May 15 birthdays and deaths:

June Carter Cash

June Carter Cash was a renowned American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress, best known for her iconic duets with Johnny Cash. With a career spanning over five decades, she penned classics like "Ring of Fire" and "Wildwood Flower," solidifying her legacy in country music.

Deathyear: 2003

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, a celebrated American poet and author, was born in 1830. She is known for her unique and innovative writing style, which explored themes of death, nature, and personal relationships. Despite the controversy surrounding her work during her lifetime, Dickinson is now regarded as a master of American literature.

Deathyear: 1886

Fred Willard

Fred Willard is a beloved American actor, comedian, and writer, born in 1933. With a career spanning over six decades, he's known for his numerous film and TV appearances, including "This Is Spinal Tap," "Anchorman," and "Modern Family."

Deathyear: 2020

Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was a renowned American painter known for his realistic and often macabre depictions of modern American life. His works, such as "Nighthawks" (1942), showcased his mastery of light, shadow, and human isolation, making him one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1967

Jerry Falwell

Jerry Falwell, a prominent American pastor, founded Liberty University in 1971. Born in 1933, he was a vocal advocate for Christian conservatism, known for his fiery sermons and activism, influencing millions of Americans through his ministry and television program.

Deathyear: 2007

Kay Mellor

Kay Mellor is a renowned English actress, born in 1951. She is best known for her roles in BBC dramas such as "Playing the Field" and "Fat Friends", and has also appeared in various theatre productions.

Deathyear: 2022

Kazimir Malevich

Kazimir Malevich was a pioneering Ukrainian-Russian painter and theorist, born in 1878. He was a key figure in the development of Suprematism, a style characterized by geometric shapes and bold colors. Malevich's innovative works challenged traditional art forms and pushed the boundaries of modern art.

Deathyear: 1935

Robert Menzies

Robert Menzies, a prominent Australian lawyer and politician, served as the 12th Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and again from 1949 to 1966, known for his conservative policies and leadership during times of war and national crisis.

Deathyear: 1978

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland, born 1905, was a renowned American actor, appearing in over 120 films and TV shows. He's best known for his roles in "The Desert Fox" and "Doctor Zhivago".

Deathyear: 1994

Wayman Tisdale

Wayman Tisdale was a dominant American basketball player and talented bass player. Born in 1964, Tisdale played for the Oklahoma City Blue, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings, earning two Olympic bronze medals. In his free time, he jammed with fellow musicians in his band, the Tisdale Trio.

Deathyear: 2009

Valentinian II

Valentinian II, Roman emperor from 375 to 392, was the youngest emperor in Roman history. Born in 371, he rose to power at just four years old after the death of his father, Valentinian I. Despite his youth, he played a significant role in shaping Roman politics.

Deathyear: 392

Austin Osman Spare

Austin Osman Spare, a pioneering British artist and occultist, was born in 1886. He developed a unique art style, combining mysticism with mysticism and symbolism. His paintings, sculptures, and writings explored themes of alchemy, mysticism, and the occult.

Deathyear: 1956

Earl Manigault

Earl Manigault was a dominant American basketball player, born in 1944. He played professionally for the ABA and NBA from 1968 to 1975, earning multiple All-Star selections and the nickname "The Goat" for his athletic ability and fierce competitiveness on the court.

Deathyear: 1998

Francis Schaeffer

Francis Schaeffer was a renowned American pastor, theologian, and philosopher, known for his influential apologetics and biblical Christianity. He founded and directed L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, a ministry that welcomed countless pilgrims, artists, and intellectuals.

Deathyear: 1984

Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes was a renowned Mexican novelist and essayist, born in 1928. He was a key figure in the Latin American literary boom of the 1960s and 1970s. His works often explored the intersection of politics, culture, and identity.

Deathyear: 2012

Jackie Curtis

Jackie Curtis, a trailblazing American actress and writer, rose to fame in the 1970s for her androgynous appearance and performances in Andy Warhol's films. Off-screen, she was a literary and artistic force, penning plays and novels, and creating innovative multimedia installations.

Deathyear: 1985

Charles Williams (British writer)

Charles Williams (1886-1945) was a renowned English author, poet, and critic. He was a central figure in the Inklings, a literary group that included J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Williams' works include poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, and his writing often explored themes of mythology and fantasy.

Deathyear: 1945

Elio de Angelis

Elio de Angelis was a talented Italian Formula One driver, competing from 1980 to 1986. He won one Grand Prix and achieved 11 podiums throughout his career. De Angelis was known for his consistent and skillful driving, earning respect from his peers in the Formula One community.

Deathyear: 1986

Eric Porter

Eric Porter was a renowned English actor, born in 1928. He was known for his strong stage presence and versatility, appearing in iconic roles in Shakespearean productions, film, and television, earning him a reputation as one of the leading actors of his generation.

Deathyear: 1995

Garo Yepremian

Garo Yepremian, a Cypriot-American football player, played as a kicker for the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins. Known for his clutch performances, he won the Super Bowl V MVP award in 1971, despite being tackled in the end zone during his game-winning field goal attempt.

Deathyear: 2015

Tommy Burns (footballer)

Tommy Burns was a Scottish footballer who played for Hibernian, Rangers, and the Scotland national team. He also managed Hibernian, Sheffield Wednesday, and Scotland. Burnett was a talented player and respected manager who achieved numerous honors throughout his career.

Deathyear: 2008

Bud Tingwell

Bud Tingwell was an Australian actor, director, and producer, best known for his role as the "Great Man" in the Errol Flynn film "Scott of the Antarctic" (1947). He appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his long career, and was also a pioneer of Australian theatre.

Deathyear: 2009

Gordon Smiley

Gordon Smiley was an American professional racing driver, born in 1946. He competed in the Can-Am and IndyCar series, earning a reputation for his consistency and determination. Tragically, Smiley's racing career was cut short when he died in a crash during a 1982 IndyCar qualifying session.

Deathyear: 1982

Yuri Dolgorukiy

Yuri Dolgorukiy was a Grand Prince of Kiev from 1157 to 1158 and later ruled Novgorod and Vladimir. He built the first stone wall surrounding Moscow in 1156, laying the foundation for the city's future growth.

Deathyear: 1157

Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset

Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, was an English nobleman and politician. He was born in 1436 and was a prominent figure at the court of King Henry VII. He was involved in various plots and rebellions against the monarch.

Deathyear: 1464

Nur al-Din Zengi

Nur ad-Din Mahmud ibn Imad ad-Din Zengi was a Seljuk emir who ruled Aleppo and Syria from 1128 until his death in 1174. He was a skilled military leader and politician who expanded his territories through conquests and diplomacy.

Deathyear: 1174

Edward J. Flanagan

Edward J. Flanagan, an Irish-American priest, founded Boys Town in 1917, transforming a Nebraska yard into a refuge for homeless boys. With compassion and guidance, he helped over 270,000 troubled youth, earning him the nickname "Father Flanagan." His legacy endures, inspiring generations with hope and redemption.

Deathyear: 1948

Philip Snowden, 1st Viscount Snowden

Philip Snowden, 1st Viscount Snowden, was a British Labour politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1924 to 1929. A pioneer of social reform, he promoted universal suffrage, old-age pensions, and workers' rights.

Deathyear: 1937