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May 23 birthdays and deaths:

Famous people who died on May 23:

image of Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde

Clyde Barrow, a notorious American criminal, was born in 1909. Along with his gang, including Bonnie Parker, he robbed banks, stole cars, and committed other crimes. After a lengthy manhunt, the duo was ambushed and killed by law enforcement in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, in 1934.

Deathyear: 1934

image of Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie Parker was an American outlaw and Folk Heroine, known for her role in the infamous Bonnie and Clyde crime spree. Born in 1910, she partnered with Clyde Barrow, committing robberies and shaking the American Midwest with their daring heists and high-speed chases.

Deathyear: 1934

image of Heinrich Himmler

Heinrich Himmler

Heinrich Himmler was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, serving as Reichsführer-SS, Chief of Police, and Minister of the Interior from 1933 until his death in 1945. A key architect of the Holocaust, his reign was marked by brutality, secrecy, and unyielding devotion to the Nazi regime.

Deathyear: 1945

image of John D. Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller was a pioneering American businessman and philanthropist. He founded the Standard Oil Company, a dominant oil refining and distributing company, and established the University of Rockefeller.

Deathyear: 1937

image of Roger Moore

Roger Moore

Roger Moore was a renowned English actor, born on December 14, 1927. He played James Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985, becoming the longest-serving and most popular Bond. Moore also appeared in television shows, such as "The Saint" and "The Persuaders!"

Deathyear: 2017

image of John Forbes Nash Jr.

John Forbes Nash Jr.

John Forbes Nash, Jr. was a brilliant American mathematician who made significant contributions to game theory and differential geometry. He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994 for his work on the bargaining problem and the game theory of demand.

Deathyear: 2015

image of Owen Hart

Owen Hart

Owen Hart was a Canadian-American professional wrestler born on May 7, 1965. He was a third-generation wrestler and a member of the Hart wrestling family. He was known for his technical grappling skills and charismatic personality, captivating audiences with his performances in the WWF (now WWE).

Deathyear: 1999

image of Anne Meara

Anne Meara

Anne Meara was a talented American actress, comedian, and playwright, known for her work on television and Broadway. Born in 1929, she was a pioneering female comedian and wrote many plays, including the Off-Broadway hit "Aweful Row-ing Competition".

Deathyear: 2015

image of Simon Monjack

Simon Monjack

Simon Monjack (1970-2010) was a prolific English filmmaker. He directed, produced, and wrote many films, including "Hotel" and "Shirley Adams". His work often explored social issues and human relationships, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following among independent film enthusiasts.

Deathyear: 2010

image of Morgan Spurlock

Morgan Spurlock

Morgan Spurlock is a renowned American filmmaker and documentary director, born in 1970. He is best known for his provocative and humorous documentaries, including "Super Size Me" and "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold", which critique American culture and society through his candid and entertaining storytelling.

Deathyear: 2024

image of Sterling Hayden

Sterling Hayden

Sterling Hayden was a renowned American actor, born on March 26, 1916. He gained fame for his distinctive voice and rugged looks, starring in iconic films like "Dr. Strangelove" and "The Godfather." Hayden's illustrious career spanned over six decades, earning him a permanent place in cinematic history.

Deathyear: 1986

image of Hana Kimura

Hana Kimura

Hana Kimura was a Japanese professional wrestler born in 1997. She made her debut in 2016 and gained popularity in the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion, known for her fiery personality and technical grappling skills, earning a passionate fan base in Japan and worldwide.

Deathyear: 2020

image of Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright, poet, and director known as the "Father of Realism" in theatre. Born in 1828, he is considered one of the most influential writers of the 19th century, exploring themes of human condition, morality, and social issues in his plays and poetry.

Deathyear: 1906

image of Kit Carson

Kit Carson

Kit Carson, a renowned American frontiersman and guide, was born in 1809. He played a significant role in shaping the American West, guiding expeditions, discovering new routes, and participating in conflicts with Native American tribes.

