May 19 birthdays and deaths:

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn, a charismatic and intelligent woman, was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, as the second wife of Henry VIII. Her struggle for power and her tragic fate captivate historians and laypeople alike.

Deathyear: 1536

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, American journalist and 37th First Lady (1929-1994), marked a new level of elegance and sophistication in the White House during her husband John F. Kennedy's presidency.

Deathyear: 1994

Ebrahim Raisi

The Varzaqan helicopter crash on March 12th, 2024, claimed the lives of 17 people, including 12 passengers and 5 crew members. Among the victims were at least 3 children, with ages ranging from 5 to 16 years old.

Deathyear: 2024

T. E. Lawrence

Thomas Edward Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, was a British colonel, archaeologist, and writer. Born in 1888, he led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire and united Arab tribes in World War I. He became famous for his desert warfare tactics and later wrote about his experiences.

Deathyear: 1935

Mariam-uz-Zamani

Mariam-uz-Zamani, wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar, was a powerful and influential Empress, known for her courage, intelligence, and beauty. She bore Akbar two sons, including the future Emperor Jahangir, and played a significant role in Mughal politics during her lifetime (1542-1623).

Deathyear: 1623

Jamsetji Tata

Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, a pioneering Indian businessman, founded the Tata Group in 1868. Born in 1839, he envisioned a modern India and invested in industries like textiles, energy, and hospitality. His legacy endures through the esteemed Tata Group, one of India's largest and most respected conglomerates.

Deathyear: 1904

Stanislav Petrov

Stanislav Petrov, a Lt. Colonel in the Soviet Air Defence Forces, born in 1939, played a crucial role in avoiding a global catastrophe on September 26, 1983, when he correctly identified a false alarm and refused to launch a nuclear response, preventing a possible nuclear war.

Deathyear: 2017

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was a renowned American novelist and short story writer. His works, such as "The Scarlet Letter" (1850) and "The House of the Seven Gables" (1851), explored themes of morality, guilt, and redemption in Puritan New England.

Deathyear: 1864

William Ewart Gladstone

William Ewart Gladstone was a three-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving a record 12 years in office. He was a skilled lawyer and passionate advocate for liberal reforms, known for his strong will and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

Deathyear: 1898

Andy Rourke

Andy Rourke is a renowned English bassist, best known for his work with The Smiths, one of the most influential indie rock bands of the 1980s. Born in 1964, Rourke's melodic bass lines and distinctive playing style have been widely praised, cementing his status as a rock music legend.

Deathyear: 2023

Paul Mooney (comedian)

Paul Mooney is an American comedian and writer, best known for his work on "In Living Color" and as the father of comedian Dave Chappelle. Born in 1941, Mooney has had a long and storied career, with stand-up comedy specials and appearances on various TV shows.

Deathyear: 2021

Happy Rockefeller

Happy Rockefeller was a philanthropist and socialite, married to Nelson Rockefeller, Gerald Ford's vice president. As 31st Second Lady of the United States, she championed arts and humanitarian causes, and was known for her elegance, wit, and charitable efforts.

Deathyear: 2015

José Martí

José Martí was a Cuban revolutionary, journalist, and philosopher who fought for Cuba's independence from Spain. As a poet and writer, he advocated for democratization, equality, and unity. He was shot and killed in 1895 during the Cuban War of Independence.

Deathyear: 1895

Ronald Colman

Ronald Colman was a renowned English actor, born in 1891. He is best known for his chiseled features and distinctive voice, which he showcased in films such as "A Double Life" and "Random Harvest".

Deathyear: 1958

Alan Young

Alan Young was an English-born Canadian-American actor, born on November 19, 1919, best known for his roles in film and television. He won a Golden Globe Award and had memorable roles in films like "Mr. Music" and the iconic TV sitcom "Mister Ed".

Deathyear: 2016

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

In the 2024 Varzaqan helicopter tragedy, numerous victims, including prominent figures, lost their lives. Families mourn, and the nation grieves, seeking solace and justice amidst the heartbreaking loss. The incident underscores the importance of safety measures and the need for improved aviation protocols.

