 1987
Henry IV of France
Henry IV of France (1553-1610) was a pragmatic and charismatic monarch who stabilized the kingdom after a decade of civil war. A former Huguenot leader, he converted to Catholicism in 1595 and implemented reforms, earning him the nickname "Good King Henry".
Deathyear: 1610
Tim Conway
Tim Conway, the beloved American actor, writer, and comedian, charmed audiences with his quick wit and physical comedy skills. Born in 1933, he became a household name on "The Carol Burnett Show" and in films like "The Apple Dumpling Gang."
Deathyear: 2019
Louis XIII
Louis XIII of France, born on September 27, 1601, was the fourth King of France of the House of Bourbon. He reigned from 1610 to 1643, navigating the Thirty Years' War and the Wars of the Mantuan Succession, and established the French absolute monarchy.
Deathyear: 1643
Robert Stack
Robert Stack, a veteran American actor and producer, was born in 1919. He is best known for his work on the TV series "Unsolved Mysteries" and "Baa Baa Black Sheep."
Deathyear: 2003
Powers Boothe
Powers Boothe was a renowned American actor, born in 1948. He gained fame for his roles in TV series "Deadwood" and "24," as well as films like "Tombstone" and "Sin City." Boothe's distinctive voice and rugged charm made him a beloved fixture on screen.
Deathyear: 2017
Heinz Guderian
Heinz Guderian was a Prussian-German general born in 1888. He played a key role in the invasion of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union during World War II. He was a pioneer of Blitzkrieg warfare and advocated for the creation of a panzer army.
Deathyear: 1954
Emma Goldman
Emma Goldman was a Russian-born Jewish-American anarchist and politician, born in Kovno, Russian Empire (now Kaunas, Lithuania) in 1869.
Deathyear: 1940
Billie Burke
Billie Burke (Mary William Ethelberta Burke) was an American actress and singer, born in 1884. Known for her sparkling eyes and sassy wit, she appeared in over 60 films, including "Ziegfeld Follies" and "Topper," and was beloved for her effervescent personality and enduring talent.
Deathyear: 1970
Hugh Beaumont
Hugh Beaumont (1909-1982) was an American actor, best known for his starring role as FBI Agent Eliot Ness in the 1950s-60s TV series "The Untouchables". He also appeared in numerous films, including "Footloose" (1956) and "The George Raft Story" (1961).
Deathyear: 1982
Tom Wolfe
Tom Wolfe, the renowned American author, journalist, and satirist, is best known for his vivid and energetic writing style. He was a prominent figure in the New Journalism movement, known for his non-fiction works that transformed the genre, exploring themes of politics, social change, and American culture.
Deathyear: 2018
Jiang Qing
Jiang Qing was a Chinese revolutionary, actress, and politician who dominated Mao Zedong's final years. As the only woman member of the Gang of Four, she wielded significant influence before being purged during the Anti-Secret Society Campaign.
Deathyear: 1991
Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson is a legendary American poker player and poker room owner, born in 1933. Nicknamed "Texas Dolly," he is a two-time World Series of Poker Main Event champion and has won 23 World Series of Poker bracelets, solidifying his place in poker history.
Deathyear: 2023
Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat, born Tardar Sauce in 2012, is a internet sensation and American cat. Known for her permanent scowl due to an underbite and feline dwarfism, she has become a global meme and celebrity, charming fans with her adorable grumpiness.
Deathyear: 2019
Magnus Hirschfeld
Magnus Hirschfeld was a German physician and sexologist who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and sexual liberation. Founder of the Institute of Sexual Science, he wrote extensively on sexuality and gender, and his work paved the way for modern queer activism.
Deathyear: 1935
Mary Seacole
Mary Seacole, a Jamaican-English nurse and author, is best known for her bravery during the Crimean War, where she provided medical care to wounded soldiers alongside Florence Nightingale. Her remarkable story has since become a symbol of courage and dedication in the face of adversity.
Deathyear: 1881
William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke
William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, was a renowned English soldier and politician born in 1147. Known for his exceptional martial skills and diplomatic prowess, he served as regent for King Henry III and played a crucial role in the Magna Carta's creation.
