May 20 birthdays and deaths:

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer credited with providing the first direct evidence of a New World connection. Commissioned by the Spanish monarchs, he embarked on four transatlantic voyages, establishing permanent settlements and encountering indigenous peoples in the Caribbean and Central America.

Deathyear: 1506

Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda was a legendary Austrian Formula One driver born on February 22, 1949. He won the World Drivers' Championship three times and overcame a near-fatal fire in his car in 1976 to win the championship before retiring from racing in 1985.

Deathyear: 2019

Randy Savage

"Macho Man" Randy Savage was a charismatic professional wrestler and actor, known for his flamboyant ring attire and intense matches. A pioneering figure in professional wrestling, he won multiple titles and appeared in several films and TV shows.

Deathyear: 2011

Robin Gibb

Robin Gibb, co-founding member of the Bee Gees, was a talented singer-songwriter and producer. Born in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, England, in 1949, Gibb's smooth vocals and songwriting skills helped shape the iconic sounds of the 1960s and 1970s pop era.

Deathyear: 2012

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was a French general who played a key role in both the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. Born in 1757, he was a prominent leader and diplomat who fought for liberty, equality, and fraternity, earning the admiration of George Washington and the French people.

Deathyear: 1834

Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner was a pioneering American comedian and actress, best known for creating the characters and characters on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1975 to 1980. She was a founding member of the show and became a beloved figure in American comedy.

Deathyear: 1989

Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee, a renowned English actor, delighted audiences with his iconic portrayal of the Third Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series "Doctor Who" (1970-1974). Born in 1919, Pertwee brought humor and charm to the role, leaving a lasting impact on the beloved franchise.

Deathyear: 1996

Ray Manzarek

Ray Manzarek, the founding member and keyboardist of The Doors, brought a poetic intensity to the band's music. He crafted haunting, atmospheric soundscapes that complemented Jim Morrison's brooding vocals, helping to define the Doors' unique sound.

Deathyear: 2013

Clara Schumann

Clara Schumann was a renowned German pianist and composer, born in 1819. Despite facing significant challenges as a woman in the music world, she flourished, composing over 40 pieces, including piano music, songs, and a piano concerto. She was a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of female composers.

Deathyear: 1896

Stephen Jay Gould

Stephen Jay Gould was a renowned American paleontologist and biologist who expanded our understanding of evolution and biodiversity. A professor at Harvard, he championed the principles of science and critical thinking, authoring influential books and essays on evolution, natural history, and the intersection of science and society.

Deathyear: 2002

Susan Roces

Susan Roces is a Filipino actress born on March 28, 1941. She is renowned for her impressive acting career, starring in over 100 films and winning numerous awards. With her iconic status in Philippine cinema, she is often referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Movies."

Deathyear: 2022

Osman II

Osman II (1604-1622) was an Ottoman sultan who reigned from 1618 to 1622. He tried to concentrate power in his hands, but was overthrown and murdered by janissaries. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and failed military campaigns.

Deathyear: 1622

Bogd Khan

Bogd Khan, also known as the Living Buddha, was the spiritual leader and de facto ruler of Mongolia from 1921 to 1924. He was a reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and was crowned Qingzhang Khan, resulting in the establishment of the Mongolian People's Republic.

Deathyear: 1924

Ivan Boesky

Ivan Boesky was a pioneering American stock trader, born in 1937. He made a fortune trading on inside information, earning the nickname "Count Dracula of Wall Street." His high-stakes deals and lavish lifestyle made him a media sensation, but his methods ultimately led to his downfall.

Deathyear: 2024

Władysław IV Vasa

Władysław IV Vasa, born in 1595, was the son of King Sigismund III Vasa of Poland and Sweden. He became King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1632 until his death in 1648. Despite his troubled reign, Władysław is remembered as a patron of the arts.

Deathyear: 1648

Malik Sealy

Malik Sealy was a talented American basketball player and actor born in 1970. He played in the NBA and CBA leagues, and appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Killer Loop" and "Suddenly, Last Summer".

Deathyear: 2000

Barbara Hepworth

Barbara Hepworth was a renowned English sculptor and lithographer, celebrated for her abstract and figurative works. Born in 1903, she founded the St Ives School of Modernist artists and was a key figure in the development of British modernism.

