May 18 birthdays and deaths:

Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell (1964-2017) was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician. As the lead vocalist of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and a solo artist, Cornell's powerful and distinctive voice earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 2017

Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery was a talented American actress, best known for her iconic role as Samantha Stephens on the beloved TV sitcom "Bewitched" (1964-1972). Her charming wit and whimsical charm captivated audiences, earning her a lasting place in television history.

Deathyear: 1995

Jim Brown

Jim Brown, a legendary American football player, dominated the gridiron in the 1950s and 1960s, earning numerous accolades, including the NFL Most Valuable Player award. He also became a prominent civil rights activist, using his platform to advocate for racial equality.

Deathyear: 2023

Jill Ireland

Jill Ireland was a talented English actress, born in 1936, known for her striking features and captivating on-screen presence. With a career spanning decades, she appeared in numerous films and TV shows, earning critical acclaim for her performances.

Deathyear: 1990

Ian Curtis

Ian Curtis, the enigmatic frontman of Joy Division, was a musical genius. His poetic lyrics and haunting vocals captured the angst and despair of the post-punk era. Despite his untimely death in 1980, Curtis' legacy as an iconic singer-songwriter endures.

Deathyear: 1980

Roger Ailes

Roger Ailes was a prominent American businessman and television executive. As founder and CEO of Fox News, he played a crucial role in shaping the network's conservative agenda and dominated cable news. Despite controversies surrounding him, he remained a powerful figure in U.S. media until his death in 2017.

Deathyear: 2017

Gustav Mahler

Gustav Mahler was a prominent Austrian composer and conductor, known for his innovative and eclectic style, which blended elements of Romanticism and Modernism. He led the Vienna Court Opera from 1897 to 1907 and composed symphonies, song cycles, and chamber music that remain iconic in classical music.

Deathyear: 1911

Velupillai Prabhakaran

Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization fighting for a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Born in 1954, Prabhakaran led the LTTE from 1976 until his death in 2009.

Deathyear: 2009

Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin was a talented American actor and talk show host, born in 1935. He appeared in numerous films, including "Heartbreak Ridge" and "Beethoven," and hosted his own talk show, "The Charles Grodin Show," showcasing hilarious interviews with celebrities and musicians.

Deathyear: 2021

Alexander Godunov

Alexander Godunov was a renowned Russian-American ballet dancer and actor, born in 1949. He was a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, and also had a successful acting career, known for his memorable roles in films like "Yentl" and "Memoirs of a Survivor".

Deathyear: 1995

Ernie Davis

Ernie Davis, a trailblazer in American football, became the first African American player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1956. He played professionally for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Colts, and later coached and managed teams before retiring from sports administration.

Deathyear: 1963

Ken Osmond

Ken Osmond is a retired American actor and police officer, best known for his role as Eddie Haskell on the 1950s TV sitcom "Leave It to Beaver." Born in 1943, he went on to become a suburban police officer, serving for over 15 years.

Deathyear: 2020

Steve Forrest (actor)

Steve Forrest (1925-2014) was a prolific American actor, appearing in over 100 films and TV shows. He was known for his rugged good looks and authoritative presence, starring in classics like "So Big" (1953) and "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show" (1953-1957).

Deathyear: 2013

Alexander Suvorov

Alexander Suvorov was a renowned Russian general who led the Imperial Russian Army to several victories in the 18th century. He is considered one of the greatest generals in Russian history, known for his tactical genius, bravery, and innovative military tactics.

Deathyear: 1800

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was a pioneering educator and activist, born in 1875. She founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, later Bethune-Cookman University, and served as the first woman to direct the Division of Negro Education at the U.S. Office of Education.

Deathyear: 1955

Túpac Amaru II

Túpac Amaru II was a Peruvian indigenous rebel leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule. Born in 1742, he led a major uprising in 1780-1783, ultimately executed by the Spanish in 1781. His rebellion aimed to restore the Inca Empire and end colonial oppression.

Deathyear: 1781

Alice Stewart (commentator)

Alice Stewart is a renowned American political commentator, born in 1966. With a career spanning decades, she has become a household name, noted for her insightful commentary on politics, foreign policy, and social issues. Her sharp wit and insightful analysis make her a trusted voice in American media.