Deathyear: 1868

image of William Kidd

William Kidd

William Kidd was a Scottish pirate, born in 1645, who operated in the late 17th century. He sailed the Indian Ocean and Atlantic, plundering ships and amassing a large fortune.

Deathyear: 1701

image of Alicia Nash

Alicia Nash

Alicia Fernández de Nash, a Salvadoran-American physicist and engineer, made significant contributions to the field of laser technology. Born in 1933, she was the first female engineer in El Salvador and an inspirational figure in promoting STEM education for girls and women.

Deathyear: 2015

image of Girolamo Savonarola

Girolamo Savonarola

Girolamo Savonarola was an Italian Dominican friar and preacher who rose to prominence in Florence during the late 15th century. Known for his fiery sermons, he criticized the corruption and decadence of the Medici family and called for civic and moral reform, earning him both fame and persecution.

Deathyear: 1498

image of Ismail I

Ismail I

Ismail I, also known as Shah Ismail, was the founder of the Safavid Empire in Persia. Born in 1487, he united various ethnic groups and established Twelver Shia Islam as the empire's official religion, creating a powerful and influential state that lasted from 1501 to 1736.

Deathyear: 1524

image of Sam Snead

Sam Snead

Sam Snead was a legendary American golfer, winner of seven major championships, including three Masters titles. He was known for his smooth swing and longevity, competing at the highest level into his 50s. After retirement, Snead worked as a golf instructor and journalist, sharing his expertise with a new generation.

Deathyear: 2002

image of Giovanni Falcone

Giovanni Falcone

Giovanni Falcone was a renowned Italian lawyer and judge who fought against the Sicilian Mafia. He investigated and prosecuted numerous cases against the Mafia, famously convicting 342 Mafiosi in the Maxi Trial. He was tragically killed in a Car Bombing in 1992.

Deathyear: 1992

image of Roh Moo-hyun

Roh Moo-hyun

Roh Moo-hyun was a South Korean soldier and politician who served as the 9th President of South Korea from 2003 to 2008. A human rights lawyer and professor, Roh promoted democratic values and social justice, and was known for his humble and accessible leadership style.

Deathyear: 2009

image of Toghon Temür

Toghon Temür

Toghon Temür (1320-1370) was a Mongol emperor who reunited the Yuan dynasty. As the grandson of Kublai Khan, he expanded trade and diplomacy with Song China, while also facing internal challenges and external threats, including the rise of the Ming dynasty.

Deathyear: 1370

image of Eric Carle

Eric Carle

Eric Carle, born in 1929, is a renowned American children's book designer, illustrator, and writer. Best known for his iconic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" (1969), Carle's colorful collage illustrations and engaging storytelling have delighted readers worldwide, making him a beloved figure in children's literature.

Deathyear: 2021

image of Lloyd Bentsen

Lloyd Bentsen

Lloyd Bentsen Jr. was a pioneering figure in American politics. Born in 1921, he served as a colonel in the US Army, Member of Congress, and 69th Secretary of the Treasury (1993-1994) under President Bill Clinton.

Deathyear: 2006

image of Moms Mabley

Moms Mabley

Margaret "Moms" Mabley, a pioneering African American comedian and actor, was born in 1894. With her quick wit and sharp tongue, she entertained audiences from the Jim Crow era to the 1970s, often incorporating her experiences as a woman, mother, and senior into her stand-up routines.

Deathyear: 1975

image of Neon lighting

Neon lighting

Georges Claude, a French engineer and inventor, revolutionized lighting with the invention of neon lighting in 1910. Born in 1870, Claude discovered the properties of neon gas and developed the first practical neon lamps, illuminating streets and buildings worldwide. His innovation remains an iconic symbol of vibrant urban landscapes.

Deathyear: 1960

image of Augustin-Louis Cauchy

Augustin-Louis Cauchy

Augustin-Louis Cauchy was a renowned French mathematician and academic, born in 1789. He made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the fields of calculus, algebra, and geometr

Deathyear: 1857

image of Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor

Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor

Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, born in 1086, was a powerful German king and emperor who reigned from 1105 to 1125. He extended the Holy Roman Empire's territories through strategic marriages and military conquests, earning a reputation as a shrewd diplomat and skilled military leader.