Deathyear: 1219
Frederick VIII of Denmark
Frederik VIII, born in 1843, was the King of Denmark from 1906 until his death in 1912. He was married to Louise of Sweden and had six children. As king, he expanded the king's role in Danish politics and promoted social welfare and education reforms.
Deathyear: 1912
B. B. King
B.B. King, the "King of the Blues," was a legendary American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Known for his soulful voice and effortless guitar playing, he penned hits like "The Thrill is Gone" and "Every Day I Have the Blues," earning him a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Deathyear: 2015
Husband E. Kimmel
Husband E. Kimmel was a US Navy admiral born in 1882. He commanded the Pacific Fleet during World War II, but was relieved of duty after the attack on Pearl Harbor, which sparked allegations of incompetence and controversy surrounding the US Navy's readiness for the attack.
Deathyear: 1968
Henry J. Heinz
Henry J. Heinz, an American entrepreneur, founded the H. J. Heinz Company in 1869. Born in 1844, Heinz pioneered the development of food preservation techniques and introduced iconic brands like ketchup and relish, becoming a household name and a symbol of quality and innovation in the food industry.
Deathyear: 1919
Anna Lee
Anna Lee was an English-American actress born in 1913. She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several films and stage productions. She is best known for her role as Lillian "Lily" Rush on the NBC drama "General Hospital," where she played the character from 1978 to 2013.
Deathyear: 2004
Pope John XII
Pope John XII (c. 937-964 CE) was the papacy's youngest-ever pontiff, reigning at just 18 years old. He was a nepotist, favoring relatives in high positions, and his lavish lifestyle and alleged immorality sparked controversy and eventually his assassination in 964 CE.
Deathyear: 964
August Strindberg
August Strindberg (1849-1912) was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist known for his experimentation with form and language. His works, such as "Miss Julie" and "The Father", explored themes of morality, identity, and the human condition, influencing modernist literature and theater.
Deathyear: 1912
Keith Relf
Keith Relf, a talented singer-songwriter, harmonica player, and producer, was born in 1943. As a member of the Yardbirds, he helped shape the development of British rock music. Relf's soulful voice and emotive harmonica playing made him a key contributor to the band's distinctive sound.
Deathyear: 1976
Wendy Hiller
Wendy Hiller was a renowned English actress, born on August 3, 1912. She made her stage debut in 1935 and went on to appear in numerous plays, films, and television shows, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1959 film "Separate Tables".
Deathyear: 2003
Jean Rhys
Jean Rhys, a leading 20th-century novelist, was born Rosina Magdalen Edwina Menten in Dominica. She wrote eight novels, including "Wide Sargasso Sea", exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and female experience.
Deathyear: 1979
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins, a pioneering women's rights advocate and U.S. Secretary of Labor (1933-1945), was a champion of workers' rights. She championed labor reforms and social justice, making significant contributions to the Fight for Workers' Rights.
Deathyear: 1965
Dave DeBusschere
Dave DeBusschere was a dominant power forward who played 12 seasons in the NBA, earning five NBA All-Star appearances with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, before transitioning to a stellar coaching career, leading teams to two ABA championships.
Deathyear: 2003
Fanny Mendelssohn
Fanny Mendelssohn was a renowned German pianist and composer, born in 1805. She was the daughter of Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and wife of Felix Mendelssohn, the famous composer.
Deathyear: 1847
Hugh Griffith
Hugh Griffith, a renowned Welsh actor, was born in 1912. He gained international recognition for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence on screen. Griffith won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic portrayal of the Slave Trader in "Ben-Hur" (1959).
Deathyear: 1980
Tahmasp I
Tahmasp I, the fifth Shah of Safavid Iran, reigned from 1524 to 1576. He advocated for a more centralized government and the promotion of Shia Islam. His domestic policies led to economic prosperity and cultural flourishing during his reign.
Deathyear: 1576
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a pioneering journalist, author, and conservationist. Born in 1890, she wrote extensively on environmental issues, particularly the Everglades. Her seminal book, "The Everglades: River of Grass," helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.