Deathyear: 2024

David A. Johnston

The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption had significant human impacts, claiming 57 immediate lives and injuring 200 people. Long-term effects included respiratory issues, cancer cases, and anxiety disorders among survivors and rescue personnel exposed to ash and toxic gases.

Deathyear: 1980

Jeannette Rankin

Jeannette Rankin was a pioneering American politician and social worker, first woman to serve in Congress (1917-1919), anti-war activist, and suffragist. She was a passionate advocate for women's rights, peace, and social justice, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

Deathyear: 1973

William Saroyan

William Saroyan was a renowned American writer known for his unique, poetic prose and poignant portrayals of human nature. Born in 1908, he wrote about his Armenian heritage and the struggles of everyday people, earning him the Pulitzer Prize and a devoted following.

Deathyear: 1981

Elisha Cook Jr.

Elisha Cook, Jr. was a prolific American actor born in 1903. With a career spanning over 50 years, he appeared in over 170 films and TV shows. He's best known for his roles in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Casablanca" as well as his iconic portrayal of Wilmer Cook in "The Maltese Falcon".

Deathyear: 1995

Wayne Allwine

Wayne Allwine was an American voice actor, sound effects editor, and Foley artist, best known for voicing Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. With a career spanning over three decades, Allwine brought beloved characters to life, leaving a lasting impact on the world of animation and entertainment.

Deathyear: 2009

Elvin Jones

Elvin Jones was a renowned American drummer and bandleader, known for his work with the Jazz Messengers and his own ensembles. Born in 1927, Jones was a key figure in modern jazz, known for his dynamic and expressive playing style.

Deathyear: 2004

Jacque Fresco

Jacque Fresco, an American engineer and academic, founded The Venus Project, advocating for a resource-based economy. He proposed a world where technology and automation provide for humanity's needs, freeing humans to pursue creativity and happiness. His work has inspired new theories on sustainable living and ecological stewardship.

Deathyear: 2017

Tony O'Reilly

Tony O'Reilly is a former Irish rugby player and businessman. Born in 1936, he captained the Irish rugby team to victory in the 1948 Five Nations Championship. He later founded Heinz Ireland and held numerous corporate leadership positions, leaving a lasting impact on Irish industry and sport.

Deathyear: 2024

Arthur O'Connell

Arthur O'Connell was a talented American actor, born on March 3, 1908. He won a Tony Award for his performance in "The Sandy Wilson" and received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1961 film "Photograph."

Deathyear: 1981

Pierre Beaumarchais

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a French playwright, publisher, and fabricator. Born in 1732, he penned several influential plays, including "The Marriage of Figaro" and "The Barber of Seville." His writings critiqued social class and societal norms, making him a prominent figure in 18th-century French literature.

Deathyear: 1799

Dolla (rapper)

Dolla, born Kevin Fagan in 1987, was an American rapper known for his unique flow and hits like "Who Booty" and "I Went For Ten." Tragically, he passed away at 21 due to complications from a pre-existing heart condition on March 21, 2009.

Deathyear: 2009

Isaac Albéniz

Isaac Albéniz was a renowned Spanish pianist and composer, known for his energetic and expressive playing style. He was one of the most important figures in the Spanish Romantic movement, composing numerous works, including the famous piano compositions, "Iberia".

Deathyear: 1909

Austin Eubanks

Austin Eubanks was a renowned addiction recovery advocate who overcame his own struggles with addiction. Born in 1981, he survived the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 and later became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery, sharing his story to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Deathyear: 2019

Jacques Marquette

Jacques Marquette, a French-American missionary and explorer, was born in 1637. He traveled extensively throughout North America, mapping the Great Lakes and exploring the Mississippi River. He was a Jesuit priest and established missions in the Upper Midwest.

Deathyear: 1675

Robert Rogers (British Army officer)

Robert Rogers was a colonial American military officer who served in the French and Indian War. He founded the famous Rogers' Rangers, a unit known for its raids and scouting missions behind enemy lines.