Deathyear: 1125

image of Leopold von Ranke

Leopold von Ranke

Leopold von Ranke was a renowned German historian and academic born in 1795. He is considered one of the founders of modern academic history. He believed in the importance of objective historical research and is known for his meticulous work and attention to detail.

Deathyear: 1886

image of Caleb Carr

Caleb Carr

Caleb Carr is a renowned American military historian and author, born in 1955. His acclaimed novel "The Devil Soldier" and historical non-fiction works, such as "The Lightning Wars", showcase his expertise in military history, exploring the complexities of war and the human experience.

Deathyear: 2024

image of George Jessel (actor)

George Jessel (actor)

George Jessel (1898-1981) was a renowned American actor, singer, and producer, known for his versatility on stage and screen. He appeared in numerous films, musicals, and radio shows, enjoying a long and illustrious career in entertainment.

Deathyear: 1981

image of Antipope Benedict XIII

Antipope Benedict XIII

Antipope Benedict XIII, born Pedro Martínez de Gombal, was a Spanish clergyman who claimed the papacy from 1394 to 1417. He was succeeded by the Council of Pisa, and later surrendered to the Council of Constance in 1417, ending the Western Schism.

Deathyear: 1423

image of Aleksey Mozgovoy

Aleksey Mozgovoy

Aleksey Mozgovoy was a Ukrainian sergeant born in 1975. He was a prominent figure in the Donbas War and led the Aidar Battalion, a volunteer unit fighting against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Mozgovoy was known for his bravery and commitment to defending Ukrainian sovereignty.

Deathyear: 2015

image of Utah Phillips

Utah Phillips

Utah Phillips was a legendary American singer-songwriter and poet, known for his folk music and poetic storytelling. With a distinctive voice and masterful fingerpicking guitar style, he captivated audiences with his vivid tales of work, love, and social justice.

Deathyear: 2008

image of Georges Moustaki

Georges Moustaki

Georges Moustaki is a legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Egypt in 1934 to Greek parents. With his distinct voice and poetic lyrics, he has captivated audiences worldwide. His iconic songs, blending Greek, Middle Eastern, and French music, have become timeless classics.

Deathyear: 2013

image of José Lima

José Lima

José Lima, a Dominican-American baseball player, pitched in the MLB from 1994 to 2006. He played for the Tigers, Yankees, Royals, and Mets, earning the nickname "Ole' José" for his wild and unpredictable pitching style.

Deathyear: 2010

image of Madhav Mantri

Madhav Mantri

Madhav Mantri, a veteran Indian cricketer, was born on August 28, 1921. He played 11 Tests for India and was known for his elegant batting style and spirited fielding. Mantri also played first-class cricket for Mumbai and was a pioneering figure in Indian cricket's development.

Deathyear: 2014

image of James Otis Jr.

James Otis Jr.

James Otis Jr. was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and patriot, known for his eloquent speeches against British taxation and his fight for American independence. Born in 1725, he tirelessly advocated for rights and liberties, paving the way for the American Revolution.

Deathyear: 1783

image of Svetozar Boroević

Svetozar Boroević

Svetozar Boroević was a Croatian-Austrian field marshal born in 1856. He served in the Austro-Hungarian Army, rising to the rank of Field Marshal von Boroević, and played a significant role in the Italian Campaign during World War I.

Deathyear: 1920

image of Paul Fussell

Paul Fussell

Paul Fussell, a renowned American historian, author, and academic, born in 1924, is known for his groundbreaking works on the Great War, including "The Great War and Modern Memory". His writings explore the cultural and psychological impact of war on society.

Deathyear: 2012

image of David Smith (sculptor)

David Smith (sculptor)

David Smith (1906-1965) was a renowned American sculptor known for his abstract works that explored the relationship between form, space, and composition. He innovated techniques such as welding and collage, and his most famous pieces include "Cubi" and "House of Cards".

Deathyear: 1965

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