Deathyear: 2024

John Betjeman

John Betjeman was a renowned English poet, academic, and conservationist. Born in 1906, he was Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1951 until his death in 1984. His poetry often celebrated English culture and landscapes, earning him a reputation as a leading 20th-century poet of his generation.

Deathyear: 1984

Jack Brabham

Jack Brabham, a pioneering Australian racing driver, won the Formula One World Championship three times and the Australian Grand Prix. He was also a renowned designer and constructor of racing cars, forming the Brabham Racing Organisation.

Deathyear: 2014

Jacques Ellul

Jacques Ellul was a French polymath who founded the Institute of Research and Study of the European Civilization at the University of Strasbourg. He was a prominent sociologist, philosopher, and academic, known for his works on authority, technology, and the impact of modern society on human relationships.

Deathyear: 1994

Ogden Nash

Ogden Nash, a wit-filled American poet (1902-1971), perfected the absurd and humorous verse. His whimsical wordplay, clever turns of phrase, and humorous observations of everyday life charmed readers and critics alike, earning him the title of "America's greatest living poet" during his time.

Deathyear: 1971

Charles Ives

Charles Ives (1874-1954) was an American composer and educator known for his innovative and experimental music. As a composer, he blended varied styles, such as folk, hymn, and popular music, creating a distinct and influential American sound.

Deathyear: 1954

Pope Celestine V

Pope Celestine V, born Peter Morrone, was a hermit and abbot before being elected Pope in 1294. He resigned after five months due to physical and mental exhaustion, feeling unfit for the papacy. He later died in captivity in 1296.

Deathyear: 1296

Vijay Tendulkar

Vijay Tendulkar is a renowned Indian playwright and screenwriter, born in 1928. He's known for his powerful and thought-provoking plays that tackle complex social issues, earning him the label "India's finest playwright." His works include iconic plays like "Ghashiram Kotwal" and "Sakhar Shimani."

Deathyear: 2008

Alcuin

Alcuin of York (735-804 CE) was a renowned English monk and scholar who served as the chief scholar and advisor to Charlemagne. He was a leading figure in the Carolingian Renaissance, promoting Christian learning and literacy throughout the Frankish Empire.

Deathyear: 804

Henri de Saint-Simon

Claude Henri de Rouvroy, comte de Saint-Simon, was a French philosopher and theorist who advocated for a utopian socialist society. Born in 1760, Saint-Simon believed that a new industrialization era would bring about a classless society, where industry and science would replace the outdated feudal system.

Deathyear: 1825

Philipp Bouhler

Philipp Bouhler was a German soldier and politician, born in 1889. He served as the leader of the Volkssturm, the German people's militia, during World War II.

Deathyear: 1945

Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins was a pioneering American saxophonist and clarinet player, born in 1901. Known as "Hawk," he was a renowned soloist and was known for his smooth, rich tone and lyrical improvisations.

Deathyear: 1969

James Boswell

James Boswell, a Scottish lawyer and biographer, was born in 1740. He is best known for his extensive and intimate biography of Samuel Johnson, which provides a detailed portrait of the English writer's life.

Deathyear: 1795

Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor

Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor, ruled from 1208 to 1215. Born a Swabian duke, he was unlikely to claim the throne. However, his election as emperor was facilitated by the powerful Pope Innocent III.

Deathyear: 1218

John Gorton

John Gorton, 19th Prime Minister of Australia (1968-1971), was a military officer and politician. Born in 1911, he served as a Lieutenant in World War II and later became a prominent figure in Australian politics, known for his advocacy for free speech and his charismatic leadership style.

Deathyear: 2002

Morley Safer

Morley Safer was a renowned Canadian-born American journalist who spent 46 years at CBS News, anchoring 60 Minutes and winning numerous awards for his reporting and documentaries. With a distinctive voice and sharp wit, he became a beloved and respected figure in journalism.