Deathyear: 1795

Leroy Anderson

Leroy Anderson was an American composer and conductor, best known for his light classical music, particularly his orchestral suites and single-movement compositions. He wrote iconic works like "Sleigh Ride" and "The Typewriter", showcasing his unique blend of melody and humor.

Deathyear: 1975

Dorothy Ruth

Dorothy Ruth (1921-2011) was a renowned American horse breeder and author. She founded the prestigious Ruth Stables, breeding championship quarter horses. Ruth wrote several books on horse breeding and rodeoing, sharing her expertise and passion for the sport with others.

Deathyear: 1989

Elias Ashmole

Elias Ashmole (1617-1692) was an English astrologer, politician, and antiquarian. He was appointed Mortimer Master of the Tower of London and later became Secretary to the Commissioners for Foreign Plantations. He was also a prominent Fellow of the Royal Society, founded in 1660.

Deathyear: 1692

Werner Sombart

Werner Sombart was a prominent German economist and sociologist born in 1863. He was a leading figure in the German Historical School, focusing on the cultural and social aspects of economics. His works, such as "Luxury and Capitalism" and "The Jews and Modern Capitalism", explored the intersection of culture and economics.

Deathyear: 1941

Eric IX of Sweden

Here is 40 words about Eric Jedvardsson (King Eric IX) of Sweden: Eric Jedvardsson, also known as St. Eric, was King of Sweden from 1150 to 1160. Born around 1120, he was a leader in the Swedish Church and promoted the spread of Christianity. He was canonized in 1391 and is still considered a saint in the Lutheran Church of Sweden.

Deathyear: 1160

George Meredith

George Meredith, a renowned English novelist and poet, was born in 1828. He is best known for his novels, such as "Evan Harrington," "Diana of the Crossways," and "The Tragic Comedians," which showcased his unique style, blending humor, philosophy, and social commentary.

Deathyear: 1909

Aleksei Balabanov

Aleksei Balabanov is a renowned Russian film director and screenwriter, born in 1959. He rose to fame with his debut film "A Zelyonyk Rayon" in 1982. His critically acclaimed works include "Brother" and "Dead Man's Blizzard," showcasing his mastery of socially conscious and gritty storytelling.

Deathyear: 2013

Augustus Pablo

Augustus Pablo was a Jamaican musician, known for his distinctive keyboard style and smooth vocals. He was a key figure in the development of dub music and his songs, such as "My Alter Ego", showcased his talent for storytelling through music.

Deathyear: 1999

Betty Robinson

Betty Robinson, an American track and field athlete, was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in athletics. Born in 1911, she won the 100-meter dash at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, setting an American record.

Deathyear: 1999

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is a renowned German opera singer and conductor known for his distinctive, expressive baritone voice. With a career spanning over 60 years, he has performed in over 120 opera roles and has conducted numerous productions in Europe and North America.

Deathyear: 2012

Reid Blackburn

On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens eruption killed 57 people in Washington state, including three volcanologists who ventured too close, seven loggers, and numerous others who died from ash-related illnesses. Many more were injured, and countless animals and ecosystems were destroyed.

Deathyear: 1980

Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig (1738-1808) was an American minister, inventor, and educator who revolutionized bourbon whiskey production. He experimented with corn mash recipes and introduced aging whiskey in charred oak barrels, creating the distinctive flavor of bourbon. Craig's inventions and innovations made him a pioneer in the industry.

Deathyear: 1808

Pope John I

Pope John I (523-523) was the 54th Pope of the Catholic Church, serving from 523 until his death. He was known for his attempts to establish a stable reign amidst the tumultuous Mediterranean region and his efforts to fortify the Church's power and authority.

Deathyear: 526

Dobrica Ćosić

Dobrica Ćosić was a Serbian politician who served as the first President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1993. Born in 1921, he was a prominent figure in Yugoslavian politics and played a key role in shaping the country's post-war identity.

Deathyear: 2014

Pauline Viardot

Pauline Viardot, a renowned French soprano and composer, was born in 1821. With a vocal range and artistry, she triumphed on international stages. She also composed over 300 melodies, showcasing her creative talent.

Deathyear: 1910