Deathyear: 1975

Zach Sobiech

Zach Sobiech was a talented American singer-songwriter born in 1995. He gained international fame for his heartfelt song "Clouds," which became a viral hit after being released during his battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Deathyear: 2013

Lucy Gordon (actress)

Lucy Gordon was a talented American actress and model born in 1980. She gained recognition for her roles in films such as "Corridors of Blinding Darkness" and "Alfie". Her stunning looks and charming on-screen presence earned her a devoted fan base.

Deathyear: 2009

Bao Zheng

Bao Zheng (999-1062) was a renowned Chinese magistrate and mayor of Kaifeng, known for his wisdom, honesty, and fairness. His judgments were legendary, showcasing his fairness and ability to settle disputes efficiently, earning him the nickname "The God of Justice".

Deathyear: 1062

Paul Ricœur

Paul Ricœur (1913-2005) was a prominent French philosopher and academic who explored the intersection of philosophy, theology, and psychology. His works include "Freedom and Nature" and "The Rule of Metaphor," which examined the relationships between language, culture, and human experience.

Deathyear: 2005

John Clare

John Clare, a renowned English poet, was born in 1793. His poem "To Fields of Fruitful Alsace" is a masterpiece.

Deathyear: 1864

Philipp Lenard

Philipp Lenard was a Slovak-German physicist and academic who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1905 for his work on cathode rays and the discovery of the electron.

Deathyear: 1947

Roger Angell

Roger Angell is a renowned American sportswriter and author, born in 1920. He's written for The New Yorker since 1962, covering baseball, basketball, and tennis. His essays and books, such as "Five Shorts" and "Late Innings," are celebrated for their lyrical prose and insightful analysis.

Deathyear: 2022

Hamilton Jordan

Hamilton Jordan, the 8th White House Chief of Staff, served from 1979 to 1980 under President Jimmy Carter. A Georgia native, Jordan was a key advisor and confidant to the President, playing a crucial role in shaping domestic and foreign policy during his tenure.

Deathyear: 2008

John Hicks

John Hicks, a renowned English economist and academic, received the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1972. Born in 1904, he was a influential figure in the field, making significant contributions to the development of Keynesian economics and the concept of the IS-LM model.

Deathyear: 1989

Bernardino of Siena

Bernardino of Siena was a 15th-century Italian-Spanish missionary and saint born in 1380. He became a Franciscan friar and traveled extensively throughout Italy, preaching and promoting devotion to the Eucharist. Known for his charismatic oratory skills and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Deathyear: 1444

Barbara Murray

Barbara Murray is a renowned English actress born in 1929. With a career spanning over six decades, she has appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. Her versatility and adaptability have earned her recognition within the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2014

Hector Guimard

Hector Guimard was a French architect born in 1867. He designed the iconic entrances of the Paris Métro, known as the "Guimard entrances," and his Art Nouveau style influenced late 19th and early 20th-century architecture.

Deathyear: 1942

Valentine Fleming

Here is a 40-word passage about Valentine Fleming: Valentine Fleming, a Scottish soldier and politician, born in 1887, played a significant role in World War I and II. He was a member of Parliament and served in the Royal North Devon Yeomanry.

Deathyear: 1917

Rudy Lewis

Rudy Lewis, born in 1936, was an American R&B and doo-wop singer, best known as the lead vocalist of The Drifters. He succeeded Ben E. King in the group and sang on hits like "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "I Count the Ways".

Deathyear: 1964

Max Beerbohm

Max Beerbohm was a renowned English essayist, parodist, and caricaturist, born in 1872. He was known for his witty, insightful writings and humorous drawings, particularly in his novels, plays, and essays.

Deathyear: 1956

Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari

Here is a 40-word passage about Sufi Saint Sayyid Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari: Sayyid Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari (1385-1452 CE) was a renowned Sufi saint, spiritual guide, and Suhrawardi philosopher-ascetic. He emphasized compassion, self-purification, and devotion, attracting numerous disciples. His spiritual insights and mystical poetry have been cherished for centuries.

Deathyear: 1291

Pope John XXI

Pope John XXI, born Peter of Capua in 1215, reigned as the 178th Pope from 1276 until his death in 1277. A physician and scholar, he was known for his poetry, music, and literary pursuits.

Deathyear: 1277