Deathyear: 1998
Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby
Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby, was a renowned English field marshal and diplomat. He served as British High Commissioner in Egypt from 1919 to 1925. Allenby was born in 1861 and is best known for his victories in World War I, particularly in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
Deathyear: 1936
Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet, an American jazz legend, was a renowned saxophonist, clarinet player, and composer. Born in 1897, he pioneered the soprano saxophone and introduced jazz to Europe. Known for his energetic and expressive playing style, Bechet composed numerous jazz standards, including "Petite Fleur" and "Si Tu Vois Ma Mère".
Deathyear: 1959
Carl Schurz
Here is 40-word text about Carl Schurz: Carl Schurz was a German-American general, journalist, and politician who served as the 13th United States Secretary of the Interior from 1877 to 1881. Born in 1829, he led the XXth Regiment during the American Civil War and later became a prominent Republican.
Deathyear: 1906
Walter Rauff
Walter Rauff, a German SS officer, was born in 1906. He was a key figure in the Nazi regime, overseeing the technical development of gas vans used for murdering thousands of Jews during World War II.
Deathyear: 1984
William Randolph Hearst Jr.
William Randolph Hearst Jr. was an American journalist and publisher born in 1908. He was the son of William Randolph Hearst, a prominent newspaper magnate. Hearst Jr. headed the Hearst newspaper chain for decades, overseeing the publication of numerous newspapers and magazines across the United States.
Deathyear: 1993
Goh Keng Swee
Goh Keng Swee was a renowned Singaporean figure, serving as 2nd Deputy Prime Minister from 1972-1980. A decorated war hero and economist, he played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore's economic and defense policies, earning him the nickname "Father of Modern Singapore".
Deathyear: 2010
Miguel Alemán Valdés
Miguel Alemán Valdés was the 46th President of Mexico, serving from 1946 to 1952. A member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), he oversaw significant economic growth and infrastructure development during his six-year term.
Deathyear: 1983
Ōkubo Toshimichi
Ōkubo Toshimichi was a prominent Japanese samurai and politician who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan. Born in 1830, he served as the Rōjū, the chief advisor to the Meiji Emperor, and implemented reforms to establish a constitution and parliamentary system.
Deathyear: 1878
Charles III, Duke of Lorraine
Charles III, Duke of Lorraine, was born in 1543. He was the eldest son of Francis II, Duke of Lorraine, and was regent of Lorraine during his father's captivity. He died in 1608.
Deathyear: 1608
Heber J. Grant
Heber J. Grant, the 7th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served from 1918 until his passing in 1945. A devoted leader, he oversaw significant church growth, expanded missionary work, and strengthened the church's global presence during his 27-year presidency.
Deathyear: 1945
Don Perlin
Don Perlin is a renowned American comic book artist, writer, and editor, born in 1929. Known for his work on titles such as Captain Marvel, Shazam, and Mighty Mouse, Perlin's contributions to the comic book industry span over six decades, showcasing his versatility and dedication.
Deathyear: 2024
James Gordon Bennett Jr.
Here is 40-word biography of James Gordon Bennett Jr.: James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841-1918) was a renowned American journalist and publisher. He was the son of the founder of The New York Herald and served as its editor-in-chief and publisher for over 40 years, transforming it into a leading national newspaper.
Deathyear: 1918
Keizō Obuchi
Keizō Obuchi was a Japanese politician who served as the 84th Prime Minister of Japan from 1998 to 2000. Born in 1937, he was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and known for his diplomatic efforts, particularly in his negotiations with South Korea.
Deathyear: 2000
Willem Drees
Willem Drees, a Dutch politician and historian, served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1948 to 1958. Born in 1886, he was a prominent figure in Dutch politics, known for his progressive policies and leadership during a time of post-war rebuilding.
Deathyear: 1988
Darwyn Cooke
Darwyn Cooke was a renowned American comic book writer and artist, known for his elegant and expressive storytelling style. He is best known for his work on titles such as "New Frontier," "The Spirit," and "Batman: Ego."
Deathyear: 2016