Deathyear: 2016

Dmitry Donskoy

Dmitry Donskoy, Grand Prince of Muscovy, was born in 1350. He unified various Russian principalities and became the first Grand Prince of Muscovy. He fought against the Tatar Khan and defeated them in the famous Battle of Kulikovo Pole in 1380.

Deathyear: 1389

Walter Russell

Walter Russell (1871-1963) was an American painter, sculptor, and author who blended spirituality and mysticism with Impressionist styles. His art and writings explored the human experience, showcasing a unique blend of artistic expression and philosophical depth.

Deathyear: 1963

Dunstan

Dunstan, an English archbishop and saint, was born around 909. He played a significant role in stabilizing the English monarchy and the Church of England.

Deathyear: 988

Vladimir II Monomakh

Vladimir II Monomakh, a prince of Kyiv, ruled from 1113-1125, introducing Christianity and establishing a system of administration. A diplomat and warrior, he negotiated with the Holy Roman Emperor and defended his territory against the Cumans and other invaders.

Deathyear: 1125

Booth Tarkington

Booth Tarkington was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and dramatist, born in 1869. He wrote over 40 books, including the classic novels "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Alice Adams", as well as numerous plays and short stories. His work often explored the social and cultural changes of his time.

Deathyear: 1946

Stephen, Count of Blois

Stephen, Count of Blois (1045-1102), a prominent medieval noble, played a significant role in the First Crusade. He led the rear guard during the Crusade's march to Jerusalem, surviving the brutal Battle of Antioch and ultimately capturing the city alongside King Baldwin I.

Deathyear: 1102

Marmaduke Pickthall

Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall was a British Islamic scholar, born in 1875, who translated the Quran into English, promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation. His work, "The Glorious Koran", remains a seminal translation, respected for its accuracy and eloquence.

Deathyear: 1936

Josiah Bartlett

Josiah Bartlett, a prominent physician and politician, served as the 4th Governor of New Hampshire from 1790 to 1791. Born in 1729, Bartlett played a crucial role in shaping his state's history, actively contributing to the American Revolution and local governance.

Deathyear: 1795

John Beradino

John Beradino was a talented American baseball player and actor, born in 1917. During his MLB career, he played for the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves, and Chicago Cubs as an infielder. He then ventured into acting, starring in the iconic soap opera "General Hospital."

Deathyear: 1996

Garret FitzGerald

Garret FitzGerald, an Irish lawyer and Fianna Fáil politician, served as Taoiseach from 1981-1982 and again from 1982-1987. Born in 1926, he was a strong advocate for European integration and played a key role in shaping Ireland's EU policy.

Deathyear: 2011

Jadunath Sarkar

Jadunath Sarkar was a renowned Indian historian, born in 1870. He was a pioneer in Indian historical research and wrote extensively on medieval India. His works, "Shivaji and His Times" and "Mewar in the 18th Century," are considered classics in Indian historiography.

Deathyear: 1958

James Tiptree Jr.

James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice B. Sheldon) was a renowned American psychologist and science fiction author. Born in 1915, Tiptree's work blended psychology, anthropology, and imagination, earning him numerous awards and recognition in the literary world. His writing often explored complex themes of identity, humanity, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1987

Christian Malanga

Christian Malanga is a Congolese politician, businessman, and military officer born in 1983. He served as the Inspector General of the Congolese Army and was a candidate for the 2018 Democratic Republic of the Congo presidential election.

Deathyear: 2024

Walter Lord

Walter Lord was a renowned American historian and author, born in 1917. He is best known for his historical accounts of significant events, including the Titanic's sinking and World War II. His meticulous research and engaging writing style made his books engaging and informative.

Deathyear: 2002

Gabriele Münter

Gabriele Münter, a pioneering German painter, co-founded the Berlin Secession in 1910. She was a prominent member of the Fauvist movement, known for her vibrant landscapes and portraits. Münter's artistic legacy continues to inspire, with her works displayed in numerous museums worldwide.

Deathyear: 1962